I Felt Hope: An Alice & Jasper Story

by IntoTheTwilightRPG

The story of Alice and Jasper's first meeting all the way up until finding the Cullens. Rated MATURE for a reason. :

13. Chapter 13

13. Old Friends

Jasper slowed his pace along with Alice, shifting his position into a crouch as well when as the scent became pungent around them, accompanied by movement of the animals. He let go of Alice's hand, moving through the brush as silent as death. He didn't breathe, relying only on his hearing to direct him. As he drew closer he caught glimpses of dark fur through the trees. The scene in front of him caused a grin to curve his lips. All of them were lying down, full after a hunt and licking the blood from their muzzles and feet.

In a quick blur of movement Jasper shot through the trees, moving to a large black wolf who clearly screamed alpha, lying amidst the others. He snapped his neck, before quickly darting after a second, giving it no time to react as he sunk his teeth into the thick fur of its neck. The others scattered toward the trees, dithering on what to do having just lost their alpha male. Jasper paid no heed to them, being too hungry to care. As the warm liquid touched his lips and coursed down his throat he found himself hugging his arms around the animal's neck, greedily pulling it closer to drain it of the sweet liquid filling his mouth and quenching the fire and sparked hunger in his body.

He let the animal's lifeless body drop and swiftly moved to his other kill. The blood was cooling but still warm as he sunk his teeth in and it flooded his mouth, coursing down his throat. He kneaded his teeth against the warm coarse fur as his teeth slashed through sinew and muscle, the hunger in his eyes dulling to satisfaction as he drained the animal of its blood.

Standing nearby while Jasper fed, Alice decided to search for Peter and Charlotte again since the task had been interrupted earlier. They were heading in a northwesterly direction which would eventually lead them into Canada, hopefully placing them closer to their goal. She made the decision to follow their current route and was happy to find that Peter and Charlotte's faces were still clear in her mind.

Jasper was still occupied when another vision broke through, causing her smile to widen. Edward. She could see him standing there, laughing and teasing her, playing piano, going on hunting trips with Jasper… A feeling of love flooded through her, more so than it had with the visions of the others. She and this Edward were going to be exceptionally close, sharing a special bond due to their unique gifts that caused each of them often to live in their own little worlds. She wanted to see more, hear more of what he had to say but he faded away and her eyes refocused on the present. Jasper was just finishing up with his last meal when she skipped over to him.

"I saw him!" she chirped happily, bouncing up and down in her excitement. "I saw Edward and he's lovely! We're going to be so close, just like a real brother and sister! Oh, I can't wait!"

Jasper snapped his head up, having just drained the last few drops from his meal when Alice was suddenly there chattering excitedly about one of the coven. He blurred up to his feet, instantly recognizing her voice and turning an amused look to her as she bounced up and down going on about this Edward. The excitement was tangible, thick around her. "Excited, are we?" he asked, reaching out to take her hands into his.

"How could I not be?" she asked, laughing. "He adores me! And we tease each other all the time and Jasper, you'll never guess! He can read minds!"

"Read minds?" Jasper repeated, growing slightly alarmed. His eyes drew wide as he processed this piece of information. Suddenly he felt insecure. Being a very private individual, he didn't like the fact that soon everything he held personal would be laid out bare. His remaining human memories, his past with the wars and his personal life with Alice, which he held exceptionally special, would all be laid out in the open for Edward to just read as if those memories belonged to him. He felt the corners of his mouth turn down in a frown at the very thought. "That's um...very interesting," he commented.

"You're unhappy," she said, reaching up to cup his cheek. "What is it?"

"Well..." he began, flashing his gaze to hers when she reached up to cup his face. "It's just that…my thoughts are very private and I don't feel very comfortable sharing them. That wasn't something I was expecting…" he said with a hint of displeasure in his tone. It bothered him and he wasn't going to deny that.

"It's not like he can help it, Jasper," Alice chided. "Just like I can't help having visions. I can see where that, too, might make people unhappy…having me know their every decision, seeing everything they do. Besides, he's a very nice person…unfailingly polite and very much a gentleman. I'm sure he would exercise discretion regarding anything he heard."

"Whether he can help it or not…it bothers me," Jasper argued as the frown on his face grew. "I don't particularly like it…" he said, apprehensive. He knew it wasn't Edward's fault and underneath his displeasure, he couldn't blame him for something he couldn't control. "I would prefer he just stay out of my head," Jasper said. "But apparently that's not an option..." he mumbled, sighing. "So I'll make it a point to keep him out…to the best of my ability."

Alice mirrored Jasper's frown except that her bottom lip quivered. "It is an option," she said softly. "We could always not go…"

Jasper sighed as he caught the heartbreaking look on Alice's face and suddenly felt his argument crumbling. She was so pitiful that he couldn't stand to look at her without a swell of sympathy. He could never break her heart that way, not ever, and he wasn't going to start now. "No, we'll go," he murmured shifting his gaze to her face finally and leveling his eyes with hers. "This is something that makes you happy and I won't strip that from you..." he said, attempting a smile. "I'm sure I'll warm up to everyone… eventually," he assured her.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes skeptical as she took in the expression on his face. "I don't want you to go just to make me happy. We do things together or we don't do them at all. I can't say I wouldn't be sad if we didn't go find them…I would be. They've been in my mind as long as you have. But knowing you are unhappy hurts me more…"

"Positive," he replied, flickering a slight smile. He could never deny Alice happiness in any form."If you're happy, I'm happy," he said in a voice as soft as velvet. "And if going to live with this coven makes you happy, then I'm happy and I'll be at your side…" he said with a chuckle.

Alice wanted to smile but something was holding her back. "Do you know," she said thoughtfully, "that you always say what makes me happy makes you happy? Always. But never once have you suggested even one thing that you want that would make you happy. You don't even tell me when you're thirsty and need to take care of yourself!"

"I'm aware of that..." he stated with a slight frown. Alice's happiness meant more to him than his own. He held her on the highest pedestal and above anything else she came first. He couldn't bear to see her upset and he could safely say that her contentment held impact on himself. Her contentment and joy shown light on his entire existence and he constantly found himself doing anything he could to make her smile.

"Is there nothing you want or prefer?"

"Of course not," he said. Obviously he wanted her to be happy and that was all he required. "Your happiness means more to me than anything else this life has to offer. You are my first priority..." he said letting a warm, loving smile spread across his face before quickly pecking her on the lips.

She stared at him in open mouthed shock. "Well stop it!" she breathed, her voice disbelieving. "You're not an automaton, you're a person! I appreciate that my happiness means so much to you but Jasper, it's not always about me all the time!" She threw her hands up in front of her to prevent him from arguing. "For instance, right now in this moment, what do you want? Want do you want to do? Where do you want to go? It doesn't matter but pick one and that's what we're doing, got it?"

He stared at her, not expecting that reaction in the least. The truth was that he needed her happiness to ensure his own. He needed her to smile and laugh. "I want to go find Peter and Charlotte…" he said, flickering a smile. "Then I want to get married. Then I want to find this coven," he said, unsure of her reaction as he eyed her expression.

She gave him a wry smile. "I said pick one and that's three and suspiciously all things you know I want to do. I'm not going to win at this, am I?" she laughed.

"No, you're not," he said, giving her a slightly amused smile. "I can be quite stubborn. Suspiciously, I want to do all three," he chuckled.

"The truth is…I need you to be happy, which is why I go through so much to ensure it. I need to see you smile and hear your laughter because your being happy keeps me happy and it keeps me from falling back into the depression that, before you, I thought I'd never escape…" he said with a touch of sadness in his eyes. "I can't be happy, unless you are," he added, in softer tone. "This all must sound completely selfish..." he added, averting his gaze from hers.

"Oh," Alice said simply. She hadn't even thought about it before and yet it made sense to her now. "So it's an empathic thing?" she asked, taking his face between both her hands and turning it back to her. Her face reflected the sadness so evident in his eyes. "I didn't realize… I mean, I hadn't guessed that that was why. I just didn't want you to sacrifice what you want for me. Like you, I only want for you to be happy at any cost."

"I open doors for you and carry your things because that's what I should do, morally speaking. I do it because I enjoy taking care of you. But yes, the other part is an empathic thing," he said, shifting his gaze back to hers when she took his face between her hands and turned it back toward hers. "I enjoy making you happy…and making you smile. So you see? You are doing something for me in return…even though you don't realize it. You're helping me to better myself and giving me the confidence that I can't give myself. Each time you smile it gives me hope. Your joy and your excitement draw me toward you. You keep me from falling back into the darkness..." he said, offering a weak smile. "Your happiness is all that I want, because I need it. I need you…" he murmured.

Alice stared at him for a long while, unable to speak or even to move. She was touched beyond words at what he had said and suddenly she understood what he had meant each time he had professed that he needed her to be happy. That need ran deeper than she had guessed. He had told her that she had saved him but for the first time she realized just how much.

Jasper fell quiet, taking in Alice's expression. He wondered if perhaps he'd said something to upset her. Sampling the mood around her, he discovered that she wasn't upset but overwhelmed with a sudden sense of understanding and love.

If she could have cried she would have. Instead she just leaned forward and placed her head against his chest, wrapping her arms gently around him. She closed her eyes and tried to project exactly what she was feeling to him, hoping that he would feel the overwhelming happiness that buzzed through her like an electric current. It was her way of saying thank you to him for everything he was.

Jasper opened his arms and let her cave into him as her little arms wound around him. He smiled, moving to enfold his own arms around her as she settled into place. The overwhelming feelings of contentment, happiness and love swirled around him in a tangible fog causing Jasper's smile to grow. He squeezed his arms around her, pulling her closer as those feelings continued to exude from her like a current of electricity penetrating the surface of his clothes and skin and coursing to the depths of his soul. "I love you..." he murmured, placing his cheek against the top of her head.

"I love you too," she sighed, breathing him in. "So you win I guess… I'll let you pamper and spoil me if it keeps you happy. We'll call it a sacrifice on my part." She laughed, the sound like bells on the breeze.

"Thank you," he murmured, both thanking her for letting him win and understanding. He kissed the top of her head and slid a hand up to cradle her head against his chest.

"We should keep moving, just to be safe," she said. "Before I saw Edward I was able to determine that we're currently on the right path to find Peter and Charlotte if we keep moving northwest so I think that's a good place to start.

"That would be a good idea…" Jasper agreed, as he unwound his arms from Alice and took up her hand. Suddenly their surroundings sent a chill down his spine. "Shall we?" he asked, squeezing her hand and beginning to move off, toward the north. They needed to find Peter and Charlotte soon, before they moved. Nomads didn't stay one place for long so it was in their best interest to find them as soon as possible.

Alice took off into a run with Jasper, the apprehension she felt coming off him fueling her to maximize their speed. She had a feeling that their encounter with the newborns was worrying him more than he let on and if he was worried then she had a reason to be downright terrified.

Jasper's concern for Alice's safety fueled his apprehension and he realized Alice must've felt it because at that precise moment she picked up their speed. He'd tried to no avail to hide his concern from her. Scared was the last thing she needed to be after their encounter with the newborns. Still, he couldn't shake the feelings of apprehension even as they barreled through the forest, leaving behind them the scene of the fight and the foreboding atmosphere.

"Maybe once we get a bit further from here you can give me my first fighting lesson?"

"Of course," he agreed when she asked about her first lesson.

"I had thought maybe after you had hunted but perhaps it's better to wait until after we cross into Canada… Just to put some distance between us and whatever else may be out here? You seem concerned about where we are even though you've tried to reassure me. I must confess that I feel uneasy as well."

"I'd prefer to wait until we cross over the Canadian border," he agreed, unable to hide the worry coloring his tone as he flashed his gaze to her. "I must admit, I am somewhat concerned..." he admitted in hesitation as Alice pointed it out. "My concern lies in your safety and I'll feel better about it once we get out of the territory," he said, mustering a half hearted smile. It took a lot for him to admit weakness but Alice seemed to be able to draw things out of him fairly easily.

"I think I'll feel better, too," she replied. "I can still see them in my mind. I doubt I'll ever be able to forget…" If it were even possible her speed increased and soon she was ahead of Jasper, dragging him along by the hand.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that," he said, letting a frown crease his lips. Alice had seen something he'd never wanted her to see. She'd witnessed him as he had been in his previous life. The very thought sent a shudder through his body at seeing Alice so scared. Jasper picked up his own pace so as to not be dragged when Alice picked up her speed.

"We should be across the border in a few hours if we don't stop. Is that alright?" She looked at him, assessing the color of his eyes. They were beginning to turn a muddy orangey red from the animal blood. She smiled, looking forward to the time when they would once again be a beautiful gold, the color complementing the blond of his hair and the paleness of his skin.

"Sounds good," Jasper breathed, suddenly feeling as if three hours were an eternity. He knew if they kept running without stops then they could make it across the border in that time but the nagging thought of Alice's safety continued to torment him. The sooner they could get across the border and put some distance behind them, the better. He would also feel better once they found Peter and Charlotte.

His gaze shifted to Alice's as her eyes searched the depths of his own and a smile touched her lips. He gave her a gentle smile in response. The sudden bout of happiness she exuded was palpable around him.

"I've planned the wedding in my mind," she commented, a smile spreading across her face to replace the fear.

Jasper's eyebrows shot up in response. She'd mentioned plans for the wedding earlier but he had no idea that she'd already planned it and from the sound of it, she'd planned all of it. "You have?" he asked, unable to hide the tinge of fear in his tone. His mind quickly scanned through the prospective scenarios as to what exactly she might have in store.

Alice nodded. "I've seen it also and it's going to turn out beautifully. Charlotte is going to help me and she's very resourceful. I was impressed. And you and Peter are going to look very handsome."

