(Bella)
When my alarm clock went off, I reflexively flung my arm out, swatting at it until I found the snooze button. Just a few more minutes, that's all I needed. I wasn't usually one to abuse the snooze feature, but I was especially tired this morning. I pulled the covers over my head to block out the early morning light and groaned, rolling over until I was wrapped into a tight ball.
A woman's soft laugh made me freeze.
"Quiet, you'll wake her up!" a male voice whispered loudly. The voice was smooth and deep, but unfamiliar.
I didn't recognize the person speaking. I stayed still, processing the situation slowly in my sleep befuddled mind until it came to me who the mystery people could be. It took an embarrassingly long time.
"Peter and Charlotte, nice to meet you." I said from within my blankets. I tried to struggle my way out, but I couldn't find the edges.
"Need some help darlin'?" Jasper's voice came from much closer, right beside my bed.
"Maybe." I said, already feeling exhausted from struggling. I gave up my efforts and waited to be rescued from my self-made prison.
He chuckled at me and with a few well-placed tugs, I was free. I took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling hot from being wrapped so tightly. I could actually feel my hair sticking up, no doubt from my attempts to smother myself. I blinked a few times, focusing in on Jasper first. He was leaning over me, still holding the edge of the blanket and smiling at me in a way that made me smile back involuntarily.
His golden eyes were a shade darker than his golden hair today. I wondered if he needed to hunt again. His hair was curly, hanging in ringlets to just barely brush his shoulders. It was thick and a little wild naturally.
His features weren't smooth and child-like as the rest of the Cullen men's were. He retained a ruggedness that made him seem like he could be older than he had pretended. I knew he was only nineteen, almost twenty when he was changed, but he could pull off maybe twenty-two or twenty-three easily.
He was tall, about 6'3", give or take an inch. While not as muscled as Emmett, he was obviously toned and reflected his status as a predator in his movements. It was almost shocking that so may times over the Cullens had managed to pass off Jasper and Emmett as high school juniors.
As I stared into his eyes, I wondered what color they were in his human life. He hadn't mentioned it and it occurred to me that he might not even know himself. He told me there were a few photographs of him in history books from his time in the civil war, but back then photographs were not in color and in such poor quality it was impossible to tell. I could imagine him with brown eyes like mine, or blue eyes like the Texas sky. Perhaps gray?
I was caught in his stare for probably too long, but I couldn't seem to look away. I was out of it this morning, most likely due to lack of sleep. At least I wasn't cranky, unless Jasper was using his gift on me. I tested my emotions and didn't feel anything foreign, so I guess the almost giddy feelings were all me.
My alarm went off again. Had it really been nine minutes? I stared at it confused, but now that I had broken eye contact with Jasper, I could almost think again. I turned the alarm off fully this time and looked around the room.
Oh, right... The other two vampires. They were looking at me like a cross between a zoo animal and an escaped mental patient. I was probably some of both at the moment. I studied the pair as they studied me.
Peter was almost as tall as Jasper. He had a more ordinary shade of blonde hair instead of the rich honey color Jasper had. It was straight instead of curly and cut a bit shorter, but still longer than most men wore it. Their frames and features were similar enough, especially around the eyes, that they could have been related distantly. His mate Charlotte was tiny in comparison, only about five feet tall. Her hair was platinum blond, slightly wavy and long. She had a nice figure without looking too top-heavy for her stature and she had a kind face.
"Sorry to have to run, but I need to fix this." I pointed to my head, internally laughing at their expressions. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
I grabbed some clothes and my toiletry bag, rushing from the room. I sent my amusement to Jasper on the way out, letting him know that I wasn't put off by his friends. I had noticed quickly while Jasper was telling me his story that he liked to communicate with emotion. It was like a secret language with him, one which I quickly learned to use. I loved being able to say more than simple words could convey.
I showered as fast as possible, not worrying about removing the vampire smell, knowing I'd just get covered again before I left the house. Maybe Jasper had some suggestions about that. I brushed out my hair, taking extra time with my appearance now that I'd blown first impressions to hell with my walking haystack impression. When I was satisfied, I made my way back to my room.
