Sorry for the terribly long wait, explanation to follow. Now, for the important stuff! I am STILL doing a happy dance, because while I was away, I broke 1000 reviews! I love every single one of you who reads this story, but I'm sending Jasper to kiss each and every one of you who reviewed and helped me break 1K! I've enjoyed chatting with you all so much!
Beta'd by mynxi, who took time out from polishing that bright and shiny Master's degree she just earned to make my story better. Congratulations baby!
Twilight is the property of Stephanie Meyer. My kids stole my Jasper action figure, so I don't really even own that anymore .
Chapter Nineteen
BPOV
I groaned as I rolled over in bed and cracked an eye open to check the clock. It was only seven o'clock, meaning I'd only had a few hours of sleep. Feeling sort of like the bottom of last night's pizza box, I registered the fact that I was alone in bed and decided I should go be social rather than try to get some more sleep. After a quick stop to brush my teeth and comb my hair, I made my way out to the living room.
My eyes were drawn immediately to Jasper, and I was relieved to see his relaxed expression as he spoke to Emmett. As I walked into the room, he stood and met me in the middle of the room.
"Good morning," he whispered as he gave me a good morning kiss. "You didn't sleep much. Are you sure you don't want to go back to bed?"
"Nah, I don't want to miss out on the vampire party," I teased as I sat down on the couch next to Charlotte. "Hope you guys didn't have too much fun while I slept!"
Emmett smiled at me from across the room. "The party doesn't start until you walk in," he teased, tossing the game controller gently onto the coffee table. "But I should probably get going soon. Rose is alone with Alice, and I hate to leave her dealing with that on her own. I just didn't want to leave without saying 'bye' to you, Bella."
My heart tugged as I looked at his earnest face. Despite my hesitation about letting him back into my life, he had dropped everything to come down here and slaughter people for me. It was hard to let go of the hurt I still felt at being abandoned by the Cullens, but I knew that Emmett deserved a second chance.
"How 'bout taking me out for a quick breakfast first, Em?" I asked hesitantly. His eyes lit up as he leaned forward.
"Sure, Bella. That'd be great," he answered quickly.
"Just give me a minute to get dressed, and we'll go." Jasper flashed me a thumbs up sign as I turned to leave the room. He had been nothing but supportive of my attitude toward the other Cullens, but I knew he would be glad that I was taking steps to rebuild my relationship with Emmett.
I dressed quickly and made my way back out to the living area. Emmett was waiting eagerly by the door, a huge grin crossing his dimpled face. I couldn't help smiling back at him as I walked over. In a flash, Jasper was by my side, helping me into my coat. He leaned over and I stood on my tiptoes to reach his lips for a tender kiss.
"Bye, Sweets," he said with a smile as we separated.
"Don't let Emmett eat too much," Peter called out from the couch, his red eyes glinting with mischief.
"Don't be a fucker, Peter," I said in a bored tone, not wanting to egg him on.
"Don't worry, Bella," Emmett cut in. "We all know he's just jealous that you asked me out for breakfast instead of him." He winked as he guided me toward the door. "Just for that, we're not bringing him anything back," he said in a prissy voice as we walked out of the apartment.
"Lead the way Bells," he said cheerfully as we left the building. I decided to grab a bagel and coffee to go so we could find a quiet place to talk. Emmett kept me giggling with his humorous comments about the people we passed so the walk went quickly.
We stood in the line to order, and I noticed the girl behind the counter giving me a funny look. I shrugged it off and waited patiently for my bagel and coffee. As we left the shop, Emmett started chuckling.
"What?" I demanded, raising an eyebrow at him.
"The employees are taking bets on whether or not Jasper will kick my ass when he finds out you're cheating on him!" he said excitedly. He pulled out his cell phone. "Do you think he'd come down here and stage a confrontation? Maybe we could make that 'Cheaters' show!"
Stifling my laughter, I deadpanned, "Nah, we need someone more white trash if we want to make it on reality TV. Call Peter instead. Char would probably be down with it too if you want to make it even more interesting."
Emmett actually snorted as he cracked up. "You're something else, Bella. I've really missed you."
"I've missed you too, Emmett," I said softly as I led us toward a secluded bench on the edge of the local park. We sat down and I started nibbling on my bagel in between sips of hot, caffeinated bliss. Emmett waited patiently for me to finish, and I finally turned to face him.