"Y-you and Charlotte?" he asked as his eyes drew wider. When she mentioned he and Peter, he swallowed hard in response. "What um, what exactly do you have planned?" he asked, curious but worried.

Alice gave him a wry look. "So no fear from an army of newborns but at the first mention of a wedding ceremony you look terrified?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Jasper, it's not going to be that bad! In fact, I think you'll rather like it."

It wasn't the wedding that had him nervous. No, it was the outfit he would be forced to wear. In fact, he had no problems with letting Alice handle the wedding. It seemed to make her happy to do so and he was more than willing to oblige but he couldn't be sure about what she was going to pick out for him to wear. "Not the wedding..." Jasper replied, chuckling.

It helped to talk about more pleasant things as the forest and its shadows flew by them as they ran. Somehow, she almost had the feeling that someone was chasing them though there was no scent of another vampire anywhere in the air. Still she searched the future, deciding to be cautious. There was nothing to find but that knowledge didn't dispel her unease completely.

Despite his qualms about the wedding, Jasper was happy to see Alice's mood shift from fear to excitement. However there was a tenor of unease underlying her dominant emotion. She still held concerns about the forest around them and he hoped soon that they could leave that behind.

She laughed, trying to keep her mood happy for him as well as herself. "Are you afraid of what I'll dress you in, is that it?" she asked.

"Well…" he began, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth. "Kind of, yes…" he admitted. "I never know what to expect," he chuckled.

Alice smiled as her eyes darted around them. "Okay so what would be your worst case scenario?"

"Worst case scenario?" Jasper asked, lifting an eyebrow. His thoughts raced as he ran through all the different clothes Alice was capable of shoving him into. The possibilities were endless. "Well...worst case scenario would be you deciding I go naked…" he laughed. Although he highly doubted that. At least he hoped not. The next horrifying item that flashed into his mind was a shirt with frilly shirt. Dear God, surely she wouldn't do that.

Alice's feet almost faltered as she ran, the visual image his words brought about causing a wave of desire to wash through her. "Well that might be worst case scenario for you…" she mused, with a coy smile.

Jasper's eyebrows shot up as he caught her coy smile and his own lips quirked in response. "I'm sure you would enjoy that..." he hinted, chuckling. "But no, that would not be my first choice of attire for our wedding," he said, faltering slightly on the word wedding. The word struck a chord of permanence in him causing his eyebrows to pull together. Marriage had never been on his agenda up until recently. The word still felt foreign on his lips as he spoke it and in his ears when hearing it from her.

"No, you will be wearing clothes so there's no need to worry. In fact," she said letting her eyes drift to that future and then back again, "you're going to love it!"

"Really?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow. "And I don't suppose you could tell me exactly what you have planned…"

"Of course not!" Alice gasped. "It's a surprise! And don't you try to figure it out either! I don't want you to know a thing and I plan on swearing both Peter and Charlotte to secrecy as well. Everyone is going to be plotting against you," she said with a giggle.

Jasper frowned, realizing that Alice wasn't going to budge. She was steadfast and something about her secrecy worried him. What could she possibly have planned? He eyed her suspiciously. "That's not fair…" he sniffed, clearly not happy that he hadn't gotten through her barrier. Then a wry smile spread across his face. "Peter will talk..." he said, narrowing his gaze.

"Hmmmm…" she said thoughtfully, tilting her head and searching the future once more. A triumphant smile spread across her face. "No, he won't!"

"Yeah, well..." he began, about to argue with her logic but he fell silent. "Fine," he muttered, frowning sourly.

"We should probably hunt again once we cross the border. We'll be so busy searching for them that we won't have time to—" Another vision flashed into her mind and excitement became her dominant emotion. Could it really be that easy, she wondered?

"Yes, hunting would probably be a good idea..." he said, nodding in agreement. "Because we may not be able to do so for a week or so…" he said, puckering his eyebrows.

"I know where they are going to be! It just came to me! The forest outside of Winnipeg! It's going to be sunny tomorrow, too sunny for them to stay in the city. They're going to retreat to the forest where we'll be hunting. My visions will point us in the right direction and then as we get closer they're going to pick up your scent and come to find us! If this is true, then Jasper, we should be with them tomorrow!"

Jasper's mind reeled as Alice began to chirp excitedly about Peter and Charlotte. "Really?" he asked, slightly shocked that it could be that easy. "You're certain?" he questioned. "It's that easy?" he asked, an elated smile touching his lips.

Alice grabbed Jasper by the shoulder, screeching to a halt. "I can see it!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down. "I can see them there with us in the forest! I can even see the way the sunlight will filter through the trees! It's certain, Jasper! I even see the wedding…I see the exact day! It's in two days! Two days from now we'll be married!" Unable to control herself any longer she jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

Jasper jerked to a halt, turning to give Alice a slightly frightened look when she began yelling excitedly and jumping up and down. He wasn't sure how to react to her sudden burst of exuberance as she continued to chatter about finding Peter and Charlotte and about the wedding. The excitement she felt was as thick as a fog in the air, seeping into his flesh and bone. He felt the warmth spreading inside of him and he found the bizarre look he had plastered on his face shift into one of contentment. He moved rather quickly in securing his arms around her when she leapt up and locked her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. "Married…" he breathed, giving her a wistful smile. He loved the way it sounded. "Yes, yes we will..." he chuckled, as Alice's infectious mood became his own and he spun her around.

Alice couldn't help but to descend into a fit of giggles. Everything had worked out better than they could have hoped, almost as if every puzzle piece were falling perfectly into place, almost as if it were meant to be... Seeing visions of the future had given her a unique perspective on life and often times she had encountered situations that were best described as inevitable. Things either lined up in just the right way to make something possible with little effort or, no matter what a person's free will or how much they diverged from the path, the end result was always the same. It was for this reason that Alice believed in fate and everything about Jasper seemed to fall into this category.

"Oh!" She jumped down, her expression one of almost panic.

Jasper's excitement quickly disappeared when her mood shifted to panic. "What? What is it?" he asked urgently, hoping she hadn't seen something that would potentially put her in danger.

"There's so much to do for the wedding! We have to hurry, come on!"

He breathed a sigh of relief when she went on to explain about the wedding. "Well, what all do we have to do?" he asked.

"You don't have to do anything but Charlotte and I are going to be rather busy tomorrow!" she said, her excitement bubbling over. She tilted her head to the side with a thoughtful look. "I wonder if... Oh, yes, that will be wonderful!"

Jasper couldn't help but chuckle given Alice's excitement. It was so thick in the air that it almost seemed infectious. He was glad to see that she'd moved on from the attack earlier. "But isn't it my wedding, too?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow in confusion. "Shouldn't we both be making decisions?"

Alice took his face in both her hands and tilted it to where she was looking deep into his eyes. "Trust me," she whispered. "Later you're going to tell me that you wouldn't have changed a thing. I want to surprise you. It will mean so much more."

"Alright…" Jasper sighed. If it meant that much to her, which it seemed to, he wouldn't spoil her plans. "I'll take your word for it," he said, quirking a smile.

Grabbing Jasper's hand again, she raced through the forest with new determination, pulling him along with her towards their happy future.

Alice stood perfectly still, examining their surroundings and trying to see if they matched up to the exact place she had seen in her vision. Suddenly the clouds dispersed over the treetop canopy and rays of sunshine filtered down just as she had envisioned. A smile spread across her face and she squeezed Jasper's hand.

Jasper's gaze roved the forest, both searching for other threats and keeping an ear out for possible meals. He took up a sentinel position next to Alice out of habit and strained his ears to catch any noises, close or far off.

"This is it," she whispered. "They should be here any moment now." She turned to him with a frown. "Do I look alright?" she asked, reaching up a hand to worry her hair and smooth her coat.

Jasper chuckled. "You look beautiful, as always," he complimented, giving her the once over with his eyes. He tensed out of habit when Peter and Charlotte's scents blew on the wind in his direction. He recognized them almost immediately and turned to Alice. "That's them…" he said, grabbing her hand and pulled her off toward the scent.

"Is it silly that I'm nervous?" she asked. "I guess it is considering that I already know what's going to happen. Still, I can't read minds so I don't know what they'll think of me and I want so badly to make a good impression to your friends..." Alice chattered on uncomfortably as they walked, not able to resist tweaking her clothing once more.

"Silly?" he asked, chuckling. "No, it's not silly. I doubt they'll be judging you," he assured her, trying to ease her nerves. "There's no need to be nervous. Trust me," he said, quirking up his lips into a smile and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. As she chattered on, clearly uncomfortable, he tried to do his best to ease her worry. "You look fine…" he repeated, as she once again straightened her clothes.

Up ahead a male vampire with long blond hair pulled into a cue at the nape of his neck came into view, a ray of sunshine hitting him full in the face and revealing his surprised expression. A female vampire about the size of Alice and also with white blonde hair appeared but hung back almost out of sight, her gaze surprised but wary.

Jasper couldn't believe his eyes when Peter and Charlotte came into view, having not seen them in ten years. And yet there they were, just as Alice had predicted. He shifted his gaze to Alice briefly before sampling the moods radiating off of his friends. Peter seemed in awe and elated to see him but Charlotte was wary and nervous. He couldn't blame her for it. He was sure his treatment of her had been traumatizing.

"Jasper?" Peter asked, eyeing him as though seeing a ghost. "What are you doing here?"

He flashed over to them, holding out his hand for his old friend with a wide smile.

"It's nice to see you Peter," he greeted, receiving Peter's hand with his own. "Actually, we were looking for you..." he said, shifting his gaze to Charlotte. "Charlotte," he said, in a clipped tone and regarded her momentarily before shifting his gaze back to Peter and pressing a smile. "Have you noticed any unusual activity up here?" Jasper inquired, thinking of the newborns they'd encountered earlier and wondering if perhaps Peter might have seen something.

Peter's eyebrows knitted together before he laughed. "Besides you showing up out of nowhere after more than a decade? No, can't say as though we have!"

Jasper laughed, deciding not to bring up the newborns just yet. He would make it a point to inform him later.

"And who is this?" Peter asked, giving Alice a confused look followed by a friendly smile. He noticed the color of her eyes and his expression reverted back to confusion again as he leaned forward to examine them further.

"This is my fiancee. We're getting married and we'd like it very much if you'd be a part of our wedding," Jasper beamed, shifting an adoring look to Alice. It wasn't long before Peter noticed Alice's eyes, which Jasper assumed would cause some confusion. "Alice feeds on animals," he informed him. "She's converted me as well," he said, hoping that would quell the curiosity radiating off of Peter.

Peter stared at him as though Jasper had started speaking another language. Suddenly he threw back his head in laughter. "Jasper Whitlock is feeding on animals and getting married! Charlotte, do you hear this? Why, this is wonderful news! Can't say I agree with the diet myself. In fact, it's one of the strangest things I've ever heard but if you're happy then I can find no fault in it!"

Jasper laughed along with Peter and shook his head. "Yes, a far cry from what I used to be, I know," he agreed, pressing a lighthearted smile. "I'd never heard of such a thing myself, until I met Alice. Then I discovered I could feed without...consequences," he explained, chuckling. "It's refreshing not to have to suffer through my victims emotions…" he mused.

"I would imagine it would be," Peter said, pressing his lips into a thin line and nodding sympathetically. "And you, Alice? What are your motivations for such a lifestyle? Forgive me for being so inquisitive but I'm sure you can appreciate my curiosity at such a strange choice..."

Alice smiled, ducking her head. "That is a rather long story, I'm afraid. It has much to do with the circumstances of my creation as well as my gift. The short version would be that I awoke alone and saw two paths my life could take. I chose this one."

"And have you never fed on a human?" Peter asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

Alice shook her head, leaning into Jasper's side.

Jasper shifted his gaze to her, smiling gently and hugged his arm around her snugly when she leaned into him.

"Remarkable," Peter breathed. "To awake alone with no one to curb her newborn instincts and yet to resist completely! I never saw such a thing in our time with..." Peter's words trailed off as his gaze darted to Jasper. "Well, suffice it to say that it's unheard of..."

Jasper caught Peter's furtive glance and pressed his lips together, not wanting to delve into Maria and dampen the emotional climate. Alice didn't appreciate the mention of her and he wouldn't ruin the occasion.

Alice hugged her arms around Jasper's waist and beamed up at Peter before turning a smile to Charlotte standing just at the edge of the trees. Charlotte returned the smile and took a few steps towards them though Alice noticed she seemed to be keeping her distance.

Jasper shifted his gaze to Alice briefly and gave her an encouraging squeeze with his arms.

"Oh but Jasper is being very rude and I am forgetting myself as well..." Peter said, clucking his tongue. "Alice, I'm Peter," he said, taking up Alice's hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it. He turned and motioned to the female vampire standing several feet away. "This is my Charlotte."

"Rude…" Jasper muttered, rolling his eyes. "Where are my manners?" he apologized and gestured to Peter as he introduced himself. "Alice this is Peter…Peter, Alice," he said, moving through the introductions and gestured to Charlotte. "Alice, Charlotte…Charlotte, Alice," he said, casually gesturing to Peter's mate behind him.

Peter chuckled. "Leave it to Jasper to be so quick and efficient in his introductions. Still a man of few words..."

"Always will be…" he commented, quirking a slight smile.

"But how did you find us?"

"Alice has the gift of foresight..." he explained, regarding Alice with a soft smile. "She used her visions to guide us to you."

"Ah, a gifted immortal!" Peter said, viewing Alice in a new light. "Much like our Jasper here..." he remarked, clapping a hand on Jasper's back.

