-Jasper-
I just stood there like a fucking moron. Bella. Bella's alive. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact I just saw Bella. Alice told us she was dead. It's not the first time she's lied to us. The little bitch will burn for this. Major was beyond angry. Bella was alive and well from what we could tell. She had been safe with Peter and Char all this time. I had mourned her death for months. I blamed myself for her death. Now to find her perfectly safe with my family, it floored me. I couldn't even formulate a proper apology to her.
Peter's emotions were desolate. He was feeling a heartache I'd never encountered. Char was sobbing in his arms. Her emotions were as bleak as his. I reached out feeling for Bella but she was gone. Where the fuck is she? Major roared from his prison in my mind. His fury was beginning to take over. Slowly I felt myself lose control.
-Major-
The male took my Isabella. He had no right. She was mine. No one should touch her. I knew the minute Jasper looked into her eyes that she was ours. I would have known much sooner had he not fought our vampire instincts so much. Mating was natural for all vampires. Jasper was so subdued by the animal blood and the bitch of his ex-wife. He had no idea that the pull he felt toward Isabella was indeed a mating bond.
"Where is she Captain?" My fury allowed me to take over control. Jasper was not strong enough to do what needed to be done. I need to track my Isabella and bring her home. My brother looked up at me from his seat. "Major, she requested to leave. Jasper hurt her. Garrett has taken her at her own request. He'll protect her with his life Major." I let out a deafening roar. Jasper hurt our mate. I knew I should have repressed him. It was his turn to sit in the cage. Hurting our mate was inexcusable, even when it was our more docile personality. She can't be… I'd have noticed Major. He was pressing on the bars, looking for a way back. She is you ignorant ass. Alice kept her from us. You stay put. This is your fault. It is your turn to suffer isolation.
I slammed my hands down on the table. "Tell me where he has taken my mate." I spat through gritted teeth. "I don't know Major. If I did, I'd go after them myself. She's family. We protect our own, even if that is from one of our own." He glared at me. The fucker was brave. If he were not so forlorn with the loss of our mate, I would have torn him apart.
-Peter-
Major Whitlock had returned in full force. Fuck. What else could I think? The whole day was FUBAR. Stupid fucking gift couldn't have picked an earlier time to divulge information? No, it had to wait until I couldn't change a damned thing. "I am sorry Major. I only wish you had taken control before Jaz fucked it all up."
Major seemed somewhat pacified by my response. "Tell me Captain, how is it you came to have my mate housed with you and yours?" I figured he'd want the full story. As much as he wanted it, I had a few issues relaying it to him. First, it wasn't my story, it was Angel's. Second, it'd just plain piss him off. I couldn't lie to him that was for sure. I'd have to tell him the full truth and beg Angel for forgiveness. "You won't like it Major."
"I may not, but she is my mate. I need to know what has happened to cause her to run from me." I sighed. As angry as I was with Jasper, Major Whitlock was a good man. A feared man, but he would be perfect for Angel. He would love her fiercely and protect her with his life. "It all starts with the veggievamps…" I told her story from the beginning as she had told us. Major held it together rather well until I mentioned the phone call to Jasper.
"I called for his help. I couldn't figure out what my gift was trying to tell me. Of course he was a jackass. After that call Char and I ventured out to find the girl ourselves. We found her indeed." I shuddered thinking just how close we came to losing her. "She had tossed herself off a cliff. I barely made it in time. The waves were tossing her around like a ragdoll. I pulled her to shore and worked to get her breathing." His fury was escalating. "If you don't calm down Major I won't get through this story." He took a few calming breaths and let me know to continue. "About then we met one of the shifters. The Alpha. He offered to take her back to his house to dry off and such. She was having none of that. I figured we'd take her to the Cullen's home."
Major growled again. Seemed the Cullen's were a sensitive subject for him. "Trust me Major, she felt exactly the same when she woke up there. Passed right back out. Anyway, we discussed it and Sam let us bring her home with us. Of course it was her choice. She needed an escape. Forks held nothing but bad memories for her." We sat in silence as he absorbed all I divulged. Char looked me in the eyes and then motioned toward my crest. Shit. I really didn't want to get into it with Major Whitlock, but he needed to know.
