Chapter Fifty Seven

Bella

Our first night together was wonderful, better than I could have imagined and I drifted off to sleep eventually in front of the fire in Jaspers arms. I felt a peace and contentment that I had never thought existed. I was finally where I belonged, we were together and would be for all time. When I woke in the early hours I realized I was alone I was alone and panicked looking round the room for Jasper but he was there. A few feet from me, putting more logs on the fire,

"Can't have you getting cold and you will, so close to me"

I shook my head,

"You don't feel cold to me so get back here, only I'd like a replay of a while back"

He smiled and my whole body melted as he came back to take me back into his arms, where I belonged. Again the passion was overwhelming and I knew it was the combined feelings that sent us so wild with desire for each other. I would be stiff and sore in the morning but it was worth it, so worth it.

When I woke next he was still with me and I sighed cuddling in even closer as if I were trying to melt into his flesh. He kissed me and I saw the flashes in his eyes again,

"Another replay? I whispered and he nodded covering my face and throat in kisses then suddenly he stopped.

"What's wrong?

He looked down at me and pulled himself from my embrace putting a finger to his lips,

"Someone's outside" he whispered softly in my ear.

I went to get up but he shook his head,

"Get dressed and lock yourself in the bathroom while I check it out. It could just be a nomad curious about our scent."

He pulled on his pants and looked out the window but it was obvious he couldn't see anything. He looked back to make sure I was following his orders and nodded as I made for the bathroom door.

"Stay there till you hear me back"

I nodded and he opened the door just enough to slide out then closed it again.

I waited in the bathroom, not really scared because Jasper was with me but concerned for him. I knew he could take care of himself but even so... As I listened at the door I heard footsteps outside and the door creaked as it was opened from the outside. Holding my breath I kept perfectly still not sure who was out there. Suddenly there was a sound of breaking glass and a body hurtled through the bathroom window taking me by surprise but as I tried to cry out a hand wrapped around my mouth and nose cutting my air supply and making me struggle. I felt a sharp pain in my arm and things went black very quickly.

Jasper

Outside the noises had stopped, but I smelled vampires around and went to investigate, it could be nomads curious about us as I'd told Bella. As I moved away from the cabin I heard movement in the distance to my left and ran after them before stopping suddenly, I felt Bella's pain then nothing. It had been a distraction and I cursed myself for my softness and stupidity. I'd let my guard down up here with Bella and she was paying the price for it. I opened the cabin door to see signs of a struggle and the remains of the rest of my clothes still scattered on the floor. Written on the wall in large letters were four words

WELCOME HOME MAJOR WHITLOCK.

It was the last thing I expected after all these years, Maria was still looking for me and she'd finally traced me and my only weakness, my mate! I cursed, throwing the remaining furniture in my frustration before calming to think. They must have taken Bella by surprise, we had both let our guard down in our passion and it had cost us dearly. I knew what the message meant. That Bella was being taken to Mexico and I was expected to follow her. I could see no alternative, I wouldn't leave my beautiful mate in the hands of that bitch, perhaps I could arrange an exchange, Bella's freedom for me. After all I was the one Maria really wanted and servitude to her was a small price to pay for Bella's freedom. I'd escaped from her once and I could do so again.

I dressed fast and followed the trail of the newborns who had captured Bella. The scent of the other two vampires was unknown to me but they must be two of her lieutenants who had taken my place. They wouldn't be as good as me or Peter but adequate for the task she'd set them and cunning enough to follow her orders and capture Bella. I wished Peter was here with me but I had no idea where he was or what had happened between himself and Charlotte. As I started to run South I heard my phone beeping in my pocket. I took it out and smiled grimly at the number flipping it open and putting it to my ear,

"You're too late Captain"

"Shit. I rang as soon as I got this feeling. What happened?"

"Maria."

"Fuck, Fuck, Fuck. What are you doing?"

"Running South. They've got Bella."

"I'm on my way. Don't do anything stupid till I get there"

"I'm not waiting Peter, you know what Maria's like."

"Yeah I do. I'll be there as quick as I can. Good luck Major."

So Peter was coming. I just hoped he wasn't too far behind but I couldn't wait for him. It might cost Bella her life and that was unacceptable.

Bella

I started to come too feeling very dizzy and sick but I felt a sting in my arm and everything went black again. This happened a few times and I knew I was being drugged which confused me. I thought it was vampires who'd snatched me but they wouldn't drug me, there would be no need. Was it Aro, my father not ready to take no for an answer? Before I could finish the thought I went under again. I heard voices occasionally and heard Jasper's name but couldn't make sense of the rest of the words I just clung to his name as long as I could.

Maria

My joy when my soldiers returned with my captive was completed when I heard that The Major was coming fast. I thought it better to tell Alice I had my little bird in my hands.

"Good keep her there."

"And the Major? Do you have any requests for him?"

Her laughter was like a peal of bells,

"Oh I don't think you need any ideas from me but I wouldn't object if he had to suffer a little."

She was a woman after my own heart, jealous, possessive, and dangerous to know.

I'd had Bella hidden away before the Major got to the camp, I didn't want him trying to free her too quickly not until my trap was baited and set.

A lookout came to tell me he'd been spotted near the perimeter so I went out into the practise yard and waited patiently. He came into view and I realized just how much I d missed him, his lope like a tiger, his lean body and his beautiful face.

"So Major you accepted my invitation. Please join me...that is if you want to see your mate again, alive."

He walked towards me arrogantly and I felt my senses tingle at his approach.

"Where is she?"

"Is that any way to greet me after such a long absence. I've missed you"

I stepped forward to stroke his face, smiling at the touch of his skin. He jerked his head away,

"Now that was unfriendly in the extreme Major and you know I don't react well to rejection. Would you like to see your little Bella?"

"She had better not have been harmed."

"No Major. I have no intention of harming Bella unless you force me into doing so."

"What do you want Maria? Me?"

"But of course, I've always wanted you and I knew you'd be back eventually. But I forget my manners, would you like to see her, just so you know she is unharmed?"

Jasper

She snapped her fingers and one of her soldiers opened a door into a shack. She walked over, her arm tucked into mine as if we were lovers out for a stroll. Walking in first she pointed to a thick wooden door with a window in it,

"Go ahead Major"

I stepped forward and the floor below me swung away dropping me into a huge sheer sided pit, built with smooth concrete sides. I rolled onto my knees feeling a broken ankle grate before starting to heal. I looked up and Maria was standing looking down on me shaking her head,

"Very sloppy Major. You would never have fallen for a trick like that when you served me. Still it makes things so much easier. Get used to your new home, you'll be there a long time. Bye for now.

There was a grating sound and the light was blocked out by a huge heavy metal slatted lid sliding across the top of the pit. I cursed as I heard Maria laugh and walk away shouting to her men,

"So much for The God of War, a mere human girl has brought him to his knees, go and fetch her to me."