Thank you very much for all of your wonderful, reviews, messages, alerts, and faves. I've made so many wonderful connections because of this story and each and every one of you makes me smile. You can watch strippers with either the male vamps or the female vamps-take your pick.
All characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. No copyright infringement intended.
This story is AU/OOC.
Mature readers 18+ only.
Jasper's POV
The weekend rolled around and I was in Philadelphia with Rex and Garrett. It was already day two of our trip. Emmett chose not to go with us. He and Rose left the day the girls came back from Las Vegas for their townhouse in Rochester. They were attempting to mend their crumbling relationship. Bella was kicking back at our place in Manhattan. She wanted to unwind after her unexpected trip to Forks and Las Vegas to rescue Rose. I didn't really blame her. She kept telling me how the manager of the Palms Hotel showed them all of the suites he had available and Rose picked what Bella deemed to be the Flaming Pink Hell.
"Jasper, there was Barbie wallpaper all over the room and a display case of Barbie dolls. Do you know how fucking creepy that was? If I were human, I wouldn't have been able to sleep. The only saving grace was the shower with the stripper pole in it." She showed me pictures of the suite. In fact, she showed me pictures of every suite that she and Rose toured. I filed it in the back of my mind that we were doing the Erotic Suite with their treasure chest full of adult toys the next time we're in Sin City.
I was jogged back to the present by Rex. "Hey guys, we should go check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It's not too far of a walk from where we are."
We had just come from Franklin Court where the B. Free Franklin Post Office is located. All three of us sent a postcard to our mates from there. Rex and Garrett were envious because Bella's probably the only one that would appreciate it. Well, duh, she was the one that told me about the place.
After touring Philadelphia and picking up souvenirs for our mates, we went back to the hotel room to unwind a little.
"Guys, we should go have a couple of drinks and maybe shoot some pool." I suggested.
"Great idea. I don't know anything about this city, though." Rex said.
"We can ask the concierge. Let's go." I said.
Garrett approached the concierge, "Hello, I was wondering if you could suggest a place where my friends and I can go and unwind a bit. You know, play a bit of pool, have a couple of whiskeys, maybe watch some sports. We just want to go as we are in our Levis."
The concierge eyed us up and down and nodded his head. "I know the perfect spot—it's called The Bike Stop on Quince Street. It has everything you're looking for and it's only a five minute walk from here." He gave us directions, Garrett tipped him, and we were on our way.
We got to the bar and showed our ids to get in. We noticed that the first level was a nightclub with dancing so we asked where the pool table was. We were sent to the next floor up.
"I'll go order some drinks. Jacks all around?" I asked. Garrett and Rex both nodded. I managed to convince the bartender to sell me a bottle of Jack Daniels. I brought it back to our table along with three glasses. By the time I sat down, I noticed that Garrett and Rex had already made new friends.
I was introduced to Johnny and Joe. They were native Philadelphians. One of their friends, Steve, came to join us about five minutes later.
"This is a really cool hangout spot. It's nice to be able to relax without women trying to hang all over us." Rex stated.
"Oh, I know what you mean." Johnny said. "Women can be so aggressive and clingy. You tell them you're not interested or they're not your type and they're still so persistent."
"No shit." I said, thinking about all the times I've gone out and women have practically thrown themselves at me.
"So, where are you guys from?" Steve asked.
"Rex and I live in Fairfield, Connecticut and the Major here lives in Manhattan." Garrett replied.
"Ooh! The Major. I like your monicker. Did you serve in the armed forces or is that just a boudoir name?" Joe asked.
I thought about my last session in the bedroom with Bella and stated, "Both."
"If you live in Manhattan, there's a bar like this in Chelsea called The Eagle. You'd like it. You can relax with our kind there just like here." Steve informed us.
"Thanks, Steve. That's mighty kind of you to give us that information." Garrett said.
"Looks like the pool table's opened up. You guys want to join us?" I figured, I'd be nice and invite these guys.
"Sure, I'd love a game of pool myself." Joe said.
Garrett and Rex played like I did. It was absolutely no fun playing with Bella. She just ripped me apart each and every time. While we were in Dubai, she tried to teach me some of her tricks, but I'd either lose patience with myself or get really turned on by her and end up taking her on the pool table.
"Major, you're fucking projecting lust." Garrett whispered.
"Sorry man. I was imagining fucking Bella on a pool table." I said at vampire speed.
"I can see why you were projecting." Garrett chuckled, so did Rex upon hearing our conversation.
Rex racked up the balls and broke. He played against Johnny. They were pretty evenly matched. After a close game that Rex ended up winning, it was my turn to play against Steve. Garrett went to get more drinks for us.
Steve broke and took solids. It was my turn and when I leaned over to shoot, I felt something brush against my ass. I fucking missed. What the fuck?