I cleared my throat. "Erm. There's more Major." He leveled me with a deathly glare. "You see she's family. We love her. She's the sister we've always wanted and well now we know she's your mate." He was losing patience. "Get on with it Captain." It shouldn't matter that she was already added to the crest, but it was his rightful duty. Not only as Alpha, but as her mate. I knew for a fact he'd be pissed. "I added her to the crest." I held my crest out to him for examination.
-Major-
Hearing about how my mate ended up with my family was beyond torture. If I had been present in my own body she would not have had to face such trials. I owed my brother more than I could ever repay him. He saved my mate and protected her. Finding out that he added her to our crest without consulting me first was frustrating. It should have been something special between my mate and I. Regardless, I could not fault him. He did what was right for the coven and my mate.
I could feel his hesitation and fear. He knew it was my right. Sadly I could not even argue with him. This entire mess was Jasper's fault, thus inadvertently it was my fault. I could not deny fault. I should have been present in my own life. I should have protected her. "You have nothing to fear brother. Thank you for protecting my mate when I was so negligent. I only hope to repay you at some point." His pride swelled and then his gratitude. "You owe me nothing Major. You gave me this life and life of my mate. No repayment is needed."
"Thank you for adding her to the crest. It is perfect. I will have mine altered as soon as we figure out how to retrieve my mate." I knew she was safe with Garrett. He was an honorable man and very capable of protecting her. I simply wanted her home with me. I wanted to claim her and make her mine for eternity. As long as she was human she was at risk of death. If she died I would follow soon after.
-Garrett-
I ran at top speed for over an hour before Bella stirred. "Keep your eyes closed Little One. We're moving pretty fast right now." She moaned a bit and clung to me tighter. I was still livid over how Jasper reacted to the poor girl. She'd already been through so much. It made me sick to think her fears were confirmed. He was a complete ass. I was glad she confided in me before returning to the house. At least she had one of us to take care of her.
We were approaching Fargo, North Dakota. I figured we could stay there for the night and then figure out our next move. "Bella baby, we're almost to a town. You ok with stopping for awhile?" She just nodded. I slowed to a stop as we came to the city limits. I placed Bella on her feet and held on to her shoulders until she was stable. "Alright there Little One?" Again she just nodded. "Ok, we'll head into town and rent a room. After you've had some time to relax and eat we can figure out what we're going to do."
We walked at human pace into town. She was toying with her Whitlock crest. "Thank you Garrett. I don't know what I'd have done without you. I knew it was coming. I had hoped to hold myself together at least a little bit before we left. Of course in true Bella fashion I had to go and faint. Stupid weak human." I couldn't believe she thought of herself as weak. I stopped in my tracks and turned her around to face me. I pulled her scarred hand into both of mine, tracing the bite mark James left. "What's this?" She looked at me puzzled. "I told you, it's where James bit me." I knew this, but I was making a point. "How many humans do you know who have one of these?"
Bella tried to pull her hand from mine but I refused. She was exasperated. "None Gar. You know most people who are bitten are either turned or dinner. What's your point?" I kissed the mark gently before releasing her hand. "Could Edward read your thoughts?" Again, I knew the answer. We had discussed it after I heard her story. She rolled her eyes. "You know he couldn't. What. Is. Your. Point."
"My point dear Little One is that you are the strongest human I have ever had the pleasure of meeting." She rolled her eyes yet again and snorted. "Whatever Gar. You're just saying that. Let's look at the facts. First I manage to walk right into a trap set by crazy stalker vampire James. He beats the hell out of me and bites me. Fucking bites me! I can't even defend myself enough to remain conscious through the whole thing. I end up in the hospital begging Edward to stay with me. He agrees but when he gets bored I let him shatter my heart. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, and barely even talked to my friends. I alienated everyone because I was too weak to handle being abandoned. Then when my best friend walks out on me I completely lose it and try to kill myself. Ultimately that's the biggest fact. I could die at any moment Garrett. I could trip and smash my head on a rock. Shit I could walk into traffic and die. I am weak Garrett, you're fooling yourself if you believe otherwise."
No human could have lived through what she had. Hell few vampires handled change all that well. Bella had been through a lot over the past year or so. "Let's just agree to disagree. I wish you could see what I see when I look at you. You're the strongest person I know. You're stronger emotionally and mentally than most vampires I know. Someday I hope you see that. Until then, I'll just have to believe for both of us." We resumed our walk into town. A few blocks in we found a suitable hotel. I checked us in at the front desk and led her to our suite.