Suddenly feeling awkward and nervous, I struggled for words for a moment. His toffee colored eyes twinkled as he grinned down at me. "Just tell me, Bells," he said kindly.
"Thank you for coming, Emmett," I blurted out. "Thanks for coming all the way down here to kill a bunch of bad guys for me, even though I've been kind of bitchy to you."
His strong, square face relaxed into a smile as he answered, "Aww, Bella, I was glad to help end those fuckers. I would have been pissed if Jasper hadn't called me."
I cautiously leaned up against him as I took another sip of coffee. He didn't comment about my movement, but he lifted his arm to allow me to rest more comfortably against him.
"So you don't feel guilty about killing?" I asked curiously. I had been worried that Emmett would struggle with the morals of killing humans since he had been for the most part successful at the "vegetarian" lifestyle.
"Not for killing those assholes," he answered quickly. "They were just a waste of air and a menace to anyone they came in contact with. Last night was pretty awesome actually. I got to kick some ass and tear a few limbs off without feeling bad about it."
I looked up at him and was glad to see that he looked completely relaxed and at peace with himself. He winked down at me before clearing his throat nervously.
"I know I have a lot to make up for, Bella, but never doubt that I would do anything to keep you safe. Killing a couple hundred gang members was just a fun way to spend the evening."
"Thanks, Big Brother," I whispered before taking another sip of coffee. He didn't say anything about the endearment, but I could practically feel the joy radiating off of him.
"You know, you're really good for Jasper," he said quietly as he stared fixedly across the street. "I'll always love Alice, and I hate the way those two ended, but you've changed him for the better. Watching you take care of him last night was awe inspiring, Bella. I've never seen him that way before, but you knew just what he needed. I'm glad you two found each other."
"Me too, Emmett," I whispered, thinking of how Jasper had changed me. It was good to hear from someone who knew him so well that I had affected him positively as well. I finished my coffee and we headed back to the apartment in a comfortable silence.
Jasper met us at the door, grinning broadly as we walked in. "You've made him really happy, Bella," he said quietly as he helped me out of my coat. I hadn't seen Jasper so relaxed in weeks, and I realized how worried he must have been about the K2 .
"I'm happy that it made you so happy," I whispered back as we joined the others in the living room. Peter surprised me by standing up and meeting Emmett with a friendly handshake. Emmett returned the gesture nonchalantly, but I could tell he was pleased. He hung out for a few minutes trading barbs with Peter and Charlotte before saying his goodbyes.
Jasper thanked him sincerely for coming and I gave him a big hug before he walked out the door.
"Easy Bells," he teased. "Rose'll get pissy if I smell too much like you. Wouldn't want to save your little butt from K2 only to have Rose come after you in a jealous rage."
"Bring her on, Emmett," I joked back. "Thanks for everything." He flashed a dimpled grin at us and gave a little wave before he walked out the door.
Jasper and I headed back to join Peter and Charlotte on the couch. Peter was ending a call on his cell phone, his expression full of excitement.
"Alright Sparky, what's with the eager face?" I quipped after he put the phone down.
"Oh, just a lead on our vampire whisperer, Sugar," he deadpanned.
"Really? That's great news! Where is he?" I demanded.
"Not so fast, Short Stuff. I don't know where he is yet, but I did just speak to someone who saw him in New Orleans a few years ago."
My face fell in disappointment. "A few years ago? He could be anywhere by now." Jasper wrapped an arm around me and I immediately felt our peace flow over me.
Peter reached over and chucked me under the chin. "Don't fret, Little Bird. I figure we'll all just head on down to the Big Easy and Char and I will ask around a little. We'll let the locals there know we're lookin' for him and see where it gets us."
Chills ran down my back at the thought of going back to New Orleans. The weekend I spent there had been weird and I was ambivalent about returning, even surrounded by my vampire security team. Jasper gave me a curious glance, but I just shrugged, figuring I would explain later.
Peter gave me a hard stare. "It'll be fine, Bella. We would never let anything happen to you." His normal easy grin returned to his face as he continued on. "From there, I say we just head out to the new place in Montana and see what Char has to show for the way she's been runnin' through our bank account." He gave his wife an affectionate glance as she winked at him.
Jasper looked down at me. "You okay with that plan?" I was struck by a sudden wave of appreciation for the way he always considered my opinion and allowed me to make my own decisions.
