Here is chapter 30 - Jasper needs a little help from his family and gets to know the details of what the second task entails. There's a lot of information in this chapter so enjoy.
Chapter 30.
Carlisle and Esme were sitting in the back seat; Rose was driving and Emmett was in the front with her; both of them intermittently looking over their shoulder at their brother. Jasper was wedged between his parents and mercifully the pain seemed to have reduced again but for how long Carlisle couldn't be sure.
The car was moving carefully through the crowded city center as it was the height of day and there were many people around which forced Rose to drive slowly. Even now Carlisle was still surprised the Volturi managed to keep their presence a secret from the city but he could see the city dwellers were completely unsuspecting and somehow he knew it would always be that way; despite the number of tourists who disappeared whenever Heidi went 'hunting'.
Once the car exited the city the whole family was much calmer; at least until Jasper screamed in agony; his whole body shaking as the pain overwhelmed him again; the pain seemed to be worsening each time it struck. Esme thought back to the last time they'd made a similar journey with a member of their family; one of her children crying out in pain. That time it'd been Bella and now her son was in as much pain as she'd been because his mate had been taken from him.
By the time the car was pulling into the tree line where they'd stopped a few days earlier Jasper was virtually lying on the back seat; his body curled into his mother's as she brushed her fingers through his hair; trying to soothe his pain as much as she could. The spasms he'd been experiencing had lessened again and they were all wondering how much more of this he could take. For a few minutes of the last round of agony Jasper had been emoting the pain he was feeling and the entire family were still reeling from what they'd felt. As the car stopped Emmett and Carlisle ran from it in search of the nearest animal that would quell Jasper's thirst. Esme and Rose remained with Jazz; with Rose moving into the back seat and hugging Jasper through another spell of body shaking anguish.
Rosalie was wishing she could do something to minimize his pain; she hated seeing him like this and she knew she'd do anything if it meant some of what he was suffering through lessened; even if it meant her taking some of his pain. Esme had left the car to hunt for something herself now; having received the brunt of his pain and thirst during the journey out of the city.
Jasper broke Rose from her thoughts, "Bella…" he croaked; his voice raspy as he whispered her name.
"We'll get her back, Jazz. You can't give up hope. We're all going to do whatever we can to get you through this; I know we can't help with the task but we'll help you get ready before you meet with them tomorrow. You need to think about Bella now; you need to remember that in order to get her back you're going to need to be able to function normally. I know that's difficult but you need to do it; you're not going to be able to help Bella like this." His body had stilled as she spoke and it felt like he was listening to what she was saying. "Please Jasper, come back to us." She was watching him but heard the approaching footsteps of her husband. Jasper shifted next to her and then he was out of the car door and standing in front of his brother in a matter of seconds.
Emmett smiled at his brother and dropped the large stag at his feet; flashing a grin at Rosalie as Jasper pounced on the animal and draining it of the much needed blood. As he loosened his grip on the neck of the deer another was dropped next to it by Carlisle and Jasper quickly moved onto that one; his thirst barely quenched; his throat burning fiercely. The three of them watched as he again drank from the animal and then approached him as he uncurled from where he crouched and got to his feet. He still appeared to be a little shaky but it was definitely an improvement to his earlier state.
"Would you like to go and hunt for something else?" Rosalie asked, "I need to get something so I could go with you."
"I think that would be a good idea." He whispered; his voice still not back to full strength.
Rose grabbed his hand and pulled him away towards the trees. "Call if you have any problems, Rose." Carlisle said as they both disappeared.
*B-o-B*
The sky was completely black when Rose and Jasper met up with each other after both hunting. Rose was pleased to see Jasper looked much better when he walked into the clearing and then sat beside her. "Thanks for what you did earlier." He said softly.
"I didn't do anything."
"Yes you did. You all did but it was you that got through to me. I needed to hear what you said and it made me realize you were right; the only way to get rid of this pain is to get Bella back and I can't do that curled up in a ball, screaming."
"Hey, don't beat yourself up. I felt the pain you were feeling and I'd have been screaming too if Emmett was taken from me. Don't think any of the family would've reacted any differently. Things between you and Bella have been pretty intense in the last few months and we can all see how much you love each other. You should take this as a good sign though; Carlisle thinks this means the bond may have a better chance of working; since you already seem to have a connection between you without the bond, it only stands to reason that the bond should work."
