Jasper

He'd said, "Well, you could go with the bloodsucker tonight, but I think it's pretty obvious who's better in bed. Last night was proof," and she'd punched him. He could've blocked it, but he just looked at her incredulously.

"What was that for?" He exclaimed. I watched in amusement as he went from confident idiot to bumbling buffoon.

"For being a jerk! You don't just go around throwing stuff like that out there!" Valerie snarled, something I didn't think she could do. My sweet Valerie was a fighter deep down. That made me want her even more.

"What's true is true," he shrugged. Valerie was now glaring viciously at him.

"Listen," I cut in, trying to ignore the feelings of fury and jealousy rising up at the mention of them together, "Don't just disregard her feelings you filthy mutt, and if you disrespect her again I'll aim for the heart next time." Turning to Valerie I add, "I apologize for the vulgarity, but it's really the only way he communicates." I see a small smile spread across her lips and feel warm inside.

"See? Gentleman," Valarie pointed at me and I inwardly beamed. "You," she pointed at Paul, "Asshole," and stalked off into the rain. Paul looks like he wants to run after her, but I snarl and say, "Don't even bother." I tune out his growl of rage and jog to catch up with her disappearing form. It doesn't take long, what with super speed and all, but I approach with caution. She's still visibly annoyed and I don't want to upset her further.

"Valerie?" I ask tentatively. She whips around and sighs.

"Oh it's you," a look of relief washes across her face.

"So I know you're upset," she nods along, still striding quickly despite the downpour, "But, I'd like to offer you a quicker way home," I finish, brushing rain drops from my forehead. She pauses and comes to a standstill.

"A car would be great right about now," she admits, sticking her already soaked shoe in a puddle for emphasis. I catch myself noticing how the rain has made her cotton shirt stick and accentuate her body. Ah no! You can't have thoughts like that. Wish I really was a gentleman, I think grimly.

"Well, yes. A car would be great, but actually Edward drove me today," I reply guiltily. "But," I rush to save myself, "I was thinking of a slightly slower, but still pretty fast method." She raises an eyebrow. About to reply, I stop myself. Instead I say, "Arms or back?" Her eyes widen in confusion.

"Excuse me? What?"

"Arms or back?" I repeat giving her a smile. She hesitates, biting her lip in such a cute way.

"Arms," she says finally, eyeing me suspiciously. We're at the edge of the parking lot and most students have fled from the rain, so I take a chance. With lightning reflexes I scoop her up in my arms. She's as light as a feather, but so warm and coursing with life. I roughly squelch the hunger that rises at her touch. It's intoxicating. Almost overwhelming, but I control it. If Edward could do it, so can I.

"What are you doing?" She demands, beginning to squirm out of my hold. I shake rain from my hair and reply, "Hang on tight." I start running in the direction of her house. To me, everything looks normal and I'm able to focus on most everything. Valerie, however, I can feel starts to cringe and I feel her hands tighten on my shirt. We reach the border of the forest and I run along it until I see the plain, white structure. Slowing, I stop just in front of her door. I carefully let her down and help steady her as she blinks in shock.

"Wow," she says, "And also, what the hell! A little warning next time!" I look at my feet. "Sorry, I did tell you to hold on tight," I offer my most innocent smile. She looks me up and down and finally replies, "Well next time, if there is a next time, let me know." I nod and add, "Next time huh?" I see her flush and it looks so deliciously adorable. I can't help thinking that it'd be so nice having her back in my arms.

"I should go," I say quickly, before my thoughts get out of control. I lean in and kiss her on her forehead before racing away.

Paul

Well goddammit. That stupid bloodsucker is spending time with her. And I still can't do anything about it because Sam wants to keep the peace. Goddammit. I had felt the rage coming as they walked away, but luckily I was able to keep it in until breaking into wolf form and tearing at some trees. Violence is sometimes the answer.

I trot back toward home and do my best not to think about how close that leech will try to get to Valerie. Idiot. I shouldn't have been so obnoxious, but sometimes it just comes out. I howl in annoyance. I'm alerted to Leah joining my mind when a rumble of thoughts intrudes on mine.

Woah-ho-ho. Leah! I think to her.

Don't even Paul. I will rip you to shreds. She thinks back furiously.

Getting hot and heavy with the kid huh? I chuckle. We could be in-laws. I add merrily, enjoying the howl I hear in the distance.