"You almost ready Bells?" Dad called up from downstairs.
"Just a minute!" I yelled back. I heard the front door shut behind Charlie as he went out to warm up the car.
Crap. I wasted too much time. I rushed into my room, ignoring my three guests and grabbed my purse and phone.
"Any ideas on how not to smell like a vampire around the wolves? You guys kinda smell bad to them and I don't want to stink up Jake's house." I said hurriedly while tying my sneakers. "Should I roll around in the woods or something?" I half-joked.
Jasper looked at Peter, his face conveying his request without having to ask.
"You told her?" he accused.
"Yeah, she's good." he said simply.
He growled and concentrated, then shook his head. "Won't work. Either it's because she's human, or I don't know her enough to do it, or a combination."
I realized he tried to erase my scent with his gift.
"Sorry Peter, I won't tell anyone. Jasper warned me that it was top secret. It might just be me blocking you as well. I haven't met with Eleazer yet to work on my gift. Maybe I'm keeping you out like I did with Edward." I shrugged.
"Take a walk then before going inside. You won't actually have to roll around in the woods though." Jasper said, looking thoughtful and completely serious.
I groaned, still feeling too tired to want to go hiking along the beach. The sacrifices I made for my friends. I doubt Jake would even appreciate it.
"Okay, well make yourself at home then. Just lock up if you leave. And don't eat the neighbors." I directed at the couple. "Or their pets." I said to Jasper before taking off down the stairs to the sound of Charlotte's giggles.
I grabbed a coat on the way out and got in the cruiser where Charlie was waiting on me. We didn't talk much on the way, neither of us awake enough to make conversation. I convinced him to stop at a drive-thru for extra-large coffees, my treat.
When I got to Billy's I headed straight for the beach, taking Jasper's advice. The wind was blowing steadily so I was pretty sure any remaining scent on me would be covered by the slightly salty breeze. It helped me wake up at any rate. I was glad for the warm cup in my hands, it was too cold out to be comfortable.
When I finished my walk, I texted Jake and let him know I was at his house. I didn't need him worrying about me all day or sending the pack around to check on me constantly. I wanted to spend the day thinking while I cooked. Making a plan for the day made me feel better. I would spend the morning cleaning up, then when it was a more reasonable time, I could take Billy's truck to the grocery to pick up supplies.
I had to get my head around the fact that I was missing the blonde vampire more than was normal considering we were virtual strangers a mere day and a half ago. There was just something about him. Talking to him was so easy. It was like we'd always known each other. Despite having been lied to and manipulated by vampires in the past, I trusted him much more than I probably should. Tomorrow I'd be spending the day with Eleazer, hopefully Jasper would agree to be my backup.
I didn't want the wolves there, if only to keep them from meeting more vampires and risking their tribe further. I had a feeling that the fact that they killed any vampires they met had been a large part of what was keeping them under the radar. Only the Cullens had been an exception and that might have been a mistake on their part. I would think that even the Volturi couldn't fault them for defending their land.
When I was done cleaning, I made a trip to the store and then started cooking. I made a ton of food, packing it into disposable single-serving containers for easy freezing and reheating. I would have to leave Charlie soon and I didn't want him to have to cook for himself for as long as possible.
Billy came into the room while I was frantically cooking, studying me for a while.
"How long?" he asked simply.
"I don't know for sure, but soon." I said, pausing. "Sorry for making a mess with the dishes, I'll clean up before I start on dinner."
"Don't worry about it." He looked sad. "What are you going to tell him? What am I supposed to tell him?"
"You can't tell him anything Billy. If you do, it would forfeit his life to the Volturi and all this would be for nothing." I said with a bit of venom in my voice. "The secret must be kept, the same as ever." I continued portioning out casserole, giving myself something to do. "I'll keep in touch with him as best I can, give him as much closure as I can."
He nodded and I thought he was going to leave. I turned around, about to put another dish in the oven when he spoke again.
