Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Warning: This story contains disciplinary spanking of teenage vampires. Don't bother reading or flaming if this offends you.
A/N: Thanks so much for the WONDERFUL reviews you guys, I love 'em all! So, general consensus is that Esme is pissed at Carlisle for what happened. Well, she is, but there's more to it than that, and I think it'll be another chapter or two before you really find out why. Carlisle kind of dug himself into a deep hole of his own, but that's all I'm going to say about that. Now, this is where the story basically shifts to Jasper. Alice has been dealt with and now it's time for our favorite cowboy to respond to what's happened.
Chapter 5: Hold it Cowboy
Jasper's POV:
I headed home at a leisurely pace, truly not in any hurry to get there; which was surprisin' considerin' my Alice was there. I let out a frustrated sigh, running one of my hands through my hair.
Alice. Her name evoked such strong emotions, and unfortunately, not all of 'em were positive at this moment. I was angry. Surprisin', I know, but true. I was angry with Alice…and I was hurt…and frustrated beyond belief! I loved her to death, I truly did, but right now I didn't know whether ta pull her into my arms or shake the damned bull-headedness out of her.
Oh, how I wished we'd neva gone to Biloxi! How I wished we'd neva met that psychopathic imbecile, James! Arrgghh!
I knew before we'd even gone to Biloxi that there'd be no good news. How could it when she'd ended up in a hospital before bein' turned? It was worse than I'd thought though. It was worse than I knew. Alice found something out in that museum. She found something terrible, and how I wished I'd insisted on goin' in there with her! I'd felt her emotions turn to absolute shock and devastation when she was in there, but I'd remained outside. It had been extremely difficult for me to do so, but I had assured myself that she would've confided in me what she had found.
I was such a damned fool!
And so was she!
There was no reason for her to be keepin' this news to herself. There was no reason for her to be sufferin' alone. Had I not already proven to her that I could be trusted? That I would always be there for her? That I wouldn't judge? That I loved her unconditionally?
Why was she keepin' secrets from me?I'd done the best I could to be supportive of her desire to learn her past. Despite my misgivings, I'd supported her when she decided to head to Biloxi. I'd gone with her and helped her look through all those records. What more could I have done?
I thought back to what had set her off, and I frowned deeply, rubbing at my forehead as my frustration continued to mount. All I'd done was show my concern for her. All I'd done was ask her to take a step back and to think, but she'd taken it so badly. She'd grown furious with me, accusing me of not understandin' and of not bein' supportive.
Bullshit! I have always, always been supportive of Alice. I have always stood by her side through thick and thin. I have protected her from anything and everything that would bring her ta harm, even landing myself in a good bit of trouble with the parents more than a time o' two.
How could she not trust me? How could she feel that she needed ta suffer through all this crap alone?
Life in the Cullen family had been pretty miserable these last couple months. I wasn't a big fan o' school, but with all the negative emotions at home I just had ta get away. I'd thought for sure Alice woulda come with me. I mean she had been talkin' about getting a degree in design, so I had been flabbergasted when she decided to willingly go back to high school.
Why the heck would she do that? All we Cullen kids hated high school, and none of us woulda ever willingly have subjected ourselves to such torture. I just couldn't understand why she was doing this. I had offered to go with her, but she had shot me down, remindin' me that the story had already been spread that I was a college student. I told her I didn't care about that, but she was adamant that she didn't want me to go with her.
I knew then what this was about. She didn't wanna be 'round me. That thought caused me more pain than anythin' I had ever suffered through. My own wife didn't want ta be around me.
I let out a loud roar at these thoughts, plowing through several trees.
For months now Alice and I hadn't been gettin' along. I tried again and again and again ta get her ta talk to me—to open up to me, but she refused, growin' angrier and angrier with me the more I brought it up. I tried to get her to talk to Dad or Mom, but she still refused me. I threatened a few weeks ago ta tell our parents what was up, and how she hadn't been honest with them but after feelin' her absolute terror at my words, I couldn't bring myself to follow through. I knew they needed to know, but it was gonna have ta be Alice that told them. I couldn't bring myself to betray her trust when it already seemed she had so little of it in me.