Garrett came back with another bottle of Jack Daniels. I filled my glass to the top and downed it. It was my turn to shoot again. I leaned over, took my shot, and when I straightened back up, fucking Joe wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear that he thought I was divine. He, then smacked my ass with his bare hand. What the fuck?
I looked up to see Rex being cornered by two shirtless dudes clad in leather pants only and Johnny was running his hand down a very confused Garrett's chest.
"Dude, I don't roll that way." I told Joe. "I'm married."
"Oh, did you leave your partner at home?" Joe asked.
"Yes." I stated. "Excuse me."
I grabbed Garrett, then Rex, and the three of us ran out of there at vampire speed.
"This is your fault, fucker!" Rex said. "Once you told the concierge that you wanted to hang out somewhere in your Levis, he took it to mean that you were looking for a gay bar. They have a whole legion of fags that wear button front Levis jeans cause supposedly it's some sort of a turn on. These are called jeans man, jeans."
"I didn't know. I feel so dirty right now. That Johnny guy asked if he could cuddle with me." Garrett whimpered.
"Oh, yeah, well at least you didn't have some dude wrap his arms around you and smack your ass." I shouted.
"You wanna know bad? The two dudes that were trying to pick me up wanted to pop my cherry." Rex cried.
The three of us all looked at each other and started laughing. "Let's go find a strip joint. I can't take this shit." I stated.
We found an upscale gentlemen's club called Delilah's. The place was mobbed and the women were beautiful. We talked, drank, smoked cigars and got hard-ons watching the women, but damn it we needed to feel like men again after the harrowing experience the three of us had just gone through.
The next morning, we checked out of the hotel room and drove back home. Garrett and Rex dropped me off at my house and took off for their own. I walked inside and called for Bella, but she wasn't home. I buzzed her cell and she said she was on the roof.
The roof? What the fuck is she doing on the roof? I'd better run up to check to see what she's doing.
"Hey, this is nice, baby." I commented. Bella was setting the roof up to look like a tropical oasis.
"I'm not done yet. I need to go to the nursery and pick up more plants." She stated. "How was Philadelphia?"
"Good. I got you a whole bunch of souvenirs." I said.
"Anything special happen?" She asked, casually.
"No, no, nothing special." I said.
"So, you didn't get spanked at a gay bar, then have to go to a strip joint to feel like a man again?" She smirked.
"How did you...was it Alice or Peter?" I asked, between gritted teeth.
"Alice. Who else would have that much detail? Did that one guy really want to cuddle with Garrett?" She asked, curiously.
"Yeah," I chuckled, "and two dudes wanted to pop Rex's cherry."
The two of us had a really good laugh. "Oh, Amar called while you were in Philadelphia. They'll be here in three weeks. We need to set up the guest bedrooms. I was also thinking that the six of us aren't going to fit in the Range Rover. I think we're going to need to trade vehicles with Riley while they're here."
"Good point. So, what are you trying to do up here?" I asked.
"I have no idea. I'm just winging it. I'm gonna put out more plants and I figured some teak deck furniture. What do you think?"
"I like it. We can relax up here in the evenings when our friends are staying with us. Did they say how long they'd be here for?"
"Two and a half weeks." Bella replied. "Oh and Esme and Carlisle are already suggesting that they'd be better off staying at their place because it's more rural. I'm just warning you."
"Uh, no. They're our friends. What the fuck is it with them always trying to butt into our lives?" I growled.
"Come with me, baby." Bella grabbed my hand. "It's overcast out. I want to go for a little drive. I need to hunt anyway. The last time I went was in Forks."
"Yeah, it's probably a good idea. We need to start setting up for our friends anyway." I was more than a little annoyed at Esme and Carlisle suggesting that our friends stay with them. I needed to blow off some steam and think about how to broach the topic of boundaries with them again. The good thing is that I'm sure that we had Em and Rose on our side on this one—if they could get their shit together.
I looked at my smiling wife as we left our house. She was emitting nothing, but joy and peace. I couldn't help, but let myself bathe in those emotions. When I considered all the crap that we went through during the first few years of our marriage, it was hard to believe that we were at the place we were today. I'm such a lucky guy.
Friday night...
Alice's POV
Yippee! I have a rare Friday night off and we're going out on the town on a ladies night. Rose was still gone with Emmett in Rochester and, I hate to say this, but I was elated and so were the rest of the girls because this way she couldn't hog Bella all to herself. We were going to a nightclub called Element in Manhattan for some drinks and dancing and, at 11pm, we were going upstairs in the same club to see Hunk-o-Mania. I was so excited! I'd only been out with Bella once and that was for my bridal shower so I was really looking forward to tonight.
