Previously...
"You sure you want to unleash me right now little girl?" He growled deeply.
I felt chill bumps just from the sound of his voice.
"I think I can handle you." I taunted back, though I might regret that statement later.
He laughed and slapped my rear causing me to jerk forward. I bet that left a red mark.
"You asked for it love. I just hope you are ready for it."
I turned to smile wickedly at him. I am ready for anything he throws at me. He is so sexy, my little naughty vampire.
It was a distant melody that kept bothering me. I kept hearing it over and over again in my head, Jasper was getting dressed and he leaned down kissing my head.
"I have to speak with Edward, will you be ok here?"
I smiled stroking his smooth cheek.
"I'll be fine."
He nodded, "I won't be long baby, rest. We have a rough road ahead of us."
As he left I thought of what those words meant. He was right, we did and I knew it. I hear it again, the strange music so hauntingly familiar. I dressed and slipped out into the cool night air. I followed it deep into the swamp where an empty jewelry box lay.
I kneeled picking it up. I was old, very old and the little ballerina still twirled in her pink dress even as worn as she was.
"I wondered how long you could resist."
I heard from behind me and turned. Demetrius smiled leaning on a tree.
"You always were a little fighter you are so much like Tillie. I gave that to her you know many years ago. She loved it. She used to listen to it all of the time."
I had a flash of him and my grandmother in my head and it literally knocked me off my feet. I held my head trying to sit back up. He didn't move closer but he did crouch by the tree.
"Do you remember?"
I couldn't focus. I shook my head.
"I don't....I can't think."
He smiled, "Does Cullen have you so blinded with his lies that you can't remember the truth. You did not always hate me, there was not always animosity between us there was so much more. You must try and remember."
"I am not Tillie!" I screamed.
He smiled, "A part of you is. I see it when I look deep in your eyes."
I looked away trying to remember anything about what he was saying. Did she really not hate him? I had no idea. I knew how to find out. I turned back around.
"Can I touch you?"
He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"My vision is clearer that way." I said in my defense.
If he truly had nothing to hide he wouldn't mind right? He moved closer kneeling beside me and extending his hand. I looked at it a moment. I was almost afraid. I was frightened that I would see something I didn't want to, but I had to know.
I slipped my small hand into his and the visions started. It felt like a lifetime later when I awoke with a jerk. I was in an unfamiliar place. I looked around and realized I was covered with a blanket, there was a fire in the corner. It was then he walked in.
"You're up. How do you feel?"
"I...I feel fine, what happened?"
He shrugged, "I guess you remembered too much. I brought you back here. I didn't want to have to explain to your friends that I didn't hurt you. I doubt they would listen."
He sat beside me and smiled.
"So do you see now?"
I looked down, he was right they did have a past. She had been his friend, maybe even loved him a little but she never felt for him like she did Carlisle . She couldn't put up with his foolish ways. His killing humans to survive and he wouldn't change. He lifted my chin.
"I loved her Arelise, she was never meant to be hurt."
"What about me?"
"You will not be hurt either." He said reassuringly. I looked around and laughed.
"You have no idea what you have gotten me into do you? You have just fed me to the wolves Demetri, you can't protect me here."
"What do you mean? I..." He stopped talking and turned when Aro entered the room.
"I see our guest is awake good to know. I am very eager to get started."
Demetrius stood.
"Get started you said she wouldn't be harmed."
Aro smiled wickedly.
"Indeed, and she won't as long as she cooperates."
I didn't fight when two very large vampires grabbed me and began to chain me to each wall, I knew this was coming. Alice had seen it and it was all coming true. I saw the panic in his eyes as one walked by with a whip. He grabbed Aro's arm.
"You can't do this, she isn't like them."
"Do you dare defy me brother?" Aro said loudly and with authority. She is not like any of us truth be told now is she? Who knows what kind of damage she could truly do and I am not willing to take that change just because you can't control your heart. If you cannot handle it then leave but I will have my answers or I will have her life!