Do me a favor and shut up. She growls, heading toward her own house. I shake drops from my coat and continue running.

So, how was it? How far did you go? Wait, no. I actually don't want to know, but I bet he appreciated that mole on the right- I'm cut off by her barreling into me and snapping my ear. Ow.

Go back to mentally defiling that poor girl. She snaps at me again and I shove her a couple feet. She moves back and I run through her thoughts. She had taken Trevor home and then he'd leaned in and kissed her. I sighed and shivered in satisfaction and disgust.

Hey, she's special. I insist. And I do not defile! I don't even know what that means! I bark, hurt at the thought of ever being capable of hurting Valerie.

Whatever. Leah sniffs and runs off.

You're just jealous because mine's prettier. I think with a laugh.

Oh please, you think anything that can fit into a bikini is hot. She threw back.

That was the old me Leah! Look how much I've changed! I almost whimper. Almost. She mentally rolls her eyes and flicks me off before transitioning back to human form.

I reach the end of the beach and decide I'd better get back to being human since it'd take forever for my coat to dry. I shift, grimacing and wincing, and finally head toward the cluster of houses. I have changed, I think. And I'll keep changing if that's what it takes to win Valerie. I clench my fists as I think of that leech again. She could never be with him. He's a bloodsucker who'll want to turn her into one of them. I feel a tremor of rage shoot through my body. I swear that'll never happen. He'll regret ever touching her if it does.

Valerie

Jasper had been so sweet, but suddenly he'd turned very awkward and kind of distant. Then he'd run off. I was actually surprised at the warm, fluttery feeling I'd gotten when he'd been so close, and the empty one when he'd left. His skin had been so cold, but I'd felt completely safe and warm inside. Just like Paul, a small voice warns. Paul. Paul and Jasper. What was going on? Both made me feel safe and happy, but how can they both make me feel that way? I don't really know what to make of that, I contemplate, opening the front door. I head to my room with Jasper, Paul, and school work filling my mind.

"Hey sis," Trevor sticks his head out from his room and smiles.

"Hey Trev," I reply. "What's up?" He looks at me startled.

"What do you mean 'what's up?' Nothing's 'up'. Is something wrong? Why do you ask?" He rambles nervously. Something must've happened, and he's not telling me.

"How was your drive home?" I ask suspiciously, watching as he blushes and runs a hand through his hair. He needs a haircut, but he looks older, even with his baby face.

"Drive… home. Oh-uh… normal," he finally blurts out.

"Trev, what aren't you telling me?" I stick my foot between the door and the wall before he can shut it.

"Nothing," he mumbles. I cross my arms and give him a commanding look. "Well, fine," he huffs and leans back in his chair. "Leah and I might've kissed, but no big deal alright?" He blushes just at the mention of her name. A little part of me melts and I "aw" internally. Outwardly, I roll my eyes and respond, "Oh Trev you're ridiculous."

"Right back at you," he calls as I exit and head to my room.

Once situated at my desk I smile at the prospect of Leah and Trevor dating. It's an interesting mix. My upbeat little brother and a snarky, fiery werewolf dating? Weird. Thinking about the werewolves makes me think back to Thalia and her horde of vampires. It makes me shiver in terror just to remember their cruel, red eyes and icy disregard for killing. How can I possibly tell the Cullens to mercilessly murder the wolves? I'd tried ignoring it, but how long can I wait? No, I can't wait anymore. Who can I tell that will have a solution? I think for a while and beginning pacing anxiously. Then it hits me. Carlisle. He seemed rational and intelligent, as well as extremely level-headed. I could tell him. I could trust him.

Decision made, I grab my keys and tell Trevor I'm heading out. He doesn't bother to ask where and I rush out the door sighing in relief. He does not need to be dragged into another mess. And a potentially violent one at that. I nervously grip the steering wheel as I drive to the Cullen's lot. Once parked, I run toward their front door and am met with Edward, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. Well, that's super speed for you.

"What's wrong?" He asks, reading the stress on my face.

"I need to talk to Carlisle," I reply, not giving up my reasons just yet.

"Hm, okay," he says hesitantly, face darkening in seriousness. He blurs and disappears into the house. While I wait I notice the long-haired brunette looking at me from one of the windows. I offer a tentative wave but she's gone. Suddenly, she appears before me, arms crossed and eyes glaring.