"You can pick which room you want. I don't sleep so it doesn't matter to me. I'll run out and grab some dinner for you if you'd like." She plopped herself down on one of the beds. "That'd be great Gar. I don't care what you get as long as it's not fish. I've had enough fish to last me an eternity." She giggled and I smiled at her. She was slowly coming out of her closed off state. Hopefully she'd heal soon. I knew one thing was certain, there was no way in hell I was letting Major Jasper Whitlock near the girl.
-Char-
I sent the boys out for a hunt. Major was so agitated he was projecting and I couldn't handle it. I knew he wanted to find Angel, but I didn't really agree that it was best for her. He hurt her more than he'd know. She was already so fragile and then when Jasper responded so poorly to her, well it broke what little of her we helped build. I was sitting in her room wish she'd come home. I missed my sister and she'd only been gone a few hours. My phone rang. I checked the caller and was relieved to see it was Garrett. "Hey Gar. Is she ok?"
"She's safe. Emotionally I think she's trying to put up a good front but I know she's hurting." She was good at hiding shit. She'd done it for her father and I was pretty sure she had been doing it the past few days. "I'm glad she's safe. Take care of her for us. She may not believe it, but we love her and she is family. I do need to warn you though, Major is all set on tracking her down." I wouldn't divulge that they were mates. She should know that before Garrett did. Not to mention, that was Major's announcement, not mine.
"Well he'll have to get through me first Char. Like hell I'm letting him anywhere near the girl! Did you see what he did to her? Not once but twice now he's hurt her! I won't allow it and if you love her you won't either." I wasn't going to argue. I didn't think she needed the Major just yet. She had a long road to healing and growing up; once that was done maybe she'd have room for him in her life.
"I know Gar. What he did was wrong and I can't blame you for your feelings. Just know that he'll come for her. There isn't a force on the planet that will keep him away. Protect her and care for her. She needs someone stable right now." I wasn't sure exactly how he felt about her. I knew he cared and I hoped it was the affection of a sibling, but I was worried it would develop into something more.
"I will Char. She's everything to me right now. I know I'm in the right place right now. I won't tell ya where we're going, hell I don't even know yet. Just know I have it handled. I'll check in when I can and will make sure she keeps in touch with Charlie." It was all I could ask of him. He was doing us all a favor by protecting her.
"Thanks Garrett. Give her my love. Let her know Peter and I will always be here for her." The line disconnected and while I felt relief that she was safe, I still felt empty without her. The house wouldn't be the same until she returned home.
-Bella-
I had just finished my shower. My skin was red from the hot water. There was nothing more therapeutic than a nice hot shower or bath. My phone was ringing. I didn't even realize I had it in my pocket when we left. I glanced at the screen: 'restricted'. I had two choices, I could answer it or simply ignore it. I knew it would likely be Peter or Char. On the off chance it was Charlie I needed to answer. "Hello." I greeted in the best 'happy' voice I could muster.
"Angel, please come home. Come home or at least tell me where you are so I can come get you. It was a big mistake. A misunderstanding. Please, Char and I want you home Angel." It was horrible hearing Peter beg. I wanted nothing more than to tell him to come get me, but I knew deep down he needed to be with his brother. His brother who wanted nothing to do with me. "I'm sorry Peter, I can't. I love you too much to do that to you. Both you and Char are my family. Remember that always. I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me. We'll meet again eventually. Right now I need this."
He sighed. "I had to try Angel. We love you. We want you with us. I'm sorry shit went down like this. It really is one giant misunderstanding. When you feel up to it, come home to us sugar. We'll be waiting." He disconnected the call and I broke down in sobs. I wanted to go home to them. I wanted Char there with me while I slept. I just couldn't ruin their new found relationship with Jasper.
Two Years Later…
-Alice-
"Edward, if you don't hurry up we'll be late!" It was our first day of school in Denali. This would be the first time the family had gone back to school or work. After Jasper left the family things fell apart quickly. Edward and I had a hard time keeping hold on the family. Esme began questioning my visions. Of course she still favored Edward so it was easier to manipulate her. Carlisle on the other hand was much more wary of us. He knew something was off with Edward and I.
Rose and Emmett were a completely different story. They did not trust us in the least. If we suggested something, they went against it entirely. The two of them made it damned near impossible for us to play our games. Edward did manage to find a pet a year after Jasper left, but he was forced to accelerate things because of Emmett. He would have found Edward with the pet had he prolonged the game. Instead, I suggested Edward simply drain the bitch. At least that way he got a meal out of her.