We didn't spend much time with each other anymore. I spent a lot of my time at the university, and Alice spent most of her time away from home shoppin'. Mom and Dad knew somethin' was up and Mom had approached me several times, about once a week actually on what was botherin' me or what was goin' on between Ali and I, but I'd manage to brush her concerns away, my gift proving quite useful. I knew she didn't truly buy that I was just fine, but she had no idea how to get me to talk. Dad had even confronted me once, but I'd once again kept my mouth shut. I'd told him instead of the guilt I felt over how Bella's birthday party turned, and how a part of me felt that all the hardship our family was experiencing was my fault, but he'd told me I'd been wrong. He'd told me that Bella didn't hold nuthin' against me, and that it was Edward and he who made the choice to leave Forks.
Ugh, thinkin' of Edward and Bella brought back a whole 'nother slew of emotions I'd rather not be dealin' with right now. I was worried about my little brother, but I was also furious with him. Leavin' Bella had been stupid. I'd agreed at first cuz I'd been so scared by what I'd almost done, but the more I'd thought about it, the more I'd realized it was the wrong choice. I knew what Bella and Edward had was true love. They were mates, and being apart from each other would bring them nuthin' but suffering. I'd seen how bad Edward got, and I could only imagine how Bella was. I just hoped she was handlin' her sorrow betta than Edward, the idiot. How I'd like ta just track him down and drag his sorry behind home; and if Dad didn't tan his hide for all the worry he'd put us through then I sure would.
Neither one of my parents was doing well. They were both stressed and constantly worried. When Mom wasn't pestering me or Alice she kept busy with one project after another while Dad just spent all the time he could at the hospital. I couldn't help but be angry with Dad for not having noticed how bad my Alice was—for not having helped her yet. Couldn't he see the suffering she was going through? Dad had confronted me once, but had he confronted Alice? Had he tried to talk to her? Had he tried to comfort her?
NO! He was too damn lost in his own sorrow and guilt. He regretted leaving Forks. He was worried constantly about every single one of us, and he like me was angry with Edward, but he didn't do anything about it. He just wallowed in his self pity. He needed to man up and do something cuz I was startin' to doubt his leadership abilities. Our family had fallen apart and yet he continued to carry on like everything would fix itself in due course. He needed to do something!
Sigh, I was getting side tracked. Now wasn't the time ta be thinkin' about my parents or Edward or Bella. I needed to be focusing on my Alice, the love of my life. She was my first priority and it was obvious I was the only one that wanted to help her. I was the only one that cared. No matter what it took, I was gonna see her happy once more.
I slowed down as entered into our territory, choosin' to walk the rest of the way. I needed ta think. I needed ta figure out what to do.
But what could I do?
I'd just have to continue doin' what I had been doin'. I'd be there for her no matter how even if she tried to push me away. I'd quit college and keep an eye on her while she was at school. I'd be by her side every second of every moment so that she'd know how much I loved her—so she'd know that I would never abandon her! I would prove to her that—
I abruptly stopped walking, catching the scent of my mom. Looking to my right I watched as she ran over to me with a loving, maternal smile, and my heart melted, whatever anger I had harbored towards her completely vanishing. How could I maintain my irritability towards her in the face of such honest motherly affection?
I gave Esme a smile, happily accepting her greeting hug.
"Hello, Mama, how ya doin'," I had begun to drawl before tensing when I felt the emotions she had so poorly been trying to hide from me: worry, hurt, anger, and bewilderment. I pulled away from her, placing my hands on her arms as I gave her a serious look.
"What happened? What's wrong?" I asked, my mind going into hyper drive as I imagined a multitude of horrible scenarios.
Mom shushed me, running both her hands through my hair as she said, "Nothing is the matter, sweetheart,"—
"Don't lie to me," I interjected sharply, more on edge than before. "Yer emotions are tellin' me that everythin' is far from fine so please don't treat me like some ignorant child, Mom."
My mother sighed, giving my cheek a gentle pat as she gave me an apologetic look.
"You're right, Jasper, and I'm sorry," she apologized. "I will tell you what is going on if you promise to hear me out and keep a hold of your temper."