Jasper laughed nervously as Peter clapped him on the back, suddenly feeling as if he wanted to crawl in a hole and hide. Nothing made him more nervous than being the center of attention.

Peter turned to look over his shoulder. "Charlotte, darling, don't be shy! Come meet Jasper's mate, Alice."

Charlotte moved in a blur to stand in front of Alice, her eyes and face kind as she regarded her. "It's very nice to meet you, Alice." She flashed Jasper a cautious smile. "Perhaps we should let the men catch up on things while you and I get acquainted?"

Jasper regarded Charlotte with a glance and a brief smile. He still held some feelings of guilt for what he'd put her through and seeing her now only reaffirmed those feelings. Even after all the years that had past he still remembered it photographically. He'd treated her like a pawn and would have killed her like one if it hadn't been for Peter. But it had been his friendship with Peter that had stopped him from going after them and thus letting them go when they made their move to escape.

Alice looked up at Jasper, standing on her tiptoes before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I would like that very much," she said, taking up Charlotte's arm and disappearing into the trees with her.

Jasper returned Alice's kiss, quickly pecking her on the cheek before she disappeared into the forest in a blur with Charlotte. He couldn't help but watch after her, concerned, as she disappeared into the trees.

Peter watched them go before turning back and elbowing Jasper in the ribs. "So where did you meet that one? She's very unusual. And you're getting married? I never thought I'd live to see the day! You always seemed to prefer being alone..."

Jasper laughed, moving to dodge out his way and mock punching him in the arm. "I met her in a diner in Philadelphia," Jasper said, thinking back to the first time he'd laid eyes on her. "She found me, actually..." he said, puckering his eyebrows thoughtfully. "Apparently I'd been in her visions years before we met and it was fate or something," he drawled. "Yeah, I know…I never thought I'd take a mate myself. I always preferred my own company, still do. But, Alice…well...she makes me feel things I never thought I could and I'm happy. For the first time in over a century, I'm happy. Now I can truly say I know how you felt for Charlotte, before I..." he said, faltering there at the end. "Yeah..." he trailed off.

"Jasper, no one faults you for that," Peter said, his voice level. "We all did things then of which we're not proud. That past haunts us all."

"I did a lot of things that I regret Peter…" he murmured, walking along casually next to him.

"I have many regrets as well," Peter agreed, nodding. "However, neither of us chose that life. It was simply something to be survived and survive it we did. All we can do now is live our lives such as they are... I have Charlotte who was my saving grace and now it seems you have found a bit of redemption as well in Alice. We should look to the future and not dwell on ghosts and shadows."

"Alice has brought to hope to my existence. Meaning even. You're well aware of my state of mind after I left Maria. The depression that plagued me… I never thought I would find the light at the end of the tunnel. But Alice has brought that light to me and for the first time I feel hopeful that I've finally found something to live for, something better. She gives me the strength and confidence that I lack on my own…" he trailed off, shifting his gaze toward the ground.

A small smile spread across Peter's face. "I don't think I've ever heard you talk so much, old friend. And especially not about yourself or your feelings," he chuckled. "She must be very special to have made such a change in you."

Jasper laughed. "Consider this a rare treat," he chuckled. "My feelings are...something I normally prefer to keep private. That hasn't changed trust me. But yes, she's quite special…" he said, trailing off. "How are you and Charlotte? Anything new?" he asked purposefully changing the subject, becoming somewhat uncomfortable with sharing his feelings.

"Not in particular," Peter replied. "I did run across a straggler from our time with Maria a few years back, just in passing. Benjamin. Though I doubt you'd remember him without laying eyes on him. I did the babysitting. You rarely got to know names unless you had a reason..." Peter cleared his throat. "Anyway, it appears Maria is still up to her old tricks. Benjamin barely escaped with his life. How he managed to get away from her he didn't say. I asked but he was reluctant to speak of her. I can't blame him really..."

"No," Jasper replied honestly. Names were not something that he had bothered with. They were pawns, expendable. "I saw so many newborns in my time…." he said, quietly. The only time he'd acknowledged they had a name was when he called them out to take the walk. His gaze shifted forward to the path ahead of them as Peter spoke. "I've made it a point to forget her, myself," Jasper said, frowning as if the words left a bad taste in his mouth. "I take it she's still creating newborns, then?"

Peter nodded. "Yes. I doubt she'll ever stop," he said, his voice haunted.

Jasper noted Peter's grim tone and shook his head. "She should be stopped," he commented cryptically.

"So far no one has been able to stand against her. Thought I hear that her army is not near as organized since your departure," he said with a satisfied smile. "She's had a rough time of it without you."

Jasper suppressed an amused smile. "Yes, my gift and my skills made me a deadly weapon which tilted the odds greatly in her favor. I'm quite certain she was rather fit to be tied when I left…" His gaze slid over to Peter. "I'm surprised she's given up so easily in looking for me."

"I'm sure her reaction was indeed a sight to behold," Peter said with a shudder. "I think she would have tracked us all down, you especially, if she didn't have her hands full with the constant wars..."

"I never thanked you for coming back for me…" he murmured. "I owe you a lot. If there's anything you ever need, let me know. I will always be there to assist you," he said, managing a weak smile.

"Well, Charlotte and I owe you quite a bit as well," Peter mused.

Jasper's lips curved into a smile. "You don't owe me anything."

"Oh, but we do," Peter argued. "Anyone else would have hunted us down and killed us both. You let us go…"

"You would've done the same for me..." Jasper replied, curving his lips into a smile.

"Yes, I would have," Peter agreed, returning Jasper's smile.

"Why were you asking about unusual activity? I know how your mind works. Something has obviously happened. I thought it best not to speak of it in front of Charlotte. I don't wish to upset her unless absolutely necessary."

"Because," he began, shifting his gaze to Peter as they walked, "Alice and I got attacked by a large number of newborns on our way here. Just outside of Canada, in fact. One got away, so I can't be sure if whoever created them will make more but I'm quite positive they will. What struck me as odd was the fact that we got attacked out in the middle of a national park…an animal preserve to be exact. Alice's visions run on decisions and she only saw the leader of the newborn's decision before he attacked us so I'm inclined to believe it was a reconnaissance mission and the lead newborn made the decision to attack us. Which brings me to my next question… What are they doing here? And why?"

Peter's expression was a mixture of disbelief and unease as he took in Jasper's information. "I haven't seen a newborn army since the day I came for you and we left the south. I hope to never see one again which is why Charlotte and I have remained far north of the southern territories. I find this most disturbing and puzzling as well. I haven't kept up with the happenings down south. In fact it is rare that Charlotte and I even encounter other vampires. Do you think someone could be ambitious? Possibly deciding not to challenge the older, more established armies of the south and instead have decided to claim land of their own in the north, where they would go largely undisputed? If they're intent on running out the nomads, that would explain their presence most anywhere. And if that is the case, then it may be prudent for Charlotte and I to move elsewhere..."

"Possibly," Jasper agreed, nodding. The possibility that someone may have gotten ambitious had crossed his mind. The grounds up north were untouched and open territory for any vampire that would want to claim it. All they would simply need to do is clear out the nomads. "I thought of that, myself…" he said, shifting his gaze back to Peter. "It seemed odd that they would be up here but if somebody got wind of the northern territories, then it's quite possible they're expanding their horizons…" he sighed. "Think about it Peter," he said, coming to a point. "Human populations are scattered up here. They could feed without caution or raising questions. If they were the only coven in the territory without competition they could likely claim most of Canada without any fear of challenge. It's a vampire's paradise up here..." he said, frowning slightly. "I didn't want to say anything to Alice because she's still quite shaken over the attack but I wanted to warn you, just in case…" he said.

"It has been a paradise," Peter said sadly. "Up until now we haven't had to worry about attacks or violence. We go into the cities when we need to feed and we stay in the dense forests when we need to hide on sunny days. It's been too good to be true obviously. And all good things must end..." Peter frowned. "I don't know where we'll go after this or how I'm going to break the news to Charlotte but I doubt we can stay here much longer in light of this information."

Jasper nodded, pressing his lips together in response. The situation didn't look good because others would probably follow. He scanned through all of the possible scenarios in his mind and still couldn't come with a plausible explanation. He only thought it be fair they were warned, even if he was overreacting. "Perhaps, overseas…" he mused, offering a suggestion. "I hear northern Europe would be ideal..."

"I'm afraid unless the Volturi step in again we'll be forever fleeing someone," Peter said, shaking his head.

"I would've thought after their last mass execution, most would have quit," Jasper replied.

"I think many would but to quit would mean becoming weak and the weak die, annihilated by those who choose to keep up the practice. The southern states have become nothing but a land of death and destruction," he sighed. "And so it will continue until the Volturi wipe the slate clean once more. Hopefully, after that day comes, we will have all learned from the past and it won't ever start up again."

"You would think…" he agreed. "But there are those among us that will stop at nothing to claim territories, power hungry and greedy for herd lands..." he replied, in a grim tone that mirrored Peter's. "I don't imagine the violence will ever stop. They will only get discreet and creative in their exploits..."

Peter nodded sadly. "Unfortunately you're probably right," he agreed. "But we should talk of happier things. It's been too long."

"Yes, too long," he agreed, smiling.

"Now what of this wedding?"

"Unfortunately, I don't know much about it…" he chuckled. "Alice has it already planned out and refuses to tell me anything," he mused. "She's prone to going overboard on things and I fear our wedding will be no different," he laughed.

"You said you wish for Charlotte and I to be a part of it?"

"Yes, we would be quite honored if you'd witness for us," he said, as a smile curved his lips.

"But of course!" Peter agreed readily. "Charlotte and I would be delighted to be a part of such a special occasion."

"Thank you, this means a lot to us," Jasper said, obviously grateful.

"As far as the wedding planning, perhaps that is what they are discussing now.

"Probably," Jasper chuckled. "They seemed very eager to disappear."

"Part of sharing your life with a woman, be she mortal or immortal, is learning just to agree with whatever she decides!" Peter laughed.

Jasper returned his gaze ahead of them as they walked casually. "Oh, I've come to learn that very quickly..." he laughed, shaking his head."There is no compromise nor is there argument. You just nod, smile and say I agree... Alice will get her way, one way or another. Arguing will only prolong the inevitable. I take it it's the same with Charlotte?" he asked, suppressing an amused grin.

"It's the same with all women. Intriguing creatures," he chuckled. "Speak of the devil..."

Jasper nodded, sighing when he caught the scents of Alice and Charlotte. His gaze shifted to the trees just as Peter spoke.

Alice and Charlotte broke through the trees hand in hand, giggling as they ran. Fast friends already they came to stand in front of Peter and Jasper, Charlotte leaning over to whisper in a conspiring manner into Alice's ear.

Jasper's gaze shifted suspiciously between them as they conspired with each other. They were obviously still planning.

"Oh yes, absolutely!" Alice agreed, eyeing them both with a smile.

Jasper's expression turned nervous when Alice eyed them up and down, smiling a very mischievous smile. He shot a nervous glance to Peter.

Peter turned to Jasper with a shrug. "See? They're plotting already," he chuckled.

"Yes, but about what? That's what's got me nervous..." Jasper replied, eyeing the two of them with a look of apprehension. "Charlotte…" Jasper addressed her. "What's going on?" he asked, narrowing his gaze.

Charlotte fought a momentary sense of panic to once again be the target of Jasper's authoritarian presence but she quickly recovered, feeling slightly more at ease around him since meeting Alice. "I have been sworn to secrecy but I can assure you that it will be to your liking. Alice has planned everything with you in mind."

Jasper felt confident he could have pushed Charlotte into revealing the details merely by using his authority. But he wasn't a bully and he wouldn't stoop to Maria's level of intimidation to get what he wanted. He relaxed, wishing for her to feel at ease and quirked a smile. "Oh?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow and shifting a suspicious look to Alice.

"Don't look at me like that!" Alice declared, laughing. "I've already told you, you're going to thank me!"

Jasper rolled his eyes and shifted his gaze over to Peter, shrugging. "Females," he sighed.

"Am I to be let in on the detail?" Peter inquired, smiling at Charlotte.

Charlotte shook her head. "No, I'm not sure you can be trusted to keep it a secret. You'll find it so amusing you're likely to tell."

Jasper stiffened on the word amusing. "Wait, what?" he asked, eyeing Charlotte with a slightly panicked look. "What do you mean 'amusing'?" he asked, shooting an alarmed look to Alice.

"It's just a choice of words," Alice reassured him.

"Very peculiar choice of words..." he mused, still giving her a look of suspicion.

"Don't worry. It will all be perfect. I would never embarrass you."

He shifted his gaze away from her, sighing as she continued on to explain and offered a weak smile in response. He had to believe she wouldn't do anything embarrassing, not at their own wedding. No, she couldn't. Could she? His gaze shifted back to Alice, unsure of her intentions.

"Charlotte and I are going to get started tomorrow. The weather should be such that we can make a trip into the city to make all the arrangements. A day should do it we think but we'll be leaving you two on your own. Perhaps you two can have some sort of vampire version of a bachelor party!"

Charlotte and Alice giggled again as Peter turned to Jasper. "What do you say, man? Perhaps we could run around the forest like savages while the women folk run their errands?"

"I say…why the hell not?" he chuckled, shaking his head.

I can't say I'm thinking of adopting the lifestyle but I am intrigued by the idea of hunting an animal, just for the experience…"

Charlotte shuddered at Peter's plans. Feeding on animals? It was the most repugnant thing she had ever heard! She was grateful that she'd be shopping and making arrangements with Alice all day instead.

He couldn't quite believe his ears when Peter mentioned attempting an animal diet. "Well, now..." he mused. "I think you might like it..." he said with an amused smile. "Stay away from the herbivores, they're bitter. The predators aren't so bad. They taste almost akin to humans."

