(Bella)

At dusk the meeting would start. The guys had prepared by dragging a massive pile of firewood onto the beach and arranged large driftwood logs in a circle around the stone pit to serve as seating. All the attendees brought something with them, a side dish or some drinks. The council had a fund that paid for the meat that would roasted on large grills.

I made a huge tub of potato salad and picked up a couple different kinds of soda. Emily was making brownies with fudge frosting and bringing beer since Sam was over the legal age to purchase it. I knew some of the guys would be drinking but I figured they all looked the part and as long as no one went crazy with it, it was no big deal. After all, they were supernatural warriors, fighting vampires for the lives of those around them. Who was I to argue the dangers of underage drinking?

Sam and Emily had taken my advice and talked to Leah about everything. She wasn't 100% okay with things, but after learning that the stories about spirit wolves and cold ones were real, that imprinting could and did happen, she was trying to understand. She was coming to the meeting tonight and trying to forgive her once best friend Emily and former fiance for betraying her. I was glad to see it, although it looked like it would take some time for her to heal.

"Hey Bella." She called me over to where she was loading a cooler with drinks. "I just wanted to say thank you."

"Oh, for what?"

"Sam and Emily told me it was you that got them to break the rules and let me in on the secret. I am not okay with everything yet, but I think I will be now. And without you pushing for me, I think I would have gotten bitter from the isolation I was feeling." she hugged me. "So thank you."

"You're welcome, Leah." I smiled at her. "I know what it's like to be lied to, you didn't deserve that. Don't be mad at them for too long, they're good people." I nudged her shoulder and we joined the gathering.

The tribe elders sat in a semi-circle, Billy in the middle on one side of the fire. The wolves sat on the other, Sam in the middle with Jake on his right. The imprints and guests like myself filled in the sides, listening as the stories were told. Billy told the stories for the most part, but Sam told some as well. The ones Sam told were of the recent events like the battles with Victoria and the encounters with James. I was shocked when I was included in their lore.

When the stories were done, it was time to attend to business. Sam spoke of the danger the Volturi posed to the tribe, the hatred Caius had for wolves and how he would kill every man, woman, and child if he found out about them.

"We must not allow the Italian vampires to know of us, to come to our lands. They are more than we can fight off, no matter how many of our sons find their spirit wolves, I fear it won't be enough to save our village." Sam said.

"How will we keep them from learning of us?" Billy asked. The process of the meeting almost seemed scripted, but that was the way things were done. It was like a soap opera.

"The cold one that killed the red-headed demon came to us in good faith. He brought with him the ashes of our enemy!" Sam tossed the leather bag to the elders. "He has a plan, but it is one that carries a price that may be too high to pay."

Murmurs rose among everyone and I looked around quickly, not sure if I should speak up. Billy allowed the ashes to pour into the fire in front of everyone before dropping the bag to be consumed as well.

"Tell us of this plan so that we may judge it's cost for ourselves and decide if we can afford to pay." he said with a strong voice.

"Our friend's daughter, Bella, the one who has given us much new knowledge on how to know and defeat our enemies is not without defenses against cold ones." All eyes turned to me and I sat up straighter. "She has a power within her that can stop their tricks from effecting her, can keep them from her mind and trick them with her words."

"Tell us, Bella, would you use this power to save the Quileute people from the Volturi?" Billy asked.

"Yes, I would give my life to save all of yours. In my heart, you are my people if not in my blood." I replied, earning a nod from Sam.

"What of the cost?" Harry asked. "I did not miss your words child when you said you would give your life. Surely you did not mean that your life is the cost?"

I hesitated, but Sam took over for me. I sighed gratefully.

"That is exactly the cost. In order to stop the Volturi, Bella will need to become like our enemy, to become cold and dead. She would need to make the ultimate sacrifice and travel far from her home and her father, to live among the vampires and forever keep our secret from the Kings."

A collective gasp rang out, this was exactly like a soap opera. I met the gaze of the elders and stood up.

"I am willing to do this for you. I have known for a long time that my path had but one end, it's time I accepted my fate. Don't fight me on this, it's my choice to make." I tried to sound brave, but I was not as sure as I seemed.

I wondered who would do it. Laurent was kinda frightening, I had never met Eleazer before so I wasn't sure I wanted a stranger biting me. I wished Jasper could do it. Of all the vampires I knew, I felt like he was my best option. He saw that I was worth saving before I knew it myself. He was gone though, like the rest of them.