I frowned, wondering why she was worried about me losing my temper. "Course, Mama," I responded, dropping my hands from her arms. She lowered her arms, grasping both my hands, and I suddenly had a pretty good idea of what she was going to tell me.
"What's wrong with Alice? Is she alright?" I questioned, and Mom raised an eyebrow at me her expression and emotions telling me to keep quiet. I didn't want to, so it was with great difficulty that I forced down several protests. Mom eyed me for several agonizing seconds before beginning to speak.
"Alice was expelled from school today for having attacked a human. Don't interrupt," she stated when I opened my mouth to ask several questions. "Alice lost her temper, not her control, and the human ended up with a shattered jaw." I felt completely floored by what she said. Alice, my little Alice lost her temper and attacked a human? I couldn't believe it! What had that lousy human done to my wife? Damn! This was all my fault! I shoulda been there for her! I shouldn'ta let her talk me outta going to high school with her. She needed me, and I hadn't been there for her! This neva woulda happened if I'd been there!
"Jasper, Jasper, honey, stop that," Esme scolded sternly. "What happened with Alice was in no way your fault."
"If I'da been there, then this wouldn'tve happened," I refuted firmly. "How is Alice? Is she alright?"
Mom sighed, but before she could speak I roughly pulled away from her as I suddenly realized what she was doing here. Alice had been in a fight, and I knew that getting' in a fight got ya nuthin' more than a good smackin' from Dad. That was why Mom was here. My dear, sweet, innocent wife was getting her tail lit up and Mom was here ta keep me from interferin'. I would not stand for this!
"Dad betta not be spankin' my wife!" I roared, fists clenched in sudden fury. "I'm sure she had a perfectly good reason for attackin' that human. You know she don't lose her temper for no reason."
"Jasper Lee, you will lower your voice this instant and reign in that temper," Esme chided, giving me a frigid glare. "You know better than to yell at me, and you know very well what the consequences are for getting into a fight. Add that to her risking our exposure, disrespecting us, and the multitude of temper tantrums she has thrown, and that little girl has more than earned herself a sound spanking."
Disrespect? Temper tantrums? What in tarnations was wrong with my mate? Alice didn't have temper tantrums…I mean, except for these past few months…Arrggghhh! Forget this, I was going home to Alice this second. I pulled my hands out of Esme's and was turning to run home when she grabbed a hold of my bicep.
"Jasper, stop it," she ordered, attempting to yank my arm out of her grasp, but she just tightened her grip. I could have pulled harder, but I didn't wanna risk hurting her.
"Let me go," I demanded, my angry eyes boring into hers. Esme's eyes darkened in response and she got right into my face.
"Jasper Lee Cullen, I have had more than enough attitude for one day, believe me," she began to lecture. "Alice is receiving her more than deserved punishment right now and I don't want to hear another word out of you, do you hear me?"
Most her words registered with me, but I was still too upset to really heed her words. All I knew was that Alice was hurting and that she needed me. Coming to a decision I lowered my head to show submission, waiting for the second that Mom loosened her grip so I could yank my arm out of her grasp and make a mad dash for home.
It was a good plan, but unfortunately it didn't go as planned. It seemed my mama was wise to my act cuz the second I pulled away from her she grabbed a hold of my ear, giving it a harsh tug downwards. I let out a loud yelp, bending downwards to alleviate some of the pain. It worked, but a new pain enveloped me, centered right around my vulnerable posterior.
"How dare you try and manipulate me, young man!" Mama scolded harshly, landing swat after stinging swat.
"I'm sorry," I choked out before gritting my teeth and deftly trying to maneuver my vulnerable backside out of harm's way.
"Yes, you are sorry now that you are getting your backside warmed up, aren't you?" she responded angrily, and I cringed at her words, letting out a whimper when she landed a particularly harsh swat.
"How many times, Jasper—how many times are we going to have to go through this?" my infuriated mother questioned. "How many times are you going to lose all sense of reason anytime Alice is in trouble?" I tried to formulate an acceptable response, but she began speaking once more before I could.
"No more of this Jasper, do you hear me, son? Do you have any idea how much your lack of trust in your father hurts him? Or how much your lack of trust in me hurts me?" Mom asked, her voice cracking from the amount of emotions she was holding back.