"Really?" Peter marveled. "Well I can't promise to like it, but I'll try anything once. So after a while on this diet, your eyes will turn the same shade of gold?"

"After a couple of months, yes," Jasper replied, nodding. He was surprised to see Peter showing interest in such a thing, mainly because he and Charlotte were clearly man eaters.

"And who is to be marrying you?" Peter asked Alice. "I would imagine any human would be put off by Charlotte and I's red eyes and Jasper's aren't quite yet a passable human color..."

"I've already thought of that," Alice replied, repressing a smile as she looked at Charlotte and Peter's pale skin, white blonde hair and red eyes. "You and Charlotte are albinos and Jasper, if he hunts enough tomorrow, should have an eye color close enough to brown that it won't raise that much suspicion."

Jasper chuckled. "Albinos," he said, glancing between Peter and Charlotte and shaking his head. Alice was right. With their pale blonde hair, pale skin pigmentation and red eyes they could very well pass for being albino.

"Albinos?" Peter guffawed, doubling over in laughter. "Oh, this is too much! Now if I can simply resist eating the preacher I think this will be loads of fun!"

"Yes, please do," Jasper said, shifting his gaze to Peter when he mentioned eating the preacher. "We can't afford exposure…" Although he highly doubted Peter would do something like that on their wedding day. Peter would try to behave, that much he was sure of.

"Oh no, of course not," Peter agreed. Peter eyed the setting sun with a thoughtful eye. "Perhaps Charlotte and I should venture into the city for a meal to make it easier on ourselves."

"Yes, that might be wise…" Jasper agreed, not at all bothered by their plans. Up until recently, he'd shared their diet and so when they mentioned going into the city to feed, he thought little of it. "Best to take extra precautions…"

Alice stiffened at Peter's words, her happy smile still plastered on her face, as she worked to repress a shudder. She didn't expect all vampires to share her view of the hunting of humans but the casual mention of their plans to hunt still chilled her to the bone.

Jasper shifted his gaze to Alice, noticing the discomfort that Peter's casual words caused her. She didn't enjoy feeding on humans, the way most vampires did so when Peter casually mentioned going into the city to hunt, it had disturbed her.

"Darling?" Peter asked, holding his arm out to her.

Charlotte flashed over to Peter, linking her arm through his as she turned her head to Alice. "It was very nice to meet you, Alice. I will see you early in the morning. We have much to do."

"Yes," Alice agreed, drifting to Jasper and tucking herself into his side. "It was nice to meet you as well."

Jasper quirked a smile, lifting his arm as Alice tucked into his side and letting it settle around her shoulders.

"Jasper," Charlotte acknowledged, her eyes darting to him before she and Peter took off in a run through the dimming light, disappearing into the distance.

Jasper nodded once in acknowledgement to Charlotte before she and Peter took their leave.

"I like them," Alice said quietly. "Peter is very friendly and Charlotte, while quiet, is very kind."

Jasper nodded as a smile touched his lips. "Yes, they're very…unique," he chuckled.

"What should we do while they're gone?" Alice asked, turning her eyes up to Jasper's face.

"Hmmm... Good question," he mused with a coy smile. "I could teach you some self defense… Or we could, you know..." he implied.

"Hmmm, tempting..." she said, giving him a mischievous look. "However, in light of recent events, I think self defense might be the more prudent, if less exciting, choice."

"I agree. But you need to learn," he conceded slipping his arm from around her and positioning himself in front of her. "Ok," he said, thinking for a moment, his expression all business. "Let's pretend I'm an attacker…" he said, flashing a hand down to lock it around her wrist.

Alice flashed her eyes down, her expression doubtful as she took in the way Jasper held it. His hands were so big compared to her tiny wrist that his thumb overlapped his fingers, his grip so solid that she didn't see how she could possibly get free.

"Now, what you do is twist your wrist out of my grasp and yank it away. Got it?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Alice nodded slightly, eyeing his hand with a skeptical look for a moment before she twisted her arm, giving a good yank. When she failed to free herself she frowned, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout. "It's not working," she lamented, twisting her wrist and yanking again. "Hmmmm," she mused, her gaze becoming more calculating. Without warning she grabbed the wrist of the hand that held her with her other hand and swung his arm to the inside, bending it at the elbow and easily throwing him to the ground.

Jasper's eyes widened in surprise as Alice grabbed his wrist with her free hand and swung his arm, jerking him to the inside. Her efficient sweep knocked him clean off of his feet, his back hitting the ground with a crack. He blinked, staring up wide eyed at her with complete amazement and surprise.

"Does that work?" she asked, her face all wide-eyed innocence.

"Yes," he groaned, pulling himself up into a sitting position and knocking the dirt from his hair. "Very efficient…"

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" she asked, dashing to his side and crouching next to him.

"No, I'm fine," he said, beaming up at her. "Just a little disoriented," he laughed.

"You didn't expect that, did you?" she asked, a smile spreading across her face from ear to ear. "Perhaps my stature will allow me the element of surprise?"

"No, I didn't," he laughed, taking in the confidence she now exuded. "But, I think your right. I think your size will work in your favor," he said, quirking a smile.

"So what's next?" she asked, her face brightening a little at Jasper's approval.

"Well, since you seem to have that down… Shall we move on to blocking?" he asked, springing to his feet.

"Okay, what does that involve?" she asked eagerly.

Jasper smiled at her enthusiasm. She was taking to this better then he'd thought she would. "Ok…" he said, flashing her a quick smile and arranging her arms in a good defensive block. He stepped back, giving her a look of approval before flashing his gaze to hers. "Ok, now I'm going to attempt to punch you and I want you to try and block it," he instructed and balled his hand into a fist.

"W-what?" she asked, her mouth falling open in disbelief.

"Just trust me," Jasper said, taking in her expression.

"Make sure one foot is placed behind the other, because I could knock you off balance otherwise…" he interjected before moving to launch his punch. He jabbed his fist at her, slower than usual to give her time to react and instruct her on her actions.

As Jasper's fist came flying at her Alice squeaked out a yelp and ducked, her hands and arms covering her head. Trembling, she peeked up at him from under one of her arms.

Jasper pulled his fist back just as Alice ducked and covered her head. That hadn't gone the way he'd thought it would. He eyed her incredulously with a bemused smile. "Ok, well… Let's try this," he mused, puckering his eyebrows together. "I'll teach you how to make a fist and I'll block and you can watch how I do it," he offered.

Alice stood slowly, her face serious. "You're going to make me punch you now, aren't you?" she asked. She took a deep breath. This was the part she had not been looking forward to at all. The very idea of trying to hit him made her uncomfortable.

"Yes well, I thought it would be easier on you," he said, noting the reservation in her tone. "You're not going to hurt me," he reassured her, giving her an encouraging smile.

"It's not that, it's just the idea of it..." she said, frowning. "But I'll do it. I need to learn."

"Okay, so make a fist and curl your thumb over your fingers on the outside of your fist, not the inside," he instructed, placing one foot out behind the other and running through the blocks quickly. "Okay, high block," he instructed, crooking one arm over his head. "Low block," he said, extending the same arm out in front of him and lowering it toward his knees. "Regular block," he said, bringing up his other arm and raising the other to crook them both out in front of him. "Okay now just cock your arm back and fire away and I'll react accordingly," he instructed.

Alice looked at her hand, curling her finger in on her palm and placing her thumb on the outside of her fingers. She eyed it for a moment before she looked up at him and mechanically drew her arm back. She winced before letting her fist fly towards him.

Jasper's lips curved into a smile as her fist came hurtling at him. He moved with impressive speed and brought his forearm down on her wrist, knocking her fist away and effectively diffusing her attack.

Alice's arm was suddenly heading another direction, thankfully not making contact with any part of him except his arm where he had blocked her punch. "Huh," she said, mulling over what he had just done.

"See how easy that was?" he asked, giving her a brief, encouraging smile.

Alice nodded in reply. It didn't look so difficult she supposed.

"Want to try again?" he asked, grinning. "Try not to be so predictable. Mix it up a little bit. You want to make your opponent think you're going for the obvious but instead do something different, like aim for my face. Or try a leg sweep," he added with enthusiasm. Obviously he was enjoying the little sparring session. Alice needed to learn and he was more than willing to teach her.

Alice bit her lip and nodded meekly. She looked down at her hands again, carefully balling them into fists just as he had instructed before. She threw another punch at him, this time aiming for his stomach as she clenched her eyes shut.

Jasper raised up his arms, crooking them both up in front of him in a defensive manner when she balled her fists together. He reacted accordingly when she threw the punch, moving to sweep his arm low to deflect her punch.

Alice's fist was thrown to the side and without opening her eyes she brought her other one up in the direction of where his head had been moments before. He had told her to try and surprise him though she doubted that were possible. He was an experienced fighter and the only reason she had been able to throw him to the ground earlier was because he was going easy on her and had let her.

Jasper could've easily deflected the punch she'd thrown toward his face but instead he faltered after having deflected the one she'd thrown at his stomach and let her fist connect with his cheek, hoping that getting a hit in would give her confidence. He stumbled backward and flashed up a hand to rub his jaw. He knew if he kept deflecting her that that would bring down her confidence rather quickly. Discreetly letting her hit him now and again would give her the confidence that she would need.

Alice had expected her fist to sail through the air hitting nothing so when it connected with something solid her eyes immediately flew open to find Jasper staggering backwards and rubbing his jaw.

"Jasper!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. "Oh, I didn't mean it! I swear I didn't!" Her little hands fluttered around his face, her expression one of the utmost concern as she searched for any sign that he could possibly be injured, no matter how slight.

Jasper flexed his jaw as Alice rushed to his side. The concern radiating off of her was confirmed in the depths of her eyes. "It's ok. I'm fine…" he reassured her emitting a chuckle. She was obviously worried as her little hands quickly moved over his face. "Good job," he complimented. "Very tricky," he added, suppressing a smile and winking at her.

"Did you... Did you let me hit you?" she asked, accusation in her eyes. "You did, didn't you!"

"Of course not," Jasper objected, denying her accusation. "I was taken very much by surprise," he added.

Alice pursed her lips at him to suppress a smile of her own. "I bet."

"The newborns didn't seem to fight this way," she commented, a shiver working its way up her spin at the memory.

"They don't," Jasper replied, clearing his throat. "Newborns are all rage and brute strength," he informed her. "They're governed purely by their instincts and most often than not they only use frontal attacks. They're quite easy to predict. Never let them get their arms around you and if you're going to attack, attack from the side. They won't be expecting that. They only know how to attack from the front. Using tricks confuses them..." he explained, with a puzzled look. "Would you rather learn how to fight that way?" he asked. "I wanted to get the basics out of the way and teach you how to fight in general, then move on to the newborns but if you'd rather start there..." he said, trailing off.

"You're the expert, not me. They just...were really frightening. I can't seem to put them from my mind. It's scary to think that that is what I almost was. Brutal, violent, out of control..." Alice shivered and hugged her arms around herself.

Jasper shook his head and stepped forward. "But you're not…" he cooed, moving to wrap his arms around her. "You're not like that," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You never will be..."

Alice turned her face into his chest. "No, but they are like that and there could be more of them. What if next time it's twenty or thirty?" She hugged him closer, balling the fabric of his shirt into her little fists. "I used to be so naive. But I can't think that way anymore. All I can see are their red eyes and faces twisted in anger..."

Jasper felt her balling her fingers into fists in his shirt. Her words were muffled by the way she pressed her face into his chest but the worry, confusion and fear rolling off of her summed up her feelings. "If there is a next time then we'll handle it accordingly and by then you'll be prepared. Besides, we're with Peter and Charlotte now so we'll have help. You're safe here," he cooed, trying bring some comfort to her. "I love you and I'll never allow anything to happen to you. Even if I have to fight an entire army…" he promised.

Alice's fingers dug into his back. "I don't want you to fight an entire army," she said, her voice desperate. "I just want you to be safe. Please stay safe for me... I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you."

"Alice…" he began in protest, but sighed and shook his head. "I am safe," he said, his voice remaining soft. "But, I want to make sure you are too…" If he had to risk his life to do so, he would.

"What happens to me is of little consequence as far as I am concerned. I was afraid today but I was also watching you. You were keeping an eye on me even while you were busy fighting them off. If there had been more or if one of them had gotten to me and you had become distracted, you could have been killed." She shook her head sadly. "That's part of the reason I want to learn to fight. I don't want to be a burden. I don't want anything to happen to you because of my weakness."

"You will learn. I won't leave you defenseless again, I promise." His voice was soft as he pressed a kiss into her hair. "Nothing is going to happen to me… This is what I was born to do. Quite literally. I'm a soldier," he whispered, not wanting her to worry. But she did have a point. During the fight all he could think about was her and her safety. He'd kept a close watch on her while he fought and apparently she'd noticed.

"Next time I want you to run away, Jasper," she whispered, burying her face in his shirt again.

Jasper pursed his lips at her request. Had Alice's life truly been in danger and had they had a chance, he would've run with her instead of risking her life. Now she was asking that he choose running over fighting every time. Fleeing, like a coward instead of standing his ground. Alice's life was much more important than his pride but fighting was hardwired into his system. He wondered if it were even possible to flee from a threat instead of standing and fighting. If her life was truly in danger then yes it was. He would do it.

"I'll take it into account…" he sighed. "If a situation arises that I can't handle then we will run. I'd rather run then see harm come to you."

She took a deep breath, knowing what she was about to say he wouldn't like so much. "And if I can't come with you, if something happens to me, I want you to run anyway... I want you to run and save yourself."

