(Bella)

Alone time with Jasper was great, but I was glad to see the rest of our coven. As strange as it was, I had missed them in the short time they were gone. I stretched on my tip-toes and gave Jasper a quick kiss before pulling away to say hello to the others. I kept hold of Jasper's hand, but I made sure to touch everyone as I greeted them, needing a physical connection.

"So, Charlotte said you seemed eager for us to get back. Missed me already little sis?" Emmett said happily.

"I did actually." I winked at the big guy. "But the reason I wanted to know if you were coming back soon is Jay was getting hungry."

"Oh!" Emmett looked at Jasper warily, then at me. "You okay bro? Not tempted to call room service and snack on the staff, are ya?"

"Nah, I have great control." Jasper laughed. "I have something to admit actually. I never actually had an accident when I was with the Cullens." He paused to let the words sink in.

"Seriously?" Emmett's jaw dropped open in shock. "Huh... and you kept it from the gifted duo?" His face scrunched up in thought as he processed exactly what that meant, how many times Jasper had wilfully killed humans while living with the Cullens.

"That brings us back to the point. I need to hunt and I've decided to do it in the city." I watched the realization filter though the rest of the coven. "I'm asking that you all accompany us to help protect Bella."

Peter nodded. "Better than splitting up and we can't leave little belle here. Char and I would be glad to join you."

"Emmett, I understand you may not be comfortable with participating in this." Jasper paused, watching his brother's face. "But I'm asking for you to come with us. You just need to help guard, that's all. I won't involve you in the hunt itself, just keep close to Bella."

"I want to watch you hunt." I interrupted.

"Bella, it would be safer if you stayed with Emmett." Jasper insisted in a commanding tone.

"I didn't ask you what was safer. I'm staying with you." I wouldn't let him decide what was in my best interest. I would soon enough be hunting on my own and I wanted to see. Jasper explained to me how hard it was for him to hunt, how much the emotions effected him. I didn't want him to have to go through it alone.

His jaw was tense as we stared at each other, neither of us wanting to give ground. It was Emmett that broke our battle of wills.

"Jay, good luck with that one. Bella never does what is safe. I thought you knew that already?" He laughed, slapping Jasper on his shoulder heartily. "I've got your back, but I don't think I want to start hunting humans. I've always hunted animals except for a few mistakes. I think I want to get used to things now that I'm a Whitlock before I go changing what works for me."

Jasper smiled, punching Emmett lightly on the shoulder. He sent some frustration my way, but I detected his acceptance as well and a bit of anticipation. He wanted me to watch him. I felt myself getting a little bit aroused at the thought. I saw his nostrils flare and he pulled me close, kissing me firmly.

I smirked at him as we made our way to the elevators, ignoring the chuckles from the others.

"What did you two do while we were gone?" Emmett asked suggestively.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I teased back, putting my arm around Jasper as we descended to the lobby. I felt Jasper's amusement as Em guffawed loudly, shaking his head.

"I like this new you Bells. You're different, much more confident. Edward was holding you down."

"I've done some growing up." I shrugged. "I was a girl then and he was my first boyfriend."

We decided to walk, the streets were still crowded even though night had fallen. Emmett took point, his large frame clearing a path easily. Jasper and I followed him, his arm around me keeping me shielded from being jostled as we strolled. Peter and Char brought up the rear, protecting us from behind.

Our procession made our way down the block, Emmett getting directions from Peter. I was surprised at how quickly the area went from touristy to inner city. Within a few minutes of walking, it was like an entirely different place. I could feel the difference in Jasper's stance as he moved. He was more tense, his eyes scanning and his nose obviously taking in the air. Emmett dropped back beside me as the sidewalks became more empty.

"I hear something." Peter said. "One block east."

"Sounds promising." Jasper replied and we turned at the next intersection.

I couldn't detect anything with my ears, but the pace of my companions increased and I had to speed up to stay at Jasper's side. Soon, even I could hear something. There was the sound of a man crying out and several other's drunken laughter. They sounded cruel and vicious and it made me nervous. My instincts warned me to avoid the situation, that there was danger ahead.

Jasper halted our progress when we were close. He pushed me gently into Emmett's arms and held my hands in his, meeting my eyes.

"Bella, I know you can feel the danger ahead. Please don't fight me on this darlin'. Stay behind Emmett. I won't let you go in there knowing you could be hurt. Please, do this for me, allow me to make it safe first." He pleaded, dropping to his knees before me and kissing my hands softly.