Since that incident, neither of us tried to play any games. We were in a holding pattern. Until we could regain control of the family it was best to just let things go for a while. It was starting to wear on my nerves. I loved my mate. He was my entire world, but without our distractions, things were a bit boring. The monotony finally got to me and I suggested returning to school. Luckily this seemed to be a harmless course of action and the family agreed with my request.
"Calm down Mary Alice" Rosalie practically spat my name. From the moment Jasper left, she and Emmett took up calling me Mary Alice instead of Alice. I hated it, but I would be damned if I let them know. "We will be late Rosalie. I wouldn't want to draw attention to the family now would I?" I was so sick of her bitchiness. Not that I couldn't hold my own, but two fucking years of it.
VISION
Bella was standing looking out over Paris. Two arms wrapped around her waist. "What has you so quiet Little One?" A voice I didn't recognize spoke to her. "I talked to my sister yesterday." Her voice shook with sadness. "And?" The male responded. "I think it's time Gar. We've gotta go back. I miss her. I miss both of them. I just don't want to see him or ruin what they all have now. But, I'm not that weak girl I was two years ago. If it goes bad I know I'll survive. Besides, I'll always have you."
The male turned her around to face him. "Bella, you're my best friend. I have known many people throughout my long life and none have touched my heart and soul like you do. I'll always be here for you. I promise that no matter what happens, you can always turn to me. I love you Little One. Nothing you say or do could ever change that."
END VISION
I had been having short visions of Bella for almost a year and a half. The first one pissed me off so much because it proved she was alive. The stupid whore couldn't even kill herself properly. After a time I learned to deal with the visions. Edward discovered them only a few months ago. Of course he's all sorts of excited. He wants nothing more than to resume his game with the little pet. Sadly none of the visions gave me a solid indication of where to find her. Over the years my visions had become less certain. I still had visions of the family but only sporadically. Visions of Jasper were always the same. He was meeting his brother at the airport and he was a human drinker. The visions of Bella were the most disturbing. I couldn't figure out how I had missed her surviving the cliff jump.
"Paris huh Alice?" Edward pulled me from my musings. "Yes, looks like it." I don't know who the male is though Edward. Do you? I thought to him silently. He nodded briefly. We'd have to discuss it more in depth later. "What are you off for another shopping spree then Mary Alice?" Rosalie practically spat at me. It's a perfect excuse really. You could join me. "It's possible. Now let's get going!"
-Bella-
"I know Char, and I miss you guys too. I just don't think it's a good idea." She'd been arguing with me for years to come home. It was hard to resist. I wanted to be with them so much, but I refused to come between them and Jasper. "What if he's not here sugar? Would you at least visit then?" I hesitated. I knew if I visited I'd have a hard time leaving. "Please Angel. Peter and I miss you." I sighed. "Fine. Next time he heads off on a trip let me know and I'll visit. But Char, it's just a visit. I refuse to stay where I'm not wanted."
It was her turn to sigh. "You know you're very much wanted here sugar. Pete's been lost without you. The Major, well you two just had a misunderstanding. Come home and see for yourself. Things are not always what they seem." She'd been telling me the same thing for two years. I couldn't bring myself to believe her. I saw the look in Jasper's eyes when he showed up at the ranch. I knew when I wasn't wanted or needed. "Not yet Char. I'm not ready yet."
"Alright baby. Just come home and visit Angel. How about you come in a week? He'll be off looking at another property for a few days." A week and I'd be heading 'home'. The thought alone excited and scared the hell out of me. "Ok. I'll see you then."
-Jasper-
It had been two years since I royally fucked things up with my mate. My Bella. She not only ran away from me that night, but she ran with another male. The whole situation caused Major to lock me away and take control. Over time I had worked to merge my personalities. Peter explained that until I came to terms with my Major persona, I would not be worthy of Bella. He was right of course. It wasn't fair to my mate that I kept a good portion of myself locked up inside. She deserved the strong protective Major and the sensitive, attentive Jasper.
Two years later and I found my personality much less split. I was much more stable and aware of myself. "Major, I think it's time you go check on the properties in Texas." Peter approached while I contemplated life. "Why's that Captain?" It was rare for him to suggest that I leave the house. He knew I wanted to be home if by some small twist of fate Bella returned. "It's just time. Don't ask me why but please just do me a favor and head down until I call you home." I didn't need to ask why, from his worry and excitement I figured it had to do with his Angel.