Jasper's lips curved into a frown as he took in Alice's words. He didn't like what he heard. "I'll do my best…" he said, choking the words out and stumbling over them with some difficulty, unable to promise her that. If something happened to her, he knew that he would not be able to run. No, he'd be too fueled with rage to be able to stop himself. He'd kill them all or die trying.

If she weren't there, if it were just him in battle, he would stand his ground. It wasn't a question. He wasn't a coward and running away would be cowardice in its worst degree. But he had Alice to think about now. His life was different and choosing to stand and fight and risk losing his own life, risk hurting her because of his own foolish pride, was selfish. It was a tough promise to make, one that he couldn't bring himself to viably give her. Instead he pursed his lips together as he weighed the options laid before him.

Alice was quiet for a long while, closing her eyes and breathing him in, enjoying the way his arms felt wrapped so tightly around her. But soon the face of the lead newborn, his eyes red and unfeeling, pushed its way back into her mind.

Jasper held Alice in silence for awhile. His thoughts returned to the violent encounter earlier, unable to fathom what could've happened had one of them gotten to Alice. Her small, fragile form had been frozen behind him in panic, watching as Jasper became both monster and protector in front of her eyes. It was something he would never make her witness again. His breath caught in his throat.

"I think perhaps I'd like to learn how to fight the newborns now," she whispered, turning her head to press her lips in a kiss against his arm. "It would make me feel better…"

"Ok," he breathed, nodding. The feel of her soft, bowed lips sent a thrill of pleasure through him. "Me, as well..." he agreed, unfolding his arms from around her and moving back to face her. "Are you ready now?" he asked.

Alice nodded, a new look of determination on her face. This was something she had to learn not only to keep herself safe but to keep Jasper safe as well. If he had confidence in her ability to handle herself perhaps he wouldn't be in so much danger trying to fight and keep her safe at the same time.

"Remember how I told you to fight them?" he asked her, moving back a few steps. "With newborns, you have to be resourceful. I'm going to rush you and I want you to take me from the side. Don't fight me head on because I'm going to try to grab you, get my arms around you, bite you, whatever I can do," he instructed. Of course, he'd never actually harm her but from a newborn's standpoint that was the best of his fighting ability, matched with strength.

Alice felt a flare of nerves threaten to overtake her as she faced Jasper. However she fought to push them back, focusing on Jasper's words and trying to anticipate his attack. Having Jasper attack her in a training exercise would be nothing compared to the all too real danger of a violent newborn and if she couldn't do this, she knew she had no chance of surviving the other.

Jasper moved back a few more paces, preparing himself for the attack. Alice seemed so frail and breakable that he found it difficult to imagine her being a fighter but he knew she had potential. She just needed the right outlet to express it. Jasper picked up on the nervous energy moving off of her and shook his head. "Don't be nervous," he instructed. This was something she needed to learn and he hoped that she didn't panic like she had the last time and do a duck and cover.

"I want you to take me by surprise. Attack from the side or behind, do something I wouldn't expect because as a newborn I'm going to be pretty limited on fighting skills and just depend on rage and brute strength."

Alice nodded again in understanding, crouching down and shifting her weight from one foot to the other as she waited for Jasper to launch himself at her. Her eyes took in every detail, waiting for the shift in his own weight that would tell her when his attack was about to begin.

Jasper shifted his weight forward as he trained his gaze on Alice. She seemed ready, her body washed free of any nervous energy and replaced with a deadly calm.

His weight shifted ever so slightly and she almost jumped at the movement. Angry at herself for allowing her nerves to resurface Alice growled low in her throat. She narrowed her eyes imagining that Jasper was one of the newborns from this afternoon. And he wasn't just trying to kill her, he was trying to get through her to the man she loved more than her own life, something she could never allow to happen again. Her hands curved into claws as she tucked her head and stared him down. Another growl rumbled in her chest as she prepared to fight.

Without warning, Jasper launched himself at her, moving like a lightning strike and barreling toward her with all the speed of a runaway freight train, eating up the ground between them within seconds. Jasper dug into the ground, growing ever closer to the petite little, dark haired vampire. His kept his gaze focused, as a growl ripped from his throat. Pure rage was written across his face, features contorted into a look of anger and malice.

While the look on his face threatened to shatter her resolve, she held fast to her position, waiting so long that it almost seemed as though he were going to run over her. However at the last possible moment she darted to the side with such agility and speed that even to vampire eyes she was near invisible. Crouching low for a split second she sprung forward, leaping with arms outstretched to hurl herself into Jasper's side with a vicious snarl. When she hit him the sound was like a thunderclap, both of them flying through the air to land on the ground in a tangle of arms and legs several yards away.

He got within grabbing distance and opened his arms up to wrap them around her but she was suddenly gone, moving so quickly that his eyes failed to catch it until he felt a solid hit into his side. The sound of thunder rang out as she slammed into him, like two boulders colliding. She'd hit him with enough force to cause them both to hurtle through the air.

They hit the ground with a solid crack, rolling a few feet before Jasper found himself on top of Alice. He was thoroughly impressed and for a long moment couldn't come up with the proper words to speak. "That was very...innovative," he beamed, proudly.

"In my mind I was protecting you," she said in a breathy voice. "It helped me to do what needed to be done. I'd face any newborn, no matter how big and strong, to keep you safe."

"Well, it worked," he said with an elated chuckle. "Now, what are you going to do?" he asked as a soft smile touched his lips.

Alice's expression turned into one of chagrin. "I didn't think that far," she admitted. "I was just thinking about protecting you. The newborn would have just killed me, wouldn't he?"

"Well, that would be a possibility, yes." Jasper agreed. "You've put yourself in an awkward situation which could inhibit your ability to move giving me, the newborn, the upper hand," he pointed out.

Alice bucked with her hips. When that didn't work she grabbed his shoulders and tried again. Still nothing. Growing frustrated she flailed around in every direction, trying everything she could think of to free herself. Finally, finding her every attempt to be unsuccessful, she stopped and looked up at him with a pitiful pout.

Jasper suppressed an amused smile as Alice bucked, twisted and flailed under his restraint. The situation wasn't meant to be amusing, and with difficulty, he managed to smooth out his expression. If Alice were to face an adversary and end up in this position she could very well be killed and that was certainly not funny by any means. "Perhaps you should focus on getting me off of you instead of focusing on getting out from under me."

"That's what I was trying to do!" she lamented, resuming her wild frenzy of movements before finally giving up a second time. "I don't know," she sighed. "Before today I've found myself rather enjoying this position, not trying to get out of it!"

"Well, a newborn isn't going to treat you in the same manner as...I do," he said, taking in the way they were positioned. "They're going to want to dismember you," he informed. "There are a few things you have to your advantage. You can twist my head off or you can bring you knee up and use it as a wedge and force me off of you."

Alice shuddered at the idea of ripping anyone's head off, a grimace taking over her features at the memory of the way Jasper had done it that afternoon. But if that was what had to be done if she ever found herself in the situation then she would simply have to do it. "How do you even…go about twisting the head off?" she asked, both wanting and fearing the information at the same time.

"The same way you snap an animal's neck," he explained. "Except you keep twisting and yank, until the head comes clean off. Once you decapitate them, then you move on to the other limbs," he said, his expression wiped clean of any humor. He blurred up off of her, reaching down a hand to help her up. "Do you want to try the exercise again?"

Alice slipped her hand into his, allowing him to hoist her up to a standing position. "Okay," she said. "I'll try to do better this time…"

Jasper chuckled, taking time to pick some of the debris out of her hair and dust her off. "Okay," he said, as he moved back a few paces and shifted into a crouch. "Ready?"

Alice nodded meekly before closing her eyes and trying to prepare herself like before. Newborns trying to kill her, trying to kill Jasper… The image wasn't hard to conjure after their encounter that afternoon. When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with the same determination that she had channeled earlier. She sunk into a low crouch and waited.

Jasper's lips quirked into a smile just before he launched himself forward. He cut loose a fierce growl, moving with the same simulated motivation to kill her as he had only moments earlier. It was essential to make the exercise as real as possible so that Alice didn't falter or panic in a real fight.

Jasper's charge was undeniably terrifying and for a moment she felt herself cower in front of him. However she quickly recovered, springing straight up into the air at the exact moment he moved to wrap his arms around her and twisting around midflight to land lithely on his back, winding her own arms around his throat.

Jasper swung his arms wide to capture her with them but ended up grabbing nothing but air as Alice sprung up in the air and maneuvered to land squarely on his back. He was caught and couldn't be happier. "Quite a terrifying little monster!" he laughed and spun around with her still firmly attached to him. "That was awesome!" he exclaimed and stopped, letting a smile appear on his face as he tilted his head to peer up at her through his eyelashes.

"Really?" she asked, blinking at him. "I did good?" She felt a smile spread across her face to know that he was proud of her and that, despite her fear, she had managed to do the right thing.

"You did fantastic," he beamed in agreement. Alice's speed matched with her agility made for a deadly weapon which made Jasper swell with happiness that this scary little monster was his.

She jumped down off of him. "I figured that I couldn't possibly hope to match you or anyone in strength but I am very fast given my size. So why not use it to my advantage?"

"Oh, absolutely," he agreed, turning toward her as she jumped off of him. "Your size and your speed are definitely in your favor. I imagine you could maneuver better then a larger opponent. If you can out maneuver me, I think you can take on a newborn."

"Let's go again!" Alice said, bouncing up and down with excitement like a child with a new game. "I want to practice this more. It's something I can actually do well!"

"Again?" Jasper asked, lifting an eyebrow. "Sure, ok," he said casually and flashed her a quick smile. "You're doing great. I'm thoroughly impressed!" he beamed, moving back a few paces and shifting into a crouch.

Alice growled at him playfully as she waited for his attack, planning in her mind what she was going to try this time. Having come up with something she was sure he wouldn't expect she giggled, an impish grin curving her lips.

Jasper's lips quirked into a smile taking in Alice's form and watching her shift her weight in preparation. Without hesitation, Jasper launched himself at her. Determination flared inside of him as he barreled toward her.

Before Jasper could make a move to grab her she feinted to the side, sweeping his legs out from under him by extending one of her own and sending him flying. As he went hurtling forward, she pivoted and sprang, landing on his back and shoving him into the dirt.

Jasper never expected Alice's move as he approached her and before he could even make a play to grab her, she'd moved too quickly for him to catch and had swept her leg under his own. Suddenly, he found himself airborne. His eyes widened in surprise as he hit the ground with a thunder clap. Before he could even attempt to get up, Alice was plastered on his back and shoving his face into the dirt.

"This would be the point where I would twist your head off, I'm assuming?" she asked with a wry smile.

"Yes," Jasper groaned. Alice's little maneuver had taken him off guard and completely by surprise.

"Aren't you happy?" she asked, her face falling from a smug expression into one of disappointment.

"That was...an extremely good move," he chuckled, still quite surprised. "You definitely had the element of surprise."

"Now did I surprise you because I simply did or because you're going easy on me?" she asked, her expression doubtful as she hopped off him. "I don't want you to. I want to practice for the real thing. Next time, if there is a next time, I want to be able to fight with you."

Jasper rolled over onto his back with a wide toothy grin\ as Alice got off of him. "No, you definitely took me by surprise," he chuckled. "Trust me, it wasn't that I was going easy on you." He groaned, pulling himself up into a sitting position.

"But I mean, it's not because you were underestimating me or anything, right?"

"No, not at all," he said, getting to his feet

"I really did that on my own with you really trying as hard as you could?" She wanted the clarification so she could know exactly where she stood. If she were truly going to face down a newborn, she didn't want to have any doubts that she could handle it.

"Yes, you did," he confirmed, grinning. "You did great," he laughed, moving forward and taking up both of her hands into his own. "I couldn't be prouder."

Happiness radiating off of her she stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that reflected her elation at having made him so proud.

He quirked a smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned her kiss, softly molding his lips to hers. He lifted his hands, trailing one up to cup her cheek and slid his other arm around her back, pulling her to him. The happiness radiating off of her matched with an underlying current of desire magnified into something tangible when her lips touched his.

Alice couldn't help but sigh softly as she took in all the sensations…Jasper's hand splayed across her back that pressed her into him, the one that tenderly cupped her face, the way his lips were moving against hers in such a way that seemed contrived to drive her slowly insane. His scent was mixed with the earthy smell of the forest, reminding her off the first time they had ever made love. The memory sent a thrill through her and she wrapped her arms more tightly around him in response.

When she tightened her arms around his neck further molding herself to him, everything else around him faded into nothing. His thoughts, his attention became only attuned to her. The softness of her lips moving tenderly against his own overtook his senses and filled his body with a feeling of pure ecstasy. He parted his lips ever so slightly against hers as he plunged himself into the kiss, pouring the passion his body contained into it.

The day after tomorrow they would be married. The knowledge made this moment even more wonderful and precious, grateful as she was to have found happiness in a life that up until now had been so devoid of anything even resembling it. Eternity would have been nothing but a torment without him.

Jasper's thoughts swam, incoherent and jumbled, as her scent flooded through him, the taste of her on his lips and tongue too sweet for words. Soon they would be married in preparation of spending an eternity at each other's side.

It seemed almost any time Jasper kissed her, even a quick innocent kiss in passing, things quickly escalated to the point where clothes were being shredded and tossed away like confetti. Things were in danger of heading that direction now as she lifted her leg to hook it around his thighs and pull him even closer to her. She broke away from his lips, tilting her head back and trying to get a handle on her rioting emotions as her fingers dug into his shoulders.

