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. :

14. Chapter 14

14. As Long As We Both Shall Live…

Peter chanced another look out of the hotel window, eyeing the setting sun with curiosity. Since landing in Biloxi, Mississippi this is where they had sat, staring at the walls of the little room while they waited. Charlotte and Alice had taken off soon after their arrival that morning, saying only that when it was time a car would be sent for them.

Jasper sat quietly on the bed running his hand over the silky texture of the fabric. Since landing they'd not moved from their positions. They sat frozen, like statues, waiting for their mates to return. Alice and Charlotte had ditched almost as soon as the plane touched the ground, running off on their errands and leaving Jasper and Peter to sit. Jasper's gaze never left the wall, locked and unblinking in trance like state, as Peter moved to the window to check outside again to see if there was a car waiting.

"Still no sign of anything too unpleasant," Peter remarked, letting the curtain fall back into place. "No tuxedos or shirts with lace collars…"

Jasper's gaze shifted from the wall and over to Peter as he let the curtain drop back into place. "No parade of clothing," Jasper teased. Yet he felt a pang of horror when he realized that could be a possibility. He wouldn't put it past her and suddenly his remark wasn't that funny anymore. He slipped from the bed and moved over to the window, peeling back the curtain to look outside out of paranoia as well.

"So Alice is from here? I mean, in her human life, at least…or so she thinks?"

"Um, yes..." he clarified. "At least this is where she woke up, so she's assuming she's from here," he said, a weak smile flickering over his lips.

Peter sighed as he crossed over to a chair. "I keep trying to figure this out but coming up short. It's going to be dark soon. I'm guessing that's part of the plan…having the ceremony at night."

Jasper moved away from the window and back over to the bed. "That would be my guess..." he mused. "But where? Why Mississippi?" he questioned in a voice so soft that it sounded as if he were talking to himself.

There was a knock at the door which caused Peter to freeze in the act of taking a seat, whirling his head around in the direction of the sound.

Jasper's reaction was the same as Peter's as he felt a sudden swell of anxiety rush through him. His gaze snapped to the door as the knock of human flesh resounded against the oak door. "I'll get it…" he muttered idly and stood, crossing the room. He hesitated with his hand briefly hovering over the knob as he cast a nervous glance to Peter. Curling his fingers around it he sucked in a sharp breath and pulled the door open to reveal the human behind it. "Can I help you?" he asked in a strained voice, speaking through clenched teeth.

A man stood there, clad in a suit and holding a hat which he turned over and over in his hands as he stared at Jasper for a little longer than was appropriate before casting a glance behind him to Peter with his pale skin, red eyes and white blonde hair. A slight tremor overcame him and instead of turning the hat around and around in his hands he took to grasping it as though hanging on for dear life against a wave of fear. He wasn't sure why fear was his reaction but something in his subconscious told him this was the correct reaction to have.

Fear came in waves off of the little man in front of him. The heavy tenor of fear and anxiety in his mood was thick as a fog in the air. Jasper pressed a strained, uncomfortable smile in an attempt to ease the man's nerves, forcing out a small dosage of his influence to calm him and keep the atmosphere, for Peter's sake, under control.

"Mr. Whitlock?" he asked in a shaky voice, his eyes darting between the two men to see which one would answer.

"That would be me," he replied, pressing another strained smile.

"Miss Smith sent me to fetch you," the man explained. "The car is downstairs. She gave me strict instructions not to tell you where you're going but to give you this." He reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a thick white envelope with Jasper's name on it.

Jasper listened quietly, straining against the burning in his throat and swallowing mouthfuls of venom several times. Despite his best attempts at keeping a smooth expression he couldn't suppress the longing and hunger sparked in his eyes. He took a couple of steps back letting the door swing open and reached forward, taking the envelope from the man's steadied hands. "Thank you," he said as politely as possible and strained another smile as he flipped the envelope to rip open the top.

Peter came to stand behind Jasper and peered over his shoulder, eager to see what the envelope contained in hopes that it would shed some light on what the evening held. When Jasper opened the envelope, though, the mystery only increased. Inside was a large sum of money. Peter's eyes roved over it and estimated it to be several hundred dollars.

"Any idea what that is for?" Peter asked.

Jasper's eyebrows puckered in confusion as he drew out the money. "No clue…" Jasper murmured, still quite perplexed as his gaze drifted over his shoulder to Peter. He slid the money back in the envelope and stuck it in his pocket, turning back to the man at the door. "So, we leave now?" he asked through clenched teeth, as a hiss of his air supply escaped.

"With one stop along the way, sir," the driver clarified. "If you'll follow me, we'll be under way. You're already checked out at the front desk. You simply need to give the clerk the key."

Jasper nodded, slipping his hand into his pocket and drawing out the room key. He flashed it briefly to let the man know he had it and, with Peter in tow, he followed him out of the room.

The driver led the way to the front lobby, standing near the desk as he waited. Peter had thought it best to utilize the sunglasses Alice had provided despite the darkness that had descended outside. It was better than telling every human he passed Alice's albino story.

Jasper trailed behind the driver, keeping a healthy distance so as not to be too tempted. He held his breath which helped from sucking in the man's scent but he could still hear his pulse, singing sweet and vibrant, which didn't help matters.

"Here we go," Peter mumbled as they approached the front desk.

He brushed past Peter as the driver approached the lobby desk and drew out the key, laying it down against the marble top of the counter.

Jasper nodded once in response. "It begins…" he murmured cryptically.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Nervous?" he asked as the driver held open the hotel door for them and Peter swept out into the street.

Jasper nodded, as he swept out behind Peter. "Is it that obvious?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow. He'd done his best to hide it but apparently Peter had picked up on his overwhelming feeling anxiety.

The driver moved quickly to open the back passenger side door of a black car, standing almost at attention as he waited for them to slide inside.

Jasper nodded to the driver in acknowledgement and slid into the backseat and shifted his gaze to Peter.

Peter climbed in after Jasper and settled into the seat with a sigh. "Well, I can't say as though I have much experience with weddings. Until you mentioned it, I'd never even thought of the possibility of it given what we are. I supposed Charlotte will be wanting to do the same now," he said with a thoughtful look.

Jasper laughed, kneading his fingers into the fabric on the top of his leg. He nodded, shifting his gaze off of Peter and narrowed it toward the floorboards, trying like hell not to be too focused on the driver. He might meet his undoing if he did so. "Until I'd met Alice and took her to the picture show, I'd never even given thought to it…" he said, as a faint smile brushed his features.

"Well, even with my limited experience, I think this is the part where I remind you that you don't have to go through with it if you don't want to…"

Sliding his gaze off the floor, he returned it to Peter. "No, I want to. If I'm going to spend eternity with her, then why not marry her and make it official?" he chuckled. He became thoughtful as his gaze moved to the window and fell silent, mulling over his thoughts.

The driver started the car and they pulled away from the curb, the glare of the streetlights passing through the windows at random intervals. Jasper remained silent, as the driver pulled away from the curb and lifted a hand to trace lazy lines on the handle of the door.

"Then why is it you look as though you are about to bolt from the car?" Peter asked, humor dancing in his eyes. Before Jasper could answer, Peter shifted his gaze to the driver. "Oh, I see…"

Jasper nodded as he swallowed another mouthful of venom and moved his gaze hesitantly toward the driver. Just as quickly his gaze shifted back to the window.

Apparently animal blood, even the large amount that Jasper had indulged in yesterday, was not enough to quell the desire for the blood of a human. Peter's eyes softened in sympathy behind his sunglasses.

Peter's humor had quickly disappeared as the realization set in and with it came sympathy. Jasper frowned, picking up on this. He didn't have to look at Peter to see the shift of his mood, he already knew and pity bothered him. "It's ok, really," he said in a clipped tone.

Jasper was sure his words had probably come off ruder than he'd meant them but he didn't like to be pitied. He wasn't used to it and honestly it made him uncomfortable. His gaze traveled down to his slacks and the hand kneading the fabric clenched into a fist. The driver's pulse was almost a buzz in his ears, sending a shock wave of desire through him that had nothing to do with Alice. Such are the drawbacks of my diet, he thought wryly and smirked. His throat contracted and burned, leaving a raw ache in its wake as he yet again swallowed another mouthful of venom.

"You're going to be fine," he said, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Just think about Alice…"

Jasper nodded in response and managed a weak smile, flicking his gaze to Peter as he clapped him on the shoulder. His words were meant to be a comfort but they brought very little and even though Peter meant them, they seemed empty. "Thank you," he murmured, shifting his gaze back to the window and slightly letting slack the balled fist on his slacks. However, he obeyed and attempted to shift his thoughts to Alice, concentrating on her face until her image pushed through the barrage of darker images currently raging in his mind.