Pushing my love and gratitude toward him, I answered with complete honesty. "I would go anywhere with you." His amber eyes shone as we locked gazes for a moment.
"New Orleans it is then," Peter called out cheerfully.
The decision made, it didn't take long to make our travel arrangements. Peter and Charlotte's conspicuous eyes necessitated a private jet, but thankfully Jasper's bank account was more than up to the task. Jasper suggested that I pack light since I'd need to buy cold weather gear once we got out west.
Charlotte's eyes gleamed with excitement over shopping. I feigned annoyance, but I knew she wouldn't be an overbearing person to shop with, and it would be fun to pick up some new things without worrying about the expense. After the events of the last few weeks, it seemed ridiculous to worry about spending Jasper's money. I was all in; so was Jasper, and the dollar signs weren't important to either of us.
Before we left the apartment, I took a minute to call Andy at the rehab center. I had received a short letter from him earlier that week, but I really wanted to speak to him in person. Our conversation was short and tense. It was a welcome change to hear him sound clear and coherent, but I could almost feel the guilt and regret he was experiencing.
He told me that his therapy was going well and that he was able to see his grandmother daily. Before ending the conversation, he apologized for allowing his addiction to put me in danger. I accepted the apology, but reassured him that I had made the decision to live with him with my eyes open to the risks involved, and I didn't blame him for the actions of K2.
Hanging up the phone, I sighed in regret. I hated the awkwardness between Andy and myself, but I was hesitant to invest effort into a relationship that I would have to relinquish after I was changed. I hadn't discussed a timetable with Jasper yet, but I didn't anticipate being human for much longer.
I took a long look at the apartment as we prepared to leave. My life had changed irrevocably the first time I walked into this space with Jasper, and there were already many wonderful memories here. I looked forward to making lifetime after lifetime of new memories with Jasper, but this apartment would always be the site of many of our firsts.
Picking up on my wistful state, Jasper gave me a warm smile and tugged me gently over to the kitchen. Standing in the exact spot of our first kiss, he leaned over and took my mouth with his. I stood on my tiptoes to press closer into him as his tongue slipped into my mouth. Our kiss was deep and long, and I was panting by the time Jasper let me go.
"This isn't goodbye for forever, Bella. I do own the place, we can come back here any time you want to, Sweets," he said with a wink as he kissed the top of my head and led me toward the front door. I squeezed his hand in mine and we walked out without looking back.
A half hour later, we were seated in the luxurious jet waiting for takeoff. Peter and Charlotte looked mysterious and aloof in their dark tinted sunglasses. We all laughed as the pilot stared, trying to figure out if any of us were famous. Peter kept randomly throwing phrases like "back on set" and "photo shoot" into conversations, reinforcing the suspicions of the flight crew.
I tucked myself into the soft leather seat and pulled out my iPod, smirking at Jasper when he raised an eyebrow at me. I put my ear buds in and leaned against his hard body, holding tight to his hand as we finally accelerated down the runway and took off.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
"Yep, it's just been a long time since I've flown, and this plane is pretty small," I admitted. "I'll be fine once we level off." He gently shifted me and wrapped an arm around me so that I was tucked up against him. Our peace washed over me and I relaxed, even as the plane banked steeply.
I turned the music up, enjoying the feeling of Jasper's voice rumbling against my body when he spoke to Peter and Charlotte. My thoughts drifted to my intense yet brief time in New Orleans.
Flashback
I hunched my shoulders against the damp chill of the early evening. Walking purposefully through the French Quarter, I studiously ignored the frequent flashes of pale skin and crimson eyes that I noticed around me. I fought desperately to keep my heart rate from jumping each time I saw a vampire, figuring that as long as I stayed in public and didn't draw attention my chances were okay for making it through the night.
I had arrived here this morning, exhausting the last of my cash on bus fare. Unfortunately, it had only taken me a few hours to realize that this was not a safe place for me to be. I would never have guessed that Anne Rice was on to something, but this place was literally crawling with vampires.
I needed a way to earn some money so I could get the hell out of here, but no great job opportunities had been forthcoming today. Darkness had fallen and I was still looking for a dry place to wait out the night. The French Quarter was an eerie mix of Old World architecture and garish neon lights, full of bars, shops, hotels, and apartments squeezed in together.