Tears prickled at my eyes, and I painfully bit down on my tongue to keep from yelling.
"I-ouch-I do trust ya, Mama!" I was able to shout, finally letting out a yell when she began attacking my sit spots.
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow! I thought, a few tears managing to escape, her sadness and guilt compounding mine.
"Well you certainly don't act like it," was her response, her strict tone revealing none of her strife. "We have discussed your overprotectiveness time and time again, and time and time again you have disregarded those talks, not only landing yourself in trouble, but hurting your father."
Her words stung more than her swats did, and it took several seconds as I registered these words before I realized my spankin' had come to an end. My mama had released her painful hold on my ear, and she just stood in front of me with her arms crossed and a displeased expression. I hastily wiped at my face, clenching and unclenching my fists as I resisted the urge to rub my aching backside and ear. It hadn't been the worse lickin' I'd eva received, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt. My poor rear was throbbin' against my suddenly too tight jeans.
"I-I'm sorry, Mama," I spoke, not likin' how pitiful my voice sounded. "I do trust you and Papa, it's just that Alice—I just don't think clearly when"—
"Save it as I have heard it all before," she interrupted, and I looked down at my feet in shame.
Dumb cowboy, I thought harshly, now look at what ya done! Tears welled up in my eyes once more at the thought that my relationship with my mama could be damaged. She was so darn good ta me and here I was screwin' things up. I was a horrible son!
"Jasper, look at me," Esme ordered, and I obediently lifted remorseful eyes to her. Her gaze was stern and unyielding although her emotions were anything but. They were a swirling vortex of anger, hurt, frustration, confusion, and sadness. Was I the cause of this?
"I do not understand your continued obstinacy, and honestly I have no idea what to say to you anymore. Your behavior confounds me and after all these years as a part of our family I would have thought you would have learned to trust Carlisle and I, but I guess I was wrong," she stated simply and tiredly, her words striking me like a physical blow.
"I"—
"Don't speak," Esme declared, holding a hand up and turning away from me. "There is nothing right now that you could say to justify your actions so it is best you just remain silent." I fought back a wave of tears but I was unable to restrain the hurt that I felt. Mom must have felt it for she immediately turned around and stared at me with unreadable eyes before letting out a weary sigh.
I bit back the apology I so desperately wanted to give and settled for just using my gift to convey my remorse.
Mom studied me for several moments before just shaking her head at me. "I feel your remorse, but I'm not sure you truly mean it as I have no doubt in my mind of how you will react when you hear what more trouble Alice has gotten into."
My readied denials died on my lips as she finished her sentence, and I tensed, mind and emotions whirling as I wondered what she was talking about. What more trouble could Alice have gotten into in the few hours we had been apart?
I should be with her! I should be helping her, comforting her, and making things right between us, not here arguing with Mom!
Instant guilt hit me at my thoughts as they proved what she had stated just seconds before. Once more I was ready to rush off without thought to my mate. Once more I was feeling righteous anger at the thought of Carlisle laying a finger on her. Even now, venom was flooding my mouth, a growl building in my chest as my protective instincts flared to life.
Stop it, Whitlock! I scolded myself harshly. Stop bein' an overprotective fool. You trust Esme and Carlisle…don't you? You know they'd neva hurt Alice. They love 'er ta death, you've felt it yerself.
But she doesn't deserve ta be punished like that, another part of me snarled heatedly. She don't deserve a spankin' when she ain't done nuthin' wrong! She's been horribly stressed and out o' sorts lately over what she learned of her past. Extenuating circumstances should be taken into account. That dumb human had ta of done somethin' ta deserve my Alice's attack cuz Lord knows she wouldn'ta lost her temper for no damn reason. Carlisle and Esme have ta be overreactin cuz they just don't understand! They probably didn't even let her defend herself before judgment was passed!
I let loose a hiss, my fists clenched as I imagined the pain my wife had to be in at this very moment. What was I still doin' here? Why wasn't I rushin' to her aid?