Peter could feel the tension ease out of Jasper. It had been that thick in the air before that moment. "See? Isn't that better?" he asked, a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, thank you," Jasper replied, managing a faint smile. Peter's distraction had served its purpose. "Pleased with yourself?" he asked, teeth still tightly clenched.

Peter's lips curved in a lazy smile as he lounged back in his seat. "Aren't I always?"

The car began to slow and Peter peered out the window to take in their surroundings. They were on a city street lined with shops. His brow furrowed in confusion.

Jasper's expression turned confused as well as the car slowed to a crawl on the curb in front of a row of shops. Jasper's confusion only intensified as the car came to a stop.

The driver exited the car and came around to open Jasper's door. "Mr. Whitlock," he said in acknowledgement. "Miss Smith told me you would need to stop here before I deliver you to the ceremony." They were parked in front of a jewelry store and the driver motioned towards it, standing aside so that Jasper could get out.

He shot a furtive glance to Peter before finding the driver standing at his door and gesturing toward a jewelry store. Then everything clicked together. The envelope containing the money, now the jewelry store... His look of confusion turned to one of understanding as he shifted his gaze to the envelope in his pocket. "Oh," he said, simply and slid out of the car.

"A wedding band!" Peter exclaimed. "Of course, of course! You can't get married without one." He took in his friend's expression and slid towards the open door. "Do you want to do this alone or do you need me to come with you?" Not that Jasper needed his help in picking out a wedding band or that Peter would even know the first thing about it, but he wondered if perhaps Jasper might need him to remain in control of himself around the humans.

"Perhaps, you should come," Jasper said, shifting his gaze to Peter with an underlying look of pleading. He felt a sudden swell of nerves as he turned and swept to the door of the shop, turning back to give an anxious glance to Peter.

"Say no more!" Peter declared, quickly sliding out of the car. He followed Jasper closely and lowered his voice so he didn't run the risk of anyone overhearing. "Jasper, you led an army of newborn vampires for over twenty years. You have more self control and discipline than anyone I have ever encountered."

Jasper flickered a glance to Peter, flashing him a half hearted smile. Newborns. The word stung at the very thought and left a bad taste in his mouth yet he managed to chuckle. "I thought I did, anyway…" he replied, quietly. What more could he expect from himself? After all for the first several years of his life, he knew nothing of self control. Now reining it in was proving to be difficult. Of course, from what he'd encountered, it was supposed to be difficult.

"You did. You still do. Even thirst is something that you can beat into submission if you put your mind to it. Now, let's go in here and do what we need so we can get you to the church on time…or wherever it is that we're headed this night."

"Thank you," he mumbled, quirking a smile. Peter's words held a small amount of comfort yet they still didn't feel like enough."Right, okay…" he agreed and swung the door open and stepped inside, shifting his gaze around. He crossed the room, moving up to the counter.

The woman standing there tittered nervously as Jasper approached, reaching up a hand to smooth her mousy brown hair. He was certainly handsome and there was something about the way he looked at her… She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She knew what this man was here for and to think otherwise was to be a fool, she reminded herself.

Jasper quit breathing the instant he approached the front counter. The woman was attractive, by human standards, but his attraction to her was merely that of predator and prey. He saw nothing in the way a human male would. But she was beautiful; her fragile existence, her scent, her blood, the way the blood pooled in her cheeks flushing the creamy complexion of her face pink. He tilted his head, swallowing a mouthful of venom as the hunger in his eyes increased. He felt his self control slipping, inch by inch.

Peter moved to stand behind him, laying a restraining hand on his shoulder. A human wouldn't be able to perceive the amount of force he was using to keep Jasper firmly anchored to the floor.

"Mr. Whitlock?" she asked. "We've been expecting you. We've opened the store after our normal business hours to be of service and hope you will find what you need. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

It was her voice that broke his enthrallment and he quickly snapped to life as he fought to internally regain his self control. "Yes, ma'am," he replied, straining a smile and inclining his head. It was a reflex reaction bred into him. His inherent respect for women was something he even extended to humans, though for a slightly more sinister purpose. "Thank you, I will," he added pleasantly and turned his gaze toward the display case, scanning across the multitude of rings.

If it were possible, she blushed even more at his civility. There was something so engrossingly charming about him that she found it hard to tear her eyes away. When she did, her gaze darted to Peter as he ghosted around the room, not speaking, so pale, and wearing sunglasses after nightfall. There was something odd about both of them she thought, but she couldn't for the life of her place what it was. Suddenly she remembered that she hadn't even told them her name, which was rude of her as far as customer service went. She had been so distracted by both of them that she had forgotten entirely.

Jasper's gaze remained fixed on the display case though her emotional climate didn't escape him. She was flustered and nervous, tittering about as if she couldn't keep her wits about her. She was also extremely susceptible and, if Jasper had had the inclination, he could take her life, probably quite willingly on her behalf. The temptation was tangible as he chanced a furtive glance in her direction. All it would take was a small amount of his influence and he could will her into giving herself up to him without a fight. He pictured himself approaching the desk, expressing interest and asking her to follow him. And she would go…that much he was sure of.

His gaze roved over her longingly as he examined her, zeroing in on her pulse point.

"I'm Mary, by the way," she said, her voice timid. She cringed at the sound of it, hoping she wouldn't lose the sale. The owner, Mr. Hedley, had told her that this was a very important client and Mary knew that coming from Mr. Hedley that meant wealthy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said in reflex and forced a smile. Suddenly he realized the direction the darkness of his thoughts had taken as he took a step toward the counter, about to make good on the rioting images. He quickly shifted his gaze toward the display case and stabbed his finger toward a ring, any ring. The ring he happened to be pointing at was a white gold band, antique in style with a polished oval bloodstone in the center and three small diamonds on each side. "That one," he barked, with a tinge of urgency in his tone, his emotions at war with one other as he attempted to push past the mental images. "I'd like to see that one..." he added, in a milder tone, nervous and almost apologetic for his sudden outburst. "Please."

As the woman unlocked the display case to retrieve the ring he had indicated Peter shot Jasper a warning glare. "Too easy," he whispered, too low and fast for anyone but Jasper to hear. "If you're going to slip don't do it with that." He gave the young woman a pitying gaze. "Young, eager to please, easily influenced," he scoffed. "No sport in it at all…"

Jasper caught Peter's look of warning and nodded in acknowledgement, temporarily regaining his composure. He couldn't have been more thankful for Peter's presence at that moment. God knows what would've happened had it just been him alone with her. Despite his horror at what he'd nearly done, he let slip an amused smile at Peter's words of disapproval. "I'll keep that in mind..." he replied, smirking.

Peter smiled behind his sunglasses. "Do that."

Having missed the entire exchange, Mary straightened up, proudly holding the ring Jasper had asked for and offered it out to him for his approval.

Jasper's gaze drifted from Peter to the ring Mary was holding out and immediately cringed. "No," he declined, shaking his head. Alice would never allow that to be placed on her finger and had he not been distracted by the prospective meal, he might have been more observant. He returned his gaze to the display case and pointed toward a white gold band inlaid with a row of diamonds. "Can I see that one instead?" he asked, once again straining a smile. The raw feeling in his throat flared mercilessly as he concentrated his gaze on the band in the display case, desperately trying to flood his thoughts with Alice in an attempt to drive out the dark thoughts and alleviate the pained expression plastered on his face.

Mary eagerly picked up the ring Jasper had indicated and offered it to him, a shaky smile on her face. "More to your liking?"

"Quite. I'll take that one," Jasper replied, pleased and nodding his approval. "How much?" he asked in a strained voice, swallowing reflexively as he shifted his gaze to the envelope in his pocket. He slipped his hand in to retrieve it.

"That ring is $650, sir," the woman said, eyes lighting up hopefully that perhaps she had done well despite her obvious bumbling.

Jasper nodded in acknowledgement and pulled out the allotted amount, pressing it onto the counter. The respectful thing would have been to put it directly into her palm but he wasn't so sure that if he did so, he wouldn't be inclined to jerk her over the counter.

Mary scooped the money up off the counter and placed the ring into a black velvet box before handing it towards Jasper with a smile. "Thank you so much for your business and if ever we can help you with anything in the future, please come see us."

Jasper's eyes flashed up to her hand, as she extended it out to him. It was as if it were an open invitation, so easy. He could see it now, just one swift jerk and he could have her over the counter and in his embrace. The warmth of her blood would be sweet on his lips, whetting the fire ravaging his throat.