It took a while for us to get to where we were today. I was such a horrible person before that I couldn't even make any friends. It took hundreds, probably thousands, of hours of counseling with Riley for me to realize that I suffered from an illness. I still go to him once a week. Actually, a lot of us go to Riley for counseling. I have no idea how he keeps his head together. Anyhoo, when the Amber debacle happened, the first person to comfort me after hearing about Jasper's infidelity was Bella. Bella, who was hurting more than I was at that point. That made me realize what a complete fool I had been. Not only about Jasper, but about Bella too. She really was a nice person and all I did was manipulate her in Forks. Mike and Riley both encouraged me to email her while she was away. Bella always responded and, by the time she and Jasper had returned from London, I felt really close to her. I even asked her to be my matron of honor at my wedding. I was really careful in my wording too. I knew that she hated any sort of fanfare and whatnot so I told her that all she had to do was show up to two dress fittings and the wedding. She accepted and she even surprised me with a bridal shower.
Bella was meeting us in front of the nightclub since she lives in Manhattan. Oh, there she is.
"Hi, Bella!" I greeted her, excitedly.
"Alice—how are you?"
"Good, good. Are we all here?" I asked.
"We're waiting on Charlotte, I think." Bella stated. "Oh, here she comes. Nine pm on the dot."
"I'm not late, am I?" Char asked. "Pete dropped me off at the other end of the block so I had to walk here in my heels. I don't care what anyone says, heels are uncomfortable."
"Here, here!" Bella stated. "Alice, how do you wear heels all day long while working at Walmart?
"I don't know, I guess I'm just used to it. I'm so short that I have to make up for my deficiency in height somewhere."
"I'm short, but I won't sacrifice comfort for vanity." Char stated.
"Alright, let's go inside already! I want to see Hunk-o-Mania." Amanda was getting antsy. She was always antsy come to think of it. I wish she and Edward would stop having sex everywhere in the house. One time, Mike and I came home after a hunt and they were on our bed. I flipped out. So did Mike. We forced Edward to purchase a new mattress for us. They're like rabbits, those two, I swear.
Sex has gotten much better for me. Mike is so patient and a great teacher, too. I feel really bad for Bella having to be with Jasper. She must have an awful sex life. From what I can remember, Jasper was extremely selfish in bed. I also think he has a small penis cause I don't even recall feeling him inside of me. It's a wonder that he was able to teach Edward what to do the first time he had sex.
We got inside the nightclub and got lucky with seats. A bachelorette party was just leaving so we took over their table before anyone else could.
We ordered drinks and settled in for a chat. "Edward wants to try anal sex." Amanda blurted out.
Okay, I can't really help her there. Apparently, neither could Bella. In fact, no one could so we all deferred to Charlotte.
"Why the hell is everyone looking at me? Pete likes titty fucking. We tried anal sex once and I didn't like it, so we never did it again." Charlotte said.
"Okay, the occasional finger in the ass—I've tried, but not the whole penis." Bella blurted out really fast.
"Oh, it's actually quite nice as long as he takes it slow." Tanya stated. "You have to use a lot of lube and not venom either. Don't let him tell you that venom works just as well cause that's a crock of shit."
"Doesn't it hurt?" Bella asked. "Jasper's always begging me to try it, but I'm too scared. Actually, come to think of it, I think all men beg for it. My human ex-boyfriends asked me too."
"They all ask, sweetie. It's up to you whether or not you want to give it to them. I'd say try it once." Katie said. "If you don't like it. They'll never ask again."
"I agree with what Katie said and Tanya's right, venom is not a substitute for lube." Vicky stated. "What are the men up to tonight? Do you know?"
"Laurent told me they're going to a hookah bar called Le Souk." Irina said. "I think there are belly dancers there too."
"Sounds like a fun spot." Vicky noted.
Suddenly, we heard a great roar of applause coming from the table next to us.
"What on earth is that all about?" I asked.
"Oh, they're just doing body shots." Bella stated. "They suck at it, if you ask me."
"No shit, Bella, Char, and I once brought a whole bunch of Marines to their knees when we were in Massachusetts." Tanya said.
"Tanya, go order us some tequila. Let's show these bitches how they're really done." Bella was wearing an eerie expression on her face. Oh my. I've never seen this side of Bella before.
Tanya came back to the table with four bottles of tequila and a carefully balanced tray of shot glasses. They were really busy so I just grabbed the bottles and the shot glasses, I hope that's okay.
"Isn't that theft?" I asked.
"Only if we weren't going to pay them for them.." Bella stated. "It's not our fault they're busy. Who's up first?"
"Ooh! Ooh! Me!" Char started jumping up and down.
"Calm down, chica. Titty shot or blow job?" Bella asked.
A what? What kind of debauchery is this? Are they all lesbians? Charlotte I can see and Tanya too, but I had no idea that Bella liked women.
"Don't look so surprised. You're next Alice. In fact, do a blow job off of Alice, Char." Bella ordered.
"But, but, um, um, really...I'm not one for public displays of sex. Excuse me...hello...dear God in heaven...um..." I started stuttering.
Bella sat me down on a chair and shoved a shot glass filled with tequila between my legs. Char started licking up my thighs, then suddenly, she grasped the shot glass between her teeth and downed it. Everyone started cheering. Phew! I'm just glad I got through it.