"I hope so." His eyes scanned the distance briefly before looking at his sister. "We should get back to the others. We have things we need to do before the meeting with Aro and his brothers later."
*B-o-B*
Esme was standing between Carlisle and Emmett; the same as she'd done for the first task. The atmosphere in the room was currently fairly relaxed but she knew that as soon as her son walked in that would change completely. Over the last few hours; despite their best efforts; he had again become more and more fraught; his body was strained and he wore a permanently pained expression on his face. Fortunately his physical pain seemed to have lessened and he was at least able to function in some way now. As a mother it'd been difficult to watch him like that and she could only hope her daughter was faring a little better. The room fell to silence as the three Volturi elders swept into it; taking their seats quickly. All of them made Esme feel nervous but Aro was the one who caused her the most concern; he seemed to take a perverse enjoyment out of their pain and she suspected this whole task had been his idea.
The door at the far end of the room opened and while the vampire who walked in closely resembled her son Esme knew he was now much more his former self; from the time when he'd been nicknamed the God of War; a name that was currently completely justified and he wholly owned. He had gradually morphed how he was now over the last few hours and she knew this would be the only way he would be able to get through this task. The Major needed to let loose to get him to function through this.
The tension around them increased and Esme could see several of the occupants becoming more and more uncomfortable as his anger ebbed through the room; encompassing them all. Her heart went out to her son each time she looked at him and if it wasn't for the fact she was as furious as he was that Bella's safety had been put in jeopardy she would probably have been a little scared of him herself. There was almost nothing of her son left in the way he stood or the look on his face as he walked to stand in front of the gathered people; unfortunately Esme could tell this just made Aro even more pleased with himself; this was what he'd wanted all along; he wanted to see the Jasper Whitlock of old; he didn't want to see Jasper Hale, part of the Cullen coven; this had been his wish all along and that thought scared Esme more than any other because she wasn't sure what was going to happen. She wasn't sure she would ever get her son back from this.
Esme watched as all three of the Volturi got to their feet and descended the steps to stand before Jasper. "We're gathered here today to commence the second task of the bond of brotherhood being entered into by Jasper Whitlock. The task has been set as finding and returning with Bella Cullen who is currently located somewhere in Scotland in the United Kingdom. Jasper Whitlock, your task is to make your way there; trace Bella and bring her back to us. Do you understand the task you've been set?" Aro said.
"I do." Jasper snarled at Aro.
"As previously discussed, you're to achieve this task on your own; with no assistance from your family. Is that clear?"
"Yes." He growled; his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as he fought the urge to attack those in front of him.
The door at the back of the room opened and a member of the guard entered it; quickly making his way to where they were stood, "I'm sorry for disturbing you, sirs, but you've received a call which you may wish to take."
The cell phone was placed in the hand of Caius and he stepped away from everyone so he could listen to the quiet conversation. Jasper was still focused on Aro as he stood with a smirk on his face but Esme watched as he suddenly pivoted where he stood and spun to face Caius; a loud growl that seemed to take over the room erupting from him as his eyes zoned in on the vampire who was still talking on the phone.
Carlisle and Emmett were both fidgeting either side of where she stood and she wondered if she'd need to restrain them should they decide to intervene. She wasn't sure what that would mean in relation to the task or even if she'd be able to hold them both back but she'd at least try if the need arose. She looked at Rosalie quickly and they held each other's gazes; Esme was quite surprised to not find her as upset as both their husbands and she hoped that would mean she'd help if necessary. A quiet growl from Emmett and her husband drew her attention back to Jasper and she could see him slowly approach Caius as he appeared to be finishing his call. She held her breath and prayed her son wouldn't do anything silly, like attack him, because she knew that would only mean bad news for Jasper and Bella.
Caius snapped the phone shut and moved closer to Jasper, "Apologies for the interruption; I'm afraid we need to adjoin proceedings while my brothers and I discuss a matter that has arisen. One of our guard will call you as soon as we're ready to continue."
"Is it Bella?" Jasper whispered; his words still heard by everyone in the room.