Peter swooped in a snagged the ring box from the girl's fingers before Jasper could even make a move to do so. "Thank you, I believe that will be all. Have a pleasant evening, ma'am." He shoved the ring in his coat pocket and ushered Jasper towards the door, grumbling to know that it would be just as bad for him inside the car though at least the driver didn't seem willing to bare his throat like the sales lady had been.

He was just about to make his move, when Peter rushed in and snatched the ring from her fingers, giving Jasper the distraction he needed to regain his control. He shot Peter a glare, mixed with an underlying look of pleading, as he shoved the ring in his pocket and pushed him toward the door.

The driver leapt out of the car, hurriedly trying to make his way to open car door but Peter beat him to it, hastily shoving Jasper inside. Peter waved to the driver with a flustered air. "Take us to…wherever it is we're going. This man is eager to get married!"

Jasper shot Peter a look as he hastily led him away from the jewelry store and shoved him into the car, moving quicker than the driver in his haste to get Jasper out of there. Under normal circumstances he would have put his foot down over being man handled but in that moment his face was awash with a look of defeat as Peter pushed him inside and followed suit. Jasper clung to his shreds of dignity, pulling himself over to the seat behind the driver and swallowing reflexively as he chanced a hunger sparked glance in his direction before turning his eyes toward the window. He'd nearly exposed them and he supposed Peter's nervous reaction was deserved.

Once inside Peter turned a smile on Jasper. "That was close," he remarked as the driver pulled away from the curb.

Jasper gave an apologetic look in Peter's direction. "I'm sorry…" he murmured, too low for human ears. He sampled the mood around him, trying to detect other emotions aside from his own sudden spike of anxiety. More than anything he was looking to see if Peter were angry with him for what he'd nearly done.

Anger was not anywhere in Peter's mood as they drove through the streets and left the town behind them. "For what?" he questioned, his lips pulling up in a crooked grin. "There's nothing to be sorry for. She registered with me, too. Just…not my type," Peter chuckled.

Despite his best efforts, Jasper had not detected any anger in Peter's emotional climate, only anxiety. "For nearly exposing us both…" Jasper murmured, sickened at himself for almost giving in and had Peter not intervened, he would have. "It seems Alice grounds me more than I thought…" he realized, shifting his gaze toward Peter. He felt weaker, more susceptible to losing it without her near him. He was far too much of a gentleman with her present to embarrass her in such a way or to even consider putting her in harm's way. His constant need to please her always won out and yet, the faith she placed in him provided him with the strength he needed to get by. Her always reassuring touch kept him grounded, always nearly in control but never completely.

"Well, I'm not going to bat my eyelashes at you but I'll keep you honest until I get you back to her," Peter laughed.

Jasper swallowed, doing his best to keep his thoughts registered on Alice, focused as he cast his gaze out the window. The driver's pulse was a constant pounding in his ears, alluring and mouthwatering. The moment Jasper shifted a longing look to the seat in front of him, he stopped his breathing in hopes to suffocate the raw ache in his throat.

Peter turned his head to look out the window. "We're leaving Biloxi it seems. Curious…"

Once again the dark images attempted to push through but Jasper kept focused on Alice and forced his gaze away from the driver's seat and back out the window. Peter's words filtered through as the fog lifted from his mind for the second time and he allowed a slight smile to touch his lips. "I wonder why?" he asked in a strained voice and puckered his eyebrows in confusion.

"Well, I'm guessing we're heading to the ceremony but so far I don't see anything but farms and fields," Peter commented, shrugging. Just then the driver turned onto a narrow lane lined with oak trees hanging with Spanish moss. Peter leaned forward to squint out the windshield. "Hmmmm," he said with a slight frown. He rolled his window down and allowed the night air to filter into the car. "Ah, you smell that?" he whispered. "They're here."

Jasper watched with curiosity and quite a bit of confusion as the city limits gave way to farmland. His confusion intensified as the driver slowed and turned down a long narrow lane lined with live oaks that were naturally decorated with Spanish moss. His gaze flew to Peter as he began rolling the window down. As soon as the night air filled the car, Alice carried in on the breeze, as sweet as ever, along with Charlotte's pleasant scent. "Yes, I do..." he mused, shifting his gaze over to Peter. "But why?" Why on earth would Alice want to have the wedding way out here?

Peter's eyes grew wide. "Jasper, look!"

Coming into view ahead of them was a white antebellum plantation home, the windows ablaze with light which highlighted the large columns that framed the wide front porch. The car continued down the lane until it pulled around the circular drive to park directly in front. Two men in impeccable dress clothes promptly exited the front door and came toward the car.

Jasper's eyes widened, as the large plantation home came into view. Amazement washed through him, as the driver circled around and parked the car in the front. "This is um...wow..." he mumbled, too shell shocked for words as the two doormen came down to the car.

The driver opened a door just as one of the men reached it, coming to stand at attention in such a way that identified himself as a servant of sorts. "Mr. Whitlock, if you and your guest will kindly follow us, we'll show you to your rooms," he announced.

Jasper shot Peter a shocked look and nodded mutely to the driver and the doormen. "Um…sure," he said, sliding out of the car and staring up at the house with all the awe of a man seeing God. The night air thankfully dispersed and diluted the scents of the men in front of him as it mingled with Alice's and Charlotte's. He couldn't find the words or the willpower to move out of his stationary spot.

Peter nudged Jasper forward. "How is she doing this?" he wondered as he looked the building over. "What is this place?"

Jasper couldn't take his eyes off the exterior, only barely noticing Peter's nudge as he moved forward. "I don't know..." Jasper said, awestruck.

"This is the Magnolia Plantation," one of the doormen informed them as they ascended the stairs. "It was built in 1849 and was one of the few plantations to have survived the Civil War."

Upon entrance Jasper's gaze, if at all possible, widened. The immaculate shape of the place was just like stepping back in time and for a moment, he had nearly forgotten what century he was in. "This absolutely amazing..." he mumbled in disbelief as they ascended the staircase. His gaze took in everything from the marble tiling to the chandelier. He was deeply touched by the length Alice had gone to in order bring him a small piece of his human memories. No doubt he had been born in Texas but the plantations were the same as were the mossy oaks and layouts of the houses. Flickers of his own shrouded memories attempted to push through his mind as they moved up the stairs, passed a string of various oil paintings from portraits of the original owners to landscapes.

Peter's head turned, his eyes landing with surprise on Jasper.

Jasper caught Peter's expression as the surprise swirled around him like a fog and smirked, completely lost for words.

The foyer was the size of most normal homes, the floor laid with marble. But besides the various oil paintings and the enormous crystal chandelier, the most obvious feature was the grand horseshoe staircase that scrolled up to the second floor landing.

"The Magnolia Plantation now functions as a museum however, considering Miss Smith's sizeable donation, the curator has agreed to open it up tonight for the ceremony also allowing you a night's stay on the premises," the doorman continued as he lead them to the staircase. "If you'll follow me, please," he announced, beginning to ascend to the second floor.

Jasper listened as the doorman prattled on. He couldn't believe Alice had gone to such lengths to please him. It was obvious she'd done this with him in mind and now he felt guilty for reacting the way he did to the idea of her plans. "That's, um...very generous of the curator to do that…" he replied and followed along with Peter as they began ascending the second flight of stairs.

A long hallway stretched out in either direction but the doorman led them to the right. A series of oak doors lined either side but it was the last door on the right that the doorman opened. "Mr. Whitlock, your room," he announced, opening the door before turning to open the one across the hall. "And for your guests," he explained. "If there is anything you require, you will find a rope pull inside your rooms. Do not hesitate to call. I will be along to collect you in a few minutes once you have changed into your attire."

Jasper's gaze roved over the series of oak doors, more than likely original to the house, and the ornate carpeting as they made their way down the hallway. The whole place was magnificent, something to be appreciated. Humans took it for what it was, a massive piece of history. Jasper took it for something far grander, a massive piece of his history, his childhood, his world. The man leading them came to a stop in front of one of the ornate doors. His door apparently. Jasper's gaze quickly shifted to him as he pulled the door open and addressed it as his room. "Um, thank you," he said, flicking his gaze toward Peter before stepping through the door.

The doorman nodded and with that he turned on his heel and left, disappearing down the hall.

Peter peeked his head inside Jasper's room. A large curtained four poster bed draped in royal blue was the first thing to draw his eye, the furnishings far more elaborate than anything he had seen in either his human life or his vampire one. Soon, though, his eyes fell to the garment bag hanging on the slightly open door of an armoire.

Jasper crossed the room to the bed, running his hand along the counterpane and taking a seat, completely awestruck as his gaze roved around the room. Everything was exactly as it should be from the oil paintings on the walls to the quilted sheets on the bed to the planked flooring.

