Chapter 18

Bella

There was a scuffling then silence, and I heard footsteps on broken glass followed by a knock on the door. "Bella it's OK you can come out now. Edward has gone. I'm sorry about the window I'll get Emmett on it. He's sure to be able to lay his hand on a pane of glass he's always breaking windows at home". I unlocked the door and came out. "Thank you Jasper." He put an arm gently around me as I started shaking and pulled me close in a hug. My heart beat so fast I thought it would jump out of my chest. "It's OK Bella I wont let anything happen to you". He kissed me on the top of the head as he said this and I heard an intake of breath, I froze and he pulled away "Sorry Bella that was inexcusable". I shook my head, "No its fine. I just wondered..." I saw the penny drop, "Oh you thought I was testing your scent?" I nodded "Yes but as soon as I thought it I knew it was stupid". He shook his head looking very solemn, "No Bella it's the right reaction to a vampire close to you. You have good self-preservation instincts". Oh if only he knew how much I wanted him close to me. "Actually I was savoring your scent, it's quite intoxicating". I looked up at him, "Do I make you thirsty?" I asked curious. "Yes but I can control it. I wont hurt you Bella". I thought I heard "I couldn't" but it was said so softly that I was unsure.

I don't think you can sleep in your room with no window". "I'll be just as comfortable on the couch but what about the window"? He cocked his head, "I think Em will be here shortly with new glass, Charlie will never be able to tell. Emmett's very good with windows". I was still shaky and Jasper held my arm as we went downstairs. I'd grabbed a blanket from my bed and a pillow which he took off me and spread on the couch. "Your bed awaits ma'am". There was that drawl again. He looked searchingly into my face, "You fascinate me Bella" he breathed quietly. I swallowed my heart back down and crawled under the blanket. He turned the light off and sat opposite in the chair, looking at me. "Jasper would you mind sitting here with me?". I was shaking and he saw it, "If you like" he said and he perched at the foot end. I lifted my feet so he could sit back and then put my feet on his lap. "Is this OK? Or does being this close make you too uncomfortable?" He put his head back and closed his eyes. "No Bella this is fine. Just tell me if you start to get cold". It wasn't until he said that I remembered how cold they were, but my feet were burning where they touched him and I snuggled down mumbling "I will" sleepily.

When I woke I was back in my bed with the window fixed and Charlie calling me. I looked at my clock and saw it was almost nine. I scrambled out of bed and headed for the shower. When I went back to dress I saw the note held down by a wild flower. It was simple 'Thank you for a restful night' signed by Jasper in a beautiful flowing script. I picked it up and folded it carefully before putting it into my jeans pocket and filling my tooth mug with water for the flower. When I got downstairs I was still smiling. "Have a good night Bells?" I nodded, "Yes it was good, thanks Dad". He looked at me, "So, what's the Cullen place like?" I regaled him with an edited version of my evening and their house. "How was your night?" He wasn't happy, "No luck finding the hiker and there have been several reports of similar around the area so be careful Bella. Stay out of the woods for me". That wasn't a problem for me, "Sure Dad". He went to bed for a few hours so I did some housework and laundry as quietly as I could.

I kept thinking about Jasper. If he could be thankful for a peaceful night what kind of life did he have? No wonder he always had a faraway look in his eyes. When the phone rang I grabbed it quickly so it wouldn't wake Charlie. "Hello?" I whispered. "That was quick, expecting it to be your Leech boyfriend?" I groaned, Jake what do you want? I'm tired of these conversations when I listen and you snarl". He chuckled at that which gave me hope. "What do you want Jake?" "I was ringing to invite you to Emily's birthday party this evening, if you aren't otherwise engaged". I liked Emily and I had no plans so I accepted but told him I'd drive myself. That way if there were any problems I could leave when I wanted to. He arranged to meet me along the road for some reason. "It's OK Jake I know my way to your place" I said sarcastically. There was a bark of laughter, "Just watching out for you Bells". I told Charlie when he got up mid afternoon but he wasn't happy until I told him Jake would meet me on the road. I got the usual lecture, lock your doors, don't stop for anyone or anything, ring me when you get there. I groaned but these were the conditions for my outing.

I didn't dress up as I knew we'd probably be sitting outside for a bonfire but as I got in my truck I realized I didn't have a present for her so I took a detour to the small Mall, I'd find something. As I browsed the one gift shop for something, I felt watched. I looked up but couldn't see anyone. I found a small crystal wolf which I thought was apt so I got it gift wrapped and walked out to my truck. When I got in I saw Edward Cullen in the passenger seat. I struggled to open my door again but he leaned across and smashed his fist on the lock, jamming it. "Drive Bella" he instructed. I started the truck, the parking area was deserted just for once. "Which way" I asked choking the words out, beads of cold sweat forming on my brow. "You're going to visit the wolves?" He said. "What?" I looked at him. "The wolves, you are going to visit them?" He spoke the words as if to a child. "Yes" I snapped. "No" he said, "It's dangerous". "Oh" I laughed bitterly "And you aren't?" He looked at me and his eyes were black, glittering with anger, "Not as dangerous as your visitor last night". "Oh I thought that was you" He looked at me fiercely, "The one who stayed the night. Do you have any idea what he's capable if? You couldn't. Pull in here" he indicated a pull in off on highway.

I pulled up and turned to him. "Well go on, if you are going to kill me" He looked startled, "I'm here to warn you Bella". "About what?" I snapped. "Jasper" he returned as vehemently. "Listen to me Bella. Jasper is a killing machine. He spent years killing and draining humans, raping and killing human women. Nothing was too depraved for him. His name caused other vampires to quail, he was called the God of War. He and his friends caused devastation throughout Mexico and Central America. You are frightened of me and the ironic thing is that I've killed very few people and no women. I'm a kitten compared to him yet you let him sit with you in your bedroom, even sleep with you". "What?" I shouted. I saw you his teeth were bared now.

"Excuse me Edward Cullen but I slept, he watched to make sure you stayed away. There is only one danger to me and that's you. You're the one who played peeping tom, watching me in secret, peering at me through the bedroom window and that makes you a pervert in my eyes" His eyes narrowed, "I was looking out for you. I was protecting you from him. I know what he's thinking, he's a sick twisted individual you'd do well to stay away from".I looked at him squarely, "You know what he's thinking?" I questioned. He tapped his temple. "I can hear your thoughts". I thought this highly likely after what I'd found out about vampires but I decided to text him. "OK, tell me what I'm thinking?" He looked into my eyes concentrating. I could see his frustration growing, his fists clenching. "Oh, can't see, Edward? What a shame". He snarled and crowded me into a corner. I knew it was over but I wouldn't go without a fight, if only a verbal one. "You are pathetic, why don't you just get on with it. Let me tell you what I was thinking. I was thinking you were a pathetic excuse even for a vampire". I saw him ready to strike when there was a smashing of glass and two hands came through my window and snaked around his throat, pulling him through the shattered side window and onto the road.