"So she's coming home then?" He looked at me completely surprised. "I'm an empath you know Peter. I could feel the worry you feel only for Bella along with the excitement and anticipation." He looked appropriately ashamed. "Yeah she is brother. Look, I know you want to be here, but if you are I have a feelin' she'll just take off again. We need to try and explain things first." I knew he was right. It was my own damned fault anyway. "I know Pete. I'll check on things in Texas. Just please keep me posted."
-Peter-
I didn't expect Jasper to agree so quickly. He'd been waiting for Angel to return for two years. It was part of the reason he rarely left the ranch. Unless he was hunting or absolutely had to, he stayed on the property and spent his time staring out the window. I couldn't imagine the pain he felt knowing his mate was off with another male. I didn't doubt Garrett's ability to care for Angel, but I still wasn't sure exactly what type of relationship they shared. She'd call and update us once a week, just letting us know she was safe with Garrett. When we would inquire about the nature of their relationship, she always managed to avoid the question. She didn't want to answer us and that honestly had me fucking worried.
If she showed up here with Garrett, there's no telling what Jasper would do. He'd go ape shit I was sure. Hell if it were my mate there's no way in hell I wouldn't tear the guy apart. While I worried about that possibility, I was eternally grateful for Garrett. He was able to support Angel when the rest of us were not. I only hoped everything ended well for all involved.
"I will Major. Be careful down there. Try not to worry too much about Angel. We'll talk some sense into her and call you home as soon as possible." With that he nodded and went to pack a small bag for his trip. Within the next few days we would be reunited with our sister, our Angel. I couldn't be more excited and terrified all at the same time.
Two Days Later…
-Bella-
"You going to be ok Little One?" Garrett asked as the plane touched down. "I think so Gar. Besides, I've got you here with me." I smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "What more could I want." Over the past two years Garrett and I had grown very close. We had such an odd relationship. I loved him dearly. He had been my savior, protector, mentor, confidant, best friend and at one point lover.
"I'm glad you're ok with it Angel." Garrett was always good at using all of my nicknames. I never really knew what would come out of his mouth. "And you know if it gets to be too much, we can leave again. Just say the word ok?"
We waited for our luggage and picked up our rental car. I purposely didn't give Char my flight information. I knew I'd want the time in the car to prepare myself for seeing them again. They knew very little of my time away and I had changed a lot in the past two years. I wasn't sure how they'd react to all of my changes. Garrett tried to reassure me, but even after all the changes and growth; I still fought with my insecurities each day.
The drive took less time than I had anticipated. Before I had time to prepare, we were pulling up the long driveway. The house looked exactly as it had the day I left. Home. After two years I was finally home. Garrett parked and opened my door for me before grabbing the luggage. As soon as my foot hit the first step I was engulfed in an almost bone crushing hug. "Don't you ever leave me again! I hate being the only woman around here sugar."
I inhaled deeply, taking in her unique scent. "I missed you too Char." The next thing I knew I was tossed over a broad shoulder staring at Peter's ass. "Put me down you twit!" I yelled at him. Of course all three of them just erupted in laughter. "Just you wait…" I pouted. "When I'm a vampire I'm soooo going to kick your ass."
Peter stopped abruptly. Ah hell… I completely forgot I hadn't told them my plans yet. "Put me down Peter, we'll talk about it inside." He complied of course, but remained quiet. I looked up into his scarlet eyes. He looked curious but also hurt. Outside of the whole Jasper situation, I was worried most about the topic of my change.
-Peter-
I always knew Angel would be a vampire. Even without my gift I would have bet on it. She belonged in our world, fucking veggie vamps be damned. The idea of her becoming one of us didn't bother me in the least. I was more than happy to welcome her into eternity. I was curious as to what brought about her change of heart. And to be honest, I was more than slightly hurt that she came to the decision without Char or I.
We all took our seats in the living room. It reminded me so much of the night that fucker walked into her life. I knew then that he'd be an important part of her life; I just never thought he'd be someone who took her from us. I was pissed as all hell at the asshole but I couldn't blame him either. Had she asked me, I'd have done the same.