Because she's not in danger, you bullheaded mule! Dad would neva in a million years hurt Alice, you know this! You've been spanked by him plenty o' times and you've come out alright every time. Hell, you've even experienced the dreadful sting of his belt and lived ta tell the tale, so why would you think Alice wouldn't be alright?
I lifted my hands and gripped fistfuls of my hair, growls of frustration rumbling deep in my chest. I closed my eyes as my conscience warred with itself. I had to go help Alice…or did I? Would she be alright? Of course she would…right? Why wasn't I with her already? Why was I still sitting here debating this? Because she was in no danger, of course…right? Yes…no…maybe…
Esme's POV:
I watched my son grip his hair in frustration and frowned at his obvious internal struggle. He was no doubt fighting with himself over his tendency to overreact anytime Alice got herself into trouble. I thought he had gotten better, but he had proven me wrong. When I had come to find Jasper, I had anticipated his anger, but I had not anticipated how far he would go to get to Alice. I had not anticipated that he would stoop so low as to try and manipulate me. The mere memory caused my venom to boil. How dare that boy try and trick me?! Had he not learned this lesson long ago? Did he have no respect for me? Did he think me a fool?
I briefly closed my eyes and swallowed back the anger that was once more welling up inside of me. My southern boy deserved every swat I gave him and then some for thinking he could pull the wool over my eyes. It was a good thing I knew him well enough to be able to tell when he was lying, but I was so hurt by his actions. I meant everything I had told Jasper. I was tired, fed up, and hurt by his obvious lack of trust in both Carlisle and me. Time and time again the stubborn boy had earned himself a sore backside for his temper and overprotectiveness; and I was at my wit's end. I had no idea what to say or do anymore to convince Jasper that he need not react so violently.
I rubbed at my forehead, feeling as though I were getting a headache. I was ready for this day to be over with. First Alice, then Carlisle, and now Jasper; I was furious with all three of them!
I didn't know what had gotten into Alice, but she had crossed several lines today. Her temper had been atrocious, she had been extremely disrespectful and defiant, and she had attacked her father in a fit of rage. What had she been thinking?!
Carlisle had been right to step in at this point and rein our feisty daughter in, but he had been much too rough with her. She deserved to be brought down a peg, but after having delivered quite a harsh spanking I couldn't believe he was still going to take his belt to her! And then he had the audacity to-to order me not to interfere! I pursed my lips tightly, keeping down a hiss as my eyes flashed in anger. Carlisle swore to me he would never give me an order as coven leader because I would have no choice but to obey. He swore to me!
"What more did Alice do?" a stressed voice asked, and my gaze flicked towards the third and final reason behind my growing headache.
Staring at the boy I pondered over what to tell him before deciding he didn't need to know. If I told him Alice had attacked her father I just knew he would lose what little self control he had and take off for home; and I wasn't so sure I would be able to stop him. As upset as I was with Carlisle, I did not want Jasper to attack him when he found out the punishment Alice had received.
"That is not for me to say, Jasper," I responded diplomatically. "You can ask her when we return home, which will not be happening until I receive a call from your father," I tacked on, giving my son a stern look to hold him in place.
He frowned, clearly unhappy with my response. He bit his lip and furrowed his brow, no doubt pondering over how to respond or convince me to tell him what happened. I waited patiently, fighting back my remaining irritation.
"Is Dad punishin' her for the fightin'?" he finally asked, his tone full of displeasure and disapproval, and I internally sighed. I did not want to lie, but I also knew that if I told him the truth, then he would go ballistic at the thought of his wife having earned herself two spankings. He was bad enough when she was enduring one punishment, I thought grimly.
What should I tell him though? I cannot lie. I will not lie.
I let out a sigh at this point, resisting the urge to rub my temples as I shook my head and responded, "No, she is not."
"What?!" Jasper roared in disbelief and outrage, and I tensed, eyeing him warily. "D'ya mean she ain't getting' a lickin' or that she's getting punished for somethin' else?"
"Something else, and before you ask, no, I will not tell you," I responded calmly, although I was far from it. Inwardly I could feel my irritation growing as I felt my son's irritation grow. I had no doubt he was influencing me, but I also had no doubt that a lot of that irritation was my own.