"We cannot ask this of you, but we cannot deny it either if this is what you desire Bella." Harry sounded defeated.

"The vote will be if we allow our friend's daughter to choose her own fate then." Billy said.

They passed around a bag and each council member and each wolf put in a stone. Black for no, white for yes. When it returned to Billy, he counted them out. There were only three stones in opposition and it was against tradition for anyone but me to ask who voted against me.

I decided I would prefer not to know, I had the answer I needed. The hard part would be dealing with Charlie.

Jake drove me home. Halfway there he pulled off the road, angry.

"Bella, why?"

"Jake, it was always going to come down to this. I was doomed from the start. Vampire law forbids my knowing under penalty of death or turning. I don't want to die! I can deal with being a vampire, I know I can!"

"What if I can't, Bella? Did you ever think of that?"

"Jake?" I sobbed and pulled away from him.

"I didn't mean it like that Bells." he hit the steering wheel. "God this sucks! I could protect you if you want, we can run away right now. Just you and me, no one will ever find us. I could make you happy if you let me." he grabbed my hand.

"I wish it was that simple, but we both know it isn't." I told him through my tears. It was silent for a minute and Jacob started the car again. "When it happens," I said in a soft voice, unsure I wanted to ask, "will you still want to talk to me?"

"Always Bells, always." he answered.

I smiled at him and wiped my face. "Love you Jake."

"Love you too Bells."

Jake dropped me at the end of the driveway and headed back toward home, not bothering to stop. I could tell he was upset, even though he was trying to be my friend. It couldn't be easy on him, despite his brave face. Charlie was still at work, he told me he wouldn't be home until late and not to wait up.

I let myself in the house, feeling uneasy as soon as the door shut behind me. It was like I was being watched, like I wasn't alone. I felt adrenaline course through my veins even as I tried to dismiss the feeling as a reaction from the crazy night. I stood completely still in the dark, willing my eyes to adjust. I thought I saw movement in the living room, but I couldn't be sure.

I gasped and inched back toward the door, feeling behind me for the handle.

(Jasper)

I stayed downwind from the meeting on the beach to avoid detection. It was unpleasant for me, since it flung the stink of the wolves into my face, but it kept them from smelling me. The open area allowed the sound to carry so I could hear everything with no difficulty even over the crashing of the waves.

The stories were interesting and explained some of the animosity the pack held toward vampires. They hadn't had very good luck in the past in dealing with our kind. The stories the Alpha wolf Sam told were much more recent, some of which even included Bella. That was a bit of a shock. I had to suppress a growl when I learned that Victoria had been trying to kill her. I told the Cullens they needed to deal with her, but no one took the threat seriously.

I owed Laurent a debt for cleaning up that mess for me. I disliked owing anyone anything as a matter of principle, so it put me in a mood. When I heard of his plan to use Bella to get the Quileutes off the hook with the Volturi I was livid. I didn't for one moment buy the story about saving the tribe. They weren't Children of the Moon so Caius shouldn't have any issues with them. Hell if it wasn't for the stink, Aro would want them as pets!

I needed to make sure to set Bella straight, even if she couldn't forgive me for attacking her. When the meeting was winding down, I made my way back to where I stashed my bike, and rode the familiar Forks streets until I arrived at Bella's house. No one was at home so I hid my ride in the brush and snuck in through an open window to wait for her.

I stayed in the living room, feeling like the intruder I was in her home without invitation. I had no idea what I was going to say to her. Coming here like this was a horrible idea. I supposed it wasn't like I could just call her on the phone or something, but I was pretty sure skulking around her darkened living room was about the worst plan I could have come up with.

It was then I heard someone approaching the door. I stood up straighter, listening as the keys jingled in the lock and the door opened. The outside light illuminated her small form which was clear as day to my enhanced vision. She closed it behind herself and froze, sensing my presence somehow. I moved closer, debating on turning on a lamp and she gasped aloud. I froze again, unsure if I should turn on the light or speak first.

Would she be any less afraid if she knew who it was that was waiting for her? I scented the air and checked that she was here alone. Whoever had dropped her off hadn't stayed. The light rain dampened my senses some, but enough for me to ensure we were the only ones here.

"Bella, don't be afraid." I said, sending out some calm as I turned on the light.

(Bella)

When I heard his voice I nearly jumped out of my skin. The light next to Charlie's favorite recliner clicked on a half second later revealing Jasper. I felt his gift hit me, the artificial calm soaking into me. I let it penetrate my skin like water, needing it to keep from squeaking like I'd just spotted a mouse.