The cold drizzle lent a creepy feeling to the evening and I stuck close to other groups of people as I walked, taking some comfort from the presence of others near me. I noticed a tall, pale figure wearing sunglasses walking towards me and casually turned down the next corner, abandoning my "safety in numbers" survival approach for the "put as much distance as possible between me and the vamp" tactic.
My eyes on the busier street two blocks ahead of me, I jumped when someone grabbed my arm. I closed my eyes and waited for the burn, but it never came. Instead, I heard a throaty chuckle as I was tugged gently around to face a middle aged, and entirely human, black woman. She was slightly shorter than me, and her figure was full and round inside her colorful print dress. Her brown eyes twinkled at me, set off by a flashy sequined scarf tied around her head.
"You come on in here, Little One," she ordered cheerfully, her words tinted by a slight French accent. "The ones you fear will not cross Mama Josie's door," she assured me as she led me toward a dilapidated store front. Numb with shock at the fact I wasn't being drained by a vampire, I followed her inside.
The room was cluttered and well-worn, but surprisingly clean. The scent of exotic spices mingled with the sweetness of the dozen candles burning in front of a table full of idols. My hostess noticed me looking and smiled broadly. "That there's the loa, my little gods," she explained sagely. "They tell me you comin', and they tell me you need help. They tell me I help you now, you come back and help me later."
Still mute with amazement, I just stared at her. She laughed at my expression and tugged me further into the apartment. Within minutes, I was seated at the kitchen table inhaling a plate of beans and rice as she made coffee. I eventually found my voice and introduced myself to Mama Josie. She chatted cheerfully, but made no more mention of vampires as she served me the strong coffee over steamed milk.
She didn't ask me any questions and I offered her no details about myself. She offered me a bath and I jumped at the chance to get truly clean. After a luxurious soak in the tub, she handed me pillows and a blanket and directed me to the couch. I spent a dreamless night under the watch of Mama Josie's loa, free from the constant fear that normally plagued me.
The next morning, she fed me a huge breakfast before handing me three-hundred dollars and shooing me out the door. "You get on outta this town, Little One," she ordered sternly. "I'll see you 'gain when the time's right." I thanked her profusely, all the while doubting that I would ever return to this city again.
Before I stepped out the door, I reached into my backpack and pulled out a tiny pewter cross that my Grandmother Swan had given me as a child. I had no memory of grabbing it as I ran from the house in Forks, but somehow it had ended up in my bag. I didn't consider myself very religious, but it had brought me comfort as I had travelled from place to place. I closed my eyes and pressed a quick kiss to it before laying it on the shrine table.
"For the loa," I whispered as I walked out the door.
"A worthy sacrifice," Mama Josie's soft voice called out behind me. "The loa say your way will be long and hard, but your guardian angel will find you in the sleepless city."
End Flashback
I shook my head, realizing I hadn't thought about Mama Josie's prediction since leaving her, even when I headed to New York. She had been correct about my angel finding me in the city that never sleeps, as well as the fact that I would be back to New Orleans.
I chewed my lip as I realized what I needed to do. Jasper looked down at me curiously.
"What are you thinking so hard about?" he asked gently.
I looked up at his copper toned eyes and reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind his ear. "Umm, how much cash can you get on short notice?" I asked innocently. Peter snorted loudly as Jasper flashed a confused grin at me.
"A lot, Bella. Anything in particular you feel like spending it on?"
I laughed nervously and played with the cuff of Jasper's sleeve. "Let's just say I have a large debt to repay while we're in New Orleans."
"Okay then," he said easily as he tucked me back against him and wrapped the blanket around me. "You should try to get some sleep." He didn't say another word about it, although Peter peppered me with questions about my debt until Jasper told him to shut up. I finally drifted off to sleep, waking just long enough to be carried into a town car after we landed in New Orleans.
Jasper handed me a Starbucks coffee after buckling me in, and I immediately perked up. I watched alertly as we drove into the city and made our way into the French Quarter. I didn't notice any other vampires and wondered if I had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time the last time I was here.
We checked into a boutique hotel on Chartres Street. It was a beautiful restored building, full of the opulence of another time. Our suite was connected to Peter and Charlotte's by a lovely little sitting room. After we got settled in our respective rooms, I took a quick shower to wash off the feeling of travel.
When I rejoined the others, Peter and Char were heading out the door to meet his "contact." They were dressed all in black and Peter hummed the theme to "Mission Impossible" as he donned his dark sunglasses.
