Hi everyone, sorry I have not updated. I know some people are asking about an update and schedule, but unfortunately the schedule is just when I get some free time. I am working on getting ahead so I can be consistent, but I will update when I can. Sorry again, but I hope you enjoy this short chapter. None of the characters are mine or anything just a reminder. Have a good rest of your week!

Chapter 17

JPOV

When I surfaced in the desert of New Mexico I was stunned. I didn't know Isa could teleport, but I was distracted from that with the depression coming from the back of my mind. The Major was pacing in his little corner, upset and defeated. He never expected to be weaker than his mate.

You see, the Major is every bit of southern upbringing as he can be. He is controlling and possessive and protective and all he has ever wanted is to keep a mate safe. Now that we found one he wanted to prove his strength, but he went about it all wrong.

Isa sent be back to the room in the Cullen mansion telling me to go get something to eat, but I didn't want to be around others. I dressed in some jeans and boots with a comfy band t shirt and a cowboy hat. Alice would hate it, but I didn't give a shit. Tonight I was going for some good blood. I hadn't decided if I wanted it to be human or animal, but whatever it was I was going to decide.

I jumped out the window as I smelled Garrett rushing up the stairs. I could feel his anticipation and desire and I knew he wanted to talk, but I couldn't handle that right now. As I raced through the woods behind the house I thought about all of the time I had spent with the Cullen's and how I was just now beginning to feel like I had a place with Isa. She made me feel whole and accepted like they never could. Honestly, I have only ever felt like that around Peter and Charlotte and that is only a fraction of the completeness I feel with her.

As I was thinking all of this through I ran up on some elk, and while not the best tasting it would do what I needed which was take enough of the burn in my throat away. It was probably better that I did not go for humans tonight. The Cullen's would be very disappointed and I couldn't handle their guilt and condescending nature tonight.

After feeding, I decided to sit by a waterfall that I had come to enjoy. The peace that radiated from the spot is what originally drew me there, and now I could think clearly without being influenced with others emotions.

I didn't want to go back to the Cullen's yet. They were going crazy and Isa still felt far away, so I wouldn't see her even if I did go back. Instead, I sat down to meditate. I wanted to fix this gap between the Major and I. I could tell Isa was back to a whole person with the General, but I don't think she was ever as broken as I am. She is a strong female and I am lucky to have her. The Major will just have to get that through his head.

Before I began the internal struggle that is communicating with my other half I stretched my gift out as far as it would go. I wanted to be alone. No one knew where this place was, and we weren't expecting trouble, but I am always prepared for it. As it was I did not sense anyone and I closed my eyes to tune out the rest of the world.

I listened in on his inner musings, just trying to get my bearing and be ready for when he noticed me. I didn't want to get pushed to the back as I normally do. He was really deep in thought. As I waited for the right time to break in a sound from the right of me caught my attention and my eyes popped open.

I had only been meditating for about 20 minutes, but it was enough. When I opened my eyes I saw the one woman I never wanted to see again in my life. The Major came to the surface as he sensed the danger that was around us.

There were about 50 newborns circling around me. Escape was impossible unless someone came to find me, and I knew that was not possible, but I was not going down without a fight.

"Mi Amor, how have you been? I have been missing our time together and thought perhaps you would return to the South with me." Maria purred her words to me, but any effect they had before was long gone. Isa was it for me.

"Sorry Maria, but I am not the same man that left all those years ago, and I cannot return with you. I have other obligations at the moment." I was trying to be polite so I could see a way out, but she knew a lot of my tactics and was reluctant to play into them.

"Ah Major, you seem to think you have a choice. You do not. You will return with me. By force or choice. It is up to you." Her silky voice draped across me like fresh sheets, but I was not interested.

"No Maria…" The signal was given at my first word. The newborns were released from their trance and told to attack. I am a force to be reckoned with. Don't get me wrong, but they were well fed and angry and motivated. I was grossly outnumbered, so while I was able to easily take down about 20 they were getting some good bites in.

After 15 minutes of fighting, I had 25 new scars, 1 arm and ripped clothes. I knew what was coming and as I dodged a grab for my legs, Maria came up behind me and took my arms as one of the commanders grabbed my legs. Luckily my head was left attached. That was a true pain in the ass to fuse back on and I knew it would be unfortunate if Maria or one of her soldiers did it.

As it was Maria wanted me to feel every bit of being dismembered and punished. I had never felt anything like this pain before, but I would not show her weakness, so I stayed still and quiet. This would be the worst pain I have ever been in. I started to retreat into my mind thinking of my beautiful Isa. The perfect warrior goddess that she is and the pain was just secondary to the tug I felt in my chest as her face came to mind.

"Bring me the bags. We are taking the Major back to camp like this and after a few weeks he will be ready to comply with me. I don't want to be out here too long. If anyone gets word we could be in trouble."

I was stuffed into some duffel bags and slung over the backs of the newborns. We would be running all the way to Mexico. I just hoped Isa was okay. I would get free from this and get back to her.

I felt the venom draining from my limbs in the bags around me. I was getting weak and the hunger of the newborns was not helping my control at all. This would be interesting to say the least and definitely painful.

The only hope I kept was that my mate would be safe. She can take care of herself. That much I have seen in the past day. I will wait for my chance, then I will take my leave from Maria's hell hole. But this time I will kill her. Once and for all. For all the pain she has caused me and those close to me. This I vowed.

Thank you for reading. I will update when I get a chance. Leave a review if you feel like it. Have a good week everyone!