Chapter 12: Hide-and-Seek

I tentatively walked into the dark school, feeling the air of the closing door brush my back. I walked forward, and into the middle of the empty hall. I squinted as I observed my dim surroundings.

Then I heard a ghostly laugh coming from my left. Startled, I ran without thinking. I made it to the staircase at the end of the hall.

"What's the point in running Devin?" I heard my killer say from down the hall as I scrambled up the stairs. "You can't outrun me…" His words sounded vaguely familiar, as if I had heard them somewhere a long time ago. He laughed. "And don't even think about fighting back." I made it to the second floor, and started making my way to the third, having no clue why my body was still propelling me forward.

"Oh, Deeeeevin." I heard Jasper's voice say. I wouldn't be tricked this time. I had heard him imitate my father and there was no way I'd let myself be fooled again.

"Shut up!!!" I yelled down the stairs.

"That's no way to talk to your boyfriend, Devin." I heard Steven say. He was really having fun with this. I vaguely recognized the warmth of tears on my cheeks as I ran.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yelled. I made it to the third floor, and sought refuge in one of the empty classrooms towards the middle of the shadowy hall.

My eyes searched frantically in the moonlight for some place to hide. I ducked behind the teacher's desk and tried to remain as silent as humanly possible.

A few seconds later, I heard the door creak open. My heart hammered in my chest.

"Ahh, your blood smells so nice as it's coursing through your veins." He said, walking over to the teacher's desk.

"Leave me alone, please." I whispered.

"Do you think I came this far just to 'leave you alone'?" he asked incredulously.

I didn't answer.

"I came here for a fight." He told me.

"Well you're not getting one…" I told him, standing up. He took a step forward.

"Isn't your scary little boyfriend going to come and defend you?"

"No," I told him. "He doesn't know I'm here. They'll probably be too late."

"Then we might just have to wait for him now won't we?" he said enticingly.

My eyes darted from him to the door and back. I made a run for the door. He didn't try and stop me, but as soon as I reached the hall, he appeared in front of me. I stopped in my tracks.

"When I kill you…will he avenge you?" he asked.

"No. I told him not to." He took a step closer.

"And what did he say?" he said, taking another step forward.

"I don't know...I left him a letter."

"How romantic," he said sarcastically.

He took yet another step forward, closing the distance between us. My heart skipped a beat. His face, inches from mine. His midnight black eyes piercing into mine.

"What if I stole you from him?" he asked. I smelled the intoxicatingly familiar scent he exuded. He took his hands and slowly traced his way up the sides of my arms. I shivered against his cold touch. He took a step even closer, and I clumsily took one back. He stepped forward, I stepped back. Each step he took forward, I took a larger one back, and eventually my back was to the side of the empty moonlit hall.

He leaned in, breathing in my scent. I shrank back against the wall and tried my hardest not to think.

"Do I entice you?" He asked, deliberately making his voice more alluring.

I tried to clear my head, but I was finding it hard to think since I happened to be backed against a wall with James breathing his vampire breath over me.

"N-no"

He took his hand and moved it slowly down my chest.

"Your body's saying something different," he said innocently, looking down.

I cursed myself mentally for the lack of control I seemed to have over my own body.

"S-stay away f-from me." I stammered.

"Shall we begin then?" he asked.

"…begin what…"

He just smirked. I could tell he wasn't going to make this easy for me. I felt nauseated. Why couldn't I have a quick and easy death? He took a few steps back and extended his arms to either side.

"Care to run?" he asked, still smirking.

I was immobilized. If I tried to move I would fall. I felt like I was going to fall just standing there. Somehow I managed to put my legs into motion, but I didn't get far. James was suddenly in front of me. I stared with disgust into the face of my passionate assassin. He took both his hands and pushed me backwards, sending me sliding backwards across the floor.

Then he was standing over me.

"You aren't hurt are you?" he asked sarcastically.

"F-fuck you."

"That's not—"he lifted me up by my shirt, "—very nice—"he threw me towards the end of the hall, causing a loud thud as I crashed into the wall. It felt like my entire body was vibrating and aching all over. …at least there was no bloodshed…

I fell to the ground, my back resting against the cool wall. Then, using his lightning fast speed, he was in front of me again. He smiled, and then kicked me in the stomach.