"Jasper!" I yelled. "What are you doing here!"

He hadn't moved from his position, half bent over to reach the lamp. He looked a bit damp from the Forks weather, his clothes not the designer style I remembered him in. He was wearing a simple black t-shirt that fit him nicely and some faded jeans. It was a nice look for him. His hair was disheveled from the wind and his face was anxious.

"Don't be afraid Bella, I won't hurt you." he promised, moving slowly and holding out his hands. "I wanted to talk with you, please."

"I'm not afraid." I told him.

He looked confused. "No, you aren't."

We both stood there, studying each other. I didn't know what to think, I didn't expect to see a Cullen in my living room, especially not this one. I tried to keep my emotions under control, remembering his gift and not wanting him to think I was insane the way I was flipping from one to another.

He frowned again. "Don't do that darlin'."

"Do what?"

"Hide from me. I like to feel you, it's uncomfortable when you hide what you're feeling from me."

"Oh." I said. I let up a bit, I was more in control of myself now anyhow. Hearing him call me darlin' was interesting. I hadn't noticed his southern accent before, hadn't spoken to him enough to note it.

I realized I probably smelled like wolf and remembering how much it bothered the Cullens, I started up the stairs to shower.

"Where are you going?" he asked, zooming to the bottom of the stairs.

"To shower. You can wait in my room if you like."

"Oh, alright." he said, looking thoroughly confused.

I grabbed some clothes, leaving him standing awkwardly in my room. I felt smug to have a vampire on the back-foot for a change. Usually it was them leaving me flustered. I took my time getting clean, making sure to remove all traces of wolf stench. Partly I was delaying so that I could process my thoughts as well.

Jasper was waiting in my room. He wanted to talk to me. Why now? Why him? What did he have to say to me? I couldn't figure it. Pulling a brush through my hair, I cleaned my teeth quickly and headed to bed. I shut my bedroom door, taking in the sight of the blonde vampire before turning out the light and climbing into bed.

"Charlie will be home soon. He'll probably look in on me, so when he peeks in, hide." I told him. "He won't linger, so don't worry."

"Okay." Jasper was still standing in the middle of the room.

I patted the end of my bed. "Sit, you're making me nervous standing there."

He looked at the bed as if it would bite him, but complied.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" I prompted.

"Bella, I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I need to apologize for my actions on your birthday. I won't make excuses, you shouldn't have had to feel threatened somewhere that should have been safe to you. I truly am a monster and I will do anything you ask of me in penance, just name it." he hung his head, looking as if he expected me to reject him, to kick him out and demand he never return.

"Jasper, there is nothing you can do. Nothing you need to do. I never blamed you, if anything it was my own fault for being so clumsy. It was a natural reaction and besides, you didn't lose control. I was watching you, you didn't lose it. You looked more afraid than anything else." I took his hand, causing him to tense up for a moment. "If you need to hear the words, then you are forgiven, but know this: There is nothing to forgive!"

He seemed to deflate a little as I spoke, as if he had been holding a world's worth of tension inside and he had finally let it go.

"Thank you Bella. You are truly the most beautiful person I know." he raised my hand to his lips, kissing my palm lightly.

"Edward on the other hand," I continued, "he did scare me that night. Maybe it was a good thing he broke my heart soon after." I felt an echo of the hole in my chest break through and Jasper gasped. "Sorry, didn't mean for you to feel that." I muttered, pulling my hand free.

"I have another thing to confess, Bella." he went on. "I was listening at the tribal meeting tonight. I know of your plans and that Eleazer and Laurent are involved."

I didn't deny it, staring into his golden eyes and waiting for him to go on.

"I don't know if you should trust them, I don't think the Quileutes are in the kind of danger you seem to think they are. However you are in a lot of danger. But you have options, I can give you options if you trust me to."

"You've never lied to me before, but I'd like to know more about your first. Tell me your story and I'll tell you mine." I told him.

He agreed and I settled in more comfortably. He told me his history, every detail that Edward would have hidden. Every detail that he was ashamed of. The only time he stopped was to hide in my closet when Charlie poked his head in to check that I was in bed.

His voice, though perfect like every other vampire's I'd ever heard had a sort of gravely quality to it. His accent only added to its attraction, though it was deep and southern it didn't make him sound any less. If anything, it made his words sound more genuine, as if they came from deep within his soul. I was sure I'd have noticed it before now.

"Jasper?" I interrupted sleepily.