"He would be proud of you if he knew. Angry at you, but proud just the same. I voted against you, but not because I am against you Bells. I just could never vote to allow my best friend's little girl to go through what you are going to. No matter how willing, no matter the situation. I just couldn't."
I didn't turn around as I heard him wheel out and the TV turn on. I loved him for caring, even though he was stubborn to the end. I grabbed a portion of the casserole and a glass of milk from the fridge and brought it in to him.
"Some lunch?" I offered.
"Thanks Bells, looks good." he smiled at me.
I kissed his cheek and whispered, "I understand." patting his hand as I left him to eat.
(Jasper)
"Are humans always so... busy?" asked Peter after Bella left.
"Sometimes." I said, already missing having Bella here. We had spent the last day and a half together, but already I was... attached. "You'll get to meet her more later. She had to go put in some time with the wolves. They have been taking care of her and protecting her since the Cullens left." I explained.
I realized I was already thinking of myself as separate from them. I was a Whitlock again in my mind, not a Cullen. I wondered briefly if I ever was really a Cullen. I had never even taken the coven name, going by Hale most of the time to pretend to be Rosalie's twin and once taking Alice's name of Brandon when we were college students and were openly married. She never wanted to take my name.
They never really accepted me, I was tolerated. I was a project for Carlisle certainly, a pet for Alice, a stain for Edward and Rose to sneer at. Esme tried to care for me, but I was just another part of the burden she carried. Emmett was different though, he and I bonded.
"She's fearless. I don't think I've ever seen a human that didn't bat an eyelash at being in a room with three vampires before. Especially you and I." Peter said, pointing between us.
Most humans and all vampires seemed to sense how deadly we in particular are, as if it is an aura around us.
"And now you tell me she's off to play with a pack of wolves like it's no big deal." he shook his head.
"She threatened to fight me for my bike yesterday." I laughed.
"Should I be scared? I mean, she doesn't look so tough, but I'm starting to get concerned. Maybe you've met your match." he teased.
"I apologize for telling her of your gift without your permission, but I told her my entire story. I left out nothing." I looked into his eyes, sending him my seriousness. "Bella wants me to be the one to change her."
Peter scratched his head, looking thoughtful. "I trust if you felt you had to tell her you had your reasons. It's been a while since we've had a newborn around." He gave Char a reassuring squeeze. "The girl certainly doesn't seem boring."
"I like her." Char said. "It would be nice to have a woman around."
"She likes you too." I told her. "I could feel it, she likes both of you actually."
Peter studied me carefully, his emotions vacillating between excited and amused. "Not as much as she likes you, I'm sure." he mumbled.
I scowled at him, deciding to let the comment go for now.
"I was going to grab a quick hunt on the way over to the Cullen place. Bella pointed out it was tactical for me to keep my golden eyes while dealing with the wolves and Eleazer." I smiled.
"This keeps getting better, the girl's a strategist too?" Peter grinned widely.
I chuckled. "Sure is. She was the one that invited them to use the house. She figured if Carlisle once called her daughter it was her right. Doesn't mean I'm not going to go have a little fun with them though." I winked. "Up to you if you want to stay here or go there. The wolves patrol pretty heavily though so either way, watch yourselves."
Char and Peter exchanged a look, silently communicating the way mates often could.
"We'll stay here. Bella did offer we make ourselves at home after all."
"If there's trouble with the wolves, your best bet is stay inside and call her. They know there was an unknown vampire with her last night, but I didn't show myself. More of Bella's tactics." I gave her number, watching them quickly program it into their phones.
The three of us made our way downstairs, Peter and Charlotte seeing me out the back door.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't Major!" He called as I took off into the trees. As if that left anything, I laughed. Peter was nearly as reckless as I was and he was a born prankster.
I kept my senses alert as I ran, avoiding coming too close to any wolf trails until I was on Cullen land. I didn't run into anything more interesting than deer, but that was normal this close to civilization.
It didn't matter much to me anyway, it all tasted horrible. Carnivore was only slightly less horrible, but not worth going out of the way for. The Cullens seemed to notice the difference much more than I ever did. Maybe it was because they were desperate to see what wasn't there, or maybe it was down to the fact that I spent over eighty years on the good stuff and compared to that, no animal came close.