I couldn't possibly refuse him, despite my desire to witness everything. I couldn't deny that anything could be waiting around the corner, hiding in the darkness. The cries of the one man, obviously in pain, reminded me that there was danger. His attackers could have weapons. Vampires may be impervious to bullets and knives, but I was not.

"I'll stay back with Emmett." I promised. "Only until as long as it's necessary."

Jasper got up swiftly. He nodded to Emmett, communicating in that movement the trust he was putting in him and followed Peter and Char around the corner. I took a half-step toward their retreating forms before Emmett's hand reminded me to wait.

"I know." I told him.

I listened carefully as the laughing cut off and a few startled shouts were made. The victim was still pleading for help, as if he was oblivious to the arrival of the three vampires. Emmett pulled me closer, probably afraid I'd bolt and I shot him a disgruntled look. He just shrugged at me, shaking his head.

"You can come out now." Jasper called so quietly I could barely hear him.

Emmett picked me up, slinging me onto his back as I protested being held. I wanted to rush in, but he wouldn't allow it. I gave up, realizing I was getting no where against Em's hold around my legs and gripped his neck when I almost slipped backwards. He walked around the corner slowly and I peered around his thick neck, trying to get a good look.

The first thing my eyes focused on was a man lying on the ground. He had been beaten pretty badly. I could see the dim light reflecting off the blood on his face. Both his eyes had swollen shut and it looked like his nose had been crushed. His clothes were drenched in blood and he was muttering pleas for help and for his attackers to stop through his split lips. He was so bad off he hadn't even realized the attack had ended, I realized. I felt a surge of pity for him. I wondered briefly what happened. Was he a lost tourist? Did he do something to anger his attackers or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time?

I tore my eyes away from the victim. Jasper held a burly man against the building by his neck, cutting off his ability to speak. His arms were pinned behind his body and Jasper's position kept him firmly against the wall, unable to move. I looked for Peter and Char, but I wasn't able to find them.

"Closer Em." Jasper whispered.

Emmett walked slowly, watching the scene with as much horror as I had. When we were almost close enough to touch Jasper, he continued.

"I'm not sure we can save the man these thugs were attacking. He's lost a lot of blood, he may not make it until an ambulance can show up. Peter and Char took the other two deeper into the alley already." Jasper kept his eyes on his prey as he spoke. "We'll wait until they are done until we bring this back there. It's too exposed here."

"We can't go now?" I asked softly, not wanting to linger and risk the injured man dying. His cries had almost stopped.

"No, we need to give them their space. Even this close to each other isn't ideal. Our instincts make us want to defend our kill."

"It's like that for all vampires." Emmett agreed. "Even when hunting animals. Not even Rose liked me near when she was hunting." He looked toward the end of the alley curiously, seeing more than I could.

"Apparently, it's another obvious sign I was blind to." Jasper huffed, projecting his chagrin. "Mates can share prey without triggering defense instincts. I should have seen it."

As we waited for Peter and Charlotte to finish I tried not to listen to the dying man. Emmett shifted uncomfortably under me as I clung to his back. I slid down, standing on my own next to him. I could smell the blood from here and I was glad that since Edward left me I had conquered my aversion to the smell of it somewhat. It still made me a bit queasy, but I no longer passed out or threw up. Mind over matter. I wondered if Emmett was okay. If I could smell it, I was sure he could.

"You alright Emmett?" I asked. "With the blood?"

"I think so." He said tensely. "It helps that you're here. I don't want to risk hurting you, so it's a little easier to resist."

He didn't sound very confident and Jasper growled.

"I can tell you are struggling. The man won't make it, I won't judge you if you give in. If you can't handle it, then go back to the street and guard from there. We will take care of the rest." Jasper spoke calmly, but there was no doubt of the dismissal in his tone.

Emmett hesitated for a moment, looking back and forth before turning and fleeing toward the street. I watched him go until his large back turned the corner.

"I'm proud of you brother." Jasper whispered, his voice still able to reach Emmett's ears. "You made the right choice for you and that is what counts. Don't let anyone tell you what to do. Decide for yourself, no regrets and no doubts."

I couldn't hear Emmett's response, but I was pretty sure he said something by the way Jasper's head tilted. He half smiled before turning his eyes back to the scum he had against the wall. A minute later, Peter and Charlotte walked into view hand in hand. Their eyes were bright red from their recent meal.

"Are you sure?" Jasper asked me.

"Yes." I said, sending him my sincerity.

He lifted the man by his neck, his lips slightly blue from lack of oxygen, but still conscious enough to struggle. He kicked his feet uselessly and clawed at Jasper's grip. I followed behind Jasper, making sure to keep out of the way of the flailing limbs.