"Yes?"

"Did you hide your accent before?" I asked. "I never noticed it, but I think I should have."

"I can if you would like. The Cullens asked me to, it made it easier to blend in if I didn't have one."

"I like it." I admitted. "Don't hide from me either."

He nodded, a slight smile on his face and continued to talk. Sometime after 3am, I fell asleep. When I woke, it was nearly noon. Charlie had already left for work long ago. Jasper was sitting on the floor beside my bed, his curly mop just visible.

"Good morning." I mumbled.

"Mornin' darlin'. Shall I meet you downstairs to continue our chat?" he asked?

I was relieved he was still talkative and agreed. I rushed through getting dressed and stumbled down the stairs to find him waiting in the kitchen for me.

"I would have made you food, but I'm afraid I wouldn't know where to begin." he said, dipping his head in a way that made him seem embarrassed.

"Glad you know your limitations." I said, having a piece of toast and some juice. "Do you have a car? I wanted to get a phone today."

"I have a motorcycle, do you ride?" he asked.

Unexpected, but fitting. I simply nodded, getting my helmet and jacket from the hall closet and picking up my purse. Charlie hated that Jake and I had taken up motorcycles. He tried forbidding me from riding, but I pulled the eighteen card on him. He resorted to gross pictures of accidents after that and I responded by taking him with me when I bought my top-of-the-line helmet.

"We can talk more later, I want to get this out of the way." I put on my jacket and helmet, doing up the zipper loudly before turning around to face Jasper. His expression was one of absolute shock. "What?" I asked, my voice a bit muffled by my headgear.

"Wow." he stumbled for words a bit. "I just never expected to see Bella Swan in biker gear. It suits you." he grinned.

"Well, Jasper Hale, there is a lot you don't know about me." I retorted.

"It's Whitlock darlin', Jasper Whitlock." he said, stalking closer as he spoke. He was an inch from me when he paused, reaching around me to open the front door. "After you."

I was in a state of shock for a few seconds. I don't even think he was projecting, it was all natural charm, but he was still incredible. "Stupid sexy vampires." I mumbled knowing full well he'd hear it, but there was no hiding my response anyhow. Might as well admit it. I walked out into the bright overcast morning. I didn't see a bike anywhere.

Jasper must have felt my confusion because he chuckled. "I hid it. I figured your father would ask questions if a strange bike showed up in the driveway." He walked off into the forest, returning in a few moments carrying a drool worthy piece of machinery and setting it down in front of me. He swung himself onto the seat and leaned back, shooting me a grin.

"You said you wanted a ride, sweetness, so hop on." his tone was teasing, but infectious.

"I may have to steal your bike and leave you here." I said, stroking the midnight blue paint.

"I'd fight you for it." he growled playfully.

"I might take my chances anyhow." I mock growled before sliding on behind him. "I kinda want to splurge on a phone, get something fancy enough to last me a while, able to do email and stuff. I figure I'll be on the run for a bit, so it will be my only way to get ahold of Charlie and the pack."

"Phones like that can be tracked. It is a good idea, but you're better off going with simple and using other methods of contact. Let me handle it? I'll make sure you can get messages through that are safe."

I thought about it, deciding that I would defer to his experience. I wrapped my arms around him, leaning in. "Okay." I said. "Let's go."

He drove fast, but on a bike like this it would be a crime to go slow. I felt so free, I wondered what it felt like to him with his gift. In no time we were in Port Angeles and he was showing me the best phones to get.

Instead of the main carriers, he directed me toward prepaid phones. He explained how these were harder to trace and easier to use false information to obtain. I picked one out and paid for it. Surprisingly he didn't argue with me about spending money or try to buy me the most expensive phone in the store. I really appreciated that.

"May I give you my number Bella?" he asked.

"I insist." I said, reaching for my new phone to hand it to him. Just as I picked it up, it started to ring. I stared at it confused.

"Sorry, I saw your number when the phone was being activated." he said. "I should give you Peter and Charlotte's number's as well. They are waiting in Seattle."

"Ah, months with no vampires except for those trying to kill me, now I have all kinds of vamps trying to give me their digits. When it rains, it pours." I joked.

He took the phone from me, programming in phone numbers at lightning speed.

"I'd better finish my story fast, I'm dying to hear about Victoria." Jasper said, looking aggravated. He finished with my phone and hesitated. "Do you want any of the Cullens numbers? I don't think it's safe to call them right now, but I won't keep you from them if that's what you want."