A sudden urgency shot through him as Alice swung her leg up and hooked it around him, further pulling him closer to her. The tender way in which his lips moved instantly became hungry, greedy in anticipation. Things could easily get out of hand as they usually did. It seemed that once they started it was almost impossible to stop, the need for each other becoming too strong to deny. A wild gasp escaped his lips as Alice broke away. His thoughts swarmed to form something coherent as his eyes, sparked with hunger and desire, refocused to his surroundings when the earthy smell of the forest flooded in and mixed with Alice's scent.

"We should…stop," she said between hurried breaths, the smell of him invading her senses and making her ache to do the exact opposite of her words. "We should wait for after the wedding…" She brought her head down to rest it on his chest, moving her hands from his shoulders to his back and gripping him tightly.

"Yes…" he breathed, managing to gather a coherent thought as her scent invaded his body and threatened to rip him away from reality. The pure intoxication of it had the potency of the strongest opium, delivering a blow of ecstasy to his system that was borderline lethal. "Yes, the wedding…" he mumbled, swallowing and slipping his hand down to cradle the back of her head as she pressed it into his chest.

"Plus we don't know when Peter and Charlotte will be back and it wouldn't do for them to catch us in the middle of…" she stopped, pushing the visual image from her mind as it almost caused her to lose all control again. "Well, let's just say it's not the sort of impression I want to make."

"Morning…" he murmured, reaching up to slip his fingers into her hair. It took all of the control he held not to pull her lips back to his own as the desire between them remained thick in the air, tangible and hard to resist. The images coursing through his mind made it that much harder to resist but she was right, they couldn't be sure when exactly Peter and Charlotte would be back. So with some difficulty to separate himself from the temptation, he removed his hand from her hair and grasped his fingers around her upper arm. "No, I could never damage your integrity that way."

Alice giggled. "I'm lucky you're such a gentleman," she remarked, turning her face to plant feather soft kisses on his upper arm through the fabric of his shirt.

He quirked a smile. "What can I say? My morals govern me above all else," he said, shifting his gaze to her lips as they pressed softly against the fabric of his shirt sending a wave of desire through him.

"At least you're willing to marry me in two days and make an honest woman out of me."

"Your honesty has never been in question," he commented, as his eyebrows puckered together.

"Still, I find myself to be thoroughly defiled," she teased. Another giggle bubbled up from her throat as she turned her face back into his chest.

"Defiled?" he questioned, as a lopsided smile touched the corner of his mouth. "Well, if you feel that way, I apologize. But, I don't think it was something that could've been helped..." he murmured.

"No and besides, I enjoyed every minute of it," she purred, raising her lips to press a line of kisses up his throat.

"As did I..." he voiced quietly, taking in a sharp breath as her lips pressed soft kisses against his throat. He felt a shudder of desire flood through him threatening to overtake his senses.

It was a delicious torture, knowing she should stop but finding herself wanting just one more taste of him, just one more kiss… With a growl she pulled away, staring up at him with eyes darkened by desire.

Jasper arched his neck in a suggestive manner, an invitation for her to continue. The way her lips moved, caressing against his skin caused him to shudder in desire. When she released him from her enthrallment, his head snapped back around, eyes reflecting her own, brimming with desire just beneath the surface.

"This is so difficult," she lamented, trailing a finger down his chest until she encountered the buckle off his belt before letting her hand fall away.

"Very..." he agreed as he followed her trailing finger with his eyes. The way her fingertip lingered at his belt buckle sent a shiver through him and he almost lost control right then and there. He swallowed, ripping his gaze away from her hand as she withdrew it, the intensity radiating between them pulsating in the air like a living being.

"You don't make it any easier by being so damned irresistible…"

"Would you rather me be less than desirable?" he asked with a bemused grin.

"No, I like you just the way you are," she sighed, leaning into his chest and tilting her head to gaze up at him in longing. They needed to occupy themselves in some other way or they would be lucky if they had any clothes to wear at all considering they were currently in the last of what she had originally packed for them.

"Good, because like it or not I can't change," he joked, rolling his eyes playfully. "Literally," he added, quirking a smile.

The contentment he felt rolling off of her caused him to sigh as he shifted his gaze to level it with hers. The way she looked at him, longing, wanting, almost sent him over the edge with desire. The love she felt for him was quite evident in her eyes and in the reflected emotions radiating off of her. He felt an ache for her, a need that he desperately wanted to quench, something that no amount of human blood could ever cure. Her. He needed her touch, her kiss, to feel her close to him and to feel her skin against his. Once again, he found himself staring at her in pure awe, amazed that such a beautiful creature could be his. But they were running low on clothes and the last thing they needed was for more to be shredded. So, reluctantly, he pushed those images from his rioting imagination back and focused on other things. The wedding, hunting…anything else he could think of.

"We've got to fix your eyes for the wedding," she said, looking into their brownish red depths.

If it would've been anyone else, he would've been uncomfortable by the way she searched his eyes as if she were looking for answers that he withheld. But this was not anyone else, this was Alice and being uncomfortable around her was absolutely absurd.

"My eyes could pose a problem..." he agreed, willing himself to speak. He wasn't thirsty, having already fed quite a few times already that day, but he knew what she was getting at. He would need to feed more to dilute the color and now it seemed more pertinent that he do so.

"Are you thirsty at all or…?"

"I'm not particularly hungry, no," he replied quietly. "But, if I don't want to scare the preacher then I should probably feed..."

"Yes, scaring him would not be a good idea. I can already see that he's going to be taken aback by Peter and Charlotte as it is but he'll buy my explanation for their appearance," she laughed. She took a tentative sniff of the air, trying to decipher anything beyond the overwhelming scent of him. "Something large is what you need, I think..." she mused. Suddenly she tilted her head to the side, a thoughtful look on her face. In the next second she pushed off of him, whirling around to slink through the underbrush. "This way..." she whispered back to him.

Jasper's eyebrows puckered together in a look of confusion as Alice pushed away from him and started off into the underbrush. He sniffed the air tentatively but being unfamiliar with animal scents Jasper had no idea as to what she had detected. Whatever it was it seemed as though it was something large. He nodded in response and slipped into a crouch, following her quietly into the brush and bramble.

"What are we hunting?" he whispered, sniffing the air again. Aside from the earthy scent of the soil, the nutty scent of rodents and other small creatures and the faint, familiar scents of the creatures he had hunted before, he couldn't put a name to the others.

"Moose," she giggled. "Not the best taste ever but large and lots of blood. The difference in your eye color should be significant if you can manage it." She turned and looked at him sympathetically. "It's way worse than the stinky deer you abhor. But if there's a plus side for you it's that they are extremely aggressive so as far as a challenge it should be right up there with mountain lion."

"Oh." He grimaced, crinkling his nose in distaste. But according to her they were aggressive and hard to take down so the challenge of doing so would make up for the bad taste. "I guess there's always sacrifice…" he murmured sourly.

"Between this and your hunting exploits with Peter in a few hours, you should have a passable brown color," she explained. "The preacher might notice something is off slightly but he won't be able to figure it out."

Jasper nodded as they moved through the underbrush. The pungent odor was growing stronger and soon became accompanied by the sounds of hooves and twigs snapping. Jasper's nose crinkled again in response to the strong odor.

Alice shared Jasper's distaste. The scent of the moose was tangy, bitter and undesirable. "We could always try something else..." she offered.

"No," he replied, shaking his head. "It's fine," he assured her, pressing a half hearted smile. The moose would significantly dilute the color of his eyes and it seemed to be what he needed to get a good start in doing so.

He stayed within the shadows, moving with the stealth on an assassin. The sound of the animal's large heart pounded in his ears, the sound moist and strangely welcoming. Despite his qualms about the smell it caused venom to leak into his mouth. Sniffing the air tentatively, he located the source of the sound, as a large bull moose came into view. He was browsing in the brush and working his way toward the marsh, just yards away.

Jasper stiffened, shifting his weight from one foot to the other in preparation for the spring. Suddenly he wondered if perhaps his eyes were larger than his stomach. Without hesitation, he launched himself from the shadows.

The large animal turned, snorting and ready to take on his attacker. Jasper came to a halt in front of the animal and tilted his head slightly, sizing the animal up and gauging the level of threat. A smile flickered at the corners of his mouth as he awaited the animal to charge.

Alice hung back in the trees and watched the show that was about to begin. She wondered if Jasper would find the moose to be more challenging or not. She one time she had attempted it she had been disappointed to find the blood was not worth the trouble as far as taste went. But truly they wouldn't find anything larger here or most anywhere for that matter.

She assessed her own level of hunger as the scent of deer blew on the breeze but found she wasn't near thirsty and, last time she had seen a mirror, her eyes had been a golden brown. Anyone who looked at them closely enough might find there was something a little off about their color in comparison to her inky black hair but they weren't a shocking gold nor were they a disturbing black where not even the pupils showed. It was about the best she could hope for in regards to appearing normal herself for the wedding.

The large bull lowered his head and snorted, assessing the threat laid before him, and digging his hooves into the ground in agitation. Jasper waited, calculating the moose's every move and running through the possible advantage points in anticipation.

The animal charged, bellowing out as he lowered his head to run Jasper through with his antlers. Jasper's movements were quick as the animal approached and without hesitation he leapt up in the air and twisted his body in just such a way as to land on the animal's back. He quickly locked his arms around the animal's neck, as the moose began to violently thrash his head to each side and buck around underneath him, attempting to throw him off.

Jasper's iron embrace held him steadfastly in place as the animal thrashed about, trying desperately to remove him. He bounded toward the trees, heading straight for a tree to try and rake Jasper off. He knew they didn't have many more clothes, so it was pertinent that he end this before he ended up getting clothing ripped. Suddenly, the moose threw itself to the ground in an attempt to dislodge him.

Jasper's arms remained locked around the animal as he hauled himself up off the ground with Jasper hanging on his neck. He swung his head wildly, trying to shake him off as Jasper went for the jugular and sunk his teeth into his neck, suddenly crinkling his nose at the abhorrent taste. The moose bellowed out, thrashing, rearing and trying desperately to kick and trample Jasper. But as he drained him the animal's attempts grew weaker, until he was just standing there, wobbling from the blood loss with Jasper hanging on his neck.

Alice couldn't help but laugh at the way Jasper's feet dangled from the ground as he remained latched in place with both teeth and arms locked on the animal's neck. He looked ridiculous but he had fared better than she had the one and only time she had attempted to take down a moose so she couldn't say much.

He had managed not to rip his clothes but between hunting wolves, stomping charred bodies, training her to fight and this, they were definitely showing wear. She made a mental note to pick up some things for the both of them tomorrow while she was out with Charlotte.

The taste was bitter, tangy and every much as bad as the smell but Jasper kept draining the animal. His arms remained locked in place as the moose's strength waned before wobbling unsteadily and then dropping to the ground, too weakened to stand and taking Jasper with him. Jasper's arms tightened around the moose's neck, pulling him close, sucking greedily, yet on the verge of feeling full.

The scent of deer hit her full in the face again along with what she assumed to be coyote. It smelled different than wolf, yet similar in many ways. Out of all the places she had been the northern states and Canada appeared to have the best hunting. Well, for vampires who preferred eating animals anyway which as far as she knew included just herself and the mysterious coven she had seen in her visions. She didn't yet include Jasper in that group. She knew he didn't enjoy it so much as he simply did it out of a sense of commitment to her. However, she hoped one day the reason behind his motivation would change.

She wondered if wherever the coven was located would be much the same. She had seen snow and mountains and forest so most likely yes. If not, why would they have settled there. Looking around her she saw mountains and forest but no snow. The snow alerted her to the time frame in which they might find them. It was early December now and it seemed to snow up until February in most places, sometimes March or April. She wasn't sure about Alaska, especially high up in the mountains. Maybe it snowed for more months than that even. She frowned, still unsure about how long this journey would take. Not that it mattered. They had all the time in the world so to speak, being immortal. Still, she was curious as was her nature.

She tested the edges of her mind to see if any visions would come to her but nothing appeared. Nothing except that Jasper was almost done feeding and would soon stand up from the crowd and come to her side. She turned her head expectantly in his direction, a smile curving her lips.

As he drained the last few drops from his meal Jasper felt like a bloated tick filled with bad blood. He unlocked his arms from around the moose's neck and pulled himself to a standing position, wiping the remnants of the blood from his lips. He turned to find Alice nearby, waiting for him. A satisfied smile curved his lips as he stepped over the moose and moved to her side, reaching out to take her hand. The emotional climate remained heightened, magnifying the emotions around them as the hunger in his eyes shifted to something different. Desire...

He tilted his head, eyeing her, as his rioting imagination threatened to take hold. His lips parted ever so slightly, pinkened by the fresh blood rushing through his body. The overwhelming emotions flooded through him as his eyes closed, sending his imagination into overdrive as images of her flashed through his mind. He felt himself slowly losing control as his eyes fluttered back open.

Alice had no trouble discerning the look in Jasper's gaze as his eyes roved over her. "Oh, no you don't!" she giggled, dancing a few steps away from him in a streaky blur. "You have to marry me first!" she laughed, sticking out her bottom lip in a teasing pout.

Jasper's expression turned to confusion as she danced away and taunted him in a teasing manner. He lifted an eyebrow as a bemused smile touched his lips. "Oh yeah?" he laughed and sprang at her.

Alice screamed and jumped over him, laughter shaking her tiny frame at this new game. "Yeah," she said, lithely landing on the balls of her feet and taking off in a dead run into the trees.

Jasper laughed as Alice jumped over him and quickly changed directions. He darted after her, rapidly accelerating into a dead run and focused ahead on his target. His lips curved into a smile as he worked to close the gap between them.

Alice turned her head to see Jasper giving chase and shrieked in response, more giggle bubbling their way up her throat. She turned back to the forest in front of her, leaning forward and increasing her speed to where she was running as fast as she could. If he was going to catch her, he was going to have to work for it, she thought, a smug smile gracing her lips.

