As usual all character and all things Twilight belong to the exceptionally talented Stephanie Meyer
A/N - I was hoping to get this chapter up last night but it turned out to be harder to write than I'd anticipated. Can't really call it writers block as I knew what I wanted it to be, it was getting it there. So hopefully I succeeded. Also it's starting to look like this is going to turn into quite a long story as I'm barely into where I want it to go. If there is anything anyone would like to see in the story, feel free to make suggestions and if they fit with the direction I see things going then I'll most definitely include them. A million Thanks to everyone that has reviewed and added this story to their favorites. I love the feedback, and knowing others are enjoying reading this as much as I am writing it.
BPOV
Jasper led McKenna and I to a table directly across and up a level from where we had been dancing. As we approached, a man I could only presume was the infamous Peter welcomed us with cocky smile. " Well, well, well Jazz. Wherever did you find these two lovely ladies?" his voice although not as deep as Jasper's, carried the same turn your knees to rubber accent. You couldn't miss the appreciative grin on McKenna's face as her gaze lingered over Peter. He appeared to be tall judging by the long legs stretched out in front of him crossed at the ankles; muscular of course; shaggy dirty blonde hair; strong jaw; straight nose; dark eyes (my guess was contacts to hide the red that his eyes would be naturally) and he seemed to have a certain air of arrogance about him - he was striking, basically your average everyday gorgeous vampire. I mentally sighed, was there no such thing as a homely vampire? How was I ever going to move on when this - I looked between Jasper and Peter - was the standard some poor human guy would have to go up against.
Dammit, Dammit Dammit! Bella control yourself! I scolded myself internally when I caught Jasper looking at me, one eyebrow raised in question. No doubt in my mind he'd felt my exasperation. How had I never realized how irritating it was to be in the presence of an empath. Then again I'd never tried to shield my emotions from Jasper before. Giving my head a gentle shake I decided it was time to put my game face on and pay attention to what feelings I was projecting to the man beside me.
"Bella, McKenna…..this…" he gestured to Peter with his hand, "is my closest friend and brother, Peter Whitlock."
Peter stood and pulled a chair out for McKenna, which she immediately slid into gracefully while Jasper pulled out and beckoned to the chair closest to himself for me to have a seat in.
"Hello darlin', the pleasure is all mine," he addressed a near swooning McKenna before turning to me and carrying on in that sexy drawl of his. " Ah the beautiful Bella, finally a face to go with the name and dare I say the legend"
Shooting Jasper a 'what the fuck' look my hands tightly gripped the arms of my chair. It was almost comforting to see a panicked look cross his face instead of my own.
"Relax sugar, I assure you it's only good things I've heard." Peter had most obviously picked up on the look I'd sent Jasper's way. Vampire vision, of course he'd seen it! I was becoming painfully aware that I was out of practice when it came to hanging with vampires and dealing with their heightened senses and abilities. It really shouldn't surprise me that he'd heard about the Cullen's human, after all I'm sure I made for quite an amusing tale. The silly human that foolishly fell in love with a vampire.
Game face Bella, game face remember. "Likewise Peter, or well mostly all good anyway." planting a smirk on my face as I locked eyes with Mr. Arrogant.
"Darlin' I do believe you and I are going to get along just fine. However, someone is telling you tales cos' I can assure you there is very little good about me." the true meaning of that statement was not lost on me. "Well other than the outwardly obvious that is." the cocky grin was plastered back on his face, his muscular arms crossed over his chest as he leaned back in his chair.
"Aww Peter, I'm sure deep down you're just a big ol' pussy cat." this was the most fun I'd had in a long time. Of course only I would consider trading barbs back and forth with a big bad vampire fun.
"Oh now you've done it Bella." the deep chuckle coming from Jasper did strange and unwelcome things to my insides. " You've gone and created a monster. I'll have you know for the rest of the night it's going to be his mission to prove exactly how bad ass he is." I had to wonder if Jasper's voice had always been so damn sexy and how the hell that fact had escaped me. Oh yeah, that's right……Edward was why. Had to wonder what else my Edward induced blindness had caused me to miss.
"Bella, earth to Bella." McKenna waved a hand in my face. Now not only was I throwing off a smorgasbord of emotions at the empath every time he moved or spoke, but now I was apparently zoning out to the degree that McKenna was noticing.
"Oh….ha….sorry. Did you say something Kenna?" I blushed crimson in embarrassment.
"Nice of you to join us sweetie," she teased bumping her shoulder into mine. I on the other hand wondered if my face was giving off a red glow yet. "Anywho Bella, I was inquiring as to how you and Jasper know each other. Am I wrong in assuming you're quite familiar with each other?" McKenna glanced between Jasper and I and winked.