I saw the sadness and regret in his eyes. He never meant for this to happen and he didn't know what to do. Aro began to ask me questions and as expected I ignored them. He knew I would, it was how I was made. I would never tell him anything and I would never hurt my family. I knew what was coming as I heard the leather whip through the air. I had only one thought in my head I would not scream.
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Jasper was frantic.
"Please Alice something."
She shook her head.
"I can't see anything." She shook her head frustrated. He fell on the couch with his face in his hands then suddenly stiffened and growled looking at the door. Carlisle walked in with Demetrius, but before Jasper could attack Edward held him back.
"Wait, Jasper."
Demetrius looked down.
"I didn't know what would happen. I didn't know she would be hurt."
"Where is she?" Jasper yelled.
"I can take you to her but you must be careful. The Vulturi are there and I'm not sure if she...."
Jasper pulled away from Edward and pushed Demetrius against the wall.
"You better pray she is or I will tear you apart piece by piece and I might do it anyway."
Carlisle pulled his arm.
"Jasper, we must hurry." Jasper made a frustrated sound and released him following him out.
He took them to where he had taken Gabby. They could only hope they weren't too late.
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I knelt on my knees, my breathing shallow. I couldn't move and I didn't try the pain was beyond anything I had imagined to the point I was almost unconscious anymore. I had never wanted death but at this point I might have welcomed it. The only thing that kept me lucid was I could swear I could hear my grandmother whispering not to give up.
Aro lifted my face and let it fall.
"Enough, she won't talk for now. If we keep this up we'll only kill her, let's give her a little healing time and start again."
"Feed her." He said as he walked out.
Soon a vampire returned with a young girl. I looked at him oddly.
"You cannot be choosy princess, eat."
I nodded.
"I can't feed from her."
"Do you prefer animals like your friends?" He teased.
"I can't feed from animals." I choked back.
He tossed the girl aside grabbing my hair and lifting my face to see me.
"How do you feed odd one?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm not hungry." He slapped me hard and I would have fallen flat if the chains wouldn't have held me up.
"You will eat, you must to heal. Tell me how you feed." He demanded.
"She feeds from her mate." I heard his beautiful voice from behind my captor but I couldn't find the strength to lift my head and look. I heard the growling, but it seemed so distant. Then I felt tender hands on my face.
"My love." He whispered lifting my face to his. I could feel my hands being released and I fell gasping when he reached around to keep me from falling. His face looked tortured. I knew he couldn't see my back. Carlisle walked behind me.
"Let me see Jasper."
He moved his hands to my arms as I felt Alice and Edward on each side helping to hold me up. I could see the pain in his face as he looked at Carlisle . I knew it must be bad.
"Arelise, this is going to hurt but I must bandage it until we get you home to clean it." Carlisle said softly.
"Where's Emmett?"
Jasper kissed my neck.
"Keeping the coast clear." He pulled me into his arms holding my head against his neck.
"Feed, Gabby."
"I can wait." I whispered. Now really wasn't the time, the entire family was present and it was kind of embarrassing. He leaned back looking into my eyes.
"No one here is judging you. You need to heal, feed. It will help distract you while Carlisle dresses your wounds. Please. Gabby you are too weak you need my blood, please."
I felt a hand on mine and looked up. Alice smiled.
"You should feed you need to get your strength back." Alice always had a way of making things seem better. Edward smiled at me and I felt Jasper tug my neck again. I met his eyes and he pulled my head back to his neck. I sighed closing my eyes and giving in to the temptation of his blood. I felt him nod once and then Carlisle began to dress my back.
It hurt but he was right I was distracted somewhat and that helped, not to mention he was humming a nice melody in my ear. When they were finished which was rather quickly because time was a factor I released his neck. He wiped my lips.
"You can feed again when we get home, I'll make a quick stop just for you." He said with a wink. I smiled as he lifted me into his arms. I felt so tired and drained. I was passed to another and looked up. Emmett smiled.
"Hey little bit."
"Hey." I snuggled into his large warm chest. He kissed my head.
"I'm glad you're ok baby girl, you had us worried."
"I'm sorry. Where is Jazz?"
"He's not far. He is running ahead to feed. How do you feel?"
