I don't own these characters. I only play with them.
Jasper's Point of View
Bella was entirely more rational compared to the usual newborn. There hadn't been one tantrum or show of temper after she abruptly marked me when Charlotte approached and that was completely understandable. I hoped if we anticipated her need for blood, things would continue in this peaceful vein.
Her idea of taking things slow with the mating was acceptable but I was hopeful that our romance would take the same route as our friendship and develop quickly. She was already close friends with Charlotte, but Peter had stayed in the background watching her.
She didn't seem to notice Peter's watchful stares. If she did she never commented. I held out hope that they would become friends as well. Peter was difficult to make friends with but once a connection was made, he would always have your back. He was my brother not by blood, but that hardly mattered.
Bella approached me almost hesitantly, "Hey, Darlin," I said, "What's going on?"
"I need to hunt," she admitted shyly.
"I could use a hunt as well," I admitted. "Would you like to join me?"
The relief pooring off of her was severe.
"Let's go then."
"Do you think I could manage to find another Mountain Lion? That was my favorite so far."
"Lets go look. I'll race you."
She smiled with genuine enthusiasm and took off ahead of me. She was a fast newborn. I pushed every bit of speed I have and barely managed to catch up with her.
Up in the mountain we went. Searching for the elusive scent of mountain lion. Finally, we found one that was stalking an elk. She took the mountain lion with speed and grace. I took the elk. It wasn't my favorite but it would do for now. They were much more plentiful than mountain lions and that meant more for her.
I finished sooner than she did so I sat and watched her. She had done well. The only blood on her was a little still on her lower lip. I caught her in my arms and licked the blood off. She tensed for a second then kissed me. Her arms came up to run her fingers through my hair and our tongues dueled for dominance. When I broke the kiss she left her arms around me for a minute more and held me to her. Unfortunately she hadn't allowed the mountain lion to rip her clothes. She looked stunning.
We walked back to the house in companionable silence, her hand in mine. It was the best feeling I could remember besides kissing her. I felt like I had finally found my home.
Carlisle's Point of View
The Cullen family was fracturing. Emmett and Rose had decided that they were not accompanying the family and would go to one of their more secluded properties in Alaska. Emmett was furious both with having to seclude ourselves and our refusal to save Bella. They were leaving the next day and I think if they knew where Bella and Jasper were they would have sought them out. To say I was disappointed with their attitude was an understatement.
Esme was finishing her last interior design projects. Her accusations that I never make Edward take responsibility for his actions hurt my feelings. He was my first changeling. Of course I protected him.
It was good that I had made an airtight alibi for Edward. Otherwise he would have been called in for questioning by Chief Swan. He had been at a class for gifted musicians in California. Even the flight information showed that Edward had been on board. The headmaster at the school had owed me a favor and was prepared to swear that Edward had been there when she was contacted. A sizable donation was made to cement her loyalty. Edward was somewhat upset that he couldn't actually go to the program but he especially must not be seen around humans.
The wolves were another matter entirely. The treaty was only good for one more week and then it would be revoked. We had to go to Denali early or the wolves would attack. Esme would never be able to return to her favorite town even after fifty years. The house was being sold at a loss and we were packing our belongings, including emergency bags in case we needed to evacuate even more quickly.
The sooner we put forks behind us the happier the Voltouri would be. We would be leaving under a cloud of suspicion but it couldn't be helped. As I would not be working in another hospital it would be very difficult for anyone to locate us.
Bella's Point of View
Walking with Jasper was peaceful. When I touched him I felt like I had found the place I was meant to be. There was almost no need for words between us. We were nearly out of the forest when there was a noise and someone was dropping out of a tree at us. I panicked. Instead of landing on top of Jasper the person was propelled in to a tree twenty feet away. Getting up laughing, Peter dusted himself off and walked slowly toward us.
"You should know better than startle a newborn." Jasper accused.
"In case you didn't see it, she just handed me my ass. That tree hurt. You're girl is a shield Jasper.
"What's a shield?" I asked.
"It's someone who can protect themselves really well. We don't know what your shield does yet, except throw guys who scare you away from you. We'll figure it out over time. You may even be able to protect others."
"Well I'm glad you didn't hurt the poor tree." I said innocently.
Peter studied me for a second and laughed. "I think I'm going to like you," he said. "Wait till I tell char."
I looked at Jasper and Jasper was looking back at me. Neither of us could contain our laughter. Charlotte just appeared, shocked by the three of us unable to stop laughing.
Charlotte's Point of View
Peter laughing uncontrollably almost never happened. I moved quickly to get to him just in case there was an unfamiliar nomad in the area.
Finding Bella and Jasper laughing with him was another surprise. Jasper explained to me what had happened and I stood shocked. "We can't let anyone know about this Jasper. The Voltouri would want her back. That unfortunately stopped the laughter. Unfortunately though it was true.
We walked sedately back to the house. At least their bond was strengthening at a rapid pace. I was afraid if anyone found out about her shield there would be a fight to keep her. Jasper wouldn't back down and let his mate be taken for any reason.
I was nervous about this new development but I didn't want to scare Bella, she was doing so well.
"So you hunted and don't need a bath, good job. You're learning quickly. I was thinking I'd like to play a game. Monopoly anyone?
Jasper helped bella handle the money but otherwise the game went smoothly. That doesn't mean I won of course. I lost badly to Jasper but the game served it's intended purpose. It got everyone's mind of the voltouri and shields.
Jasper seemed to be trying to let Bella win, I saw him drawing cards from the bottom for her, but it just wasn't to be. She didn't have a fit the way a normal newborn would have instead she helped clean up the game. She never did what I expected.
"I think I'd like to try a book," Bella said.
"Do you want help Bella?" Jasper asked.
"If I have trouble I'll yell but it would be nice to be able to read again."
Jasper and Peter turned on sports, so I settled down to watch with them. Bella came back with her book and sat with her back against Jasper's legs. She turned each page so gently, as if it were a soap bubble she was trying not to pop. Bella could already read. It was impressive and it didn't look like the multiple copies Jasper purchased would be necessary.
Peter and Jasper cheered for opposite teams on the football game of course. They even made a wager who would win. I didn't wager, but all together it was a fun evening with our new extended family.
Jasper's Point of View
I was impressed that Bella was able to handle a book so soon. I expected her to go through several copies trying to get accustomed to the necessary gentleness it took to turn the pages and not rip a book in half. It felt good to have her leaning on my legs I only wish she'd chosen to sit on my lap instead. As Peter and I watched the game most of my focus was on her. Peter and I gave each other a hard time every time our team scored and I thought it might be bothering bella but it never seemed to.
It was a good evening together with my mate and friends.