Char repeated the process, this time with Vicky. She placed the shot glass between Vicky's breasts and downed the tequila. People were hooting and hollering at the sight.
We all started doing body shots off of each other and there was a huge crowd gathered around our table.
"Okay, ladies, I learned a new way in Amsterdam. Watch and learn." Bella announced. Katie lift your shirt up to right under your boobs and lean back a little. Tanya, take this shot of tequila and pour it on Katie, from right under her boobs slowly so it drips right onto my tongue."
Bella slid her tongue right under Katie's naval and started lapping up the tequila. The applause was thunderous. Now, we had Navy sailors surrounding our table cheering us on. I've never, ever let loose like this with just the girls—this was so much fun!
A few minutes later, it was time to settle our tab and hit Hunk-o-Mania. Oh! I don't want to stop! This is so much fun!
"Come on, Ali, you're drunk." Bella said and walked me to Hunk-o-Mania so I wouldn't fall. We sat in our seats and waited for the show to start. Five absolutely gorgeous men strutted on stage and started gyrating their hips.
"This is like The Full Monty, but with really hot guys!" Amanda commented. She started whooping and hollering out loud-cheering for the men to take it all off.
All the women started yelling. Bella shook her head. "They don't even come close to your Rex, Tanya."
"No kidding. These men are just hip gyrators, Rex had the power to draw you in—although it could have a lot to do with him being an incubus." Tanya noted.
"Will you two shut the fuck up! Some of us are trying to enjoy the show here!" Irina yelled.
"Sor—ry!" Tanya and Bella replied sarcastically.
Halfway through the show, I started to feel kind of guilty for watching male strippers.
"What's wrong, Alice?" Vicky asked.
"Oh, I feel kind of guilty for watching male strippers while the men are only at a hookah bar." I stated.
"I highly doubt that all they're doing is sitting in a hookah bar, that's probably where they started off the night. They're probably hustling pool at a pool joint by now. Lower your shield for a second, Bella. Take a peek, Alice." Vicky instructed.
My jaw dropped at what I saw. "Aarrgh! Those bastards. Lotharios. Philanderers—the lot of them!"
All of the women became instantly concerned. "What, what did you see, Alice?" Tanya asked.
"They're at a Gentlemen's Club in a private VIP lounge room. Two women are performing at once exclusively for them." I stated, shocked when I saw Mike slip a twenty in her thong.
"What? Why that filthy...what's the name of the club?" Vicky asked.
"The Penthouse Executive Club." I stated.
"Penthouse? As in Penthouse magazine?" Amanda asked. "Edward keeps a stack of those in his underwear drawer."
"Yes." I growled, angrily. "I'm putting a stop to this immediately." I got up off of my chair. Vicky, Amanda, and Irina stood up too.
"Aren't you girls coming?" I asked Bella, Char, Katie, and Tanya.
"Aren't you ladies being a little hypocritical?" Bella asked.
"Absolutely not. There's a difference between watching strippers in a private room and watching them in public." Vicky stated.
"If you say so." Bella said. "I think I'll just hang back here and enjoy the view."
Amanda, Irina, Vicky, and I hailed a cab to the Penthouse Executive Club. We tried to get inside the club, but they wouldn't let women in.
"Where there's a will, there's a way." Vicky stated. We snuck in through the employee entrance and scented our way into where the men were. To say they were shocked was an understatement.
"How dare you!" I slapped Mike across the face. The female strippers kept dancing until Amanda told them to beat it.
"I can't believe you men have the nerve to come to this type of place!" Irina chastised.
"We were just watching them—no big deal." Laurent stated.
"Uh, where are Bella, Char, Katie, and Tanya?" Jasper asked.
"They're still watching Hunk-o-Mania." Amanda said.
"So, I'm assuming that you ladies came from Hunk-o-Mania, too?" Peter questioned.
"Yes, but that was performance art." I explained. "This is debauchery."
"I don't see a difference, do you, Rex?" Peter asked.
"No, not really. Did they happen to mention if I was better than those guys?" Rex asked.
I rolled my eyes and huffed. "Yes, Rex, Tanya and Bella both said you were more talented."
"Yes!" Rex did a fist pump.
"Time to settle our tab, gentlemen. We're getting thrown out in three minutes." Peter informed the men.
"You guys wait outside. I'll take care of the bill." Jasper stated.
"You sure, man?" Riley asked.
"Yeah, I've got this." Jasper insisted.
"Thanks." The guys all said. They were completely oblivious to the fact that we were there and angry.
We left the club and waited for Jasper to finish settling the tab. As soon as he came outside, he invited us over to his place for drinks and a dip in their jacuzzi pool. They have a jacuzzi pool? What kind of people have a jacuzzi pool?