"Want me to take a look for you so I can break the news?" Peter asked, knowing how apprehensive Jasper seemed to be regarding Alice and clothing.

Jasper eyed the bag with apprehension, unsure about what lurked inside of it. He gladly took Peter up on his offer and nodded. "Please," he said, chuckling and watched as Peter then crossed the room to the mystery clothes.

Peter slowly unzipped the bag to peer at the contents. For a moment he simply stood there, unable to speak. Then his eyes lit up and he nearly doubled over laughing. "Oh, she did good!" he exclaimed. "This really is too perfect!"

Peter's initial reaction could be interpreted two ways, good or bad. Jasper quickly sampled the mood around him out of paranoia. Peter was surprised and slightly amused, which could be a bad sign. Yet his words were oddly mismatched with Jasper's notions.

Waving Jasper over, Peter unzipped the bag the rest of the way and removed it with a flourish to reveal a Confederate officer's uniform. The grey wool double breasted long coat was complete with brass buttons and gold epaulets and underneath was a grey waistcoat and a simple cotton shirt. The grey wool pants were immaculately pressed and also on the hanger as was a gold waist sash.

Jasper stood from the bed and crossed the room, taking in a nervous breath as he came to stand behind Peter. What he saw nearly floored him. In one fluid motion Peter had the outfit out, an officer's uniform, Confederate and not just any officer, but that of a Major. "This is…wow…" he said, feeling as if he were going to go into shock. "I can't believe this…" he breathed, taking up the uniform. The very sight of it brought back a flood of memories. Memories that had at one time been shrouded and vague now came flooding back in an onslaught. Memories of his time in the Civil War, memories of his enlistment and a distinct memory of his father congratulating him for ascending the ranks so quickly. Letters he'd written back and forth to his family wishing them well and receiving news from them in return…

Peter reached into the armoire and pulled out a pair of boots, a sword and a cavalry hat. "It even comes complete with props!" he said, smiling from ear to ear and slapping the hat on Jasper's head.

Jasper hung the outfit back on the armoire as Peter began to pull out even more things. Accessories to the outfit... Jasper's eyes drew wide in shock, almost in disbelief. "I don't believe this…" he mumbled, completely shell shocked. He couldn't help but smirk wryly, as Peter slapped the hat on his head.

"You've already said that once," Peter chuckled, pulling the sword out of its sheath to discover it was, in fact, real.

"I did?" Jasper asked, still in awe. The sharp metallic sound of the sword sliding from the scabbard cut through the air as Peter drew it out. The noise resounded through Jasper's ears, a faint echo of his past and bringing with it a barrage of memories which had been foggy and just out of reach. Jasper's eyes shifted away from Peter and settled far off as the sound of thundering hooves filled his head, echoing in his ears as the vision of a cavalry charge forced its way into his mind. However just as quickly as the flicker came it disappeared. It was replaced almost immediately with a very clear vision of his last night as a human. He'd done everything in his power to blot out that particular night but now, seeing all of this and reliving the past, it flashed full force into his mind. Maria, Nettie and Lucy, all three so pale in the moonlight, almost angelic in appearance…

He squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to block it out as the scene flashed again to Maria's advance on him. The way her hands felt against his human skin as she moved in for the change. The look in her eyes as she leveled her gaze on his and leaned in... But almost as quickly as the vision came, it faded as Jasper drew in a sharp breath.

Peter eyed Jasper with concern. "What is it?"

"I think I might actually faint..." Jasper replied, turning a completely taken aback look to Peter.

Peter laughed, slapping him on the back. "Well, there's a lady's fainting couch over in the corner so if you do, please use it. I've no intention of picking you up off the floor."

Jasper pressed his lips together and rolled his eyes. "Ha ha," he said rather dryly.

"I'll leave you to it then," Peter said, walking towards the door. "I have to get changed myself and there's no telling what that entails!" He slipped out into the hallway to shut the door behind him, leaving Jasper to get dressed.

Jasper laughed quietly and turned toward the ensemble. He shimmied out of his shoes and pants, slinging them over by the bed and slipped on the uniform's wool pants, pulling them up and buttoning them. He slid on the boots next then grabbed the simple cotton shirt, the waistcoat and the officer's double breasted coat, shrugging into them in order. He pulled the collar of the coat down at the sides as he worked through the buttons and smoothed his hands over it to straighten it before tying the gold sash around his waist. Grabbing the cavalry sword and belt, he looped it over the sash and buckled it, then made tiny arrangements to straighten the hat. He gave himself the once over in the mirror before turning toward the door.

The room to Peter's door was open. He stood before the mirror staring at himself in his Confederate soldier's uniform. It was much simpler than Jasper's as he hadn't lived long enough in his human life to have become anything more. A vague memory of that night tried to force its way into his mind but he pushed it away. He didn't want to remember that night. There were so many others that held more appeal. Recalling them now he smiled, his fingers drifting over the grey wool to finally come to worry one of the brass buttons.

The sounds of his booted soles thumping against the planked floors reverberated through his ears as Jasper curled his fingers around the knob and drew the door open to step out into the hallway. He crossed straight to Peter's room to find him looking himself over in the mirror. With a stifled laugh, Jasper stepped inside and leaned against the door pane. "Let me know when you're done fawning over yourself," he teased, as he shrugged away from the door and crossed the threshold.

Peter turned to face Jasper with a smile, his red eyes slightly haunted with sadness despite it. "I think this place is haunted," Peter said softly, returning his gaze to his reflection in the mirror. "Because I'm almost certain I've just seen a ghost…"

Jasper fixed Peter with a sympathetic look as the tenor of his emotions filled the room. An overwhelming sense of joy mixed with an undertone of sadness as thick as a fog filled the space around him, a sadness that had everything to do with his life being ripped away from him as cruelly as Jasper's had been. He drew in a breath and drifted over to Peter's side, joining him next to the mirror. "Ghosts of times past..." he mumbled cryptically as his gaze flew to the mirror.

Peter nodded, adjusting his jacket.

Jasper's expression fell ever so slightly as he walked over to the desk in the corner and traced his finger across the top. "Does this bring back any memories for you?" His voice was soft, almost inaudible, as he shifted his gaze back to his old friend.

Peter nodded. "Some, I must confess…" He reached down and took up his own sash, fixing it in place over his wool coat. "I can't help but think that this is the way it should have been. I should have met Charlotte in the ballroom of some grand home like this, placing a kiss to her lace glove and filling out a space on her dance card…not on a battlefield of greed and blood."

Peter's words were layered in longing as he grasped for something he could never have back. Jasper pursed his lips, casting his gaze toward the floor. Peter's musings aroused an ache deep within himself for something he'd never get to have. Ignorance. Ignorance to all of this, a human life, living in bliss with a wife at his side to dote over, a farm to run... All of it was gone and in his mind there'd been no use to dwell on it, only to accept the hand dealt to him. He couldn't stop the wave of pity flooding throughout his body as his gaze once again returned to Peter. "We can't change what has happened…" he said, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder. "But I agree…we should be resting in a cemetery somewhere, being remembered by our grand children not reliving this hell we've been forced to endure for so many years."

Peter turned to face him, his expression thoughtful. "Still, we get to spend eternity with the women who love us in spite of ourselves. I suppose that's not such a bad trade. In fact, we may have gotten the better end of the deal," he said with a grin.

Jasper chuckled. "No, not a bad trade at all," he agreed, letting a grin spread across his face. The mention of Alice and married sent a sudden swell of nerves through him, something he'd never experienced. Premarital jitters? He turned a nervous glance toward the door and swallowed. What if she changed her mind at the last minute? No, she wouldn't do that.

"No more depressing talk then! You, my friend, are getting married and I doubt that Alice did all this for us to be up here feeling sorry for ourselves!"

"Married," he breathed. "Yes, but why do I suddenly feel nervous?" he asked, almost pleading.

"I have no idea," Peter laughed. "You shouldn't be. Any woman who would go to this much expense and trouble over your sorry hide is worth marching down there and marrying properly."

"You're absolutely right," he agreed, nodding.

"Major Whitlock?" The man from earlier appeared in the doorway, sweeping his arm out into the hall. "If you will both follow me down to the garden. The ceremony is about to begin."

Jasper's gaze instinctively shot toward the door at the mention of his name, his title. He was Major Whitlock and no one, not even Maria, could ever take that title away from him. "Of course," Jasper squeaked, half out of nerves about the wedding and half out of the sudden raw feeling in his throat at the presence of the human.

"That's our cue…major," Peter smirked as he walked out into the hallway, pocketing Alice's ring.