"You need to leave Jasper alone," she says.

"What? What do you mean?" I stutter in nervousness. Just because I've spent time with vampires does not mean I'm completely comfortable with going head to head with an angry one.

"Oh please," she snarls, "Ever since you've been here you've torn this family apart!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" I reply, trying to steady my shaking hands.

"Jasper and Alice belong together. It's your fault they split and now Alice is-" I hold up my hand to cut her off.

"Wait. What? Jasper and Alice were together?" I feel indignation rise in my chest at being accused of a boyfriend stealer. The brunette, Bella I think, nods and continues to stare daggers at me. "I had no idea. I really didn't, and I'm sorry," I murmur, still a little shocked at being told I was messing things up. She rolls her eyes and huffs loudly. "Well just stay away from him," she concludes, turning to go and leaving me wide-eyed and hurt. Just then, Edward returns with Carlisle.

"Is it true? Did I really come between Jasper and Alice?" I whisper, fighting back tears. Tears of sadness, anger, annoyance, you name it, I was feeling it. Carlisle and Edward exchange anxious glances.

"Well, yes… and no," Carlisle begins. Edward shoots a look at Bella and they vanish into the house.

"It's my fault they aren't together," I say, just reinforcing the thought.

"Listen, it's nobody's fault really," Carlisle replies with a small, sad smile. "Whatever connection Jasper has with you is not your fault. Just as it's not your or Paul's fault that he imprinted on you," he adds, "It's never anyone's intention, but it happens."

"Imprinted? What do you mean?" I ask, still trying to comprehend how I became the bad guy. And I was, wasn't I? I ruined a relationship that was full of love and happiness. I was worse than Thalia and her followers.

"Right!" I cut Carlisle off before he can reply, "Sorry! The real reason I came here was to warn you!" I continue frantically.

"Warn me of what?" Carlisle asks in shock.

"Something that could hurt everyone you love," I answer grimly.

Alice

I'd heard everything Bella had said to that Valerie girl. Despite the fact that I would've liked to see her disappear, I felt a little bad hearing her baffled response to Bella's accusations. Still, it was true that ever since she arrived things have been strange. I can't help but think it would have been better if we'd let Jasper lose control that first time he'd seen her. Argh! No, what am I thinking? I scold myself and hate that I could even harbor such thoughts.

I begin to run from the house, hoping a little hunting will take my mind off of Valerie and Jasper, especially Jasper. I still love him, and I know he still loves me, but that involuntary attraction to Valerie is in the way. Okay, stop thinking about it. I force all thoughts of him and her out of my head. I clear my mind just in time to run straight into Jasper. Of course my lighting fast reflexes allow me to maneuver out of his way before we collide, but I still feel the brush of his skin on my arm and am buffeted by his scent.

"Woah, in a hurry?" He teases, coming to a halt. I laugh cheerily, not wanting him to pick up on my sour mood.

"Always," I reply.

"Listen," he starts off. "Nope, I really don't need to hear it. I understand. I really do," I cut him off before I can hear the heartbreaking apology. Frustration and distress are clear on his face and I smile a small smile. Determination sets in and I see him take a step forward. Quickly I jump fifty feet back, shaking my head. "I told you," I whisper, knowing he can hear me, "It's better if you just stay away from me." I feel sadness catch in my throat.

"No," I hear him say, beginning to run toward me. I turn to sprint away, but he's in front of me in a flash and I crash ungracefully into him at fifty miles per hour. I feel his arms wrap around me and hold me close to him. I dare to look up at him and am met with his golden eyes. He looks sad and I see him being much sadder in the future.

"Alice," he says my name tenderly. "I'm sorry, so sorry," he grips me tighter and I fight back against nonexistent tears.

"It's not-" I begin to say. "No. It is my fault. And I am deeply and truly sorry. I still love you, I do, it's just…" he trails off, trying to figure out the complexity of his attraction to Valerie. "I know," I murmur dejectedly. We look at one another again forehead to forehead. "Alice," he breathes again and brushes his lips against mine. His scent and the strength of his arms around me is overwhelming, and I almost lose my nerve, but then I jerk out of his arms and stand ten feet back. Holding my arms around myself protectively I give him a final look and sprint away, praying he won't follow me.

Alright people: things heat up from here! If you've stuck with me this far thank you and I truly appreciate it! :)