I was going to say no considering that Mike and I had a lot to discuss, but everyone else accepted including my husband so I had to go. When we got to their Upper East Side house, I was stunned by the enormity of the place. It was designed impeccably from top to bottom. Jasper gave us a quick tour of his house.
"Jasper, why do you have a giant, artificial tree next to your jacuzzi pool?" I asked.
"Bella likes to swing from it." Jasper smirked.
We ended the tour with the rooftop which was designed like a tropical oasis. Apparently, Bella worked on it all by herself.
I took a peek in their bedroom and I had to ask. "Jasper, why do you have a pole in the middle of your bedroom?"
"I like when Bella swings from it." Jasper chuckled.
"Bella sure likes to swing from a lot of things. Is that a new fitness trend?" I asked.
Jasper thought about it and said. "Uh, yeah, I guess it could be."
Jasper opened up his liquor cabinet and brought out a few brands of whiskey. He invited us all to help ourselves. We soon settled into little groups where we were all conversing about the evening's events.
I wonder where Bella and the girls are?
Charlotte's POV
"I can't fucking believe those idiots?" Bella stated.
"No, shit. What's the big deal about watching strippers? It's not like the guys are gonna go home with them. They're not desperate." Tanya said.
"They have us as mates. We blow away any stripper hands down, there's no way they're desperate." Katie laughed.
"More importantly, what's with the double standard? We can watch half naked men shaking their asses on stage, but they can't go and do the same? I just don't get it." Bella pondered. "The night's still young, let's go do something fun."
My cell phone buzzed with a text.
From: P Whitlock
To: C Whitlock
Party at Jasper's. See you there.
"I just got a text from Pete. There's a party at your house, Bella." I announced. I was so excited. Maybe Bella and I will have a chance to talk.
"My house it is, then. Where did you park?" Bella asked Tanya and Kate.
"The lot that's two blocks over from your house." Tanya stated.
"So, we either cab it or trek it—it's only about four miles that way." Bella said.
"Trek." I said. "Those cabs are stinky. We started walking immediately.
"I've got a question, Bella. Why do you and Jasper live in the middle of New York City instead of somewhere more rural?" Tanya asked.
"Beats me. Come to think of it, all of our properties are in urban areas. Hmm...I wonder why?" Bella pondered. "Wouldn't it make more sense for a veggie vamp to purchase properties in more rural areas? Then again, it can get boring. I'm one of those people that absolutely has to live near a big city."
"Fairfield's not that bad and neither is Far Hills. We can run to Manhattan in twenty minutes and even if we drive at human speed it's only an hour away."
"Yes, I know. Fairfield is also a ten minute drive from the parents." Bella pointed out. "That's just way too close for comfort."
Manhattan past midnight on a Friday night in the middle of summer was alive and active. Taking a look at the amount of people lining the streets, you would think that it was still early evening. The four of us were chatting away while we walked. So far, Bella had not shown any sort of animosity towards me—that was a good thing.
We were trekking along on a quieter street when Tanya, Katie, and I came to an abrupt stop. Bella being young and sheltered did not recognize the scent so she kept walking. I yanked my husband's great-granddaughter to my side and clamped my hand over her mouth. Bella was about to protest, but Tanya motioned for her to stay silent. I kept Bella behind me as the three of us went to investigate. I'll be damned if anything should happen to Bella, Pete would kill me—so would Jasper for that matter. Even worse, I don't even want to think about what Vicky would do.
"Looking for me?" A big, brutish vampire asked the four of us. Okay, now might be a good time to panic. This guy could give Emmett a run for his money. He was with a pretty female vampire, probably his mate.
"Felix, you asshole!" Tanya hit him playfully on his arm then went to hug him.
Kate hugged him next. "What the fuck are you doing away from your lair?"
"I was released. Gianna and I have been wandering the United States for ten years now." He stated.
"Why were you released?" Kate asked.
Released from what? From whom? Now, I'm curious.
"Conduct unbecoming of a member of the Volturi. I fell in love with a human girl. They released me because of my years of service and because I have no real talent except for brute strength. I'm so expendable that I wasn't even considered a threat. They were going to drain my mate, but Marcus stepped in and pointed out that it would be unusually cruel to separate a vampire from his mate and against Volturi law. This is my mate and wife, Gianna. Gianna, meet Kate and Tanya Denali."
"Hello!" Gianna said, in thick accented English. She was extremely—chirpy.
"Um, Char, you can get out of your crouched position and stop protecting Bella. This is just Felix—he's a teddy bear." Tanya said.
"Nice to meet you teddy bear, my name is Charlotte Whitlock." I put my hand out for him to shake from my crouched position.
"Pleasure to meet you. Who might you be?" Felix asked Bella.
Bella straightened out and extended her hand to both Felix and Gianna. "I'm Isabella Whitlock. We're going to a party at my house now. Would you like to join us?"
"A party? I love parties. I haven't been to one since I was changed. I'd love to go." Gianna jumped up and down, excitedly.