Jasper nodded, suddenly unable to speak as he followed Peter out into the hall. His anxiety shot through the roof as he followed them toward the staircase, a sudden sense of foreboding rising within him. But it wasn't just the fact that he was getting married, it was the sudden realization that he would be cast into the spotlight. His thoughts warred against each other to the point where the noise was almost deafening.

"Jasper," Peter said, turning to give his friend a quizzical look. "You're dragging your feet! I'm not carrying you down the stairs, man! Get a move on!"

Jasper reigned in his anxiety. "I'm coming," he lamented, stepping up his pace. He allowed the pride he held within him to take hold, the commander and major he'd once been pushing through to the surface as he began descending the staircase behind them.

The doorman led them to a pair of double doors leading out to a verandah, the sight before them causing even Peter's smirk to be wiped clean off his face. Despite the fact that it was December, the garden looked like something out of a dream. White tulle was draped decoratively down the garden path which was strewn with white persimmon blossoms toward a gazebo set under several oak trees, their Spanish moss hanging down to graze its roof.

The instant the doors swung open a familiar scent hit Jasper. He couldn't help but take in a breath of the air as they laid eyes on the sight before them. It was absolutely beautiful and meticulously done with the white tulle and white persimmon blossoms strung along the path leading toward the gazebo. The scent of the persimmon blossom was just as delicious and alluring as he remembered it from his childhood and as he drew in another breath, a barrage of images flooded his mind. Images of a time gone by when he was a mere boy playing amongst the orchards and groves... "Wow," he muttered, taking in every intricate detail. Alice had really out done herself.

"Gentlemen," the doorman indicated, walking down the stairs and taking them to the gazebo.

Jasper's gaze flew to the doorman in acknowledgement. The pleasant memories faded out as he indicated for them to follow him. Jasper shifted a quick look to Peter and descended the stairs behind the human male as he led them toward the gazebo.

An elderly preacher stood there waiting, a Bible clasped in front of him and a pair of spectacles perched upon his ruddy nose. "Major Jasper Whitlock, I assume?" he asked, stretching a hand out to him. "And your best man is…?"

Jasper regarded the elderly man with a dignified look and reached out his hand to clasp the preacher's. The soft skin of the old man's hand was thin, almost translucent and wrinkled with age. The preacher's appeal to him wasn't as tantalizing as he had thought it would be just moments before he took his hand. Regardless his pulse was still strong and, combined with his scent, it moved to push Jasper over the edge of reason. Jasper withdrew his hand and clasped both of them together in front of him so as to avoid any temptation, no matter how great or small.

"Second lieutenant Peter Finley, sir," Peter chuckled giving the preacher a mock salute and turning an amused grin to Jasper as he took his place at his left side.

Jasper stifled a laugh, flinging Peter an amused smile as he took his place to his left. His gaze traveled down to the end of the pathway, frozen in anticipation and anxiety as he awaited Alice's arrival.

Off to the side, a string quartet began to play Pachelbel's Canon in D the strains of which floated on the night air. Peter craned his neck looking for a sight of Charlotte before realizing that Jasper was doing much the same thing in anticipation of seeing Alice. He chuckled and gave Jasper a playful elbow to the ribs.

Music from the past coursed in the air, carrying lightly in the breeze. The tension he'd felt earlier was all but gone. Now, he found himself looking forward with a devout eagerness and anticipation to catch a glimpse of Alice. He chuckled and shifted his gaze over to Peter as his playful jab registered.

Charlotte appeared through the double doors and began to walk down the aisle wearing a white muslin gown and carrying a bouquet of white lilies. Her hair was swept up partially and tied with ribbon and, despite her red eyes, Peter couldn't help but swallow against a wave of emotion seeing her this way, as though she had stepped out of a beautiful dream that never got the chance to be.

The sight of Charlotte was more than likely responsible for Peter's sudden wave of emotion, the intensity of which was quite thick. Love, awe, amongst many of other things filled the air around them and Jasper turned a scant knowing smile in Peter's direction.

Charlotte gave Peter a bright smile as she reached the gazebo, sweeping to the side to take her place. Peter gave her a devilish wink as she did so and she raised her bouquet to stifle her answering giggle.

Jasper shook his head, smirking as he shifted his gaze between the two. The love between them was tangible, radiant even.

There was a grand flourish in the music and it was then that Alice appeared. Her wedding dress was a beautiful white organza trimmed with Brussels lace along the three tier skirt. A veil partially hid her face as well as the fall of inky black curls that spilled over her shoulders and down her back. She also held a bouquet of lilies but with a few persimmon blossoms tucked in amongst them. But most apparent, even behind the lace of her veil, was her demure smile as she made her way to stand at Jasper's side.

The music suddenly became dominant over the pleasant background melody causing Jasper to whip his head around to the end of the aisle. There she was in all of her glory. If he had had a heart beat it would surely be racing now, he thought, as this delectable beauty made her way down the aisle. His gaze took in everything, from the white organza dress to the bouquet of lilies in her hands, to the way her hair cascaded over her shoulders in black tendrils. She was breathtaking in every possible way. Jasper felt an appreciative smile creep to his face at the very sight of her.

"I think we're the too luckiest bastards in existence," he whispered, his voice low enough so as not to offend the preacher.

"I think we are too," Jasper agreed with a quaint nod.

There was no one to give her away as would have been the custom but Alice thought it a minor detail. She was there, in that moment, because she wanted to be. Everything she had ever known from the time she had awakened to this life had revolved around the man who stood before her now, so handsome and dignified in his uniform. She gazed at him from behind the veil, her eyes taking in every aspect of his face just as it was then and committing it to memory.

Alice's delight was thick in the air and the way the moon cast from above over the twinkling lights of the gazebo created a visible radiance about her. He couldn't take his eyes off of her because, in just a short time, this radiant creature would be his forever.

"You look stunning," he purred appreciatively, as he took in every aspect of her, every contour, curve and curl. Her radiance was infectious, that was for sure.

"And you look very dashing." Alice ducked her head for a moment to steady herself and keep from crying out of overwhelming happiness. "We might not ever have a ranch, or persimmon trees or grandchildren for you to bounce on your knee, but I wanted you to have this," she said, raising her face to him in order to meet his eyes with her own. "I wanted you to have one perfect day, just as it should have been."

Jasper's face lit up with a loving smile at Alice's bittersweet words. What he had dreamed of would never come true. The quiet musings he'd shared with her some time ago had been all what ifs, little did he know she'd been taking every word into account. He felt a sudden swell of joy rush through him and if he could tear up, he probably would have. "Thank you." His voice was soft and layered in gratitude. "It is perfect…" he said as she leveled her gaze onto his.

It was perfect and Jasper suddenly felt as if for the first time in nearly a century, he was human. He was having the wedding that he should've had, leading the life he should've been able to lead, before everything was so cruelly snatched away.

The preacher began the ceremony but Alice found his words simply faded into the background. She reached out a hand and clasped one of Jasper's as she smiled up at him. Everything else in the world ceased to be. She was paying enough attention though to recite the vows when it was the time to do so and her voice rang with pure love as she said every word.

Jasper's gaze remained on Alice entirely, simply taking the sight of her in. The preacher's words were nothing more than background noise as he was far too enthralled by her to pay much attention. The way she clasped his hand, the way she smiled... He felt a flood of warmth rush through him as she began to recite her vows, the emotional climate around her thick with the love she held for him and combining with his own love for her as he repeated the vows as well.

"The rings, please," the preacher said, smiling.

Peter reached into his pocket and produced Alice's ring which he slipped into Jasper's hand.

Jasper smiled and nodded to Peter, as he slipped the ring into his palm and took Alice's hand in his own.

"Do you, Jasper, take Alice to be your wife, to love, comfort, and cherish from this day forth?"

"I do," Jasper replied softly, yet his voice rang with love as he slipped the ring onto Alice's tiny hand.

Alice admired the ring for a moment with an overwhelming sense of joy before reaching out to take Jasper's left hand in hers.

The joy radiating off of Alice was tempered with his own. He let his gaze drift down to the hand she held.

"And do you, Alice, take Jasper to be your husband, to love, comfort and cherish from this day forth?"

"I do," Alice said, sliding the plain gold band onto Jasper's finger and turning her eyes up to him with a sense of wonder to see it there.

Jasper's gaze shifted back to Alice after having eyed the plain gold band with satisfaction. The love he found in her eyes was matched with a heightened feeling of wonder. Sheer beauty, he thought completely in awe of her.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife!" the preacher declared. "Jasper, you may now kiss your bride."