Caius ignored his question which only seemed to confirm Jasper's suspicion as he swept past Jasper and moved back towards his brothers and they both gracefully followed him towards the exit; closely trailed by the others in attendance.
Esme watched as Rose ran from Carlisle's side and went to Jasper; her arms wrapping around him as he staggered; the barely present control of his emotions evaporating now he wasn't being watched. Esme and the others moved after Rose and when they were all standing around him Carlisle asked the question they all wanted an answer to. "What happened, Jazz?"
"I'm not sure. I couldn't hear the conversation he was having but I felt his emotions shift as he spoke. When he first took the call he was feeling a lot of annoyance and animosity because of the interruption but the longer the call went on they changed to firstly shock and anger…"
"What was it that startled you?"
"He was feeling sorrow and guilt."
"And you think this all had something to do with Bella?" Rose asked.
"Yes." Jasper replied; devastation obvious on his face and in how he was standing.
"Why don't we go to our rooms and wait for them to call us back?" Carlisle said. "There's nothing we can do here."
*B-o-B*
The five of them were anxiously waiting to be called back; it'd been hours since they'd been dismissed and the longer they waited the tenser they all became; Jasper was, not surprisingly, worse than them all as he was affected by their tension on top of his own; an emotion that was already quite high. They were all waiting in Jasper and Bella's room as Jasper seemed more comfortable there; with Bella's belongings around him and the faint tinge of her scent still in the room.
The knock at the door startled them all and Esme walked to the door and opened it; surprised to find Caius standing there. "Could I come in?" he asked; his usually gruff tone softer than normal. Esme nodded and opened the door wider; taking a step back so he could enter the room. Carlisle and Jasper had both got to their feet as soon as he'd spoke and as he walked further into the room both Jasper's parents moved over to where he stood; hoping their presence would have a calming influence on him.
"It's a surprise to see you here, Caius," Carlisle said, still calm despite the situation.
"I'm afraid I come bearing unfortunate news." Caius said solemnly; words that prompted growls from Jasper and Rosalie. "The call I received earlier was from Demetri; it seems he and Felix have run into a few problems en route to their end destination."
"Problems?" Carlisle asked.
"Is Bella okay?" Jasper asked at the same time as his father spoke.
"They were intercepted by a group of vampires, possibly from Norway who'd heard about the invoking of the bond." He seemed to ignore the question from Jasper completely.
"And Bella?" Carlisle prompted; not giving him the opportunity to avoid it again.
"I'm afraid they've taken her."
All of the family tensed even more at his admission; his words making them all more aware of the danger Bella was in. "I thought Felix and Demetri were supposed to be looking after her?" Jasper asked indignantly.
"They were; they were severely outnumbered; there were about twenty vampires and while they fought the first group who charged their position, a second group were able to creep in and flee with Bella."
"How come these vampires didn't kill either of them?" Esme said; then suddenly wished she hadn't spoken up.
"They know better than to kill a member of the Volturi guard." He replied.
"So what does this mean for Bella?" Carlisle asked.
"My brothers and I believe it is unlikely they will harm Bella; however we must move on this immediately and not delay any further."
"Meaning?" Jasper asked.
"You'll be leaving with the Volturi guard and meeting up with Felix and Demetri. Demteri, in the mean time, will be scouring their current location for a trace of where they've taken her."
"Does this affect the task at all? Jasper won't now fail because of this, will he?" Carlisle asked.
"No, after some discussion, we've changed the terms of the task. It would be unfair of us to expect you to face some fifteen or sixteen vampires on your own; it could be a higher number than that once they're back in their own territory. Hence for the duration of the task you'll be a member of the Volturi guard; the guard will report to you and you'll be the person who makes the final decisions on what you do; so Bella's rescue will be your responsibility but they'll assist you in getting her back."
"When do we leave?"
"Aro would like to speak to you shortly but you'll be leaving Volterra in a couple of hours." He turned his attention back to Carlisle. "Given the circumstances you and your family will no longer be supervised; however as of tomorrow morning this building is on lockdown due to the vulnerability we have with no guard present; so you need to ensure you'll be able to survive diet-wise for a week. This is the expected length of time we believe Bella's retrieval will take; should it take longer than that we'll review the situation at the end of the week."