Jasper locked his jaw in determination. So this was the game she wanted to play? Fair enough. He topped out his own speed, moving through the trees like a bullet. He knew he'd have to resort to tricks if he wanted to catch her.

He suddenly made a ninety degree turn to the right, shooting off through the trees. He would catch her, one way or another. His mind raced with different possibilities as he ran, from tricking her into thinking he was in danger to taking to the trees. He knew her visions worked on decisions and she would almost certainly be looking ahead to the future as soon as she noticed he wasn't behind her.

Alice kept running, her laughter fading as a vision flashed into her mind. Jasper was changing course? But why? She slowed her pace, finally digging her heels into the ground to come to a complete stop. Confusion spread over her features as her eyes darted around in all directions.

"Jasper?" she asked. No response, not even a sound that she could detect. The forest grew eerily quiet around her. This she did not like so much and she quickly searched the future, trying to locate where he possibly could have gone and why.

His mind flashed from decision to decision, trying to keep her as confused as possible as he launched himself into the trees. Jasper's gaze quickly flashed to the ground, looking for any sign of her as he swung from tree to tree. Something occurred to him though and a smile curved his lips, as he landed on a branch and crouched there.

Why chase her, he thought? When she realized he wasn't behind her, eventually she would find her way back to him and that would be when he would launch his attack.

The future surrounding Jasper was blurry and uncertain. She raised a hand to her forehead as the shifting visions caused her a slight stab of pain. What was he doing? Was something wrong? Her eyebrows knitted together in concern.

"Jasper?" she asked, her voice rising on a note of alarm.

She didn't like being alone here. It was starting to scare her. The trees surrounding her took on an ominous feel as she remembered the way the newborns had stepped out from them, their red eyes glowing with human blood and violence. A shiver worked its way up her spine as she took off running the way she had come, not bothering to move quietly through the underbrush as she swept low lying branches aside in desperation.

"Jasper!" she called as she tracked his scent. "Jasper, where are you?"

Alice's panicked voice came into earshot as his gaze narrowed toward the ground, waiting for her to come into view. His mind was currently in full military mode, running through different advantages and disadvantages. Strategy...that was the name of the game. But the love he felt for Alice caused a wave of guilt to shoot through him sending an ache through his frozen heart.

He tensed as she stepped into view, her voice panicked. Hopefully all would soon be forgiven. He crouched and a smile curved his lips as he launched himself out of the tree and landed behind her, quickly wrapping his arms around her. "Gotcha!" he yelled.

Alice screamed to find herself suddenly restrained and grabbed her attackers arms, ducking and flinging him over her head to crash into a nearby tree, the trunk of which groaned under the impact. With a loud crack it swayed and then fell, crashing into the surrounding trees and taking several down with it before everything fell quiet once more.

Before Jasper could react, he found himself hurtling through the air and slamming into a nearby tree. The trunk cracked upon impact, his weight hitting it like a wrecking ball as he crashed through it. It caused a domino effect as the tree fell backward and into the tree behind it and so on.

Jasper hit the ground in a roll and somersaulted, landing in a crouch among the splinters and debris.

Alice's eyes went wide to see who it was she had just sent careening into the forest. "Jasper!" she exclaimed, flashing over to his side in a blur.

Jasper flexed his neck to each side as his senses returned to him. He'd not expected Alice's sudden reaction, thinking that she'd just giggle and scream. He never thought she'd react that way and throw him. He steadied himself against the tree stump next to him as he refocused his vision and scanned across the destruction around him.

Alice's panicked voice reached his ears, as his gaze shifted to focus on her, the concern emanating off of her clear and evident in her eyes. "Alice?" he groaned as her face swam into view. He lifted his hand, brushing it against the fabric of his clothes to rake off the splinters.

"Oh no! Are you alright?" Her hands roved over him, her desperate eyes looking for any sign of injury.

"I think so..." he breathed and nodded, rubbing the side of his neck to find a crack running down the base of it. "Damn," he groaned. It was probably already healing so there was no need to alert Alice.

"What?" Alice's eyes widened as they fell on the place where his hand probed the skin of his neck.

"Nothing," he lied trying to discreetly cover the crack with his hand. However, his effort was futile because in that moment her eyes drew wide in surprise and concern when she spotted it.

Seeing the crack that had formed there she let out a surprised scream, panic and concern and worry all flooding through her with such intensity that she nearly fell over backwards.

"It's ok," he soothed, his hands fluttering up to cup her cheeks. "I'm ok, it's just a crack," he reassured her, trying to take her mind off it. "Shhh..." he murmured, feeling fairly guilty for what he'd done. The militant in him had taken over, overriding his senses to the point of a driven determination and the thought of panicking her hadn't even crossed his mind when he'd decided to go through with it. "I'm sorry..." he apologized, guilt layering his words.

Alice was beyond hearing anything he had said. A sob broke forth from her lips as she flung herself into his arms.

Alice's panic was escalated beyond words as she flung herself into his arms. His heart twisted as a wave of guilt washed through him. Suddenly his plan of ambush seemed like a fool's mission. He took her into his arms without hesitation and embraced her. Her scent flooded his body, sweet and utterly intoxicating, a breath of refreshment.

He immediately went to work, smoothing his hand up and down her spine, leaking out an influence more potent then opium as her emotions screamed to be heard, to be felt. "Shhhh…it's ok," he soothed, pressing his lips to her temple.

"Is it going to heal?" she asked, tangling her fingers in his hair. "It's going to get better, right? Oh God, Jasper! What have I done?" She leaned down to press frantic kisses to his injury, hoping she could somehow will it away.

He felt a flood of emotions rush through him as her soft, bowed lips pressed urgent kisses along the fault line of his injury. He drew one hand from around her back and curled his fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze to his, the frightened, concerned depths of her eyes causing quiet stabs of pain to secure his own undoing.

Her eyes searched his with a fevered urgency "It's not permanent, right? It's going to go away?" She reached up a hand to trace her finger over the crack in his marble skin, her focus returning there as she bit her lip, her expression a study in pain.

"Oh, no… It'll heal. In fact, it's probably healing now," he reassured her, attempting a rather weak smile. Alice's panic was thick and heavy in the air. "Vampire venom is the only thing that leaves a scar…" he murmured, chancing a look at her expression as she gingerly moved to trace her finger over the crack. He immediately regretted his decision to look upon her flawless face, because it was creased with worry and a new angry feeling of blame washed through him as she delicately bit her lip. She was obviously holding herself responsible for something she'd only reacted to out of instinct. His heart twisted in response, sending an ache through his body as his gaze focused on her expression awash with pain. "Alice..." he said, weakly and took up her hand into both of his. "Don't blame yourself for this. I'm fine," he whispered, working to soothe over the concern radiating off of her.

"Oh Jasper, I would have never—I just didn't know and I was so scared and I just…reacted!" She buried her face in his neck, the opposite side from the damage she had caused. Guilt was her dominant emotion. She hadn't wanted to hurt him when he was teaching her to fight earlier and to know now that she had ripped her heart in two.

"Shhh, shhh... It's ok," he whispered, pulling her into his arms and sliding a hand up to cradle the back of her head. Her guilt quickly became the dominant emotion in her body, rolling off of her body and crashing into him and causing searing stabs of pain against his skin. "Alice, listen to me..." he said, burying his face into the nape of her neck. "You've done nothing wrong."

She nodded, just allowing herself to be held for a moment and feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Knowing that the damage wasn't permanent eased some of her guilt, dissipating the fog of panic from her mind.

For a long moment he simple held her, continuing to gently rub her back and ease away the remaining guilt. His words had carved a path through her emotions and as they sunk in he had noticed a significant drop in the guilt and panic that had dominated her. He pressed another tender kiss to her temple, gently twining his fingers into her hair.

She took a deep breath, greedily pulling his scent into her lungs and sighing before she moved her hand to search again for the injury she had caused him. When she couldn't find it she pulled back and searched for it with her eyes. It was long gone, not even a mark remaining to show that it had even been there. Her muscles relaxed, relief flooding through her as a soft smile graced her lips.

He could feel her fingertips running over the rough texture of his shoulder and the base of his neck, searching and probing gently for the hair line crack that had been there only moments earlier. He pressed a satisfied smile as her worry became awash with confusion. She hadn't found it and now, as she searched with her own eyes, he couldn't help but revel in the emotions that flooded through her. Relief quickly became the dominant emotion coursing through her tiny frame and she relaxed.

"You were telling the truth." Her eyes found his and she brought her hand up to cup his face.

"Of course, why would I lie?" he asked, puzzled as he met her gaze. A smile quirked his lips as her fingertips came in contact with his skin, sparking warmth against his cheek.

Her bottom lip stuck out slightly. "To make me feel better, the way you do sometimes..."

Her eyes left his, tracing over his dimple, the delicious curve of his mouth as he smiled… Suddenly she was aware of just how close they were, the position in which she found herself in his lap, the warmth of him that penetrated her clothing and heated her marble skin. She leaned in, her lips a scant breath from his own. "I'm so glad you're really alright."

The delicious scent of her breath washed over him as her lips whispered so close to his. The softness of her words slipping out between her lips only magnified the intense feeling of desire that suddenly quaked throughout his body, sending an ache for her down to his soul. "Always…" His words came out in a breathy whisper as his lips brushed across hers.

Her kiss started out gentle, tender even as she shifted her weight in his lap and faced him. But before she could stop herself desire had taken over once again. Her mouth parted under his, a gasp escaping her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck, wielding herself to him.

The moment her lips touched his caused everything around him to melt away. The softness of them tenderly moving against his in a way that seemed designed to drive him mad caused a shiver of pleasure to run through his body. Warmth flooded through him as the distinct feeling of desire emanated off of her and mixed with his own, magnifying the emotion into a potency which he couldn't deny. He tentatively slipped one hand up to cradle the back of her head, knotting his fingers into her hair as he slid his other one around her to splay his palm against the small of her back, pressing her closer to him as the passion in the kiss grew.

"Forget waiting," she breathed against his lips, wrapping her legs around his waist for emphasis. "For you, I've already waited long enough…"

The next day found Peter and Jasper stalking through the forest, the women having left hours ago to run their errands in preparation for the wedding tomorrow. It was nice to have the day to spend with his old friend, hunting together like old times. However, this time the intended prey was entirely different than in years past.

His nose crinkled in distaste as they tracked a scent through the underbrush and he turned his gaze to Jasper, his expression one of disbelief.

Jasper tentatively sniffed the air as he pushed through the underbrush. The scents surrounding them, both far off and near, gave Jasper some insight as to what was around them. Deer, elk, bear and wolf were combined with the scents of the earth and the nutty scents of rodents and rabbits. Jasper mused and quirked a faint smile as he shifted his gaze to Peter's. The look of disbelief plastered on his friend's face was evidence that he couldn't believe he was doing this.

"I'm still not completely sold on this, I'm afraid," he admitted. "I'll still give it a try of course but I can't promise to like it."

"I can tell," Jasper agreed, suppressing an amused smile. "It takes some getting used to..." he admitted, clearly remembering his own first time experience as he wrinkled his nose.

He had watched Jasper complete several successful kills since they embarked on their little hunting trip but he had yet to muster the stomach to participate. He had promised, though, that this time he would.

Jasper tentatively sniffed the air again. "We're tracking wolf…" he informed him, figuring he'd give him something a little more challenging than deer. Plus, they tasted better.

Peter considered the idea, a faint smile curving his lips. "Wolf, eh? Well, at least it sounds manly..." The scent was getting slightly stronger as they slunk through the forest floor and while it didn't particularly appeal to him, Peter could feel venom pooling in his mouth in anticipation.

If he didn't like the taste at least the challenge would appeal to him. The hint of a smile touched his lips noting Peter's sudden spike of anticipation. But was he anticipating the fight? Or the kill? That he could not decipher. "Wolf is a little more tolerable in taste than most," he informed, with a pleasant grin.

He cast his gaze over to Jasper briefly to find that he seemed to be enjoying himself. Jasper Whitlock, one of the most fearsome vampires he had ever known, feeding on animals! The very idea still caused him to be overcome with amusement. He stifled a laugh, partly out of respect and partly so as not to frighten their prey.

Jasper paused just ahead as a sudden feeling of humor surrounded him and turned a puzzled look back to Peter, who'd just stifled a chuckle. "Something funny?" he asked, confusion written across his face.

Peter observed him for a moment with a thoughtful look. "I was just thinking that you are hardly recognizable. The difference is remarkable..."

"How so? I still look the same..." he said, puckering his eyebrows together and self-consciously looking himself over. "Don't I?" he asked.

Peter laughed. "No, it's not that. It's your personality, your hunting habits. You seem...happy."

Jasper nodded in agreement. "I am…" He quirked a smile. "Although, I don't see how my personality has changed. I'm still a driven militant when I need to be..." he chuckled.

"I have no doubt of that," Peter chuckled. "Old habits die hard..."

Jasper laughed as he shook his head. "Yes, they do and I doubt that will ever change..."

"So I'm intrigued to hear more about Alice," he whispered. "I don't believe I've ever encountered one such as her. The hunting of animals is in and of itself bizarre but I find I am most impressed that having been left to fend for herself she's managed to survive this long. You and I both know what a cruel world we live in."

Jasper's expression shifted to thoughtful. "Yes, she's always viewed the world through a child's eyes…" Jasper mused. "Naive, innocent and completely unaware of the world around her, she views humans in a way that continues to baffle me. She sees them as friends, observes them, takes part in their culture, something she still hasn't sold me on. Humans, in your eyes are meals and in my eyes are something to be avoided, in their entirety…" He trailed off with that, not wanting to go into it any further.