Jasper's existing smile grew wider as he lifted his hands and pushed back her veil to reveal the beauty underneath. He held her gaze in wonder momentarily, unable to take his eyes off of her. Then without further ado, he leaned in and pressed a soft, tender kiss to her lips.

Alice hung there, feeling the soft movement of his lips as they pressed against her own. The love that swelled within her frozen heart made it feel as though it were in danger of bursting. Finally, unable to control her natural exuberance a moment longer, she flung her arms around his neck, bouquet and all to kiss him back with a passion that made the preacher gasp. Peter's laughter was quickly followed by both he and Charlotte clapping their approval.

The sudden spike of passion caused Jasper to pour more urgency into the kiss as she flung her arms around his neck. Peter and Charlotte's clapping caused Jasper to react on impulse as he suddenly swept Alice off of her feet and into his arms. The preacher's shock was easily readable in the atmosphere around them but, being caught up as he was, Jasper paid little attention to it as he swung Alice around and took off in a sprint down the aisle.

"You forgot to sign the marriage certificate!" the preacher declared as he rushed down the aisle after them, pen in hand.

Jasper halted, hearing the preacher yelling after them and glanced over his shoulder to see him wildly waving a marriage certificate.

Alice giggled and stretched an arm out over Jasper's shoulder to take the pen the preacher waved in front of him as he ran, huffing and puffing down the aisle. Taking the certificate from him, she quickly scrawled her alias down.

"Mr. Whitlock?" she asked, holding the paper and pen up.

Jasper shifted her weight to one arm, taking up the pen and paper as he hurriedly scrolled his name on the line.

He easily navigated the pathway, flying through the double doors and rocketing up the two flights of stairs to their room.

Alice buried her face in his neck, giggling and kicking her little slippered feet as he took the stairs two at a time. She pressed a few soft kisses to the underside of his jaw as they burst through the door.

Jasper crossed the room quickly and lowered her onto the bed, seeking out her lips with his own as he moved to hover over her.

Alice bouquet slipped from her fingers to fall onto the satin counterpane as she wrapped her arms around Jasper's neck and returned his kiss, her lips parting ever so slightly to allow a soft sigh. One hand drifted up to twine into the curls at the nape of his neck just under his hat.

The realization that he was still wearing his hat and sword didn't even dawn on him as Alice's fingers entwined into the curls at the base of his neck. The tender way in which her lips worked against his, so sweet and soft and alluring, all combined together almost to the point of driving him mad.

Peter's laughter floated down the hallway and Alice broke away from Jasper's kiss with alarm towards the open door. Jasper had apparently been a little over eager and had forgotten that they weren't the only ones in the house.

The sound of Peter's laughter resounding up the staircase brought with it an odd clarity. His gaze snapped toward the door as Alice pulled away and a look of chagrin overtook his features.

"The door!" she exclaimed, throwing and arm over her eyes and erupting into a fit of giggles. "Hurry!"

Jasper bolted away from the bed and hurried over to the door, quickly shutting it and thus muffling Peter's laughter. Turning back toward the bed he stripped off the sword and swept off his hat.

Alice sat up and worked the hair pins out that were holding her veil in place. Casting it aside she turned back to Jasper with wide eyes. Something about the way he looked just then as he removed his hat set her hands to shaking. Perhaps it was the uniform, she wondered, or the look on his face as he turned towards her? Whatever it was, she couldn't take her eyes off him as he walked towards her.

He crossed back over to the bed and took a seat next to Alice. "Now...where were we?" he asked in a low, seductive tone and leaned in to press a soft, tender kiss to her lips.

Alice's eyes fluttered shut as her fingers danced along the collar of his coat. Jasper was now her husband and the knowledge of this made her feel suddenly shy as she slowly leaned back onto the bed.

Jasper broke away from the kiss as Alice came to rest on the bed. He pulled back, a sharp gasps escaping his lips. "Alice…I want to thank you..." he breathed as he drew back.

"It's only what you deserved," she whispered, tracing her fingertips over his lips. "I wanted to. It was just to see you smile…"

Jasper's mouth twitched a smile as he swept a thick strand of her long locks behind her ear. "I love you…" he murmured.

She shivered as his fingers brushed her ear. "And I very much love you."

He flipped her over rather quickly, pressing himself up behind her and kissing the nape of her neck as he worked through the buttons on her dress.

Alice gasped to find herself suddenly on her stomach, the weight of him pressing against her back a moment before he swept aside her borrowed curls, his lips descending on the delicate skin at the base of her neck. She groaned low in her throat at the sensation combined with the feel of his hands moving down her spine to undo each pearl button one by one.

Jasper chuckled, placing another series of soft kisses against the nape of her neck. He pressed a smile against her skin as his fingers moved meticulously through the buttons at a human's pace. There were thirty five and he'd not even reached the tenth one yet. He had a plan, one that would surely drive her mad with desire by the time he was done.

The slow, tortuous way his fingers deftly flicked each button from its mooring made her writhe in want underneath him. She knew how many buttons there were, had counted them as Charlotte had fastened each and every one. And she was counting them now as he unfastened them, willing him to hurry but enjoying each smoldering second in which he did not.

His breath came slow and easy as he continued to flick through the buttons. His lips moved tenderly against the soft skin at the nape of her neck, trailing softly up and along the side of her throat, as he pressed himself up behind her. "Still got twenty to go..." he breathed in her ear teasingly as he drew back and trailed tender kisses to the other side of her neck and back down toward the base of it.

Alice fisted the satin counterpane in both her hands, burying her face in it and clenching her teeth to stifle a scream. The way his breath stirred against her skin, his kisses sending shockwaves of desire through her with such intensity, nearly drove her mad.

Jasper continued to trace gentle, torturous kisses up the base of her neck. He flicked through another three buttons. "Seventeen to go…" he breathed into her ear, before sliding back down to trail kisses against the base of her neck and along her shoulder blade. The excitement raging inside of her filtered out around her, creating a thick fog of emotions. Want, desire, need and excitement all mixed together to become an overwhelming concoction.

She wanted to claim those lips, wanted to mold her body to his in every possible way. She turned her head, seeking him, trying in vain to shift herself over onto her back to face him.

He leaned forward once again as she turned her head and pressed his body behind hers. Grinning wickedly, he pressed his lips to the nape of her neck before sliding his tongue up the side of her throat with a devilish look in his eye to place tender, soft kisses to the corner of her lip. He drew up as she began to turn and pinned her in place. "No…not yet," he breathed, leaning in to whisper in her ear and pressed a kiss to her earlobe.

The moan that had been building up in her throat turned into a whimper as he held her fast, teasing her mercilessly as desire threatened to consume her completely. She waited patiently for the feel of the next button being undone, the loosening of the fabric that would allow him to peel the dress from her and leave her with one less layer of clothing between her and him.

Jasper drew back as he worked off the last two buttons and slipped a hand up inside the skirt of dress, grasping her around her waist to pull her up on her knees. He steadied her in place and drew his hand out, smirking as he pulled the dress up and over her head to let it drop to the floor. He gently pushed her back down onto her stomach in order to start on the corset.

Before she even knew what had happened her dress was being tossed aside and his hands were at her shoulders, firmly easing her back down onto the mattress again. The feel of his fingertips grazing the laces of her corset made her arch her back with desire, desperate as she was to be free of the binding garment and thus closer to feeling his skin against her own.

Jasper smoothed his fingertips teasingly over the laces of the corset and gently leaned forward, pressing soft, tender kisses along her jaw and trailing them up her cheek and to the corner of her mouth as his hands meticulously pulled the laces through the first set of grommets. "Are you enjoying this?" he breathed into her ear as he drew back and swept her hair out of the way of her neck. He traced a line of gentle kisses down to back of her neck and toward the base once again as his fingers meticulously pulled the laces through the next set of grommets, popping the garment loose just a little more.

"Yes," she gasped against a wave of desire. "Yes…" She could feel the stiff corset giving way ever so slightly as he slowly yanked the laces loose and couldn't help but writhe mindlessly with longing underneath his skillful hands, the delicious way his mouth continued to seek out the most sensitive places, skimming over her neck, her jaw...

"Just wait..." he cooed softly as he slid his fingertips down to grasp the laces, roughly yanking them loose from the grommets, his lips brushing against her ear lobe. He trailed kisses down her jaw and found her former pulse point just underneath, working his lips tenderly against the soft, supple skin there. He parted his lips gently against her flesh, working them in such a way that he knew would drive her insane with desire.

Alice tilted her head to the side to bare her throat for him, pulling in a shaky breath between parted lips that begged to be kissed. "Please," she breathed. "Please, I can't…" Her hands fisted in the counterpane once again as she desperately clung to something, anything her hands could close on.