Oh she's so lucky I like her. I can't believe the evil goddess winked. Oh my god did she think there was THAT sort of history between Jasper and I? Fuck it, I wasn't even bothering to hide my panic or discomfort from Jasper now. Was Jasper actually fidgeting? Either he was as uncomfortable with the assumption as I was or the emotions I was throwing off had finally broken him because vampires do not fidget! Peter was almost vibrating in his chair from the laughter he wasn't even bothering trying to suppress.
For obvious reasons I couldn't tell her the whole truth, but if I put the human spin on the whole situation and omitted all the stuff about vampires and mythical being there really was a simple answer.
"I uh dated his brother in high school and……" McKenna's gaze shot to Peter before I'd even finished explaining
"But I thought you two hadn't met yet?" Utter confusion was painted on her face.
Peter put his hands up in front of himself while he shook his head in the negative. "No, no, don't look at me. I am unfortunately not the brother that beautiful Bella is speaking of."
I felt Jasper reach for my hand that was resting in my lap, enclosing my small, warm hand in his large ice cold hand. Feeling a sudden calm overcome me, I knew he was projecting. Smiling shyly at him, I nodded assuring him I was just fine . The agony I'd have been in discussing Edward a few short months ago was barely a dull ache now.
" Different Brother Kenna, I dated Jasper's younger brother……Edward." *Phew* I'd said it, and I didn't break. Score one for Bella in the moving my ass on department! Hmm apparently wanting to die of embarrassment doesn't kill the freakish cheerleader living in my head. Good to know!
"You mean there are more than just the two of you?" McKenna's eyes darted between Jasper and Peter. "Just how many brother's are there?"
"Well there is Peter here, myself, and also my two younger brothers Emmett and Edward." Jasper didn't offer much more information.
"Sweet! And uhh do these other brothers resemble you two?" I swear I was going to have to get the girl a bucket to drool in soon.
"There are similarities yes." Jasper was being purposely vague. Most likely to avoid having to go into the entire explanation of the Cullen's cover story.
The wheels were turning in McKenna's head, dread washing over me at what could end up popping out her mouth next. She didn't disappoint! "Bella….that conversation we had earlier….you know, the have not…." she paused dramatically before continuing. "How? More importantly, why?"
My face flamed. Oh god kill me now! Please! Of course there was no way I could hide the dark blush from a pair of vampires, never mind the waves of mortification oozing from every pore and straight onto Jasper. I really shouldn't have been at all shocked when in almost perfect unison they asked, "What?"
"Nothing!" I offered no further explanation. McKenna at least had the decency to look somewhat sheepish and quickly stepped in to get the conversation onto another track.
"I'm sorry Bella, I didn't allow you to finish explaining how you knew Jasper so well." This was so not the track I was hoping she would jump to, but it was certainly the lesser of the two evils.
"Oh right, well as I was saying…." my hand was still tucked gently in Jasper's resting just above my knee. A distraction for sure, but comforting all the same. " I dated Jasper's younger brother Edward when I was in high school and his wife Alice was my best friend."
"Wife!?" McKenna's eyes shot up to Jasper's face, then back down to my lap where mine and Jasper's hands were resting combined.
"Ex-wife." the word came out more as a mumble as Jasper's eyes again met my own.
Yanking my hand out of his my only other reaction was a resounding " What?!"
My internal monologue kicked into overdrive. I'm going into shock. Alice and Jasper divorced? Not possible! It would explain a lot. His being here, the drastic change in his appearance and demeanour , they had all screamed a definite lack of Alice influence. Does that mean I no longer have to feel guilty that I've been lusting after my best friend's husband (since well minutes after seeing him again if I'm being honest with myself) if he's technically no longer said best friend's husband? Why does Peter look like the fucking cat that ate the canary, it's like he knew this was going to happen, almost like he just knows shit. Not quite like Alice but nearly as irritating. He's had that arrogant shit eating grin on his face through most of this let's make Bella squirm bullshit! Why didn't Alice tell me in her letter? Then again she had said that a lot of things had changed. The questions and random observations were racing through my psyche as though I had no control over it.
"Darlin' you need to calm down." the expression on Jasper's face was almost one of pain.
Breathe In, Breath Out. I worked double time on calming my erratic emotions, positive that this time I'd most definitely cause Jasper to short circuit. "I'm calm, not freakin' out." I gave Jasper a reassuring smile. His topaz eyes seemed to be pleading with me and I knew we needed to talk….alone. On a whim I made a very unBella like decision. What the hell, this night was already steadily digressing to a train wreck of epic proportions anyway. Grabbing my purse off the table I grasped Jasper's hand in mine. "Come on Cowboy, you're going to give me a ride home. Obviously we have more than a little catching up to do." I tugged on his arm, knowing that if he didn't want to move I'd have no luck budging him from his seat.
"I couldn't agree more darlin'." he drawled, rising gracefully from his chair to stand beside me, one hand resting on my lower back.
I sincerely hoped McKenna wouldn't be to angry at me for ditching her. However, after Jasper's admission that Alice was now his ex-wife there was no way I was going to be able to sit here and make idle chit chat.