Felix and Gianna each had oversized hiking backpacks with them. They followed us to Bella's house which was less than a mile away at this point. We walked inside and as soon as everyone caught sight of the newcomers, the men got into crouched positions—shielding their mates while Jasper, Pete, and Garrett stepped in front of us. Rex was sitting perplexed on the sofa. I keep forgetting that he's a pretty young vampire like Bella is too.
"Jasper, I invited them. They're friends of Tanya and Kate." Bella explained, peeking out from behind Jasper.
Felix!" Irina came rushing out from behind Laurent and enveloped Felix into a big hug.
"Sorry. Come in." Jasper said. He took Felix and Gianna's backpacks from them. "Do you like whiskey?"
"Jack Daniels—straight. Gianna prefers wine, if you have any." Jasper threw Felix a bottle of Jack and a bottle of wine. "Did you want a glass? We're not exactly refined here, but we have them just in case."
"No, this is great." Felix said, surprised. "I'm sorry, let me introduce myself. My name is Felix Goodwin and this is my mate and wife Gianna."
"I'm Jasper Whitlock, you've already met my mate and wife Isabella." Jasper stated.
"Major Jasper Whitlock of the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment?" Felix asked, shocked.
"Yes." Jasper confirmed.
"I'm honored to be in your presence, Major." Felix stated.
Katie introduced the newcomers to everyone. Felix stepped in and explained his history. Apparently, the Volturi let him go without any severance pay, but he and Gianna felt lucky to be allowed to live. They stipulated that Gianna must be changed and in control of her bloodlust before they were allowed to leave.
"Wait a minute? So, you've been nomads for ten years?" Laurent asked. "That's brutal."
"Laurent, you were a nomad for hundreds of years, ten years is nothing." I stated.
"I know, but he actually had a place to live. I didn't from the time I was changed. There's a difference there, you don't miss what you don't have." Laurent pointed out.
"So, Felix? When were you changed?" Jasper asked.
"Oh, you're gonna love this answer, Jasper." Tanya said knowingly.
"July 3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I was a sniper for General Lee when I was hit with a stray bullet during the Battle of Gettysburg. By that time, the battle was almost over for us and there really was no hope left. When our forces retreated, they left most of the dead and the wounded. I was bleeding out from my stomach something fierce. It quickly became pitch dark and I made my peace with God—then some Yankee in a dark blue uniform told me, 'You don't get to meet God, you fucking Rebel shit.' Then he bit me and disappeared.
"Who was this Yankee fucker? Is he still running around? We should go rip him apart. Yankees like that shouldn't be allowed to exist." Jasper's southern twang was becoming thicker and thicker the angrier he became.
"No, he's not." Vicky answered, surprisingly. "You and Emmett killed him in Phoenix. That would have been James. That story sounded eerily like his favorite one to tell. You were slumped by a sycamore tree, right?"
"That's right and it was a beautiful summer night." Felix confirmed. "He was blonde and wore a blue ribbon in his hair. He had the most evil grin that I'd ever seen."
"That would be James." Vicky said. "He told me that he stole a Union soldier's uniform so he could get on the battlefield and start draining the wounded. When he heard you praying, he thought it would be a fun joke to change you. The guy was a dick. I'm sorry you had to meet him."
"So, Felix, where are you from?" I asked. "I detect a bit of a twang, but I can't place it."
"Charleston, South Carolina, ma'am." Felix said.
"Ooh! Like Rhett Butler." Bella said.
"Si, Via Con Vento." Gianna said, excitedly.
"She said, yes, Gone With the Wind." Felix stated. "I told you Gone With the Wind is a romanticized version of the Civil War, honey."
"Here, here!" Jasper agreed.
Bella rolled her eyes. "We know that, but Rhett Butler is still every woman's dream!"
"I thought Mr. Darcy was every woman's dream?"
"Orgoglio e Pregiudizio." Gianna chirped.
"Pride and Prejudice." Felix translated.
"No, Mr. Darcy is every woman's fantasy. Rhett Butler is still somewhat attainable, but he can be a prick."
"Esattamente!" Gianna declared with a fist pump.
"Jasper, I want to jump into your jacuzzi pool." Edward said.
"Yeah, me too." Laurent agreed.
"Well, come on, let's go." Jasper motioned for us to follow him.
"Hey, they have a pool just like this one at the Hugh Hefner Skyline Villa at the Palms Hotel." Tanya stated. "Only there's a bunny at the bottom of theirs."
"Yeah, I know, it's the same pool." Jasper informed us. "We enjoyed the one there so much that I had one put in here." It so figures. Only Jasper would do something outrageous like that. What the hell am I talking about? Peter had a million dollar pool put into our house just for me. That's outrageous too.
Bella got bathing suits out for all of us. Gianna and Felix actually had their own in their packs. They asked if they could shower before entering the pool so Bella directed them to the showers.
We were all splashing around having a great time when Alice asked, "Bella? Could you tell me more about the Swinging for Fitness that you do?"