Just thinking about it was frustrating. Although I had drained the animal, I was still thirsty, but years of living the Cullen way had taught me that no amount of deer would remedy the feeling. I forced myself to continue the run to the house, ignoring the scratching in my throat. It was easier if I didn't think about it. I could almost forget if I was distracted enough.
I made more noise than usual as I ran, ensuring the vampires in the house knew I was coming. I could hear them inside, scurrying around, whispering. Their anxiety reached me before I could make out their words.
"Someone is coming!" Laurent said.
"Yes, someone is!" I said lowly letting some menace leak into my tone.
"Jasper?" Eleazer questioned.
I didn't bother stopping, running straight into the house, pausing only long enough to open the door. Esme would be pissed if I broke it and I didn't feel like repairing it. Construction was more Emmett's thing.
"Funny, I don't recall inviting you three into my home." I said, straight faced. Their fear at my sudden appearance sent a thrill through me. I projected submission to them and their eyes dropped to the floor, Eleazer reflexively pulling Carmen behind him. "Carlisle didn't mention it either. So why are you here?"
"You are correct, Carlisle didn't invite us." Laurent spoke. "Bella did. Forgive me if we have overstepped our bounds, the girl claimed it would be acceptable."
"What business do you have with Bella?" I asked.
"I came here at the request of Laurent to assist her with her gift." Eleazer said. "I was told she was to be turned soon and was to meet with the Volturi."
I studied them for a moment, feeling out their emotions. Finally I decided they were not trying to deceive me about anything and I relaxed, easing up on them with my gift. I could feel their relief as my power ebbed.
"I must thank you Laurent, for stepping in on Bella's behalf. I understand you destroyed Victoria?" I said.
"Yes, but I would have done that anyhow. I am surprised the Cullens left her after killing her mate like that. It seemed cruel."
"The Cullens don't think of things like normal vampires do, their instincts are dulled. I tried to warn them, but they did not listen. I'm glad the woman was shown mercy, even if it was later than it should have been." I watched Laurent carefully as I spoke. Even Maria was kind enough to make sure that whenever we killed half of a mated pair, we always finished the remainder. It was harsh to leave one alive. "Is there anything you desire in payment?"
"No, I only want assurances that the law will be upheld regarding Bella. The girl is at the heart of much conflict." he said.
"Do you know me by reputation? My true name is Major Jasper Whitlock, I was once involved in the southern wars." I told him casually.
"I hadn't realized you were him, the Major. I have heard of you." Laurent said, backing up a bit, eyeing the fraction of my scars that could be seen around my clothes on my neck and face more critically.
I raised my hand signaling him to relax. "I have been living in peace for the last sixty years, and you have not done anything to raise my ire. I have spoken with Bella and she wishes me to be the one to change her. I have extensive experience with newborns and will make sure she adheres to the laws. You have nothing to worry about regarding the Volturi."
"I will leave it in your hands then." he bowed slightly. I could tell he was still very nervous. "I will take my leave, as it seems things are handled here. Thank you for your hospitality."
"I'll be in touch." Eleazer told him with a small smile.
With a small nod to him, he grabbed his travel bag and zoomed out of the house like the wolves were after him.
Once he was out of sight, Eleazer cracked up. "Really Jasper, you scared him half to death!"
I suppressed a smirk. "He should be scared. I'm a scary guy."
He just laughed harder. "Come now, you are an honorable man, only scary to those that deserve it. I have your number."
He shook my hand, pulling his mate out from behind him.
Carmen gave me a small hug. "Nice to see you again, Jasper." she said.
"Likewise." I said. "Of course you are always welcome here, no invitations necessary."
"Thank you. We must catch up, I have a feeling there is much we need to discuss. Jasper Whitlock." Eleazer's eyebrow raised.
"You caught that, did ya." I said. Eleazer was a smart one, I suppose he'd have to be considering he was a former Volturi guard.
