`Chapter Sixty
Peter
I rang Jasper's phone but it was still off, he must be unable to switch it on at the moment. I'd just have to wait until he buzzed me. I was still waiting to hear from Carlisle too and getting more and more angry with him, what was so difficult in speaking to the others? Emmett and Rose would be only too willing to help Bella and Jasper and with their help I could probably get in and out with the other two, having Carlisle and Esme would be even better but I thought that might be a bit of a stretch. When it finally rang I looked at the number,
"Thank God! You OK Major?"
"No, but I'll survive. Any news Peter?"
"Plans going forward just hang on in there a while longer. Is Bella with you?"
He laughed then coughed, a very dry throat I guessed,
"Yeah in a manner of speaking. She's OK so far, just mental distress. I think she's more worried about me than herself. She had to go out with Maria's people yesterday and I think it was pretty horrific"
"Yeah well we know all about that don't we. Just hang in there I'll speak to you again in a few hours. Turn off for a while save your battery See you soon Major"
He didn't answer just turned his phone off and I heard a curse as he did so. He was in pain, I'd heard that voice before.
Jasper
My pain I could deal with, it was Bella's pain that upset me, she was feeling for me, no one had ever done that before and all I could give her in return was my love so I projected it up to her along with calming thoughts. I wanted her to sleep, to escape from the horrors for a while and I listened until I heard her breathing even out before breaking free of her mind. My throat was on fire now, like a flame thrower were pushed down it but I knew I wouldn't get fed, Maria was enjoying my pain too much. I'd escaped her and that was unforgivable, for that alone I would have to pay first. My hands were healing although the pain as the bones knitted was really bad. I'd broken bones before but never so many in such a small space of time. The weaker I became the easier it would be to hurt me and the longer to heal. All things Maria knew and was banking on. I just hoped Peter had some way to get Bella out, never mind about me.
Peter
I got fed up with waiting and was about to ring Carlisle again when my phone rang. I answered it without looking first and was floored when I heard Charlotte's voice,
"Peter, I'm sorry about running out on you. I just couldn't take it any longer."
"Yeah well shit happens, and at the moment I'm pretty busy."
"What's wrong Peter? I can hear it in your voice, what's happening?"
"Not that you care but we have a small problem with Maria. I don't have time for polite conversation right now so what did you want Char?"
"I wanted to talk but I guess now is a bad time. Do you need any help?"
"Yeah a shit load, do you happen to have a few soldiers in your pocket, along with the Doctor?"
There was a long silence and I knew I'd hurt her but I couldn't apologise."
"That wasn't necessary but I guess I asked for it. No I don't have any soldiers but I'll help if I can. Is it the Major?"
"Yes, and Bella, they're both being held by Maria"
"Oh God Bella too?"
"What about Sam and Jack?"
"They are in Europe I tried them, and no one else wants to tangle with Maria. Can't say I blame them. Anyway I have to go."
"Peter..."
"Yeah?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm on my way."
"Sure Bye",
I finished the call and had to wrestle down the urge to throw the phone to the ground and stamp on it.
Bella
I woke up stiff and cold, still laying beside the pit where Jasper was imprisoned. Now it was light I could see in, but for a second didn't spy him and panicked,
"Jasper?"
There was a movement and I heard his voice from the shadows,
"Hi beautiful. You sleep OK?"
"Yes thanks but you should have let me stay awake with you".
"No need for both of us to be awake, you need to sleep I don't."
"Are you all right? You sound so weak"
"Just thirsty is all. I'll live"
"Come out so I can see you"
"I've just got comfortable Bella"
I knew it was an excuse but I wouldn't push it. I looked out into the compound and shivered, there were no bodies but plenty of blood stains. The smell of blood was thick in the air and I knew it must be causing Jasper even more discomfort. Glancing around I saw a few dead animals, they'd even brought the towns livestock here to kill, why? They didn't feed from animals It didn't make any sense until I wondered if some of the women were kept alive and fed on these animals once cooked. I heard a snuffling and a sow who'd been overlooked came round the corner of the shack. Without even thinking I grabbed it, holding its snout to muffle its noise, and pulled its head back sharply killing it. Then I squashed its body between the bars, there was just enough room to force it through.
"Jazz, breakfast coming. Sorry, it's the best I could do"
I heard him move as the body hit the bottom of the pit. Jasper came into the light to feed on the carcass and I saw his hands, they weren't as distorted as they had been but they were still swollen and he had difficulty lifting the carcass up. Watching him feed I felt a little better, not even that Mexican bitch was going to starve my mate and I had to smile a little when he finished and looked up at me with a smile,
"Thanks Bella"
"No problem Cowboy. Love you"
"Love you back."
As we gazed at each other I heard a noise and saw Maria striding over angrily, she must have seen what I'd done but I was ready for her,
"So you decided to feed The Major"
"Yes, you seem to have forgotten our agreement."
"I didn't forget. I just chose not to carry out my part"
"Then I won't be helping you again"
"Oh you will because if you don't I will hurt him again."
"Not as long as I'm around so you're stuffed bitch. If I don't go to help your soldiers they get their collective ass whipped by the humans and I won't if you don't feed my mate and stop torturing him."
"Torture? That was friendly. You have no idea what I'm capable of Bella Swan."
"Perhaps not but what you have to think about is what I'm capable of. because believe me when I say if you hurt him again you will regret it, I promise."
Maria glared at me angrily before cursing in Mexican and striding off, calling for someone or something.