"So you wanna be changed then Angel?" She nodded and sighed. "I know when we talked about it before it was the 'in case of emergency' plan. But I've grown up a lot over the last two years and I've discovered so much about myself." She turned to Garrett and smiled at him. I felt a nice jolt of jealousy. She was my Angel. She should have been turning to me for strength and guidance. Char seemed to pick up on my feelings and tried to inconspicuously calm me. Angel, being the ever observant girl she had always been noticed of course.
She moved from her spot and knelt in front of me. "Petey, don't be like that. You saved me when I needed it most. I love you and you'll always be my big brother. Never doubt that." She squeezed my hands and then gave me a hug. "Thanks Angel. I'm sorry I got upset. It's just that we were just getting comfortable, in a routine ya know. Then we lose you for more than two years Angel. I missed you. I should have been there for you." I held her close to me. My Angel, my sister had returned and I didn't ever want to let her go again.
"Oh Petey… You had things to deal with in regards to your brother. It was best for all of us this way. Besides, I'm sure I did things you wouldn't have let me." She laughed and moved back to her spot on the couch. I glanced over at Garrett noticing he found the arm of his chair very interesting. I narrowed my eyes at him. "You didn't put her in any danger did you Garrett? Damnit, I told you we should have followed them Char. But no… 'Gar will take care of her Peter.' 'She'll be fine Peter.' Obviously we were wrong!" I was in a full ranting rage. He endangered our Angel. That was completely unacceptable.
"Sit your ass down Peter. Now if you wanna hear about my adventures, then you need to control yourself. I will not tell you about my time away if you're just going to be an overprotective ass. I dated one of those once remember? It didn't turn out too well now did it?" She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. The girl had grown a fucking backbone. I always knew she had it in her, but it was amazing to see it. "Sorry Angel. I'll behave."
We spent the next few hours hearing about all her adventures. They traveled all over the world. She learned to speak French and Italian simply because she refused to visit the countries until she could converse. She was a stubborn girl. She also had several new pieces of body art that she refused to show me. Garrett stayed true to his word and protected her. Sometime in the middle of their first year away Victoria tracked them down in South America. Luckily Garrett was a much more skilled fighter and disposed of her quickly.
"After that we decided it was time to visit Europe. Garrett had taught me enough Italian I felt comfortable conversing. We toured Italy for several months. I loved it there and would like to return eventually." The thought of Angel being so close to the Volturi scared the hell out of me. Garrett must have seen the expression on my face. "Nothing to worry about Peter. We met with Aro while we were in Italy. We've broken no laws and Belle here has agreed to being changed. Quite honestly, if it weren't for your crest I fear it would have ended very differently."
I was floored. I had no idea how to respond. The fucker kidnaps our Angel, the Major's mate and runs her off to Volterra? "Garrett, please tell me you didn't seek them out. You're not that stupid are you?" Fury flashed in his eyes. We stood and met toe to toe, nose to nose. "Listen here Captain. I have had enough of your possessive bullshit. She asked me to remove her from this house. If you want to blame anyone for her absence, I suggest you seek out your fucking brother. Quit acting like I took your favorite toy away. As for Aro, no we did not seek him out. However, Belle here having a divine scent seems to attract vampires all on her own. He smelled her when we were in Genoa. Evidently they had just taken port in the city. So back the fuck off. I love her. I would never endanger her."
Garrett rarely lost his temper, but when he did it was bad. He was seething. Hell he was even breathing hard. Angel stood up and squeezed between us. She placed her hand on Garrett's chest. "Both of you need to calm the fuck down." He looked down at her and his eyes softened. He placed his hand over hers on his chest. "Sorry Isa." Isa? What the hell is it with all these nicknames for her? "Don't apologize. Peter is being an ass. You were just defending yourself." She turned to me. "I warned you Peter. You just can't help it can you?" I went to apologize but she cut me off. "I know you're sorry and I know you've been worried. I'm sorry for that. But you need to understand, I'm here. I am safe and if it weren't for Garrett I'd have died many times over by now. So please, just calm down." I nodded. She was right after all. Garrett did bring her home to us. "Now, I think that's enough for one night. I'm going to bed." She turned and headed up the stairs toward her room. When she reached the top of the stairs she called down for Garrett. "Are you coming or going to stay up and fight with Petey all night?" What the hell? He looked at me while he responded. His eyes were hard and still burning with fury. "I'll be right there Isa. I just need to talk to the Captain here for a second." Again, what the hell?