The alley came to an end against another building, large dumpsters blocking the view of the street. It was so dark back here that no one could see this far anyhow. I stepped carefully, making sure not to trip on anything. There were mushy cardboard boxes piled against the side.

I expected to find two bodies, drained of blood, lying on the ground. I searched the edges and didn't see them. I wondered if they were hiding in one of the dumpsters or under the cardboard. Once Jasper led the dangling attacker and myself to the very end, he stopped.

"No sudden movements Bella." He warned seriously. "Don't approach me until I tell you it's safe to."

"Okay."

His eyes reflected the light as he studied me closely, making sure I agreed to his demands. I came closer, trying to see as well as possible in the dim light, my eyes finally adjusting as much as they were capable of.

(Jasper)

I checked Bella's emotions, making sure she understood fully the danger she would be in if she tried to come to me before I was back in control. I didn't think I would hurt her, but I didn't want to find out. I felt her acceptance, but stronger was her curiosity and a bit of anticipation. I wanted to growl at her for being so confounding.

I positioned my prey carefully, he was weak from lack of air. I had held him by the neck for so long he was barely conscious now. It made it easier to maneuver him to his knees and bend his head to the side, exposing his neck. I noted Bella moving a little closer, her pupils wide to take in as much light as possible. It made her eyes look dark, as mine must be right now.

I should have told her to back away, but I doubted she would listen. I hadn't had a slip in quite a few years, too many. As I allowed the scent of his blood to enter my nostrils, the venom flowed freely, scorching it's way down my throat as I swallowed the excess. This would be a thousand times better than an animal and my body was craving it in the worst way. I held back, allowing myself to build up the anticipation for a few moments longer.

I could feel the man in my arms regaining alertness as his breathing was no longer constricted and his heart beat sped up. It made me even more excited, knowing the blood would be even sweeter if it was flavored with his fear as it pumped into my mouth.

I sniffed his neck once more before meeting Bella's gaze again. Slowly, I lowered my mouth down, letting my teeth rest on the vein for a few seconds. I could feel the vibration resonating through my teeth and it made me moan softly before I drove them into the soft skin. I sealed my lips, not letting any of the liquid escape.

It was exactly as I remembered and everything I had been missing. I growled as I drank, my eyes rolling back in my head. I reflexively tightened my grip, hearing a rib snap before I realized my mistake and relaxed. I was almost as eager as a newborn to drink and if I wasn't careful I'd make a mess. I growled a little louder, letting out some of my energy vocally as I felt his heart pumping the blood into me.

The flavor was unparalleled. I had gotten lucky, there was only a little alcohol in his system but no drugs. While they wouldn't effect me, they did taint the flavor. I could feel his fear and pain escalate, causing chemicals to be released into his system that made my sensitive tastebuds erupt.

My gift went into overdrive. Everything the man was feeling in his final moments was magnified by our contact. If it wasn't for the frenzy of bloodlust I was feeling overpowering everything else, I'd have dropped him right there on the pavement. Unlike most of my past victims, he was feeling anger instead of sorrow and regret. This piece of garbage didn't have a single shred of remorse for what he had done.

I bit down harder, feeling his pain spike. As the human blood infused my tissues, I felt the increase in power that came with it. Animal blood may sustain a vampire, but it's no substitute for the real thing. I would be physically stronger and quicker, faster and more agile after this. My gift would be easier to control and able to extend for longer distances.

I could hear the heart stuttering and I moaned, pulling harder at the wound wanting more. I had been thirsty for so long, never satisfied on the animals I had fed on. Forced to absorb six other vampire's thirsts like a sponge. I needed more. His heart stuttered a few times and I desperately sucked on his neck, getting every drop I could.

It wasn't enough, he was nearly dry. He breathed his last and his heart ceased and I dropped his corpse in anger, letting out a low snarl. I searched with my gift, feeling Bella close. Even in my state, I knew she was not prey. My Bella was not food. I looked farther, feeling pain and desperation. I smelt fresh blood spilling onto the ground.

I hissed, furious that someone was allowing blood to go to waste. My vision was still hazy with bloodlust and I checked my surroundings for threats. Seeing no one nearby, I slung Bella onto my back and darted to the wounded prey, dragging him back toward my other kill quickly. I heard Bella gasp and shushed her, sending her soothing emotions.

When we were secluded once again, I pulled unconscious man to my lips and bit him quickly, not wanting any more of his blood to go to waste. He didn't even cry out, he was injured badly and didn't have long to live even without my influence. I drank greedily, feeling sanity returning as the blood ran out.