"Tired. What did they want with me? They kept asking me who I was. I told them my name, but it was like it wasn't good enough."
He stopped suddenly as did the others.
"Rosalie, take her." He said passing me to her. She smiled.
"You'll be just fine."
I looked around, "What's going on?"
She didn't answer me but instead looked at Emmett. He was soon flanked by Carlisle and Edward.
"They are looking for her." Bella said from behind me.
Carlisle looked at Rosalie.
"You, Bella, and Esme take her home."
I looked oddly.
"What about you dad?" He seemed to like me calling him that.
He smiled.
"I'll be fine Alice is having a little fun." He touched my hand.
"Go now."
I was soon at the house and in the protected cellar room I hated with a passion. Yet it proved to be useful in teaching me many things, just not against a whip exactly or maybe it did and I didn't realize it. I heard the door and turned to see Jasper he smiled.
I ran into his arms. He held me close for a few long moments. It could have been forever and I wouldn't have complained. He leaned back smiling.
"Sorry it took me so long. I wanted to make sure everything was safe and to feed well."
"They are gone?" I questioned.
He nodded.
"For now, they aren't sure where we are or what they are up against so we have an advantage."
He took my hand and led me towards the couch.
"They will come back?"
He bit his lip.
"I don't know. I don't know what they are looking for." Sitting down he pulled me into his lap and brushed my long hair back.
"I'm so glad you are safe. I was so worried, Gabby if I lost you... I don't know what I would do." His fingers gently stroked down the soft cool flesh of my cheek. I hated seeing that look in his eyes.
"Now we have some healing to do. Your back, it will take time and lots of blood."
"Frequent feedings?" I guessed.
He nodded and pulled me close.
"No time like the present."
"I'm really not hungry." He chuckled.
"No?"
"No." I answered honestly. He sighed and gripped my thighs.
"So, I make you eat."
I scoffed at him.
"You can't make me eat if I am not hungry!"
He licked his soft, full lips.
"I challenge that theory." He grabbed my head and kissed me deeply. I hadn't even registered what happened before he bit my lip hard. I could taste the metallic flavor of blood as he sucked deeply and moaned. I felt myself losing control, my hand slipped into his hair, my lips slid down his neck and soon I realized he was right I was always hungry for him and he knew how to tempt me.
I would never be able to control myself as long as he kept tempting me and he knew it. Gently I bit down and relaxed in his arms. I could almost hear him smiling as he whispered, "I love you."
It took days to heal, sooner than expected because he forced me to feed. Carlisle was impressed with the rate he monitored it frequently. He also kept up with my training. He didn't torture me, but he did keep my strength up and it was getting easier to block out unwanted things and to see things I wanted to.
I actually kind of enjoyed it at times. I knew this was the calm before the storm. I had the attention of the Volturi and I knew it. It was a sunny day out except where we were the trees blocked the rays allowing only small streams through, it was actually quite beautiful.
I sat on the large porch alone enjoying the silence. I had been doing this a lot lately feeling the need to think and clear my head. I could feel him behind me and sighed.
"Hear anything good?"
He sat beside me.
"Not exactly, your mind is quiet but your soul weeps." Edward stroked my hair softly.
I inhaled softly not commenting.
He looked off into the vast forest.
"Jasper is getting worried he is wondering why you are so distant. It will not be long before he catches on little one. You need to talk to him."
I shook my head.
"Not yet, it will just make things harder." I slid my legs down from where they were placed against my chest.
He looked back at the house then to me and stood extending a hand.
"Let's go for a walk sister."
I shook my head no but he raised an eyebrow.
"It wasn't a request." He said back in a short reply. I didn't have time to say anything before he grabbed my arm and pulled me up then took my hand pulling me behind him. I knew he wanted to get far enough away so that Jasper couldn't hear. I just didn't feel like talking to him or anyone else.
It felt like eternity before he stopped. I looked at the beautiful view from the mountain top where we stood and smiled. He sat down watching me and began to speak.
"When I first met Bella, I wanted her in so many ways. I wanted her blood, I wanted her body, and her love there was so many things about her I just couldn't understand it all. It was quite overwhelming."
