Chapter Seventeen
Bella
Charlie was being really difficult while Jasper was trying really hard but this question hit a nerve and Jasper clasped my hand tightly. I felt anger building in him and tried to be very calm as I fielded this question for him
"Dad, we aren't children any more and I think your questions are getting a bit too personal. Jasper and Alice broke up when they left the Cullens. He loves me and I feel the same way. If you can't accept that, we can leave but no more questions please. Its' not fair to take out your hatred of Edward on Jasper."
Charlie looked taken aback, I'd never spoken to him like that before but it wasn't fair.
"OK Bella point taken. So Jasper, you like hunting, fishing, sport?"
It was an olive branch which Jasper accepted and they got into a discussion about baseball which left me out in the cold. I excused myself to cook dinner, which was going go be the next hurdle we had to overcome. In the event Charlie was very sympathetic.
"It looks like you've been ill son. Glad to hear you're over the worst of if now."
We left Jazz watching a football game while Dad and I went into the kitchen for Dinner. I wasn't sure what he was thinking but I knew he'd tell me soon enough."
"He doesn't see the Cullens? No chance of running into Edward again?"
"No Dad but to be honest I don't care, he's ancient history, a lot of water under the bridge since then. Jaspers good for me"
"Yeah I can see that kid. It's good to see you smiling again. I'm happy for you. I just wish it were someone else, that's all."
"Jake maybe?"
He smiled
"I think that ship sailed a long time ago, it was a thought once I'll admit. He still asks about you."
I ignored the hint, I'd had my fill of Jake. I wanted to get this visit over and go back home to the cabin and the others. Even as I thought it I knew it was true. This wasn't home any more, my home was wherever Jasper was, and the others were our family now.
Charlie and Jazz got on much better than I'd feared from the first half hour. I left them talking to take a shower and go to bed. I hated being alone, I hadn't slept away from Jasper since the night In went down to help him when the others were questioning him, and after last night I never wanted to be parted from him. I could hear the rumble of voices downstairs and slowly drifted into a restless sleep. I woke in the dark, no longer alone. Jasper was with me, holding me close and kissing me and I snuggled into his cool body, content once more. The next day Charlie had to work the day shift so we went for a drive, parking up in the woods near the Cullen house but not going there. Instead we made love among the trees, our naked bodies kissed by a cool breeze. We showered when we got back and Jazz picked the leaves out of my hair as I giggled. I felt so free, so alive, so full of love. Charlie rang mid afternoon telling me not to cook dinner. He said he had a surprise for us, I groaned, he knew I hated surprises. In the event it wasn't a surprise but a nightmare. We sat in the backyard watching the sun dip in the sky when Jasper stiffened.
"What's the matter?"
I looked round but I couldn't see anything, then I heard a truck pull up out front. He groaned,
"I think I know what the surprise is Bella. Charlie's friends from the Reservation just pulled up."
That confused me for a moment, Jake, not good news but nothing to upset Jazz then I remembered the legends that weren't legends at all.
"The wolves. Will they attack?"
He shook his head,
"I haven't broken the treaty so, no."
"Treaty?"
"As long as we don't bite a human they leave us alone."
It got worse. I was about to suggest leaving when Sam and Jake came out back with half an oil drum, a barbecue! Seeing me Jake smiled then he and Sam stiffened as they caught sight of Jasper.
"What's he doing here?"
Jake snarled dropping the barbecue and starting to shake. Sam scowled but put a hand on Jakes shoulder.
"No. He's safe here Jake. Stop."
Jake stood glaring as the shakes slowly ceased.
"He's why you came to see Charlie?"
I nodded and lifted my hand to show my ring. Jake cursed and Sam snapped at him.
"No one is going to spoil Charlie's surprise so cool it Jake. Cullen I don't like you being here and Billy and Harry are coming."
Jasper took my arm,
"Bella, give my apologies to Charlie. I shouldn't be here, it's too dangerous. I'll be back later."
He kissed me and Jake laughed,
"Yeah Leech run away and hide"
Jasper snarled,
"I'm going so Bella sees her Father without me having to rip off your furry paws and shove them up your ass."
I smiled as he winked at me before disappearing, well this evening was going to be a bundle of laughs! I wish I'd gone with him but I wouldn't upset Charlie, not again.
Sam
There was going to be trouble, why the hell did Bella have to bring another Cullen home? I'd given Jake an Alpha Command stopping him from following the Leech but I knew he'd be telling the others as soon as they got here and they wouldn't be happy. Jake took his anger out on the barbecue and it was a very dented and twisted oil drum that he finally filled with charcoal and lit. Charlie got home the same time as Harry, Billy and Sue arrived with the food and drink. They all went to see Bella and I saw the disappointment on Sue's face to find Bella's fiancé missing but Harry had picked up the scent of vampire and beckoned me over.
"Tell me she hasn't got tied up with another Leech"
"One of the Cullen boys"
"Does Charlie know who he is?"
"I think so, of course he doesn't know what he is and we can't warn him without giving ourselves away"
"How's Jake?"
"Livid, he wanted go after him. I stopped him so it looks like he's trying to talk to Bella"
We both looked over, whatever Jake was saying Bella didn't like it and I saw the contents of her glass splash over him and acted to stop the incident escalating. We had no way of explaining an incident to Charlie without exposing us all. Grabbing Jake by the neck I hissed in his ear,
"No more Jake. Leave it. Bella's made her decision and you risk exposing us all"
He growled and shrugged out of my grasp but controlled himself.
'"I'm leaving"
"No Jake. You are staying right here and you are going to behave and not spoil Charlie's special evening. Tomorrow we'll talk more."
He hated me but he would obey. I watched him all evening, he stayed away from Bella who stayed close to Sue. Charlie checked on her now and again and it finally dawned on him there was an atmosphere between his daughter and Jake but Harry passed it off as a jealous spat. I guess he was right in a way but I wouldn't be happy until Bella and her fiancé were out of Forks again. The girl had been trouble ever since she arrived even if it wasn't all her fault.