The intense desire emanating off of her hung thick in the air and mixed with his own, magnifying it tenfold. His fingertips grazed across the laces as his lips pressed against the soft, smooth flesh of her neck. The overwhelming emotions almost pushed him over the edge and he found himself hurrying quicker through the laces, roughly yanking them out and, in a blur of movements, flipping her over onto her back. Corsets, sheer stockings, they were all things he was sure he had probably fantasized about as a human male. But he never would've imagined he would be here now with her, peeling off her corset and looking deeply into her golden eyes.

Alice lay there trembling in her thin chemise, her white stockings held in place by garters just visible on her upper thighs underneath the gauzy material. Her eyes were wide and questioning, begging for that which only he could give.

Jasper's breaths came at a slow, easy pace as he ran his fingers along the bottom edge of the chemise. His lips curved into a smile as he took hold of the bottom and pulled it up over her head. He gave the garment a sling and lowered himself down on top of her, pressing her gently into the mattress. He quickly found her lips, capturing them softly with his own.

The feeling of her bare skin against his still fully clothed body was decadent and maddening. She traced her stocking-clad foot up the back of his leg as she reached out tentatively to grip his shoulders, arching her back to feel her skin against the scratchy wool of his uniform.

Jasper reluctantly broke the kiss with a gasp and drew himself up to start removing clothing. He removed the sash first then proceeded to work the buttons on the officer's jacket, a wickedly amused look sparking in his eyes.

Alice watched as he shrugged out of his jacket leaving him in his waistcoat and shirtsleeves. He looked like some sort of romantic hero from one of the movies she loved so much and the sight of him there above her, a lock of blond curls falling over his forehead, hunger and humor both warring in his gaze, made her smile. Unable to stand another moment not touching him, she reached up with both hands to grab his waistcoat and pulled him down on top of her, desperately seeking his kiss. The cotton of his shirt against her skin felt feather soft, a stark contrast to the scratchy wool of his officer's jacket, and the delicious sensation made her shiver.

He smiled, rather amused as he shrugged out of his jacket, leaving him clad in his waistcoat and shirt. His fingers found the first button but Alice's patience was wearing thin. He realized this when she reached up, unable to stand another minute, and pulled him back down to her. The moment his lips found hers, a flood of warmth coursed through him, as desire threatened to consume him. He parted his lips against hers only to tenderly suck on her bottom lip.

A moan escaped her throat and it was all that she could do not to rip his waistcoat and shirt from his body. Instead, mustering every ounce of self control she possessed, she worked the buttons loose on the waistcoat with nimble fingers, breaking their kiss to trace feather light kisses along his jaw. It was the only way she could concentrate in order not to shred what remained of his uniform.

He groaned as Alice's delectable lips broke away from the kiss and redirected to leaving a trace of tender kisses along his jaw. He felt like a drowning man lost in a sea of desire, his thoughts too jumbled to even concentrate as what remained of his coherence disappeared, giving way to the will of his mate.

He shrugged out of the vest and let it drop to the floor, as Alice's nimble, dexterous fingers made short work of the buttons. Her utterly tortuous kisses, dancing just beyond his lips, were enough to drive him insane. He drew back ever so slightly and sought out her lips with his own, no longer able to withstand not being able to kiss her.

With the vest gone Alice moved to his cotton shirt, undoing the three buttons at the top so she could bunch it in her fists and pull it up and over her head, leaving his lips momentarily to do so. She wanted him, all of him, and clothing was just an obstacle standing between her and what she needed.

With the cotton undershirt out of the way and now cast roughly to the ground, he readily resumed the kiss. The feel of her skin against his own sent a wave of excitement through him, an urgency which he fought to temper as his lips moved with a more desperate edge against hers.

Breaking the kiss momentarily, he drew back to level his gaze on hers. His eyes, darkened by desire and hunger, roved over the deep golden depths of her eyes.

He didn't need to speak. Everything she needed to know was there in his eyes. She returned his gaze as she reached between them, seeking the buttons on his pants, another moan rising in her throat as she yanked the first button free. Jasper arched himself up, giving her the room she needed to move on to the next one. Her lips drifted to his shoulder as she made quick work of the remaining buttons and struggled to remove the wool trousers. The waiting, the way he had teased her, the hungry kisses he had pressed in all the right places had combined to drive her mad with want for him.

Jasper shivered in desire as Alice's lips pressed tenderly against his shoulder. He anchored himself in place with one hand planted firmly next to her and reached his other hand back to help her pull off the trousers. As they hit the floor along with everything else she met his gaze, the look in her eyes pleading as she wrapped her legs and arms around him and pulled him to her.

"My husband…" she purred.

"My wife..." he murmured in response as he lowered himself back down and gently pressed her into the mattress, giving himself to her mind, body and soul.

Alice stared at the wedding band on her hand next to the ring Jasper had bought for her in Chicago with a content smile. The room was dark, the morning and its sunrise still a few hours away, but every detail was clearly visible to her vampire eyes. She reached down and found his left hand, holding it up to gaze at the wedding band on his finger as if checking to see that it was, in fact, still there. With a happy sigh at the sight of it she rolled over onto her side and nuzzled into Jasper's chest.

Jasper smiled, turning his hand over in hers to entwine their fingers together. His gaze drifted to the wedding band, securely on her finger. He was married! He was actually married and he still couldn't believe it. With a contented sigh, he lifted his arm lazily and draped it over her as she came to rest against his chest.

"I can still hardly believe it, even with my ability to see the future. I'm Alice Whitlock and you, Jasper Whitlock, are my husband," she giggled, skimming the tip of her nose across his skin. "Husband… Even saying it feels so…so wonderful!"

"I can't either, love…" he murmured, as a satisfied smile brushed his features. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever dreamed to lay eyes on and she was his. The elation radiating between them was tangible to the point where a sensation of warmth flooded through him at the very sight of her lying so content in his arms. Yes, it did feel wonderful and still he wondered if perhaps all of this was even real. "Not only is it wonderful but now it's official. I've made an honest woman of you!" he chuckled.

She laughed, pressing a kiss to the smooth marble of his chest. "A good thing, too, because you spoil me so badly that you've ruined me for any other man."

"Ruined," he scoffed. "You're not ruined. You're just right," he amended. "Besides, you deserve to be spoiled. A goddess of your quality deserves no less," he chuckled, winking.

"A goddess!" she said with a giggle. "Well, I'll let you think it. I can't say as though I've ever been called one before. It's rather flattering even if you are delusional."

She tilted her head to look up at him, frowning at the blackness in his eyes. "You're thirsty, aren't you?" she accused. "There's no sense in denying it, I can see it."

He nodded in response. "I am…" he began, reluctantly. He'd been putting it off for a couple of hours now, too reluctant to leave her side. The raw ache in his throat had flared into a fire that now begged to be quenched. "I suppose, I should go hunt," he sighed as he pulled himself into a sitting position. "Do you...want to go?" he offered, quirking a genuine smile.

Alice lounged back against the pillows with a lazy smile. "I'm not thirsty, myself. You can go ahead and go, love. I'll be here waiting when you get back. We'll have to leave soon and I need to return your uniform and my dress as they were borrowed, the only thing that kept me from ripping it off of you last night and ravishing you mercilessly…" she explained as she rose up onto her knees to drape her arms over his shoulder, leaning her head against his shoulder. "But now I have the rest of eternity for that, I suppose."

"Okay." He smiled as he sat up and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "I'll be back before you know it," he promised and slid off the bed, whirling across the room to the pile of clothing on the floor and finding the clothes he'd worn on the plane there. He dressed speedily, not that he was in a hurry to leave, he was just tired of doing everything at a human's pace. It was too sluggish and felt like slow motion.

He finished throwing his clothes on and buzzed over to the door, turning quickly to see Alice still on the bed. "I love you," he whispered with a soft smile. "I promise...I'll be back soon." His words were soft as he quirked a smile and without another word, disappeared out the door.

"I love you, too," she breathed, knowing he would hear it, even through the door, as clearly as though she had whispered it in his ear.

With a giggle she flung herself back onto the bed, enjoying the way she sank into the feather pillows piled up behind her. Their softness on her skin was a reminder of the way Jasper's hands had felt last night as they had explored every inch of her body, claiming it for his own.

