Chapter Four

Jasper

She was even more beautiful when she was annoyed and I longed to take her in my arms but she had just said she trusted me so I held myself in check. What was Bella doing to me, she was right, I had a mate, Alice, so why was I so drawn to Bella? Her scent, her voice, her body, all pulled me in and I was struggling to control myself. I didn't want to drain her, if anything I wanted just the opposite, but tried to keep enough distance and I wondered why Alice wasn't back. If she had seen my reactions to Bella she should have come rushing back to claim me as her mate to a rival. Rival? Bella wasn't a rival she was Edward's wife and a human to boot. I felt myself drowning in her eyes and she had to repeat herself before I caught the words.

"Do you think he really loves me Jasper? Because I'm not so sure any longer."

"He'd be crazy not too"

The words were out before I could stop them and I waited for her to get upset with me but she just closed her eyes and sighed again.

"I think I made a huge mistake"

I thought she was talking about coming here or staying with me alone,

"I can get you a flight or a hotel room, you tell me which"

Her eyes flew open in shock then she shook her head,

"Not about you and here. I mean I think I was taken in by Edward. He doesn't love me, he just enjoys controlling his singer and showing just how strong he is for beating the craving to drain me"

"Do you really think that way Bella?"

She stopped and thought for a while,

"Well I don't see any other explanation that fits the facts. He promised to change me but now he keeps making excuses, he wants me at home if I'm not with him, he doesn't even seem to desire me any longer."

She stopped and colored but I was shocked,

"He doesn't? He stays away from your bed?"

She nodded, her cheeks a bright red and I wanted to touch them, cool them with my hand but it wouldn't be appropriate so I controlled myself.

"Bella, I don't understand, you were so much in love with each other."

"Were we Jasper? I'm not so sure, I think he was in love with the temptation of my blood, resisting me made him feel powerful. If he loved me wouldn't he want me as badly as I wanted him? Could you resist Alice?... Sorry"

She put a hand to her mouth in shock at the question she had just asked but I shook my head,

"Don't apologize, I know what you mean and I don't understand how Edward could resist you and why he won't make good on his promise. So are you going back?"

She looked up and smiled,

"Not a chance, the pet is revolting. Let him stew a while, as long as you're still happy about me staying here."

"No problem. I have our next adventure all planned out if you're up for it"

She looked at me suspiciously,

"OK I'll buy it, go on"

"I thought we might drive up Mount Evans then hike for a while."

"Hike? Remember me Jasper? The human who trips over her own shadow?"

"That's OK I'll hold your hand and I wont let you fall, I promise. The views are breathtaking and well worth it. The drive is stunning too, as long as you aren't nervous"

"I'm not, I know you'll keep me safe Jasper. OK. Let's go."

Bella

He was right about the views especially from the top but he was also right about the drive, it was scary...very scary, and I think if I hadn't had a vampire driving me I might have decided to call it off but I'm glad I didn't. We didn't hike very far because it was too late in the day but I enjoyed myself very much and having Jasper holding my hand was probably at least a part of the reason. I wondered if I were getting a little too fond of him but I explained it to myself as gratitude for company and if I lied then who was I hurting? Only myself. Alice never did turn up and my holiday came to an end far too quickly. Edward had rung every day, more and more annoyed that I didn't go home as he'd told me to do. I think he rang Jasper too but it was like water off a ducks back to him, I don't think he had a very high opinion of my husband. Jasper drove me to the airport and waited until my flight was called before kissing me on the cheek for the last time and watched as I went through to the departure lounge. As soon as he was out of sight I missed him, crazy and my own fault, but true none the less. My phone went again before we boarded and I almost ignored it, sure it would be Edward yet again but it was Alice.

"Bella am I too late? Have you boarded?"

"No Alice, but any minute why?"

"Don't go"

"What?"

"Don't get on the plane"

"Why?"

"It's really hard for me to explain but for now you just need to know not to get on the plane. Do you want to go back to Forks? Edward doesn't love you but you know that."

"Alice what the hell are you talking about?"

"Edward married you to keep his singer close, he thinks it makes him appear stronger and you're a smoke screen"

"A what?"

"You give him a veneer of respectability, having a wife. He doesn't love you though"

"How do you know this Alice and why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Look please Bella don't get on that plane. There's a hotel booked in my name for a week just a mile from the airport. Go there and wait I'll explain everything I promise."

"I have to ring..."

"NO. Don't ring anyone, not Edward, or Esme, or even Jasper. Please Bella. Do as I say, and turn your phone off."

I didn't know what to do but Alice had seen something and I wanted to know what Edward was really doing so I turned and went back out of the airport, citing a missing bag, glad they hadn't called for boarding. I took a taxi to the hotel and retrieving "my" key I went upstairs to my room. It was empty and I put my case on the bed and sat to wait for Alice to arrive or call me back.