By the time I dropped his spent body, I was feeling almost like myself again. Reality slammed into me as I felt Bella's warmth on my back, her small hands on my chest as she held on. I looked down, the two bodies lying on the ground before me reminding me that I had lost control.

"Bella!" I whispered. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you darlin'?" I didn't dare move, afraid to touch her in any way, even though she was touching me in her position.

"Jasper, it's okay. I'm fine, I promise." She said softly. "Can I move now?"

"Yes." I said, forgetting that I told her to wait for me to give her permission earlier. "I'm so sorry."

I dropped to my knees, allowing her to find her feet. She was slightly wobbly, which worried me even more. I was too scared to face her so I froze, closing my eyes. I could feel Peter and Char's concern, but they were with Emmett waiting on the sidewalk. Emmett was angry with me, understandably so.

When I reached out to Bella, I could barely feel anything. She was blocking me. My heart sank when I realized she didn't want me to know what she was feeling. I had disappointed her, I let her down.

"Bella, I'm sorry." I whispered again.

"Jay, it's okay." She said, coming around to face me. I stubbornly kept my eyes closed. "Look at me." Bella demanded.

With my gift at full power, I felt her annoyance when I didn't comply, even though her emotions were so muted. More afraid of displeasing her further than of the pain I knew was coming from the rejection I deserved for acting so inappropriately, I opened my eyes.

Hers were the same deep chocolate as they ever were, endlessly warm. Mine would be bright red, the blood of that poor man coloring them as much as the criminal who beat him. Bella's hand stroked my face softly and I felt understanding wash over me.

"Jasper, he was dying. Even I could smell his blood. Don't blame yourself for what happened. He probably wouldn't have made it to the hospital, you said so yourself." She reasoned. "I'm safe. You didn't hurt me."

"I... didn't even consider hurting you. I needed more, but not you." I whispered. "You're mine Bella." I touched her hand against my cheek.

"I know." She smiled, opening herself up to me a crack. "I could feel you the whole time. Are you going to be okay with your gift?"

Bella was trying to comfort me? I looked at her confused. Was that why she was holding her emotions at bay? To keep me from becoming overwhelmed? I studied her for signs of shock or fear, sniffing for any scent of injury on her.

"I'll be fine darlin'. I was just worried about you."

I stood carefully, moving closer to her by inches, hoping she would allow it. Bella met me halfway, tucking herself into my embrace as I held her to my body. When she let me feel her emotions fully I smiled huge. It was like a tsunami washed over my soul, but I loved every second of it.

I heard Peter clear his throat and pulled back. He was right, we couldn't linger here. It wouldn't pay to be discovered with the bodies.

"I'll show you what we're doing for cleanup tonight." I said reluctantly pulling away. I could feel curiosity from Bella and I wondered at her fortitude.

"The dumpsters?" She guessed.

"Not a bad idea, but this time we had a better option." I lifted a manhole cover easily, exposing the old sewer lines of the city. "Careful, don't fall in." I warned her.

"Oh!" She exclaimed. "Won't the bodies clog up the plumbing?"

"Normally it's a possibility, but in this part of the city no. It's original tunneling, not like the modern stuff that is more compact. You could dump a car down here if the hole was big enough."

I dropped both bodies down to join Peter and Charlotte's kills, hearing the splash as they joined the human waste below. The smell was atrocious, but I tried to ignore it. Being in a city there were a lot of smells to ignore. Once I put the cover on, it got a bit easier.

"Hey Peter, think we need to do something about the blood on the ground?" I called out.

"Nah, with no bodies there will be nothing to connect it to. Besides, it's supposed to rain overnight." He called back.

I picked Bella up, carrying her to the mouth of the alley before setting her back on her feet. I didn't want her to trip on any of the trash that was on the ground. I was still feeling like I had a lot of explaining to do, but this wasn't the place to do it. Emmett seemed to forgive me when he got a chance to look over Bella and decided she was fine.

The walk back to the hotel was quick. The only detour we made was when Bella saw a vendor selling sunglasses and insisted we both buy a pair. I agreed considering it would make flying tomorrow easier. It was startling to see my red eyes reflecting back in the mirror provided to try on the glasses before purchasing them. It had been so long and it stirred a lot of memories. Not so much of my slips, but of spending time with Peter and Char.

When we got to the hotel, Bella surprised me by sitting on my lap, copying Charlotte's pose at the other end of the couch. Emmett gave us a cheeky smile as he plopped down in the middle seat, throwing his arms out along the back of the couch.

"I feel so left out." He pouted. "No one is sitting on my lap."

"Maybe you should ask Peter." Bella snarked.

