Chapter Thirty Two
Bella
The sun was going down when we met up with Peter sitting on a large boulder cross-legged. He shot up when we appeared, "Ready guys? We're running low on time". I climbed down wobbly legged, "OK where?" I panted. He pointed to the broken boulders scattered all around. "Oh right". I could see a broken leg or three coming! "I've checked the highest ones and there's no one there. He's maybe gone already". I shook my head, "No he's here. I can feel him". "Well good, be a blood hound and sniff him out for us" he said sarcastically but I just glared. "Ass hole" Em murmured .
I walked past Peter, between the rocks then clambered onto them. I knew he was here, I could feel him, but where? I concentrated, he was close, very close. "Please could you all go so I can concentrate" I asked. "Oh yeah sure" said Peter, "And come back to find you've been a snack for the Major. I don't think so". Em looked wary too but Rose nodded, "OK Bella. We'll be in shouting distance". She took their arms and pulled. "Shouting distance? Do you know how fast he is? She'd be dead before she got her mouth open" Peter grumbled. "Peter go. I'll be fine. And if I'm not you've done your bit warning me". He was still unhappy but after a growl from Rose he turned and followed the others.
"Save him" I heard him say softly before he was lost to sight. I stood looking at the jumble of rocks and boulders, there were too many places he could be. I climbed onto a rock that was a little higher than the others and closed my eyes, hoping the pull would give me some indication of where he was. I slowed my breathing and tried to picture his face. As it solidified in my mind I felt it, the pull,from my left and I had to hope it was the right way to go. I struggled over the rocks until I saw a black hole, the entrance to a cave. I looked at it before making my way slowly to the entrance. If I went in and he weren't there I might miss him. If he were there he might kill me or I might find him alive and waiting for me. It was a gamble but then so was life.
I took a few steadying breaths and entered the cave. l could see very little, but the dust on the floor had been disturbed, I thought Jasper or bear? Great I go to save a vampire and get eaten by a bear! I shuffled further in and then stopped dead. He was here, I was certain, although I couldn't have explained how I knew. I moved forward again still very slowly and carefully. The cave curved round and as I came to the curve I knew it would be black on the other side. I fumbled in my pocket for the tiny torch key ring my Dad had given me ages ago. It was supposed to help put a key in the lock in the dark but I'd never used it. I pressed the button hopefully and a tiny beam of light appeared. "Thanks Charlie" I murmured as I turned the corner.
The back of the cave was very close and I moved the beam of light slowly over the rocky back wall. In the furthest corner the beam was reflected back from pale skin. "Jasper?" I whispered, but got no reply. I moved a little closer and heard a feral snarl. I moved the beam up his body to his face and almost dropped it. He sat hunched in the corner, his face contorted with so many conflicting emotions, hate, fury, longing and a hunger. As the torch beam caught his eyes I saw they were black. He was thirsty, just to add to the danger. I slid down the wall to sit opposite. "Jasper? Its Bella. I know you're thirsty and I know you're hurting, but I'm here now. There's been a terrible misunderstanding. I never got your message. I would have gone to Seattle with you. I'd like to, if the offers still open". His eyes watched me unblinking, like a lion getting ready to pounce. "Jasper? I know you're in there somewhere, I can feel it. Could you try to speak to me. Would you let me come over there?" I moved slightly and the snarl erupted again.
"Ok, I'll sit here until you're ready. I just want to talk to you. I've missed you, every day". My heart was beating fast but I felt calm. I wanted him to be calm. I knew his only chance back to me was if I could calm him enough for my Jasper to take control again. I reached into my pocket for a bottle of water and took it out slowly. His eyes followed the movement but he didn't stir. I took a swig and screwed the cap back on. "I wish I could offer you some but I guess it wouldn't help your thirst. I don't mind how long it takes you to come back. I'm not leaving".
I clicked the torch off and sat in the darkness, trusting my fate to him. At first I heard nothing except the beating of my heart, then a slight shuffle as if he were moving very slightly. I didn't turn the torch back on but I spoke. "I can hear you moving so you must want me to. I'm here whenever you're ready to come over". We sat in the silence a while longer then I heard movement again. I put my hands in my pockets to keep them warm. It was so cold in here and I could hear the drip of water. Great! Cold and damp two things I really hated.
Jasper
I'd made my mind up to go when I heard the sounds of someone searching above me. The beast was ready to rend and tear but I halted, just retaining enough control to freeze my body. I knew those steps, Peter was here. He wouldn't find me, he couldn't, I had to get to Mexico. There I would be the killing machine Maria wanted, until either she tired of me and killed me or I tired of it and killed myself. There were always fires burning where Maria was, and flames would give me the peace I craved. Still I sat, so thirsty now, but so weak I couldn't muster the energy to move.
Then I heard another foot, a lighter step, one coming closer. How had they found me? The beast smelled blood and waited ready to pounce. He would get his human blood and with it wash away the last traces of Jasper Whitlock. Venom pooled in my mouth as I smelled the scent, then suddenly my mouth was dry again. It was her, what was Bella doing here? I heard her voice calling my name. I watched as she appeared, a tiny beam of light flickering on me, on my face, and I saw her. I tried to feel what she was feeling but the beast was roaring so loudly I couldn't concentrate. I only knew I couldn't hurt her and neither could he, as much as he beat his chest and snarled. He was trapped like me, by love for her.
When she slid down and spoke before turning the light out I hesitated, wanting only to move to her side. The beast and I both wanted to feel her touch, to sooth us, to rekindle the peace she had once given us. One night of pure bliss that we had craved ever since. She spoke my name again, promising to stay until I was ready. But what did she want of me? What would I have to sacrifice to be with her? They all wanted something, what was her price? And could I afford to pay it? I waited, waited to hear more.
Bella
I was getting stiff and cold but I wouldn't move I just pulled my jacket tighter around me. "Jasper? Can you talk to me? It's very lonely over here. Maybe I'll start, then you can join in when you're ready. I didn't get your message", I told him all that had happened since the wonderful night he had stayed with me. I told him how much I missed him and how I felt empty when he wad gone. I told him I thought I must be in love with him because it hurt so much to see him like this. How I just wanted him back, No requirements, just him, however he was. I'd even go if he asked me, but I'd never stop thinking of him, dreaming of him, loving him. I needed him, and as it all poured out I knew it was all true. Suddenly I heard movement, as if he were preparing to do something. Would he be my killer? Or was he coming to me? As I readied myself I heard a scuffle at the cave mouth and Jasper snarled loudly.