Peter raised an eyebrow as he mulled over this information. "Really? She grows more and more strange with everything you tell me. Not in a bad way, mind you... I find it fascinating." Peter shook his head. "It gives me hope...that perhaps we're not as monstrous as we would believe. We have potential for something more..."

"Hope..." he mused, nodding. "Perhaps, we do," he agreed, with an elated smile, but failed to elaborate further.

"All of our experience with newborns and I don't think we ever encountered anything like her. Even from the beginning it sounds as though she wasn't the typical newborn. She had such instant...control. And now she moves freely amongst humans and feels no temptation at all?"

"No, never. Until I had met her, I never imagined that something like that could exist," he admitted in a soft voice. "Never could have imagined that there was an alternative to feeding off of humans... I had never questioned my instincts, despite the um...well, needless to say, I didn't think there was a choice..."

He trailed off into silence, casting a furtive look to Peter. "She said it was because of me," he murmured, flickering a slight smile. "The majority of her self control came from a vision of me and of a coven of animal feeders moments after she awoke. She knew where her life was headed so she fought the urges of the hunger because she didn't want to lose that path. If she gave in, her future was lost and she couldn't allow herself to do that," he explained, halting his steps for a moment to tune his ears into their surroundings.

"She did it for you," Peter said simply.

"Yes," he agreed simply, pressing a smile.

He smiled softly. "I am glad that Charlotte and I will be a part of this wedding."

"Well, we're very pleased that you'll take time out to be a part of it."

His gaze returned back to their surroundings as the clear distinct sounds of fighting caught his ears. "We're close," he hissed in a low voice and slipped into a crouch. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Peter mumbled. He followed Jasper's lead and crouched down, ready to spring at a moment's notice.

Jasper just simply nodded in response, flashing Peter a furtive glance. The clearing soon came into view and a small pack of wolves lazed about. His eyes became focused, calculating and reflecting his predatory instincts as the switch flipped.

"Alright, get ready to make your move," he instructed, not bothering with a run down on what to do. Peter had watched him enough so he should know by now. "Now!" he hissed, his voice ringing with authority as he led the charge.

Peter sprang from his crouch and leaped through the air, landing a mere foot away from a large gray wolf. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, a grimace on his face, but it wasn't enough to cause him to lose his prey. Launching himself forward he snatched the wolf up in both arms and closed his teeth around his windpipe, the animal's whimpers cutting off in a gurgle of air and blood. The taste was repulsive but instead of dropping the wolf half alive and suffering to the forest floor, Peter made himself continue to feed so as to drain it dry and put it out of its misery.

Jasper quickly downed a large black wolf and sought the jugular, kneading his teeth into the fur and sinew. Having developed more of a taste for animals since his first kill he could distinguish from different flavors and found he preferred the flavor of wolves over the others, especially the herbivores. He kept an eye on his old friend as he drank. Peter's hesitance was expected because of his choice of diet and he doubted from the disgusted look on his face that he could persuade him to kill another one.

Finishing his meal, he stood and wiped the remnants of the blood droplets away from his mouth. He turned toward Peter suppressing a chuckle as his emotions swarmed around him, disgust being the most dominant as Peter forced himself through his meal. He fluttered a hand up to his mouth in an attempt to hide the amused smile threatening to curve his lips.

Peter finished his meal, if it could be called that, and dropped the lifeless wolf to the ground, staring at it in undisguised disgust. "Waste not, want not," he shrugged.

Jasper wiped the bemused expression off of his face rather quickly and nodded. "It's not like taking a human life..." Jasper said, his voice on the edge of sounding begrudged as he eyed the wolf at his feet. No, the smell of humans, the taste of their blood was much sweeter by far, a delicacy he'd taken for granted for so long. But with animals he found peace and solace, something he could not find in the hunting of humans. He supposed human blood was so much sweeter because, instinctually, that was his intended food.

"No, it's definitely not," Peter agreed.

Killing humans was wrong, painful even for him thanks to his gift but, even so, he had trouble denying his thirst for them. How ironic was it that he, one of the most feared vampires of his day, militant to the core, hard, unyielding and completely unstoppable on the battle field was now at the mercy of his own instincts warring inside of him.

"That was...interesting," Peter stated as he turned his gaze to Jasper with chagrin.

He blinked several times as he shifted his gaze back to Peter, having realized that he'd spaced out. The chagrined look on his face caused a faint smile to curve Jasper's lips. "Very..." He wouldn't ask him if he wanted to try again, because it was obvious this was not something he cared for.

"I suppose it could be a useful trick if one were traveling through the wilderness and humans were scarce. I don't feel at all satisfied though and the taste...well, it left much to be desired," Peter admitted, gritting his teeth against the memory.

"Yes, I completely agree..." he chuckled, knowing how unfulfilling the animal diet actually was. He found he had to feed twice as much to feel full, to satiate the hunger that would've been so easily satisfied by human blood.

"I don't think I'll be able to adopt this lifestyle, old friend, but thank you very much for showing it to me and I wish you the best of luck in it. Considering your gift, I think it will give you the peace you have always sought."

Peter's decline was expected so he made no fuss over it, just simply smiled in understanding. "Yeah, it's no problem." He quirked a smile, taking Peter's well wishing into account. "Thank you for trying it," Jasper replied quietly, as he mulled over his thoughts.

"You're welcome," Peter replied, forcing a smile. "I wonder what Charlotte will think when I tell her. I doubt I'll convince her to try it though."

"Yeah..." Jasper sighed. "Like I said it takes some getting used to and you have to be pretty devoted."

"No telling what the women are doing right about now," Peter mused, stepping over his wolf and brushing off his shirt. "Scary thought…"

"I know..." Jasper replied, horrified. What was Alice planning? One could only guess. "Apparently, it's sure to be amusing to you..." he said, sourly.

"That's the part I'm looking forward to most," Peter confessed, laughing whole heartedly.

"I'm sure you are..." Jasper grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Suddenly, his face grew serious as a terrifying thought crossed his mind. "You don't suppose it involves me, do you?"

He was sure Peter would enjoy the little joke on his expense but almost as soon as his laughing started it died when the realization hit him that he could very well be sharing in the embarrassment. The sudden spike of fear emanating off of Peter was real, causing a wicked grin to curve Jasper's lips. "There's a good chance of it..." he mused, stifling an amused laugh. "Not so funny anymore, is it?"

Peter shook his head solemnly. "Not so much," he allowed. "What do you think they have planned for us to, um, wear?"

"Well..." he began, quirking a smile. "That, I'm guessing, is part of the surprise..." His expression turned horrified as he ran through different options in his mind. "Alice is quite the aggressive dresser and no matter what it is, we will be wearing it, without a doubt..."

"No arguing with her, eh?" Peter chuckled. "Well, it's only one day. We can let them have their fun, I suppose."

"None whatsoever," Jasper laughed as he shook his head. "You're right, one day won't kill us," he chuckled, shooting a furtive glance to Peter.

"So what will you do afterwards?"

"Well, she wants to find this coven. The others who follow this animal diet, like her, well…us," Jasper explained, faltering at the end of his sentence. He didn't quite count himself as one of them yet, though he was trying. "The last vision she had put them in Alaska, so Alaska is where we're going..."

"Well, keep in touch, will you?"

"Of course," Jasper replied, quirking a smile.

"Now that you have Alice, you don't have much excuse. She should be able to find us." Peter smiled, his smile becoming even wider as the wind shifted brining Charlotte and Alice's scent to them. "Much as she has now…"

Jasper's gaze slid toward the woods as the wind shifted. "So she has..."

Alice and Charlotte came into view, running side by side and wearing completely new outfits than the ones that they had left in. Alice, of course, had made time for a little shopping along the way as they had feverishly worked to make all the arrangements for the wedding tomorrow. She gracefully made her way to Jasper's side and slipped under his arm.

Jasper couldn't help but chuckle as Alice and Charlotte broke through the trees. Of course she would find the time to shop. He ran his gaze up and down her, taking in her new outfit as she skipped to him and slipped herself under his arm, tucking into his side. He gladly obliged by lifting his arm just enough to invite her in and settled it back around her shoulders. "Have fun?" he asked, quirking up an eyebrow and turning his gaze on her.

"But of course," she replied, stretching up to plant a kiss on his jaw.

"Well, that's all that matters," he said, quirking a smile as her lips pressed against his jaw. The softness of them, as always, sent his senses into overdrive, the way she always did when she touched him.

"Very nice," she remarked, taking in the color of his eyes with a happy smile.

"Think they're passable?" he asked, shifting his gaze down to her as she appraised his eyes.

Alice nodded her approval. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course, I did," he replied with a lopsided smile and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

Charlotte came to stand at Peter's side, giving him a loving look before turning an amused one to Jasper and then sharing a giggle with Alice as though they were in on some sort of private joke together.

Jasper's gaze immediately moved to Charlotte and shifted between she and Alice, in quick paranoid glances, as they giggled. He couldn't deny it was unnerving, the way they looked at him like some kind of project or lab rat.

"I hope you're both up for a run," Charlotte said, a smile teasing at her lips.

"Run to where?" Jasper asked with trepidation, shifting his gaze back to Charlotte. "What's going on?" he questioned.

"Well," Alice said, barely containing her happiness, "we have a plane to catch."

Jasper's expression turned confusion, at the mention of catching a plane. "What do you mean, plane?" he inquired.

"I'm sorry? A plane?" Peter stared wide eyed at Alice before turning his disbelieving gaze on Charlotte.

"Alice and I have been planning this all day and we still have to get the marriage license tomorrow! Don't ruin our fun," Charlotte chided. "Now, come on. The sun is setting and we have to make it to the airport. And don't worry about the temptation of human blood in a confined space. It shouldn't be too unbearable. Alice has chartered a plane so there won't be any other passengers. Just don't eat the pilot because I've no idea how to fly."

Jasper's eyes shifted between Charlotte and Alice as they conspired. His expression remained bewildered as he attempted to sift through the scant details to form together a valid explanation in his mind. His gaze once again shifted to Charlotte as she explained things to Peter but still she made sure to give only vague details regarding the trip and leaving out any reason for it.

Alice looked up at Jasper sheepishly. "This is okay, right?" she asked, nervously.

"Um, sure…" Jasper replied, lifting his eyebrows in response to the sheepish note in her emotions. "Where exactly are we going?" he questioned, pursing his lips together in hopes to draw out some kind of answer.

"It's a surprise!" Alice exclaimed, happy that he was agreeing. She danced out of his arms and slid the travel bag off her shoulder. "Here," she said, taking out new clothes for him and holding them out. "Put these on. You too, Peter," she instructed pulling out an outfit for him as well.

She was oddly gleeful and this could be a very bad thing. His gaze followed her as she slid out from under his arm and slipped the travel bag off of her shoulder. His eyes drew wide in horror as he watched her begin to unzip it. His gaze flashed nervously to Peter as she drew out clothes and held them out for him to take and put on. It wasn't an option. He was going to put them on. He managed a half hearted smile as he received the khaki slacks and the pale grey button up shirt from her.

Peter reached out his hand and hesitantly took what Alice was offering to him before shooting a worried expression to Jasper. "You didn't exaggerate," he commented, nodding his head toward Alice.

"No..." Jasper mouthed, shaking his head discreetly as he caught Peter's worried glance.

"Well go on, go on!" Alice chirped, herding them off into the trees.

Jasper obeyed as there was no other option and slung the shirt and slacks over a nearby rock. He meticulously moved through the buttons and slipped the shirt off of his shoulders, letting it pool at his feet and gingerly picked up the new shirt.

Peter did as he was told. It seemed to be the only thing to do. Once Alice had darted off back to Charlotte, he draped the new clothes over a low slung tree branch and began working his way out of the shirt he was currently wearing. "We're in a lot of trouble, aren't we?" he asked Jasper as examined the new shirt before shrugging it on.

"You have no idea…" Jasper replied cryptically and displayed a faint smile. He shrugged into the new shirt and rapidly worked up through the buttons, smoothing his hands over it. He then began unbuttoning his pants, working himself out of them and turning toward the new pair of slacks to put them on.

"Bet facing that army of newborns is starting not to look so bad," Peter teased as he zipped and buttoned his new pants.

"Facing an army of newborns was quite easy compared to this..." he chuckled as he pulled up his pants and began zipping them up.

"Where in the world could we be going? Charlotte seems excited about it so I suppose it will be alright but…"

"It's hard telling..." Jasper mused, shifting a side long glance at Peter. "But, I'll bet it'll be interesting..."

Alice came through the trees then, one hand clapped over her eyes, the other outstretched before her and sweeping side to side. "Peter, are you decent?"

"Never," Peter chuckled with a devilish smile. "But if you're asking if I'm clothed then the answer is yes."

Jasper stifled a laugh, casting an amused look to Peter.

Alice slowly peeked between her fingers. Satisfied that he was telling the truth she reached out and started dragging Jasper along. "Come on, we have to go!" she giggled. "It's a bit of a run to the airport!"

Jasper sighed, giving Peter a look that screamed 'help me' and following hurriedly behind Alice. "I'm coming," he sighed. "Come on, Peter! Apparently we're on limited time!" he yelled behind him, laughing.

Charlotte motioned to Peter and took off into a graceful run. With a shake of his head, Peter darted off after her. Alice slid her hand down to grab Jasper's, tilting her head to look up at him with an impish grin.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Ready," Jasper said, displaying a lopsided smile and twining his fingers with hers.

Her grin turned into a wide smile as they sprinted forward into the forest after Charlotte and Peter. "Then let's go get married."