"This is ridiculous, Mama!" Jasper cried out furiously. "What could mah Alice have done ta have earned herself another punishment? Is Dad gonna let the fightin' slide?"
"He will not let the fighting slide," I informed him, choosing to ignore the first question as I had already told him he would have to ask Alice.
A fierce growl escaped from my soldier at this point, and I watched as he gnashed his teeth together and curled his hands into fists. His eyes were closed, and to his credit I could tell he was attempting to bring himself under control. It clearly wasn't working though, because the next words out of his mouth were, "This just ain't right! I've got ta go home, Mama! Alice needs me!" He stared at me with pleading eyes full of concern and anger, and although my heart went out to him, I did not give in.
"Son, my answer is no," I told him quite firmly. "What Alice needs is for you to keep yourself out of trouble. She will need you when her punishment is over, and she will need you calm and supporting. She does not need you to defend or protect her, and she most definitely does not need you to be running on home with some half-brained notion that she is being abused and mistreated!" I could not help but finish loudly.
Jasper's face went blank at my words, but I could literally feel his anger at this perceived injustice. He truly believed I did not understand. He truly believed that I would allow my husband to abuse one of my children.
"Jasper Lee Cullen, I want you to listen to me and listen closely, young man," I addressed him strictly, and his darkening eyes flicked straight towards mine.
"Alice is in absolutely no danger. She is being given a more than deserved punishment, and I assure you that she will be absolutely fine when all is said and done. Right now I implore you to think before you act anymore rashly than you already have. Remember the spankings you have received from your father. Have you ever felt abused, slighted, or mistreated? Have you ever felt him to be unfair with you? Have you truly so little faith in the man you have considered a father for over half a century? Have you truly so little faith in me?" I questioned him, allowing him to feel my hurt. "You know my past. You know how I feel about abuse, so do you really believe I would allow any of my beloved children to experience such a thing? Carlisle is my husband and mate, but I believe I have already proven that I will step up to the plate and take him to task if I feel he has overstepped himself, have I not?"
I stopped speaking at this point, feeling some relief that my empathic son seemed to truly be thinking over what I had said instead of just lashing out. I had to remind myself that ordinarily Jasper was quite mature and level-headed, unlike my brooding Edward or devil-may-care Emmett. Jasper could usually be reasoned with quite easily, well, at least when Alice was not involved.
I could understand the need to defend your mate and to do everything in your power to keep them from harm, I really could. It was instinctual, in our nature to protect and defend our mate from anything that could be perceived as a danger. We all felt this, even Carlisle and me, but no one took things so far as Jasper. In fact, the first time Jasper had felt my husband's belt had been due to him overreacting.
I had caught Alice in a lie and when I had confronted her she had stubbornly refused to admit her fault, becoming belligerent the more I pushed. I had eventually become fed up with her continued lying and had doled out only six swats to curb her attitude. She had let out several yells, but they had been more out of surprise and frustration than from pain. Jasper, who had been in the house at the time had gone ballistic at this point, rushing at me and actually tackling me away from Alice and to the floor. Alice, too stunned to do anything, just stood there in shock before Edward shoved Jasper off of me. They were snarling at one another when I rushed to intervene, and that was when I had gotten bitten by Jasper.
Carlisle, Emmett, and Rosalie arrived home precisely at this time, but their presence had not been needed as after biting me Jasper had managed to come to, his eyes widening in horror before he had taken off. Alice, Emmett and Edward had gone after him, Carlisle staying home as he wanted to check me out, not to mention he did not trust himself around his soldier at that moment.
I would like to say Jasper had learned his lesson after the whipping he had received from his father, but only to a certain extent. My son had never again laid a single finger on me out of anger, but he had obviously not quite learned to curb his over protectiveness. He had not resorted to violence since the incident, but if ever there was a moment that would test his restraint, today would be that day. Carlisle would no doubt want to dole out his own little punishment after learning that I had spanked our son, and I didn't want that to turn into something harsher if Jasper did not get a hold of his temper now.
A/N: Alright, so as predictable as ever, dear Jasper just can't handle Alice in trouble and Mama just ain't willing to put up with his bs today. What will happen next?
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