Chapter Forty

Bella

When Jasper and I returned to our room later it was obvious that everyone knew what had happened between us although I was sure Peter hadn't blabbed. Maybe they saw it in our faces or perhaps the way we stayed so close, neither of us able to bear being apart even for a few minutes. I was exhausted both mentally and physically but I also needed Jasper inside me so we made love very slowly, sweetly, and I fell asleep very quickly afterwards curled up in his arms, not feeling his cold body. My dreams were wonderful, reliving our first sexual encounter but then they turned bleak. I saw him again as the savage in the cage and my heart ached to push the door open and comfort him. I must have cried out or maybe he just felt my horror because he held me tighter and whispered words of comfort in my ear. From the time I was old enough to speak I had needed to hear such things but Renee wasn't very good at comforting my "irrational fears" as she saw them. To Renee the world was a wonderful place, full of sunshine and love where everyone looked after her. As a big sister she was fun but as a mother she left a lot wanting in my young life. Now I had the warmth and comfort of arms that would protect me from monsters, real or imaginary. Ironic it took a vampire to keep me safe from my nightmares.

The next day we spent alone together while the others went to hunt. We had made the decision to go back to the cabin to decide how we were going to make things work. Jasper and I wouldn't be parted so we needed somewhere safe to live until I made the decision to be changed and although Peter and Charlotte offered their house as a temporary home we wanted to be in our own space and needed time alone. Although Jasper was much better than when I first saw him he was still mentally very fragile, it would take time for him to overcome the years of loneliness and pain. I was aware of that, there was no speedy fix, he needed peace and security in his life that would only come with time. He wanted to trust me so desperately but his inner defence mechanism screamed at him to be wary and I didn't blame it one bit. So, the others would accompany us for a few days then Peter and Charlotte would be going home for a while and Garrett would be hanging out closer in case we needed help.

"You know Charlie and Eddy boy wont let it go that easily don't you? I really think you should come with us. I don't like leaving you without any protection Major, you've been through too much shit and you aren't thinking clearly. Bella tell him"

I looked at Peter and shook my head,

"Thanks for worrying Peter but we need this time alone. We'll be fine, they won't come looking too soon after all Charlie and Edward on their own aren't exactly a formidable force now are they? And Carlisle isn't going to get involved any further I already warned him off. Who else is there?"

"Fucked if I know but there's always some bastard looking for trouble with The Major."

"Hey Peter, what am I then? They won't be without protection, I'll be close enough to hear a shout for help."

"And that's another thing. How come Buckshot face gets to hang around but we have to go"

"There's a simple answer to that Peter my little buttercup, I know when to discreetly disappear unlike you."

"Bollocks Garrett, I can be discreet"

"I'm sure you could Peter but you never do. You're like a foul smell always hanging around"

Before the two came to blows I stepped in,

"Look, we'll be fine but I tell you what. Give us two weeks then we'll all meet up again. Will that make you happier Peter?"

He looked at me with a scowl and shook his head,

"Not really. A shit storm only needs a few hours to create but its your funeral"

"Nicely put Peter, the diplomatic corps lost a real gem when you decided against joining."

"Fuck you Garrett"

I groaned and looked at Jasper,

"I think we'll go before the children start a fight in the playground."

Both Peter and Garrett turned to complain at my words, shoving each other violently as they did so,

"Who me?"

"I wouldn't fight that skinny runt, he's not worth it"

"Who's a skinny runt? I resent that, I have very good muscle tone I'll have you know"

"Who told you that? I bet you had to pay her"

"I leave paying the ladies to you Garrett."

We left them bickering "Good naturedly" as Jasper put it although I didn't see the good-natured bit myself and we drove out of town and back towards the cabin with snow chains on the truck and a trunk full of goodies for me.

Peter

Once they'd left we settled down,

"Right how are we going to play this? We can't get too close or the Major will detect us."

"I'll go to Forks, see what I can find out there. If Charlie and any of the Cullens are missing I'll let you know."

"I thought Emmett and Rose were watching our backs there?"

"I like to see for myself."

"Yeah good idea."

"Char and I will follow on behind them and set up camp close enough to get to them fast if there is any trouble. I think between us we should be able to sort out Charlie Swan and Eddy the Asshole".

"Let's just hope they don't find themselves some allies."

"Like who? Their friends in Denali sent them packing and the wolves are conspicuous by their absence. It doesn't leave them many options."

"True Char, very true but even so. I don't like it, not one bit."

After Garrett left, Char and I rented a couple of snowmobiles as being the most manoeuvrable vehicles for the area around the cabin and set off in pursuit of The Major and Bella. She was a piece of work that was for sure, nothing like a human, or not one I'd ever come across, she was just about perfect for the Major. Now all we had to do was keep her safe until he changed her and I had no concerns about that, they were mates, it was just a matter of time. Time he needed to get his head back together.