"Huh?" Bella asked, perplexed.
"You know, Swinging for Fitness? Jasper said that you like to swing from that tree there and from the pole in your bedroom." Alice said.
"Hmm...you tell her, Jasper." Bella deferred to her husband.
"I don't know what Bella does in that tree—knowing her it's something kinky, but that pole in the bedroom is a stripper pole." Rex explained. "She probably sheds her clothes and gets down and dirty for Jasper.
Alice became wide-eyed. "Why would you need a stripper pole in your bedroom, Bella?"
"To add spice to our sex life." Bella answered.
Alice gave Jasper a once over. "I understand completely." She said, sympathetically.
Now, what the heck is that supposed to mean? Jasper is one of the best lovers on the planet.
"Just let it go." Pete whispered in my ear. "Remember, Jasper didn't even penetrate her for the last few decades of their marriage. She probably thinks he's a lousy lay."
Alright then, maybe there is some merit to Alice's thinking. That was kind of mean of Jasper to not penetrate her.
Before we knew it, it was Saturday morning. Laurent, Katie, Edward, Mike, Tanya, and Amanda had to run back to Connecticut because they all had businesses to open up. We'd been having so much fun that we'd all lost track of time.
"Why are your eyes golden?" Gianna asked.
"They feed from animals." Felix told his wife.
"Yes, it allows us to interact in society more. We can go to school, work, own businesses. We can pretty much lead normal lives with certain exceptions, of course." Jasper explained.
"I want to live in a house, Felix. I am tired of traveling." Gianna stated.
"I know, honey, but we don't have much in the form of resources. We only have what's on our backs. The Volturi took everything else from us." Felix tried to explain.
"You can live with us." Garrett offered. We have a house in Connecticut with plenty of space. Katie and Tanya would love to have you."
"Yeah, come on over." Rex said. "You can play in the War Room with Jasper, Garrett, and I."
"You could also come with us," Irina offered, "but frankly, I would live with Katie and Irina. Our parents tend to be a bit overbearing."
"Oh, can we? Please?" Gianna asked.
"Of course." Felix said, then turned to all of us. "Thank you, this is the first time since Gianna was changed that I actually feel hope."
"I can get working on some new documents for you and your wife on Monday." Jasper stated. "I can tell you for a fact that without the documents, you're helpless."
"Mi Scusi. I have another question. Is it a requirement for the men to shave their heads in this family? I noticed that except for three of the men, everyone else is almost bald." Gianna asked.
Bella started clutching her stomach and laughing—we all soon joined her. With the exception of Pete, Riley, and Laurent, the rest of the men were sporting crew cuts.
Victoria stepped in and answered Gianna's question. "The only time we give the men crew cuts is when they're being punished. They were very bad boys last week."
Felix had a shocked expression on his face while Gianna plastered a sinister smile and said, "I really think I'm going to enjoy your family."
The Connecticut group left, taking Felix and Gianna along with them, after that. It was just me and Pete with Bella and Jasper now.
"So, I've got a question for you ladies. How come you didn't come after us at the strip joint like everyone else?" Peter asked.
"Oh, please! Like we'd get jealous at something so trivial." Bella stated. "I met you and Jasper at a strip joint for fuck's sake."
"Besides, they were being really hypocritical by going after you guys, don't you think?" I added.
"Alright, I'm going to start cleaning up this mess." Bella said.
"I'll help." I offered.
"Uh, you girls do that. Pete and I are going to the liquor store to restock the whiskey. That Felix guy knocked off a case of Jack by himself." Jasper winked at me. He was giving me a chance to reconnect with Bella.
"That much?" Bella asked. "I don't even think it affected him at all."
The two of them left and it was just me and Bella. We threw the empties in the recycling bin and straightened everything out. We worked quickly, side by side, tackling everything from the floors to the tabletops-until the only thing we had left to do were the towels and swimsuits that everyone used.
"Thanks, Charlotte." Bella said, gratefully.
"Anytime." I responded as I sat down on the sofa. "Bella, I want to apologize to you."
"For what?"
"For being jealous, for being immature. I was in a really bad place eight years ago. I had no right whatsoever to get in between you and Jasper—he's always been yours to begin with just like Pete's always been mine. I just hope that one day our friendship can go back to where it was before." I looked up at Bella hopefully.
"We can work on it Char and thanks for apologizing. I also want to thank you for protecting me from Felix and Gianna. You didn't have to." She said.
"Oh, yes I did. Believe it or not Bella, you're still young and naive. You had no idea that there were even vampires near us. Felix and Gianna were good vampires, so were the Indian vampires that you and Rose ran into, but you have to realize that most vampires aren't that way at all."
"I know, Jasper's always telling me that I still have a lot to learn." Bella admitted.