I filled him in on my return to my coven, including the fact that the Cullens were still unaware of it. He promised to keep it quiet as long as I didn't wait too long to let them know. I also made it clear to him that his involvement with Bella would be limited to assisting her with identifying her gift only. He seemed relieved at that.
"I am not anxious to get involved, as much as I respect Carlisle, I can't help but think he has made a mess of this situation." he admitted.
"Yes, he follows Edward's direction sometimes a bit too blindly. He needs to realize he is the coven leader, not his son." I said.
"Tell me more about Bella. She seems to be quite extraordinary. I have never known you to become so involved in human affairs before."
We settled down on the sofas. They had done a nice job cleaning up the place, the dusty furniture covers had been packed away and the rooms looked as they had back in September. The only difference was the lack of personal touches, pictures and mementos had gone to New York.
"She is that. The girl has been through hell, mostly at the hands of the Cullens. Hunted by nomads, and survived. She's got a lot of spirit." I smiled, thinking of her.
"Is it true then, she blocks Edward completely as a human?" he asked, curiosity emanating from him in waves.
"Sure is. He never got a single thought from her. She's even repelled my manipulations once. I don't know if she can do it on demand or if it was a result of stress though." I thought back, remembering how I had tried to make her fall asleep in the hotel room in Phoenix while we were on the run from James. It was like she flung the emotions right back in my face. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but now it took on a whole new light. I didn't mention Peter's inability to remove her scent earlier, both because he didn't want his gift shared and because it may have been a coincidence.
"Remarkable." Eleazer mused. "To be that powerful a gift in its human form will likely mean a considerable gift when she is turned. I'll know more when I see her. I suspect she could be a shield."
We left the heavier topics behind for a while and caught up on gossip. Carmen especially got a real kick out of hearing that Edward told Bella that Irena and Laurent were mates. After a while, I let them know they needed to stick to Cullen lands to hunt and made my way back to Bella's house.
I was feeling anxious to get back, just incase her father got there early. That and I was missing seeing my girl. I smiled, I liked thinking of her as mine. With me being the one to change her, she would be with me by necessity for at least a year or two after the change. I hoped for longer, but we hadn't discussed that.
I sent a wave of alertness followed by relaxation toward the house as I approached, a signal to Peter that I was here and it was all clear. He met me at the back door. I let him know that Laurent had left and there shouldn't be any issues with Eleazer and his mate.
It was about time to make another call to Carlisle, updating him on our pretend journey to Washington. The three us us went up to Bella's room, Peter taking the rocking chair while Char and I sat on the bed.
Carlisle answer right away.
"Jasper! Good to hear from you, I was beginning to worry. Just a moment, I need to get in my office first." I waited for a short time, listening to the sounds of a hospital in the background.
"Sorry about that son, I just started at an urgent care clinic. It's smaller scale than the hospitals I usually work at, but very challenging." He sounded excited.
"Glad you are enjoying it." I told him. "We are nearly to Forks now, about to check into a hotel to charge our phones. I would have called you earlier but I wanted to preserve the battery." I lied smoothly.
"Of course, I hadn't considered the constraints traveling as you have been must put on you. It has been too long since I have done it that way. Perhaps the family should try it next time we take a vacation, just for fun." I tried to picture the Cullens of nomads. Peter's face almost made me start laughing.
"That's an interesting idea." I told him. "Anyhow, I'll call you when I'm charged up and have a chance to look around Forks. I should have an idea when we will be back to New York soon after as well."
"Excellent." Carlisle said. "I hope Bella has been doing well. Remember, don't disrupt her life, I feel terrible about all we have already done to my daughter." I was surprised at the amount of remorse in his voice.
"Only what is necessary, you have my word." I didn't say that his version and mine of necessary were worlds apart.
"One more thing, I haven't told the rest of the family that you will be checking on Bella. I didn't want to get their hopes up. So if you speak with them, don't mention it." he pleaded.
"I agree with you, best not to say anything yet." I responded eagerly. "I have to go now, the phone is about to lose power. Take care Carlisle."
"You as well Jasper."
I hung up, grinning.
"That couldn't have gone any better if we planned it." Peter said.
I couldn't agree more.