My concerns were soon dispelled by the pleased look on her face.
I was about to apologize when she interrupted, " It's all good sweetie. I'll be over at the crack of ohhhh noonish tomorrow. If you really want to make it up to me you can have an extra large coffee from that store down the street from our building, you know with the butter pecan flavour stuff in it waiting for me."
"Done!" I promised her
I could see Peter nodding in Jasper's direction and subtle almost unnoticeable changes in Jasper's facial expressions. Positive they were having one of those almost silent vampire conversations, to fast and much to quiet for human ears to pick up. For the benefit of human ears his parting words were spoken at a regular tone and pace. "Later man, behave!"
"Shit Jazz, you know me better than that!"
"Exactly!" was Jasper's reply.
Watching them interact with each other my dominant thought was that these two together were a girls wet dream. Peter's eyes shot up to mine as though he'd been able to tell what I was thinking. No, not possible. Sure he seemed to know stuff, to anticipate it almost. But mind reading......oh I certainly hoped not. I made a note to ask Jasper.
" Catch ya later Bella, or should I start calling you lil' miss firecracker." the tell tale blush appeared on my face at Peter's farewell as Jasper guided me towards the stairs, his hand still on my lower back.
"Bite me Peter." was my parting jibe as Jasper and I made to descend the stairs.
" Tempting sugar, tempting." Peter grinned flashing his teeth.
Jasper emitted a low growl as he wrapped a muscular stone arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"Oh you must be a special one Miss Swan. Not often can I provoke the Major to come out in him." Peter grinned, and gestured towards the man close at my side, his arm securely around me.
"The Major?" I was curious.
"A story for another place and time, now shoo before I really piss him off" I could hear Peter's laughter behind us as we finally made our way down the stairs.
Jasper held me close to his side as he manoeuvred us through the club and out the doors. My insides were tumbling every which way by the time we exited the club into the amazingly quiet night. The music inside was merely a muted roar from outside. With the chaotic and energy charged atmosphere no longer surrounding us I felt suddenly nervous.
"What's got you nervous Bella?" I felt his breath brush my ear, causing me to shiver.
"Um, well……does this, I mean…" I paused to collect myself. " This, us, how comfortable we are with each other considering you know…." my voice trailed off….
"Considering I attacked you, you mean." I felt his body stiffen beside me.
"No Jazz, god no!" I turned in his arms to look up at his face. His jaw was set in a hard line, a pained look in his eyes again. " I wasn't even thinking about that. I meant how we were never, you know, close before. I was just wondering if you find it weird that we're not having that problem now after such a short amount of time in each other's presence tonight."
Honestly I'd never felt particularly close to Jasper in the past. Of course I'd felt the affection for him that I did the entire family, but I'd never felt the bond with him that I seemed to have with the rest , well with the exception of Rosalie that is. But the Jasper I was with tonight I felt drawn to, and strangely comfortable in his presence. It wasn't just that he looked different, and sounded different, HE was different. There was this unassuming confidence about him now. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It could not be described as arrogance, self assured maybe. I'd seen glimpses of this confidence when we'd gone to Phoenix, but very rarely after that. The old Jasper had always seemed almost consumed by his thirst, and the struggle that ensued from denying his natural instincts.
"Oh…" his expression softening, the pain easing in his eyes. "Well to be truthful Bella, it wasn't my idea to not be close to you before, but that's not a conversation meant to be held in the middle of a sidewalk. So the short answer to your question is no, darlin' I don't find it weird. And you Bella, do you find this new hmmm comfort level between us odd?"
"No. It's different……good different." I leaned my forehead against his muscular marble chest. The iciness of his body cooling the blush I'm sure was evident on my face. "Nothing that feels as right as being around you does could be odd."
I could feel the chuckle rumbling through Jasper's chest. " Come on sugar, let's go start that catching up."
He led me to a pair of motorcycles parked along the curb. I figured I'd died and gone to heaven when Jasper swung his long leg over the seat of the jet black Ducati and sat down, motioning behind him for me to join him.
"Hop on sweetheart."
"Wow…." I'm not sure if it was the bike itself that had me breathless, or the image now burned on my brain of Jasper perched on the powerful machine. He looked…..dangerous, and undeniably sexy.
Jasper handed me a helmet as I climbed on behind him. "Hang on tight Bella." he looked over his shoulder, firing up the engine as he winked me, and I was graced with that lopsided endearing grin.
I wrapped my arms tightly around Jasper's waist, resting my cheek against the middle of his leather covered back. The muscles in his back bunching as he manoeuvred the bike into traffic, I clung tighter to him suddenly needing to clear the air of the biggest thing hanging between us.
"I never blamed you Jasper." my face tucked in close to his body I spoke the words quietly. When I felt his strong, cold hand cover mine I knew he'd heard me.
A/N - The next chapter will be Jasper's POV as a companion to this chapter.