"Well, I'll try to help you along the way, okay? You have to understand that just the fact that we're Jasper and Peter's mates puts us in extra danger. Believe it or not, Maria hasn't given up on them. She still wants them back and she'll do anything to get them and that includes using us as bait. I never, ever want you to have to meet that vindictive whore, Bella—she's vicious and cruel and she'll think nothing of killing you and me so she can keep Jasper and Peter to herself." I told her. Bella really needed to know this. Vicky and I had discussed this at one point, Jasper and Peter both sheltered Bella from the topic of Maria, but that really didn't do her any favors.
"Thanks, Char—for being honest." Bella said.
"Anytime, Bella." I stated and I meant it too. I tried to stay calm. I was actually jumping up and down for joy inside. I felt like Bella and I had a breakthrough today.
"Honeys we're home!" Peter called from the outside. "Open up before we drop these boxes." He and Jasper were each balancing five cases of whiskey each.
I opened the door for them. "Why the hell didn't you guys take two trips?"
"We're too lazy." Peter stated. "Come on cuties, hop in my truck. Jasper and I are taking you somewhere special."
An hour later, we rolled into an eclectic town in Buck's County, Pennsylvania called New Hope.
"Oh my God! I've been wanting to come here. Thank you!" Bella gave both Pete and Jasper pecks on the cheek.
The four of us strolled the picturesque town. We browsed the little shops and market stalls and the tons of artist's galleries and antique shops. There was a mill and a creek with a waterfall while the rest of the town was surrounded by rolling hills.
"Um, Jasper!" Bella called from a store.
"What is it, babe?" Jasper asked.
"I think I just found something valuable in this store. He's selling it for a buck, but it looks to me like an authentic Confederate battle plan for the Battle of Antietam. Look! Here's a map, too." Bella sifted through the dusty papers.
"Sir, are you sure you only want a buck each for these?" Jasper asked.
"Pfft! Take 'em. I've been trying to get rid of those for thirty years. No one wants 'em. If you like Civil War stuff, I have a confederate saber I've been trying to get rid of too. Twenty bucks and it's yours." The elderly man said.
Jasper's eyes bulged. He took a look at the saber, handed the man a hundred dollars for the saber and the map, told him to keep the change, and left with his prizes.
"The saber alone is worth about thirty thousand dollars. The papers are worth even more." Jasper informed us. "Great find, Bella. I'm really liking this town."
As evening approached, we loaded up our purchases in the truck and decided it was time to leave. Peter dropped Jasper and Bella off at their house, then headed back to our house.
"Feel better, Sug?" My husband asked me.
"I do. You knew she'd talk to me today, didn't you?" I questioned.
"You know me too well. Glad you two are on the mend." He winked, then sighed. "I want you to train her. Make sure she can fight. You keep up with everything I taught you, too."
"Why, Peter?" I asked, concerned. He was being cryptic and I knew whatever it was he was hiding was going to be bad.
"Five years. She's coming for us." My husband stated.
"Who? Maria? Can't we just run? Leave the country, maybe?" I was desperate. Maria was someone that I never wanted to encounter again.
"It's gonna happen no matter where we are, but we can take her this time. All I know is that the only way for this to end is for Maria to face Baby Girl. You can't tell Jasper either. He'll run with her and the outcome will be worse that way. Train Gianna, too. She'll be a strong fighter."
"Peter, please don't talk that way—you sound like it's gonna be the end for you." I sobbed. I was terrified.
My mate pulled over on the side of the road to hold me. "I ain't gonna lie to you, five years from now we're in for some scary times. If we can get through it, though, we'll have peace for all of eternity. Right now, I want you to enjoy life. We're gonna have a good five years. I ain't going anywhere—for now."
Oh God! Why? Why isn't he giving me any straight answers?
"Peter, please!" I cried desperately. "What is it that you're hiding from me?"
"Now you know better than to ask me that. If I'm not telling you something, it's for a good reason. You need to be strong for me."
"Okay, Peter." I said with determination. I was falling apart inside. Peter made it seem as if he wasn't going to exist after five years.
"Oh, and, uh, one more thing." Peter said.
"What more?" I asked. "I don't know how much more I can take."
"You have to make nice with Rose and Alice." Pete stated.
"Is that critical?" I asked, cause that was asking for a lot.
"Yes, Sugartits—it is." My mate stated with finality using his favorite nickname for me. Aw, fuck! Alice, even if she redeemed herself somewhat, was someone that would be difficult for me to get along with and Rose was a bitch with a capital B. Even Vicky, who could bring most bitches to their knees, thought Rose was a bitch. The next five years was gonna be tougher than I thought. I really hate Maria for doing this to me. Bitch!
What did you think of our three hot male vampires' trip to the City of Brotherly Love? Alice has made a massive effort to redeem herself-trust me, that's a good thing. Were you surprised by the new family members? More importantly, what did you think of Char's effort to improve her relationship with Bella and of Peter's cryptic chat with Sugartits? I'd love to hear what you think. I'll always respond, I promise. XOXO