"So there's no time limit on this task?" Jasper asked; wanting to clarify everything; he couldn't chance overlooking anything.
"No. The task is only to recover Bella and to destroy the group of vampires who took her."
"Destroy them?" Carlisle said; his preference for non-violence automatic, even now.
"Yes. It's unforgiveable that they'd try to interfere in this process; whatever their gripe with us is, they shouldn't have gone about it this way."
"And once Jasper returns he isn't beholden to continue as part of your guard?"
"He won't be, no; however, should he choose to join we would gladly offer him a position." Once he'd finished talking he left the room leaving the family in stunned silence.
"Are you going to be okay with this task now, son?" Carlisle asked him.
"I have to be, don't I?"
"Maybe we can ask if Emmett and I can go with you?" he said.
"Dad, I don't think they're going to be willing to bend the rules again; they've deviated from the task quite a lot already and anyway you should be here with mum and Rose."
"If you're sure." He said.
"I'll call you if I need to talk to you. I'm sure they can't stop me from using my phone." He smiled suddenly and Carlisle quirked an eyebrow at him. "I was just imagining the look on Jane's face when she realizes I'm in charge and she has to do what I tell her to do." All of them laughed at what he'd said but it wasn't truly heartfelt.
*B-o-B*
Within the hour Jasper was summoned to speak to Aro and as he made his way down the corridor and out of the building he felt better than he had since he'd first found out Bella was gone; he finally felt as if he was doing something to get her back.
"Jasper, thank you for meeting with me."
"Caius said you wanted to speak to me before I left." Jasper said; still struggling to remain polite to his companion.
"I was hoping for a favor while you're gone."
"Rescuing Bella isn't enough for me to do?" he asked petulantly.
"Of course, that's your primary goal but I was hoping you could review the members of the guard that go with you, if you have the opportunity. It's not very often someone of your caliber spends times with us and I'd welcome any critique you can give."
"I can't promise anything, Aro, but if I get a chance I'll look at what you have at your disposal. Can I ask you some questions?"
"Of course."
"Do they know I'm heading the team and they'll be reporting to me?"
"They've been briefed on the new task and will do anything you ask of them."
"And they're happy with that?"
"That's not an issue. They'll do as we've asked them to do." Jasper was silent for several seconds and stared intently at Aro. "If this is about Jane, I've spoken to her and she will follow your instruction; she's actually quite happy to do this because they attacked Demetri and Felix."
"Okay." He wasn't sure he believed him; the thought of Jane being anything resembling happy was just disturbing.
"Your father mentioned how the separation from Bella has affected you. I was surprised; considering the length of time you've been together and the fact you aren't bonded, it is unusual for that to happen."
"Do you believe the bond has a stronger chance of happening because of it?"
"Yes but then I was telling Bella before she went how we all think the bond between you and Bella will be very strong; Marcus has said the depth of your relationship is not how it is usually for a couple just starting their journey together."
Again Jasper was silent but this time Aro let him be; realizing he was contemplating something. "Aro, I need to ask you something and I'm not sure if I should."
"You can ask me anything."
"This will go no further than between me and you? Not even your brothers?"
"If that is what you wish."
"If something has happened to Bella…" The pained expression on his face deepened at the repugnant thought, "It's my intention not to come back." He stared at Aro; maintaining eye contact until Aro nodded in understanding. "If this is to happen; my family would be okay to leave Volterra, wouldn't they? They won't be punished because I don't return?"
"If this were to happen; and I sincerely hope it doesn't; I will ensure your family return to Alaska and we'll offer them as much support as we can. The loss of you both would be punishment enough."
"Can you them I love them all dearly but the thought of living without Bella isn't something I can begin to comprehend? And I hope they understand and can forgive me for not bringing her back to them."
"I'll let them know." For once Aro didn't seem as intimidating as he usually did and for this Jasper was grateful. "You should be preparing for your journey. The others will be waiting for you with the cars."
TBC
A/N: So there you go... the second task just became a little more complicated; yes I am that cruel... anyway I just want to see the Major in action. Next task gets on the road in the next chapter and the search for Bella starts... once Jasper has met with Aro.