"Keep him out of trouble, Char," I sighed as I rolled my eyes and blew a kiss at them.
"Don't worry, Sugar. I'm not lettin' him outta my sight," she purred. "This cloak and dagger stuff gets me all hot 'n bothered!"
I giggled at the image of a horny Charlotte keeping Peter in line so she could have her way with him sooner rather than later, as I closed the door behind their retreating figures. I turned back to Jasper, who was looking at me expectantly.
Handing me a large manila envelope, he spoke quietly. "There's fifty grand in there. Is that enough?"
I swallowed at the weight of the money in my hands. "I think so," I said hesitantly. "The amount wasn't exactly disclosed, but I guess she'll let us know if this isn't enough."
"Do you wanna tell me about it?" he asked simply as he handed me my backpack and slipped the envelope inside it.
Trying to calm my nervous stomach, I met his gaze and gave a weak smile. "I think it's easier just to show you."
Taking his hand, I led him out of the room, through the hotel lobby and out onto the darkening streets. He followed me without questioning me any further and I tried to send him a wave of appreciation for his ability to back off when I needed him to. I was reassured that he felt what I sent when he wrapped his arm more securely around me and pressed a kiss to the top of my head as we walked.
JPOV
I tucked Bella under my arm as we walked into the cold, damp night air. I couldn't deny that I was intensely curious about where we were going and who she was indebted to. Her emotions were shut down tight, but her fast heart rate told me she was nervous. She seemed fairly certain of our direction, stopping to check cross streets every once in awhile. Eventually, she turned down a dark side street and pointed to a bright red door in the middle of the block.
"That's it," she said quietly, her breath steaming as she spoke. I looked down at her warm brown eyes as she paused. She was clearly anxious, but I read no fear in her expression. I didn't press her for more information about who we were going to see, trusting that she would tell me if we were walking into a dangerous situation.
She finally took a deep breath and stepped toward the red door. I followed immediately behind her, and as we approached the door, it opened inward, revealing the smiling face of a middle aged black woman wearing a bright pink turban.
"Ahh, here she be at last, come back to see Mama Josie," the woman crooned out in a rich deep voice as she beamed at Bella's perplexed expression. Before Bella could answer, Mama Josie trained her wide eyes onto me. She gave me an assessing stare before nodding once at me and refocusing on Bella. "I see you finally found who you was runnin' to, Little One. Now come on in, it's cold out 'der."
I followed Bella forward, but before I reached the door, Mama Josie held her hand up to stop me, her expression regretful but firm. "I'm sorry, but the loa guard this place against ones like you. You cannot come in."
I raised an eyebrow and looked at Bella. I was reluctant to leave her in a strange environment, but I knew I would be here to respond if a threat to her appeared. She seemed uncertain, as if she was weighing the risks before she answered. "I think it's safe here, Jasper. This won't take long anyway."
I nodded at her and released her hand before turning back to Mama Josie. "I mean no disrespect to you or your loa, Mama, so I don't mind waiting right here. But," I continued as she rolled her eyes and smiled at me, "if she needs me, I'm coming to her, loa or no."
She grinned and made a shooing sign at me. "She be fine, Angel. You wait here by the door, she be back in your arms in no time. Ah, lovers," she sighed dramatically as she ushered Bella inside the room, leaving the door wide open so that I could watch them. "Now child, let's move along before your man gets impatient. What you bring Mama?" she asked, her expression like that of an eager child at Christmas.
Bella slid her backpack off and unzipped the large pocket. She pulled out a large bottle of very expensive rum. I smiled in surprise, wondering where she had picked that up from. "For the loa," she said solemnly as she held the bottle up to Mama before placing it in front of a table shrine.
Mama Josie grinned broadly. "A perfect gift! The loa be pleased!" She moved her hand quickly, and a three shot glasses appeared like magic. She poured three shots, placing one on the shrine, handing one to Bella, and keeping the third. She muttered some patois phrase that I didn't understand before tossing her shot back and swallowing it.
Bella stared at the glass in her hand for a moment before shrugging and throwing it back and drinking it all at once. She grimaced as she swallowed, but to her credit, there was no coughing or sputtering. I knew she had little to no experience with alcohol, so I was surprised she was able to handle it so well. I noticed her looking at the shrine and turned to see what she was staring at. I shook my head, disbelieving my eyes as I looked at the empty shot glass in front of the shrine.
