Many apologies, NatalieLynn and Fakin'it pointed out to me I had made a mistake in Chapter 35 so thanks to them both. It should have read Darius sister could return to him not Sara. Jules x
Chapter Forty Two
Jasper
It was a wonderful feeling to finally be with Bella knowing she was here to stay. I saw Garrett and Peter watching us with smiles on their faces, did they think it was funny The Major with a woman other than Maria or Alice or were they happy for me? I tested their emotions and relaxed, both of them were happy for me. I'd chosen wrong twice now but I knew this time I'd found my mate and it just showed me how false the feelings of both the others had been. Maria had almost destroyed me as a man and then Alice it would seem continued the destruction. She deliberately set all this up to hurt all around her. She set us against each other, ripping apart the Cullen family and Bella's.
Was she finished with her game now we'd found out the truth or did she still have more rolls of the dice? The only way to ensure she stopped was to kill her but that wouldn't be easy. Alice could see us coming and evade us but there had to be a way, we just needed to find it. All these thoughts jumbled together and set my mind whirling around again. Thinking clearly still wasn't easy and I just hoped it would settle back down in time. I'd heard of victims tortured in the same way who had lost their minds quite literally and I understood how that could happen but as long as I was with Bella I could feel the thought processes beginning to order themselves once more, she was quite literally healing my mind.
Bella
When we landed I did wonder if perhaps Garrett might leave us but when I asked him he just laughed quietly,
"Bella, I'm a target for Alice now, the same as the rest of you. I helped and she'll see that so my safety lies with yours. Besides I hate to leave a job only partly finished and this wont be over until Alice Cullen is destroyed."
"Yes I was thinking the same thing myself and I'm glad you aren't leaving."
Peter came back with the car then and we piled in,
"I think...I think I need to hunt before we get back"
I felt embarrassing admitting to this but the blood I'd drunk had made me feel much better than I had for a long time and I wanted to be on top form until Alice was dealt with.
Peter just nodded and once out of the city he pulled over,
"Good idea Bella. You and The Major hunting animals this time?"
I hated the thought of hunting humans but I knew Jasper would heal much faster with human blood in his system so I shook my head,
"Jasper, you go with Peter and Garrett, I can hunt alone."
I could see guilt in his red eyes as I spoke so I kissed him,
"It's OK Jasper, I understand, now go."
He was still reluctant and Peter sighed theatrically then spoke up
"For fuck sake do as you're told just for once. I'll stay with Bella, it might be fun watching her take down something really big like a bear."
I scowled at him as Jasper started to argue,
"Ignore him, he's an idiot, now go. The quicker you leave the quicker you'll be back"
He and Garrett finally left and Peter grinned at me,
"You know something, I like you Bella and I think just perhaps The Major got it right at last. Come on big white hunter, lets see if we can track some fluffy bunnies for dinner."
I swatted him on the arm and ran off daring him to catch me, I felt lighter than I ever had as if all the weight had flown from me leaving a feeling of freedom that was exhilarating.
Jasper
I found hunting humans again easy enough although the feelings of their terror and pain still sickened me.
"Garrett, how can Bella be so chilled out at the thought of me killing humans to drink their blood? It doesn't make sense."
"You have one very unusual girl there Major. I wouldn't question it, just go with the flow for now. What are you going to do about the other Cullens now you know what happened between them and Bella?"
I shook my head and groaned as my thoughts went fuzzy again,
"I honestly don't know. We all got taken in by Alice so I guess its up to Bella. She's already taken revenge on Carlisle and Esme so your guess is as good as mine. What do you think?"
"If asked to guess I'd say she'll give them a really bad time but whether she'll go as far as she did with Carlisle and Esme I have no idea. What did she say to the witnesses?"
I closed my eyes trying to remember,
"I think she gave Aro an out with them, she said they weren't actively involved in her discovery but what she'll make of Edward I don t know. But you don't think she might...?"
"Might go back to him? Not this Bella, she's more likely to rip him a new one and I know Peter is looking forward to watching that. For myself, I cannot lie, I hope she rips them all apart after what they did and thought about her, still we'll soon see. You ready to go back?"
I nodded hiding the body I'd just drained in garbage dumpster at the back of the sleazy pole dancing club where I'd found him.
Bella
I found a bear which delighted me and annoyed Peter who was still hoping I'd have to settle for rabbits or small deer.
"Why is it when I'm looking forward to something it always gets ruined for me? Why couldn't that fucking bear have gone the other way today? It's just not fair."
I laughed at the expression of disappointment on his face then it brightened suspiciously,
"Still there's always the Cullens. Just promise me one thing Bella"
"What?"
"Don't give them an easy time of it please. They deserve to feel a bit of the heat. If you do a Carlisle, "I'll forgive you for everything", I swear I'll puke."
"OK, I really don't want to see that Peter. Besides why should I go easy on them after the things they thought about me? The harm they caused to my relationships with my parents."
"Exactly my dear, you're learning fast. I'll make a true vampire of you yet."
"What do you mean true vampire?"
"Well admit it, you got off far too fucking easy. No burning, no crazed bloodthirsty phase, it was a fucking walk in the park. You wont be a true vampire until you spill some blood.."
"Or venom maybe?"
His smile widened,
"What were you thinking of? Someone in particular maybe?"
"Would Caius Volturi count?"
"Maybe"
"Alice and the others then?"
"Cullen venom? Yeah I'd settle for that I guess."
"I thought you might. Come on then, let the fun begin."
He took my hand and we ran back together enjoying the speed as we did so. Peter felt like a real friend now I knew him a little better, the kind of friend you wanted at your side in troubled times.