He looked scared of my answer, so I put my hand on his arm. "I would like Emmett's number, but I won't call him unless it's an emergency or it's safe again." I reassured him. I wasn't really all that clear on what safe meant in this context, but it seemed to make Jasper feel better. He handed me my phone back in a few more seconds.

"So let's go somewhere we can sit for a while, maybe get some lunch. You can finish your story." The single piece of toast I grabbed wasn't cutting it for me, I was hungry already.

We settled on a small diner off the touristy part of town with few patrons in it. We got a booth around the corner from the main seating area and sat side by side so that Jasper could speak softly without worry of being overheard. I was sure it looked cozy to an outside perspective, but it didn't matter. I ordered a large salad for myself and a club sandwich with fries for Jasper as well as a couple of cokes.

When the waitress left I whispered for him to continue. We hung out in the diner for close to two hours, whispering to each other in our booth. The staff probably thought us in love as Jasper told me of the horrors of his past and how he was saved by Peter. How he met Alice and came to be controlled by her. How he finally was saved again just recently by his only true friend in the world.

I told him how glad I was that he had Peter and that I wanted to meet him soon.

"You realize he is a human drinker?" Jasper asked me.

"I figured he was, is that a problem?" I asked back, slightly offended.

"No, I suppose it isn't." he dipped his head. "I'm sorry."

"Diet doesn't bother me as much as you seem to think. A vampire drinks blood, that is how it is. I'd prefer it if he was... selective." I trailed off. "But I can't even judge that really. I'm not exactly selective when I eat either. I eat what tastes good to me, not what is kindest to my prey."

"But you're human. Doesn't it bother you to know that my brother kills and drinks your kind?"

"It probably should, but then, I don't expect I'll be human all that much longer. I don't think I'll be the type that goes around killing innocent people, but I can't imagine going veggie either. I guess I don't know what to expect, so I'm trying not to set goals for myself that I can't reach."

"Peter and Charlotte are usually selective in who they pick. It isn't for altruistic reasons, but for convenience. Certain types of people are not looked for if they go missing. It makes it easier to avoid detection if you stick with those types. Occasionally they will find someone that is particularly appealing and will make an exception, but as far as I know, it is rare. I haven't been with them for a long time so I'm not up to date on their hunting practices.

"They invited me to join them, hunting humans. I didn't go because I was afraid you wouldn't speak to me if I showed up with red eyes. I'm sorry, I should have had more faith in you." He said softly, leaning his head against mine, his eyes searching mine carefully.

"We hardly knew each other Jasper. We'll get there eventually." I told him, keeping my gaze locked on his.

"I hope so." He said seriously.

I started to feel guilty about the charade we were acting out for the strangers in the diner. As domineering as Alice was, she was still Jasper's wife. Here I was, holding his hand and whispering in his ear, staring into his eyes. She thought of me as her best friend at one point, I didn't doubt that, no matter how messed up things had gotten.

"Jasper," I began, "are you really done with the Cullens? With Alice?" I asked, hesitant.

"I still have to go back, to let them know I am officially leaving their coven, but yes I am. Before I came to Forks, we were in Seattle with my lawyer." He told me. "I've taken care of most of it, but Alice doesn't know yet unless she's had a vision. I don't think she has or I'm sure I'd have gotten a call about it.

"I've only recently realized that she has been lying to me for years, telling me that we were mates. I guess I have always known we weren't but I wanted to believe her so much that I let myself go along with it. I was so lonely when I met her, so broken and lost... I needed something to believe in and she was there. She helped me, but it wasn't without a price. I just can't pay it anymore."

"So you are getting a divorce?" I squeezed his hand, encouraging him to continue.

"Actually," he laughed. "I just had Jasper Hale declared dead."

"Wow, so she's a widow." I raised an eyebrow.

"In a way, I suppose so. Legalities get a bit blurry when you're as old as I am." he joked.

I wasn't ready to talk about the Cullens in a public setting yet, afraid I'd lose it and make a scene. It was getting late, time to head home and give him my story. At home if I had to cry at least no one would stare at me.

"Take me home, I have a story to tell you this time." I said, getting up. He paid half the bill which I wanted to argue about, but decided to let go since it fit in well with the act we were putting on. Besides it was a very modern thing for him to do, something no old-fashioned man would dream of doing. It indicated he would like to take care of me, but respected my boundaries, so I let him have his way on it, sending him only a bit of mild annoyance.

After a quick trip to the restrooms, we were headed back home.