She stared up at the ceiling, smiling to herself. She had everything she could ever want and soon she would have even more than she could have ever dreamed…Jasper as her husband, there to love her for all eternity, and a family to call her very own. A place in this world where she belonged…

Sighing, she slid off the bed and walked to the desk chair where the travel bag sat. Reaching inside she pulled out a white satin shift trimmed in lace, something she had intended to wear on their wedding night but had never gotten the chance. Laughing quietly to herself she slipped it on, admiring the way it skimmed her body and fell to just above her knees, the slits cut into the sides of it showing a tantalizing bit of thigh. Jasper would like it, for the short time he would see it anyway. Undoubtedly it would end up on the floor like the clothes that littered the room now.

Removing a matching robe, she shrugged it on before moving about the room and picking up the Confederate uniform piece by piece. She shook out the wrinkles and smoothed them over with her hand before folding them each neatly and placing them on the desk with a smile. He had looked so handsome in it. Just the memory of him, standing there at the end of the aisle waiting for her made her eyes flutter closed. She picked up the jacket and pressed it to her face. It still smelled like him. Him and lilies and persimmon blossoms all clinging to the fabric and making her miss him already though he'd only just left.

He'd be back soon, though. He had promised and she knew he meant it.

Peter and Charlotte quietly made their way down the staircase, having changed into the clothes they had worn to Biloxi. Charlotte had made sure to place her dress and Peter's uniform back into the garment bags in their room, knowing that Alice would find them there. They had hesitated outside the door to the room she and Jasper had shared, wanting to say goodbye, but Peter had laughed and said it would be cruel to disturb them. So along with their wedding attire they had left a note expressing their well wishes and gratitude for being asked to participate in such a special event and entreating them to visit as soon as they were able.

They were almost to the bottom stair when Peter's head turned to find Jasper appearing on the landing. "Jasper? Shouldn't you be…otherwise occupied?" he asked with a smirk.

Jasper laughed. "Actually, I'm heading out to hunt…" he said with a slightly amused grin. "Are you...heading out?" he questioned, puckering his eyebrows.

Charlotte hit him playfully in the arm. "Peter! What a thing to say!"

Jasper laughed again, shifting his gaze between the two. "It's fine, really. No offense taken," he assured them.

"We thought we'd start making our way back home," Peter explained. "It's dark still so now is as good a time as any. Besides, I'm feeling a bit famished myself. Seems we both worked up an appetite, eh, old friend?"

Charlotte gaped at Peter with open mouthed shock before ducking her head in embarrassment.

"So, it seems…" Jasper agreed, suppressing an amused smile and clearing his throat so as to smooth out his expression. "Well…" Jasper drawled. "Thank you for coming and please keep in touch." He smiled.

Peter nodded, opening the front door. "We left you a note in our room to that effect. I hope we will see each other soon and best wishes for your continued happiness."

"Thank you. I'm sure Alice and I will visit again. She seems to have found a friend in Charlotte..." he smiled, waving them off as they drifted to the door.

"Until we meet again then," Peter said, grinning from ear to ear.

Charlotte raised her head to grace Jasper with a genuine smile before Peter steered her forward and they disappeared into the night.

Jasper followed them out, closing the door behind him. He drifted down the steps to the porch and hit the ground in a dead run, ghosting off toward the trees...

Alice bent to retrieve her wedding dress, holding it up in front of her as she straightened and twirled in a circle, listening to the way the organza rustled with the movement and enjoying the same intoxicating scent of Jasper, lilies and persimmon blossom that stirred the air. Giggling with overwhelming happiness she draped it over the back of the desk chair and waltzed over to the armoire to get the garment bags and hangers.

As she began hanging up Jasper's uniform she wondered if perhaps they should return to making their way to Alaska by foot or whether they could simply fly there. Jasper had seemed uncomfortable on the flight from Canada, though, even with just the human pilot. She had been worried about that before they had left, not wishing to cause him undue pain and discomfort. Still, he had made it. Perhaps he could again… She resolved to ask him his opinion when he returned. That was, after she had given him the chance to appreciate the little ensemble she was wearing, she thought with a coy smile, and after they had enjoyed the big, soft bed one more time before leaving.

A flash of lightning lit up the room and Alice looked towards the window as the answering sound of thunder found her ears. She drifted over and pulled back the heavy curtains to gaze at the sky. It was about to storm. Jasper was sure to get soaked on his hunting trip, she thought with a frown. Thankfully she had packed several changes of clothes for them both after her little shopping endeavor with Charlotte. The clouds would also allow them to travel more freely today should it remain overcast.

Alice allowed her mind to drift as she searched the future, looking to see what the weather would be like today while they traveled, whether or not taking a plane would be possible… Various, mundane images shifted past her eyes and she blindly felt her way back towards the desk while she watched. Her hand had just closed on the back of the chair when a horrifying and familiar face flashed into her mind with a violence that tore through her and almost dropped her to her knees with fear.

Red eyes, a vicious snarl…and then hands grabbing and lifting her, ripping her away from her happy future and casting all that had been destined to come into total darkness.

The lead vampire…the huge male from the forest. He was coming for her and he wasn't alone. Twenty two pairs of angry red eyes stared back at Alice from inside her mind.

She had to run. She had to get to Jasper…

Bursting out of the room she flew down the hallway as fast as she could move, taking the stairs so fast her feet barely even touched them. "Peter! Charlotte!" she screamed. There was no answer and with a sickening thrill of terror she realized that she was on her own.

She flung the front door open and hurried down the steps. Her breathing came in short, hard gasps as she searched the air for any sign of their scents. She checked the future quickly to see which was the way to safety but all she could see were snarling, furious faces. Afraid to hesitate a moment more she ran headlong across the empty lawn and into the trees at its western edge, her bare feet crunching through the dead leaves just as the sky opened up and a heavy rain began to fall.

The moonlight filtered through the naked branches above her, black against the night sky. She tore her way through the trees, moving so fast she was nothing but a blur amongst them. She pulled in one deep breath after another through her clenched teeth. Nothing yet. Perhaps she would change the future, succeed in getting away. Maybe she would even find Jasper. He would keep her safe. He always kept her safe…

But before she could find any relief in the thought, a sinister scent made its way into her lungs, one she recognized as the lead vampire from the newborn army she and Jasper had encountered. He was close. They all were. She could sense them now, closing in from all around her. The sound of them savagely moving through the trees sent a shock of panic through her. She tried to push herself faster but there was no more speed to be gained. The vision of them, hands grabbing her from every direction repeated itself in her mind and she knew that she was doomed.

There was no Jasper there in the vision. There was no escape…

Suddenly the large male crashed through the trees to her left, his huge hands reaching for her as he lunged. Alice darted to her right, changing direction with a startled yelp. There wasn't even time to scream. Another vampire dived for her from her right. Alice ducked, never missing a step as she avoided being ensnared in his arms.

Two more stepped out from the trees ahead of her and she feinted to the left. Another jumped out of a tree to land in front of her and she turned to flee the other direction. But the way was blocked as well by still more of them stepping through the trees. She spun, searching for any possible avenue of escape but everywhere there were red eyes. She was surrounded, outnumbered… She wondered for a moment if perhaps the darkness that she had seen swallow her future was her own death. Surely there could be no other outcome.

They advanced on her, slow but steady, almost as if they were enjoying watching her tremble in fear. She bared her teeth and hissed at them in a futile effort to appear dangerous but all it elicited from her attackers was laughter.

"She will be pleased," the lead vampire said, his voice a deep baritone that sent chills up her spine.

Before she could even wonder at the meaning behind his words or even resolve to fight them, twenty two blood thirsty newborns lunged at her, their grabbing hands cutting off her screams and making her nightmarish vision a reality.

Satisfaction was a far cry from Jasper's current feelings but it would have to suffice. He pulled up from his kill in a blur, his gaze scanning the area around him. Something seemed odd. Perhaps it was his separation from Alice, the one who'd altered him so much, that made him feel more uneasy. The bond between them was undeniable and now and her absence left a tangible ache within him. He shook his head, pushing back the little bout of paranoia and took off in a sprint back through the woods, replacing his feelings with elation and excitement to get back to her.

He cut a wide arch through the trees, moving at top speed, though his breath remained steady and even as he flew through the brush and finally came within sight of the home. Knowing she would be waiting for him, Jasper felt a smile curve his lips in anticipation as he flew across the lawn and up the set of steps lining the porch.

It was then that a sense of foreboding came over him and suddenly his excitement turned to horror as he flung the door open and raced up the stairs. It was too quiet here. Something was wrong. He could feel it. Jasper reached the landing, rocketing down the hallway to find their door wide open. He entered the room, his panic only growing to find Alice gone.

"Alice!" he yelled, sheer panic in his voice as he darted about the room looking for any signs of a struggle or perhaps a shred of hope. "Alice?" he yelled again, spinning around as his gaze flew from corner to corner. He flew to the window overlooking the yard and forced it open.

"Alice!"