I don't own these characters. I only play with them.

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And on with the story:

Bella's Point of View

Bella was curled around Jasper's body, relaxing in bed.

"I'm so glad I taught you to fight," Jasper said

"So am I, those nomads were coming at us no matter what we did"

"You're doing so well Bella. I'm proud of you. I know it's hard, but you're doing a good job."

"Come in Peter," Jasper said. Bella hadn't noticed anyone outside their door.

"Major, I got a funny feeling. It's not dangerous, but whatever it is, I don't trust it and it's coming soon."

Bella shivered in Jasper's arms.

"It's about time we started running the perimeter, I think," Jasper said. "We need to be aware of what's going on in our property. You and Char wanna take the first run? Maybe it'll put your mind at rest for now."

"Sure Major, whatever you think. Char and I might even have a little fun marking the property lines."

Jasper laughed. "Yes, Mark the property lines, and I don't need to know how you do it."

"We'll be back sometime tomorrow. We need to be thorough," Peter laughed.

"Out, Peter. Go get to work," Jasper said with a smile.

"You smiling is creepy Major. When did you start doing that?"

"When Bella became mine Captain. When Bella gave me a reason to smile."

"I still say it's creepy. Off to work then." and he was gone.

"They're going to..." Bella stopped.

"Yes, Bella, they're going to have sex to mark the property lines. A lot of sex I'd guess."

"I didn't need to know that." Bella said making a face, "He's like my brother."

Jasper laughed. "You'll get used to it. There is very little privacy in a vampire household. Our senses are too sharp to miss much."

"He still didn't have to tell us" Bella grumbled.

"That's only Peter."

Later that day they were looking in the library for new books to read. He could hear Emmett cursing at his video game. Having Emmett and Rose around was nice. It felt like he hadn't lost his entire family to save Bella. He hadn't expected to see any of them again after he made that decision. It was worth it though, even if he had lost them all it would have been worth it. It was worth his own life to keep Bella safe, except he knew she'd only follow him.

They both found books and settled into armchairs to read. Bella folded her legs up into the chair and let out a sigh. "I'm so glad I can do this. If I couldn't control my strength enough to read I'd be very frustrated."

"I'm glad you can to Darlin. There's so much you can do that a normal newborn couldn't at your age. Normally you'd still have trouble dressing yourself or turning the knobs on the bath by yourself. You're doing an amazing job."

"I still feel the rage though," Bella said. "I feel it deep inside me all the time. Will it always be like that?"

"No, the rage will fade as you get used to your new senses. The little that is left will be easy for you to control in most situations. It will only come out when you or me are threatened. It's unusual for a newborn to be changed by their mate, so you're inclined to protect us both."

Bella moved over and sat on Jasper's lap. "I can't even imagine anything happening to you. I will protect you.

"And I'll protect you," Jasper said.

They sat together until they finished reading their respective books.

Later in the day Bella and Jasper went hunting. They searched for Mountain Lion to ease their thirst.

"You know I think we may need to stop hunting mountain lion for a while," Bella said.

"You think we're eating them all?" Jasper concluded.

"It seems likely." Bella agreed. "Let's try to find some black bear instead."

"Whatever you like Darlin," Jasper answered.

Eventually, they did find a black bear to feed on. Though their numbers would need to be watched as well. Bella enjoyed wrestling her bear before she fed. The bear seemed surprised when its claws didn't pierce her skin, but her clothes came out looking worse for wear.

Jasper's clothing was immaculate. When she complained he only commented, "I didn't wrestle with my food Darlin' it makes a difference."

Jasper's arms wrapped around her tightly.

Look there, "Bella pointed."

It's gone now. It was a flash of red hair. "Jasper, I think Victoria is here. Should we try to follow her?"

"No, it's likely a trap. We should get something her scent is on and take it back to the others. This changes things.

Jasper found a bush she'd brushed and we headed back to the house.

"I found a scent I don't recognize Major," Peter said. "I brought it back with me."

"It's probably Victoria. I have a scent for you too.

Jasper sniffed the leaves that Peter held out to him. "Yes, that's Victoria, Peter. She's the mate of James, the nomad we killed to save Bella in Phoenix. We think she's here for Bella. She blames Bella for her mate's death even though I was the one to actually kill him.

Victoria's scent was passed around to everyone present. "I want to know any time you find that scent on our property. Heck, I want to know any time you smell that scent no matter where you are." Jasper ordered.

"I can track her," Peter offered.

No, she made her presence known. I'd almost guarantee she was trying to lead us into a trap. We increase patrols and make sure you always have at least one other person with you. We hunt together for now folks. I know it's an inconvenience, but we all need to stay safe.

A car could be heard coming up the drive. When it stopped outside the house Bella asked "Alice? Esme? What are you doing here?"

"We know Victoria is coming for you. And goodness what are you wearing?" Alice asked.