Chapter Thirteen
Bella
I walked backwards to the truck aware that Jasper was telling Emmett something. Emmett nodded and was then thrown roughly to the ground. Jasper stood motionless for a moment then rolling his shoulders walked back to the truck and got in the door-less drivers side and started the engine. He never said a word, just turned the truck round and headed back to Forks. After a few minutes silence I ventured a question.
"Where are we going?"
"You have an appointment with the Cullens".
"I did but I thought I'd just had that".
"No, Carlisle knew nothing about their plan and its only courteous to let him have his say. I'll drop you off at the entrance of their drive and I'll be back in two hours to pick you up. If you're ready before then text me, if you don't want me to wait text me too".
His face was dark with anger and his jaw working with stress.
"Could you stop just a minute?" I asked,
He looked over at me, "Sure".
He pulled off the road and looked at me.
"Do you think you could do something for me Jasper"
"That depends on what you want me to do".
I smiled, "I'm feeling a bit wobbly. Do you think I could have a reassuring hug?"
He looked at me as if I were an alien creature.
"You just watched me tear two men to pieces in front of you and you want a hug? These arms" he lifted them, "Did that. Do you really want them around you?".
"Yes, they did all that for me" and I scooted over to his side.
He looked perplexed, "You are a strange girl Isabella Swan".
I smiled, "Yes, so I've been told. Now do I get the hug or not?"
He put his arms around me tentatively and I relaxed into them. I felt his muscles and they were so tense. Suddenly I wondered if he were thirsty and I pulled back to look into his eyes. They were red but paler than usual.
"I can't tell if you're thirsty or not. The Cullens eyes go black with thirst, is it different for human blood drinkers?"
He shook his head, "You ask the craziest questions Bella. If you're asking then yes I'm thirsty but I can handle it. I'll hunt while you are with the Cullens. Don't worry, not in Forks. I've got plenty of time to get some miles away."
I touched his face gently with my finger tips and he stiffened again.
"Are you reacting that way because of your thirst or because you don't know what to make of me?"
He laughed, "I'll tell you later. Now we have to go".
He started the truck but I stayed where I was, one of his arms still around me as he drove. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, his scent was intoxicating, it made me feel quite dizzy.
He pulled up all too soon at the Cullens drive. Looking at me he sighed,
"What the hell" and turned in, driving right to the door.
I got out and he winked, "See you soon darlin'. Put up a good fight".
"Oh I will".
Carlisle watched from the door as Jasper turned his truck round and took off, back up the drive. I walked up the steps.
"Hello Carlisle".
He looked at the truck as it drove out of sight.
"Edward and Emmett?" he said in a worried tone.
"They tried to kidnap me and I didn't want to go so my friend stopped them".
"Friend? Come in Bella".
I walked in to the house, in the lounge Rose sat with a fashion magazine, Esme was watching a design programme and Alice was watching me with a beaming smile.
"Way to go Bella" she said.
Rose threw her magazine down, "Where's Emmett?"
"Sticking his arm back on down the road a way. Edward's with him doing the same but they are both still mobile. It seems stories of the Majors destructive tendencies may have been exaggerated a little".
"So how did you get here? I didn't hear your clunker" snapped Rose.
"Oh I was chauffeur driven by the Major himself".
Esme shuddered, "Bella, really he's too dangerous for a girl like you".
"Really? Well I'm still in one piece. So would Em and Edward be if they hadn't tried to kidnap me".
Carlisle looked confused. "Em and Edward? Kidnap?"
Alice nodded, "Bella asked me not to look out for her but she didn't say anything about my moronic brother. Edward decided kidnapping Bella was the best way to keep her away from Jasper. I could have told him it wouldn't work. Jasper's far too clever and fast for them. He wouldn't be far from Bella anyway so they'd never have got away with it".
"I think Edward will need talking to" said Carlisle. "Kidnapping is a serious thing. I'm sorry Bella. I apologise on his behalf".
"Don't Carlisle, just don't let him get near me again please".
He nodded "Very well. It seems by their actions they have pushed you even closer to the Major".
I shrugged, "I was heading that way in any case. I'm sorry Carlisle, I used to think your family were wonderful people but I'm seeing the flaws now. Edward likes to control my life and I won't have that, Emmett is sweet but too easily led. I have to say that in my experience the only trustworthy of the bunch is Alice and even she can be devious".
Alice laughed, "Oh yes, but that's what comes of seeing what's coming. I saw you and the Major years ago, well before you were born in fact. I tried to meet him and offer him an easier life while he waited but he walked the other way. Now its up to you Bella, your decision. If you want him he's yours. If not, don't leave him dangling, he hurts enough as it is. Don't add to his torment but never forget what he's capable of. You'll never find a man more loyal or devoted, someone I'd like to find. Whatever you give him you'll get back double. So?"
I smiled at her, "Give a girl a chance".
Her eyes glazed over for a second then her brow creased "Not fair Bella, you make your mind up right now".
I wagged a finger at her, "You wait. Carlisle I'm sorry for what happened today but it wasn't my fault or Jaspers. It might be a good idea to put a leash on your son".
He smiled sadly. "I'll take all you've said into consideration Bella. I can hear them coming now. Are you staying?"
I looked at my watch, "Yes for a while".
Edward came in supported by Emmett. I could see the angry red marks where Edwards limbs were reattaching. Esme got up and went over to them and I thought here we go. I was stupefied when she let loose with a roundhouse that sent Edward flying into the wall, smashing the picture window.
"How dare you attempt to kidnap Bella. You know better than that Edward she is under our protection".
He lay among the glass stunned, then Esme turned to Emmett,
"And you" he flinched, "You apologise now, then help Edward clean up this mess".
He came over to me very shamefaced. "Sorry Bella I shouldn't have listened to Edward. Forgive me?"
Rose snorted, "Oh yeah Emmett apologize for trying to knock some sense into Bella's head".
Esme hissed at Rose who threw down her magazine and stomped upstairs muttering oaths. Emmett followed her while Edward got unsteadily to his feet. Carlisle looked at him.
"I hope that taught you a lesson Edward. You can't dictate what others decide. Bella had made her position perfectly clear and we must accept it even if it worries us".
I smiled at him, "Carlisle I'm fine really. Just accept that I know what's best for me".
Esme took my arm, "Just remember we're always here I if you need any help".
"Thanks Esme, Carlisle, but I have to go now".
I looked at my watch, it was just coming up to the two hours. Carlisle accompanied me to the door.
"Bella I don't know the Major only his reputation but if he is the one then I wish you the very best. You are always welcome here and if he's with you then the invitation extends to him".
"Thank you Carlisle I'll remember that".
I walked up the drive way, half way up I heard footsteps behind me and whirled.