I turned to see his face. He smiled.
"I now know it was worth every fight we went through to be with her, every moment of every day is worth it. It is the same for you, Jasper loves you and I know you feel the same. Keeping anything from him is not right."
"What makes you think I am keeping anything from him?" I asked looking at him strangely.
He grabbed my arm pulling me close and resting his head on my stomach then looked up smiling.
"I can hear him you know, even as small as he is. He doesn't have a voice, but there are sounds more like nature sounds really like water and warmth...if that makes sense."
I backed away looking shocked.
"Gabby?" He looked at me concerned. "Gabby you did know didn't you? I didn't hear it in your thoughts, but I assumed you knew."
My hand covered my mouth and I fought to breathe grabbing a nearby tree. He was at my side in an instant holding me up.
"I'm sorry. Gabby I thought that was why you were so distant. I thought you knew."
If I could have cried I would have. Jasper would really be overprotective now, as if he didn't have enough to worry about. I can't possibly tell him this.
"Gabby, yes you can."
"Stop reading my mind." I said pushing him back.
He sighed.
"You can't keep this a secret, he will know and he will be hurt you didn't tell him. Listen to me you can hear the heartbeat if you listen closely and he will known very soon. He is closer to you than I am. If you are intimate he will know soon."
"Heartbeat?" I questioned.
"Just like you, slow very slow but steady he will know."
"Oh God." I sat down shaking my head in disbelief.
He sat beside me.
"It's not a bad thing it's a miracle really. It is a beautiful gift and you are blessed. I suspected you knew and I didn't want him to find out the hard way. I knew he would be hurt. You should just tell him and let him have time to adjust."
"Will he?" I asked.
"Will he what sweetheart?" He asked taking my hand in his.
"Adjust?"
He smiled.
"Yes, he will be fine. He loves you. He may be a little overprotective, but all in all he'll be fine."
I chuckled.
"I figured that much."
Hearing someone I turned seeing Bella. She smiled kindly.
"Sorry, am I interrupting?"
Edward opened his arms, "Never come here beautiful."
It was nice to see how far they had come. I had only seen glimpses of what they had been through but the love they shared was so clear. The way they looked at each other, it was such a beautiful thing.
You could feel the draw between them. I guess that was how Jasper and I looked to others. It was then I felt him, I could always feel him when he was near. Edward turned to me knowingly, I knew he read my mind and he took Bella leading her away.
Jasper stayed away, he was close but he gave me space. I knew he was watching me. I didn't know what I would say to him, my emotions were probably overwhelming him right now.
I looked down at my stomach, it was still flat. You wouldn't know there was any living thing there. It must be so tiny, this new part of me and Jasper. I knew he was behind me so I lifted my shirt and got a better look.
No, still flat. I rested my hand there wondering about this new life that lived there. I wondered what effect this would have on our lives and how this would change everything. What would this child be? It had a heartbeat so it had to be some human like me. I was so lost in thought I didn't feel him move closer.
He was beside me before I knew it, looking down at me. I saw his legs and dropped my shirt looking up at him. He knelt looking deep into my eyes. He didn't say anything he simply reached out stroking my cheek and closing his eyes.
I knew he was trying to cut through all of my emotions. He opened his eyes again then tilted his head a little.
"Why am I feeling two different emotions coming from you?"
I didn't have time to answer. He moved closer then he ran his hand over my arm and down to my stomach as if searching and he stopped.
"There is another emotion separate from yours, it is calm and it feels almost warm."
His eyes narrowed as he glanced at me again.
"I don't..."
He closed his eyes and then was silent a moment.
"A heartbeat it's opposite of yours." He whispered softly as if unsure.
I touched his beautiful face and his caramel eyes opened to mine. He looked dazed as if trying to put a puzzle together. I rested my forehead against his.
"It's our baby Jasper."
He reached up cradling my face and for the longest time we said nothing. Finally he gently brushed his thumb over my lips.
"Our baby." He repeated then leaned to me kissing me softly in a kiss that lasted so long I can't remember when it stopped, but it didn't matter. It meant everything because everything he meant to say was understood in that one simple moment.