My vision went black for a second as the intensity of the blow struck me. I couldn't even scream I was in so much pain. The thunder outside crashed so hard that the building shook.

"P—pl—please…" I begged.

This made him laugh harder. He gave another crushing blow, this time steppig on my arm. I managed to push myself up and start to crawl towards the stairs. He let me go this time, and I actually managed to make it all the way to the stairs before he decided to kick me. Thud…thud…thud..as I rolled down the stairs. I ended up on the landing between the second and third floor and then he came gliding down the stairs to kick me brutally again. Thud..thud..thud…crack! My vision blurred as my head made contact with the cold floor.

I pushed myself up, fear keeping me from feeling the extent of my injuries. James was walking towards me, a new light in his eyes. Then I felt something wet touching my hand. I looked down to see a small pool of blood running from where my head hit the floor.

I now understood the gleam in his coal black eyes.

"I—"

"What's that Devin? I was just about to get to the finale."

"I—I give u-up" I stammered.

"What's that? I couldn't hear you. Speak up."

"I give up!" I yelled. "Just get it over with!"

He grabbed my arm and stood me up painfully (I was starting to regain feeling somewhat). The room spun and I hoped—no prayed—that I would black out, so that I wouldn't be awake when he killed me.

I heard a window crash, but I just assumed that was because of the ever-increasing storm. James seemed to think otherwise. I watched in blurred confusion as his eyes widened in what was either fear or excitement.

Then, I heard a crash from behind me. I heard a familiar sound…almost like thunder…or like rocks or something..

I felt something grab me and push me gently backward. My eyes were closed, so I didn't see what it was, but luckily, I kept my balance.

"Run Devin! RUN!"

"Stop it James, I already gave up. Just kill me already."

Then I felt the presence of something so close to me, I had to open my eyes.

"I never want to hear you say those words again in your life. Now RUN!"

"Jasper?!" I asked, blinking my vision clear.

"RUN! And don't look back!" he said as he turned around and sped towards James, who had been thrown through a classroom wall.

I felt a fresh wave of adrenaline wash over me as I started running down the hall. I heard a loud screeching sound, followed by a scream of pain…it sounded like Jasper…

I followed his instructions and kept running. Then I came to a halt as someone grabbed me around the waist.

"Gotcha," James said.

I froze, feeling more terrified than I had all night.

"Stay away from him!" I heard Jasper yell. He sounded like he was far away…like he was on a different floor.

Then, he bit me…

I remember tensing up in shock as I felt something cold and sharp gliding smoothly into my arm. My entire arm was suddenly on fire. I had never felt such intense and concentrated pain in my life. The pain that felt like fire quickly radiated to my shoulder and elbow, and then down to my forearm and hand.

James was still biting me when my vision started to blur and my legs wavered. The last thing I remember hearing was the thud of my body collapsing and the sound of boulders crashing…

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Everything seemed to move in slow motion as I watched Devin fall to the floor. Instinct took over and all rational thought left me. I rushed at James, running faster than I could ever remember running in my extended life.

My almost animalistic tendencies told me that my mate was in danger, and I had to do anything to remove the threat. My body connected with James' who was standing almost triumphantly over Devin's motionless corpse. We went through the wall and into one of the classrooms.

My unnaturally sensitive ears heard a disturbance downstairs, and for a second my heart stopped (figuratively, of course). I knew my experience outweighed James' ability, but if Victoria were here also, I didn't know how well I would fare. Then I heard a second and third sound, and relief flooded my senses.

"Jasper let the others take care of him! You come help me with Devin!" I heard Carlisle yell, and I quickly left James in the room, and went back out into the hall. Edward and Alice sped past me, towards James.

My attention was faintly grasped by the crashing sound of vampiric limbs being torn, reminding me of earlier when James had ripped off my arm, which was still sore.

My attention abruptly turned to the dark haired boy lying on the ground in front of Carlisle on the cold floor. I found myself plunging towards the ground in disbelief. I felt a pulse, but it was very faint, and slowing by the second.

"Devin…" I muttered.