Mama Josie laughed at our shocked expressions and refilled the shot glasses. Bella took the shot easily, and I noticed her eyes starting to glaze over. I mentally groaned, hoping I wouldn't be holding Bella's hair back while she puked tonight. "Don't worry, Pale One," Mama chided me. "She won't take more than she can handle."
Bella snapped out of it at her words and unzipped the other pocket of her backpack. Pulling out the envelope, she passed it to Mama. "To repay your kindness to me," she said simply. "My phone number is in there. If there's ever anything I can do for you, let me know."
Mama opened the envelope and her eyes widened before they became glossy with unshed tears. "Child, the loa are good, and they were wise when they brought you to me. Your gift will allow me to keep my home here. Thank you, Little One, for paying your debt. And thank you, Pale One, for bringing her back," she finished, looking at me. I could feel the depth of her gratitude, and I smiled softly back at her.
"I'm glad to help anyone who helped Bella before I found her," I answered quietly. "Thank you for whatever you did for her."
Mama just nodded as Bella zipped her backpack and put it back on. She pressed a quick kiss to Mama Josie's cheek before turning and walking toward me. As she passed the table shrine, she picked up a small metal cross from the many trinkets scattered around the candles. She brought it to her mouth and kissed it quickly before replacing it and hurrying over to the door.
She stepped into my waiting arms and I relaxed as our peace surrounded us. I began to walk away before I heard Mama Josie call out from the apartment. "The loa send their love, Little One. They tell me to tell you that if you hold fast, your love will be eternal!" Before either of us could reply, the door slammed shut, although Mama hadn't moved from where she stood.
Bella shivered and I automatically draped my arm around her as we started walking. "Did that just happen?" Bella asked in a daze. "'Cause I'm a little drunk, but I'm pretty sure those loa are for real."
I laughed at the sound of her tipsy words. "Well, Sweets, I've been around awhile, long enough to know I don't know it all. I don't know for sure what just happened, but I definitely felt something powerful in that little house. What I want to know, young lady," I said sternly, "is where the Hell you got your hands on that top shelf hooch."
She looked up at me and giggled, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously. My still heart clenched at how beautiful she was in the streetlight. "Peter, of course! Silly Jasper, who else would I go to for expensive booze and no questions asked?"
I escorted her back to the hotel, chuckling frequently at how cute she was while she was buzzed. The thought drifted through my mind that I should offer to take her out drinking sometime. I knew she had never really let go and got shit faced, and it seemed to me that that was an experience every human should go through at least once.
Peter and Charlotte were waiting on us in our sitting room when we returned to the hotel. They took a few minutes to enjoy poking fun at tipsy Bella. She took it all in good humor, joining our laughter when she said something silly.
"Give 'er more, this is gold!" Peter chuckled. Before I could scold him for trying to get my girlfriend drunk, her stomach growled loudly, reminding me she hadn't really eaten since breakfast that morning. Some of Bella's old habits were dying hard, and she often fell back into eating only one meal a day if I didn't remind her.
"Not on that empty stomach," I answered Peter in a teasing tone. He and Bella wore identical pouting expressions at my answer, causing Charlotte and I to explode in laughter. After everyone calmed down, Bella ordered a hamburger from room service and tucked into it eagerly when it arrived. By the time she finished, she was coming down from her buzz and starting to yawn.
"I'm done, time to sleep," she mumbled as she stood and placed her dinner tray outside the door. She gave Peter and Charlotte big, sloppy kisses on her way into our room, winking at me as they yelled in protest. I followed her in and lay down with her until her breathing became deep and even. When I was certain she was totally asleep, I rejoined Peter and Charlotte to find out how their search had gone.
"Well, we met up with a local named Sloane, who says he last saw our 'whisperer' ten years ago, down in Brazil," Peter told me calmly. I groaned in frustration, starting to feel like we were on a global goose chase. "Don't get your panties in a twist, Jasper," he drawled out. "I already made calls to several good friends I have down in that area. They roam a smaller area and come back to the same places regularly, so I have a good chance of reaching somebody who may have seen our guy. It's just a matter of time, brother."
I gave him a hard look as I ran a hand through my hair. "Are you sure this guy is worth the trouble, Peter? You really think he has anything to offer Alice?"