"He's not my type. I'm done with blondes." Emmett winked.

I laughed, glad there was no tension lingering from earlier. I was worried when I felt Emmett's anger, but the big man wasn't one to hold a grudge.

"So, was hunting everything you thought it would be?" Peter asked Bella.

"Yes and no." She replied thoughtfully. "I didn't know what to expect exactly."

"The Major was a bit pent up. I should have thought of that little belle, sorry. If I had been thinking, I wouldn't have left ya alone with him like that. It was foolish."

"No, Jasper wouldn't hurt me." I felt her trust. "I was never in any danger from him." She snuggled into my shoulder making me smile.

"He's right Bella. I was out of control for a moment there." I admitted, feeling ashamed.

"It was the blood." She said obviously. I looked at her confused and she rolled her eyes. "I mean the man bleeding. If he wasn't there, I know you'd have been okay."

I considered what she said and had to concede that she might have a better grasp on the situation than I did. I sent her agreement and shrugged.

"It was different than before. I didn't feel so much guilt after." I pondered. I could feel Emmett's confusion so I elaborated for his benefit. "The reason I struggled so much after the wars was my gift. I could feel everything my prey felt as I killed them and it lingered with me long after the fact. I became depressed, spiraling deeper into it each time."

"Not this time though?" Em asked.

"No, that man... he felt nothing but anger. He didn't care about anyone or anything. The other one, well he was so far gone he didn't feel much at all."

"Do you think it's because of the type of person you hunted? Or was this just random chance?" Bella asked me.

"Maybe some of both. I'm sure even criminals are capable of fear and regret, just not this one." I pondered.

Bella yawned loudly and I realized she must be exhausted. She slept on the flight last night, but that couldn't have been enough or the right quality of sleep for all that had happened since.

"Let's get to bed sweetness." I urged her. Turning to the others, I said, "Our flight leaves in the morning. Make sure you're ready to head to Montana in the morning."

"Yes sir." Peter nodded, getting up with Char and heading to their room.

"Goodnight you two, have fun." Emmett said with a wink before leaving for his own room.

As enticing as the idea of having Bella alone in that plush bed was, I knew she was tired and I didn't want to push her. I had no intentions of doing anything beyond holding her while she slept.

"I'm going to shower first." I told her when we got in our room. I could tell she was nervous. At my words she seemed relieved.

"Okay, I'll stay awake until you get back." She promised.

Grabbing a pair of cotton pajama pants, I sped from the room allowing her privacy to change and took a fast shower. Vampires didn't need to shower unless we got dirty, but the hot water felt nice. Our skin didn't produce oils or odor and our hair was naturally soft and didn't get greasy.

I examined myself in the mirror giving Bella a few extra minutes to get settled before joining her in the bedroom. My scars were on full display since I wasn't wearing a shirt. Bella hadn't reacted with the same disgust that Alice always had, so I decided not to hide them.

My eyes stuck out startlingly in my face, still vibrant red. For so long they had matched the color of my hair, but I was already getting used to it. I knew from experience by tomorrow morning they would be a more muted shade of red, losing the intensity of the fresh hunt.

I heard the rustling of the bedcovers and figured it was safe to return, opening the door slowly so as not to startle Bella with my entrance. The lights were off in the room save for one bedside lamp and she was sitting up, watching me as I walked up to her. Her eyes drifted from my feet up my legs, taking in my exposed chest before settling on my face.

I could feel her approval and it made me smirk. Her skin pinked slightly, but she wasn't embarrassed. It was a reaction to my form coloring her cheeks. She slid over, making room and patting the bed between us. I felt myself responding and willed my body to relax. Using my natural speed, I took her invitation and joined her. She giggled at my eagerness.

"Red looks good on you." She said, touching my face.

"I didn't scare you?" I checked, still not convinced. She slid down under the covers, leaving them lying across her waist as she arranged her pillow.

"Nope. You were projecting to me the whole time. It was intense, but not frightening. I could feel your thirst, which was strange. I could also feel how protective you felt toward me, how you..." She struggled for the word to describe the feeling. "I can't explain it."

"Show me." I asked, curiously as I mirrored her position.

Bella closed her eyes, concentrating but all I was getting was frustration. After a moment she blew out a gust of air and opened them again.

"I'm trying, give me a moment."

She became very still, focused. Then she reached out for me, touching my face with one hand and my chest with the other. Her eyes focused on mine and I felt a complex emotion coming from her. It was protective, but so much more. There were strands of adoration, possessiveness, devotion, and a half a dozen other things, all entwined around a core of pure love.

"Mine." I said the only word that came to mind.