"He's got a few broken ribs, and a slight concussion." Carlisle said, using his distant doctor's tone.

I took in a deep breath, to keep from screaming in rage.

"It's remarkable how you can do that," Carlisle remarked.

Then I heard a faint moan escape Devin's lips.

"James bit him." I told Carlisle. His expression grew grave; he looked appalled.

"I'm afraid this decision is up to you Jasper. The effects of the venom will become permanent shortly."

"Not yet—"

"Bur…burni…bur…"

"Then you'll have to suck the venom out," Carlisle interrupted.

Devin let out another moan of pain, as I stood over him indecisively. I was afraid for his blood to touch my lips, for I didn't know if I would be able to stop myself from drinking too much.

"Jasper, we don't have much time. I'm going to have to stop the bleeding on his head if you're going to be taking any additional blood." Carlisle said, gently lifting Devin's head.

I knelt down and took Devin's arm in my hands. His skin was warmer than usual, due to the venom slowly coursing its way through his veins.

I braced myself and then slowly put my mouth to his arm. The venom from James had tainted Devin's blood, but it still tasted overwhelmingly good. Luckily, the taint was enough to keep me from going crazy and taking too much blood. I let the blood flow gently into my mouth, realizing that this would be the only time I could taste human blood without feeling guilty. That thought alone almost drove me feral.

Moments later, I tasted the sweet taste of morphine making its way through Devin's bloodstream, signaling that his blood was clear of venom. I quickly forced myself to quit drinking, fearing that the intensity of the fresh blood would incite me to drink more.

"Devin," I called, wanting to make sure he was okay.

"Hmmmm?" he called out weakly.

"Are you okay? Has the burning stopped?"

"Mmhmmm," he said sleepily.

I swooped down to give him a kiss on the forehead. I saw his lips twitch, as if he were trying feebly to smile.

"Are you guys ready to leave?" Alice asked, coming in from the classroom. "We got all the gasoline poured. All we need to do now is light it up."

"Okay," I replied, leaning down to pick up Devin and cradle him in my arms.

"Jas—ja—jaz—" he mumbled.

"Shhh." I told him. "Just sleep. Everything will be fine."

I knew from this very moment that nothing would be fine. Things would only get more complicated for us from here…

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I sat there quietly, observing my surroundings. I heard someone snoring above the dulled and busy sounds of a hospital. I also heard the constant yet slow beeping that ensured me that I was indeed alive. I smelled the sterile scent that all hospitals seemed to share. I tried to lift my hand, but there was what I assumed to be an IV in the way. I shuddered at the thought of a giant needle up my arm. I tried to lift my other hand to shield my eyes from the blindingly white light I could sense on the other side of my eyelids, but it was in a cast.

I opened my eyes, and winced at the intensity of the light. I also noticed that my entire torso was wrapped in bandages, and it stung when I tried to breathe. I saw that my mother—surprisingly enough—was the source of the snoring sound. I looked to my right and saw the little remote that controlled the automatic bed. I held the button that slowly lifted me into a sitting position and my mom woke with a start.

"You're awake? Oh, Devin." She said, rising from her chair and making her way across the room. "They told me all about what happened. I'm so happy you're okay."

She simply grasped my hand, unable to give me a hug.

I didn't exactly know who told her what happened, or what they told her, so I just smiled. Suddenly, I heard my heart rate speed up, and I felt anxious. Then I noticed Jasper standing outside the door to my room.

My mother followed my gaze, and took a step back.

"I met Jasper and his family." She said simply.

I felt an even greater rush of anxiousness wash over me. She looked up at the heart rate monitor, and hurried to reassure me.

"Oh, don't worry. Steven told me ages ago."

"Oh…" I said, unable to think of anything else to say.

"He really likes you." She said. "He came in here like every ten minutes, I swear."

"Yeah," I said, smiling and looking towards the door.

"Well, I'll let you two have your privacy…" she said, turning towards the door.

Seconds after she left, Jasper came in. I felt unbelievable relief, finally seeing his face after what seemed like forever. He seemed just as relieved.

I immediately noticed something different. His eyes. They were no longer gold or even black as they should have been. They were a strange reddish-orange color, but not quite crimson like James or the other nomads.