He met my gaze evenly. "I think he's the best chance she has, Jasper," he answered bluntly. "The way you describe her, she's on the verge of complete instability, which would mean a visit from our Italian friends. She ain't my favorite gal by a long shot, but I don't wish that on her, and I know you don't either. So, we keep looking."
"You're right," I admitted, projecting regret for my doubt toward him. "You met him yourself?" I asked, eager for more details about the elusive vampire.
Peter shook his head and smiled wryly. "You couldn't really call it that. It was just a random coincidence that we were in the same place at the same time, and we never got formally introduced. It was up in Canada, not long after we left you and Maria. Charlotte and I were on a hunt when we crossed paths with a crazed newborn terrorizing a little village. We weren't lookin' for any attention at the time, so we felt like we had to intervene. We chased him down into an empty barn."
Peter's eyes were far away as he relived the memory, and Charlotte jumped in to continue the story. "Before we could even talk to him, this other vampire just appears out of nowhere," she began in a low voice. If vampires were capable of goosebumps, I knew she and Peter would have them right now. They clearly remembered the experience with awe. "He just puts a hand on the newborn, and he just calms right down and starts actin' normal."
She shot me a look as he continued. "Almost like what you used to do to the newbies, only this newborn didn't act like he was sedated or anything like that. Just started talkin' to the other vamp like they're two guys who've known each other forever. Figured he was the newborn's maker, so Peter and I were ready to rip into him about bein' more careful, but the two of them just ran out of there without even lookin' at us."
She leaned comfortably into Peter's side as she finished speaking. Peter ruffled her wild curls with his hand and she swatted him away affectionately. Their love was a privilege to witness and feel. It was just a perfect union of two souls, constant in the face of the chaos it had been born into. I could feel them both getting horny, so I asked my final question quickly in hopes of getting an answer before they became too distracted.
"So you don't even know the guy's name?" I asked loudly as they started leaning in to kiss.
I distinctly heard Peter mutter "cockblocker" at me before he answered. "I told the story to another guy years later, and he told me that it must have seen 'Malcolm.' Apparently he has a reputation for handling crazies, vamp and human alike. I would have called it a vampire urban legend if I hadn't seen him with my own eyes. Now," he continued in an annoyed tone, "unless you have any other questions that can't wait until tomorrow, I have somethin' I need Char's help with."
With that they attacked each other and I high-tailed it out of there to hide next to my sleeping sweetheart. She awoke in surprisingly good shape the next morning and we filled her in on the Vampire Whisperer. She reacted calmly to the lack of progress and moved on to sending me out for beignets and café au lait.
Our business in the Big Easy complete, we packed up and headed back to the airport, eager to see what type of home Charlotte had picked out for us. Bella held my hand tightly during takeoff, but she spent the rest of the flight excitedly chatting with Charlotte about stuff to buy for the house. Peter and I wisely kept our mouths shut and left the decorating to the women.
When we began our descent, Bella clutched my hand again, but by the time we climbed out of the jet she was vibrating with excitement about the landscape, the house we were headed to, and life in general. It was a joy to see her happy and carefree, and I enjoyed every moment as we piled into our rented Jeep and hit the road.
Charlotte drove, so Peter called shotgun. Bella bounced into the back seat and leaned forward against her seatbelt to talk to Charlotte. I just sat back and enjoyed the good vibes, profoundly grateful for a break from drama and chaos.
AN- Thank you all for your patience and for sticking with me during the delay. During my vacation, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. She has since had a series of health crises and is currently in the intensive care unit where she lives, over 6 hours away from us. I'm sure you can imagine the strain this has caused on our family, and it has really decreased the time I allow myself to write as I try to be a good wife to my husband and a good mom to my girls while he takes care of his mom. I can't even begin to promise how frequently updates will come at this point, but please know that I am working on the story, even when it's only a sentence at a time! Thank you to those who have already sent their well wishes, I appreciate your support so much.
My dearest MM- what can I really say? I love you so much that I'm now telling you the inappropriate things that should really stay in my head! The fact that this hasn't scared you away (yet) is a testament to you as a person. Thanks so much for listening and not judging, even when I really deserve to be judged.
A final note- I totally gave up on Twitter, just haven't taken the time to close the account. I just didn't have time for it. I'm so flattered that some of you have requested to follow me, but it doesn't fit in my life right now, so don't think I'm dissin' you when I don't accept, lol!
Love you all,
heavy