Chapter Eighty One

Bella

I lost sight of the others, my focus on Peter and him alone. He wanted to fight? Yeah I'd give him one, a red veil covered my sight and I felt snarls building up in my throat and erupting loudly in warning. He moved very slightly and I flew at him, missing his body by inches as he threw himself to one side.

"Too slow Bella, try again"

I watched for a sign of what he planned on doing next but he just waited for me to make the first move. I knew I was quick but he was cunning. I feinted to the left and then attacked and this time I caught his shirt which ripped down one seam as I pulled.

"Still too slow but better."

This time I used just my speed, launching myself at him and we connected with a thump which echoed through the trees. We rolled over and over among the dead leaves and moss both trying for a decent hold but neither able to gain one until he snagged my hair and pulled me face down to the ground jumping on my back and putting an arm around my throat.

"Now listen Bella. If I were an enemy you'd be dead about now. You're letting your anger rule you and that's a bad thing, it clouds your judgement. Do you understand?"

I bucked and twisted trying to break free until he slammed me head first into the leaves again.

"I said do you understand?"

Jasper

I held myself back as Peter landed atop Bella but it was difficult, I knew he was teaching her a hard lesson, the one we taught all newborns but this was my Bella, my mate, and she was hurting. When he smashed her face down in the leaves again as she continued to fight him I couldn't control myself any longer. Before Char could stop me I had him in my grasp, my teeth millimetres from his skin and my snarls erupting louder than Bella's. She got up shaking her head to dislodge dried leaves from her hair and walked over, her face green in places from moss. I saw her swallow nervously then she touched my face,

"Its OK Jazz, it was my fault, Peter's right I need to learn to control all this energy, all this aggression, if I'm going to be able to live among the humans."

I looked at her steadily, not loosening my grip and Peter stood perfectly still knowing to struggle would bring me to attack.

"Jazz please let Peter go. I'm sorry Peter and yes I do understand."

I clenched my teeth then whispered in his ear,

"Don't make the same mistake again. She may be acting like a newborn but she's my mate. You hurt her and I'll hurt you worse."

He nodded fractionally and I let go of him, moving backwards so he could straighten up.

Bella

I was mortified, my actions had brought Jazz and Peter almost to blows and possible harm. I couldn't work out why I felt this way, up to now my reactions had been normal human ones but since the wedding and especially since Jasper marked me my emotions were in turmoil, I felt as if I didn't understand or even have mastery of my actions. Was I really changing but without the burn? Was I now a full vampire?

"I'm sorry both of you but Peter is right. I am acting the way you described a newborns feelings and I need to learn quickly. Peter my apologies and thank you for the lesson, Jazz my apologies and thank you for protecting me. I love you both."

Peter smiled brushing himself down,

"You were good Bella, you're going to be a great fighter"

Jazz wound his arms around me, pulling me close and breathing in my scent.

"Can we try to make the lessons a little less hard on our emotions please"

"Yeah not so hard on clothes either, that shirt was almost new Bella"

"I'll replace it Peter I promise"

"Don't listen to him Bella, he's had it years he just refused to wear it"

"Well now I can't, what a shame. Never liked the fucking thing anyway."

We cleaned up as best we could and ran back together to pick up our luggage and transport.

"Fucking great this, we run half way to Forks then back again to pick up a car and drive all the way back. Am I the only one who sees this?"

No one answered so he just drove on, mumbling to himself about crazy newborns and jealous Majors. Listening from the back seat Charlotte and I couldn't help giggling which set him off again until Jazz gave him a certain look, then he subsided but I could still see his lips moving.

Charlie

Jake told me Bella and Jazz were coming to visit and I looked forward to it. I'd been sick when they decided to tie the knot so I was waiting to hear all the details. Home just wasn't the same without her here. It took me a while to adjust and when I'd been on the Res for some weeks, first for protection and then because I was ill coming back to the empty house was even harder. It would take a while before I got back into the swing of living alone. My chest infection had left me with a hacking cough and shortness of breath which made everyday tasks hard for me so I was grateful for Sue Clearwater and Emily Uley's help with keeping the place tidy. They brought over enough food to fill the freezer out back and the small one in the kitchen so I wouldn't starve and cleaned and aired Bella's bedroom for her stay.

Jakes appearance a couple of days after Alice gave them the all clear for me was unexpected, I knew he'd come over when Bella got back but I wasn't expecting him to be so quick or to insist on staying with me.

"Jake I'm not an invalid"

"Bella asked me to keep an eye on you Charlie"

"Well you tell her I don't need a nurse maid"

As I complained I started coughing and by the time I'd finished I was out of breath.

"Yeah it looks like it Charlie. Just sit down and I'll make you some dinner. You want a drink? Beer? Coffee?"

"Coffee? No, just a Soda for now Jake."

I lay on the couch feeling tired enough to sleep but a knock on the front door disturbed me,

"I'll get it"

Jake ran through before I could muster the energy to get up.

"Oh its you, what do you want?"

I heard Alice's voice,

"I just thought I'd see how Charlie is. I heard he'd been sick. Can I come in?"

"He's sleeping Alice. Come back later."

I wanted to argue with him but I was so tired I just lay back down.

"OK I'll be back in the morning but you can't keep me out for ever you know Jake"

"I can try Alice."

I heard the door shut and pretended to doze as Jake came in to check on me.

"Dinners ready Charlie, and as an actor you suck."

I laughed at that, how true, and went out to the kitchen to eat. Jake had just heated up some Chilli Sue had sent over but it tasted good and I managed two helpings before pushing my chair back and patting my stomach.

"If I don't get some exercise soon I'm gonna need bigger pants."

"As soon as you're ready I'll go running with you Charlie"

"I thought I might start with something a little less strenuous like a stroll."

Hearing Alice's tinkling laughter we both turned to see her standing at the open back door.

"I heard your voice so I guessed you were awake at last. Can I come in?"

"Sure Alice"

I noticed Jake scowl at her, I thought they'd all made friends but obviously I was wrong, at least about these two.

Jake

Well I couldn't keep the bitch out but I wouldn't leave her alone with Charlie. Then came another knock on the front door, it was like Grand Central Station here today! When I opened the door I was relieved to see Rose and Emmett.

"She's already here. Just arrived."

Emmett rolled his eyes but Rose just snorted and followed the sound of her Sisters voice.

"How is he?"

Holding his own Em but he's not back at work yet and won't be for some time. This infection damaged his lungs and they are slow to heal."

"So we could be here some time?"

"Until her Ladyship decides to leave, but Bella and Jazz will be here tomorrow and my guess is they'll have the others with them"

"Good, its been a while since I saw Peter. He might be useful in chasing Alice away, she hates him"

"I think its mutual Em."

"So, we might get free entertainment too?"

We joined the others and I could see Alice was fuming. Rose was monopolizing Charlie with tales of the Wedding and Peter's surprise Honeymoon arrangements then asked him about his own to Renee. I thought he might baulk but no, he told her all about it, Rose and he got on remarkably well shutting Alice out until she got the hint and shot up,

"I have to go now Charlie but I'll be back when your other visitors have gone."

Oh I forgot to say, I offered the spare room to Em and Rose Charlie I hope you don't mind"

He smiled,

"No it'll be good to have the house full again, I miss the company. I'll see you Alice if you have time to call again"

Her face was thunderous as she left but I just smiled sweetly and waved her goodbye.