"How are you," I asked.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he said with a smile.

"I asked you first." I replied.

"How about I show you," he said.

"Okay?" I said apprehensively.

Then I felt the most amazing symphony of emotion wash over me. It was as if he were conducting each feeling with his mind. I felt instantly warm all over, making my injuries all but melt away. It felt like the first day of spring. It felt like the first time you successfully ride a bike. It reminded me of…my first kiss with Jasper.

I took a deep breath, trying to stop my heart from exploding, and winced as my lungs screamed in protest.

The beautiful mix of emotions disappeared. Jasper was now giving me a weird look of apprehension and fear.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

"Your arm, a few ribs, and a concussion." He said remorsefully.

"Why didn't you just…" I started. But then I thought of what Alice had said.

"He doesn't want it to influence your decision. He wants you to be able to decide for yourself…He still doesn't think he deserves you"

"I wanted you to decide…" he said, looking away shyly. "…that is….if you wanted to be with me…"

"What do you mean? Of course I want to be with you!" I said, hearing my heart rate speed up.

"Devin…" he said, looking troubled. "Can we please not talk about this?"

"Fine." I said grumpily. He probably knew that I wasn't going to let it go anytime soon. "How did you even manage to stop?" I asked, looking into his red-orange eyes.

"It was frighteningly hard. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to…It's jus that you tasted so good. I never want to be subjected to that much temptation ever again…"

"Umm, thanks?" The strange look of hurt in his eyes bothered me. I heard a knock on the door, and my mother came back into the room.

"I'll leave you two…" Jasper said, walking from the room.

I sat, waiting for an explanation as to why my mother just made my angel leave the room. She crossed the room slowly and sat on the edge of the bed. I looked at her questioningly.

"Steven told me why you came home," she started. I didn't like the way she said home.

"That was stupid of me. I was upset, and I acted impulsively. That was a mistake," I answered. She looked slightly hurt and confused by my words.

"So, you're going back?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes, mom. I am." I said, trying to sound stern.

"It's because of him isn't it?" she asked.

"Maybe it is." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Well, I think maybe you should stay."

"Well I don't." I said simply.

"Suit yourself." She said, as she turned to leave the room. "I'll be back later."

As soon as she left, Jasper was back beside my bed, holding my hand.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Fine." I said, and then the words started flowing from my mouth before I could stop and think. "She's always like that! She thinks she knows what's best for everyone! And it's like she doesn't care about my happiness at all! Did she not hear me say I want to live in Forks? Ugh!"

"Why?"

I looked at him in disbelief. "Why not?"

"Because then you could have a normal life." he said, looking down.

"Jasper." I said, forcing him to look at me. "Who needs normal when I could have you?"

He contemplated for a second. Then a look of inspiration flew across his face.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked eagerly.

I looked at him skeptically, trying to see his motive. "Of course…why?"

He didn't answer. He simply leaned forward and pressed his cold lips to mine. The thing next to the bed started beeping erratically. I tried to reach up and put my arm around him, but pulled back as a sharp pain ran through my arm.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "Do you need some pain meds? I can call the nurse."

He reached towards the call button. "No, I'm fine!" I told him. "Just kiss me again."

"There will be plenty of time for that later," he said, pressing the button.

"Nooooooooooooooo!"

"Yes?" the speaker on the wall squawked.

"I think we're ready for more pain medication," he said calmly.

"I'll send in the nurse." The voice sounded very bored

Then, a nurse came in with a syringe. She brushed past Jasper and injected the medicine into my tube. It didn't take long. I could feel the drowsiness trickling through my bloodstream almost immediately.

"Jasper?" I asked, once the nurse had left.

"Hmm?"

"Kiss me again, please." I pleaded.

"You need your rest. It's the only way you'll heal in a timely manner."

"Pweeeeease?" I begged drowsily.

He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. "There."

"Not what I meant…" I said, drowsily. "…But thanks."

"You're welcome, Devin. Now go to sleep."

"Okay," I said, closing my eyes.

A/N: Sorry, but it might be a while before the next chapter. But don't forget about me! R&R