Chapter Twenty Four

Peter

Well my plan had worked, Bella was relaxed and at present holding her sides which were aching from so much laughing. I put the chess board on the side and went to rescue the rooks which I'd thrown in the corner.

"Thanks Peter"

"For what?"

"Taking my mind off things"

"You are very welcome but I think you could have shown your appreciation by letting me win the last game"

"Hey, is it my fault that your bishop hit your own horse with his ax?"

I winked at her,

"Maybe next time."

We heard the other two come in and The Major looked as if he was coming to a decision. Bella turned and I saw her eyes narrow, someone was in for a tongue lashing and I was glad it wasn't me this time.

"You spoke to Alice" her tone was accusing.

He looked shocked,

"How did you know that?"

"I can see guilt written all over your face. I thought we agreed no more secret conversations."

"I just wanted to see how close the danger really was"

"And you thought what? That I couldn't handle it? That I might run screaming in terror? You listen to me Mister, we're in this together. You sneak behind my back again and I'll be the one doing the attacking. Do you understand?"

I burst out laughing, I'd never seen The Major look so dumbstruck and when he nodded I couldn't help myself,

"Well now I know what a scolded puppy looks like"

"And you can keep your mouth shut. No doubt you knew what he planned on doing"

"Hey that's not fair. How could I know?"

The Major laughed then,

"Now you know what it feels like to be the scolded puppy Peter."

Bella

I took Jasper up to the bedroom closing the door to give us, well me, an illusion of privacy,

"What did she say?"

"Only what we already knew really. The only change is the time frame. We don't have too long and she suggests I change you sooner rather than later."

"Well that's OK we already decided anyway. Once I've been changed I wont need looking after will I?"

"Alice doesn't seem to think you need that much now but she told me your gift will improve greatly once you are a vampire. You won't need protection at all then."

"What about you and the others?"

"Well, we have a good chance against Felix and the guard but Jane or Alec would spell disaster, even Chelsea would be devastating."

"Maybe once I'm a vampire I could protect you too, maybe all of you"

"I've never heard of a gift that powerful, even Renata's shield only works if she's touching her subject. But as long as you are safe that's all that matters to me"

"We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. So when?"

"The others will be here tonight so how about tomorrow?"

I shook my head,

"I think we should do it before they get here. I don't want them all listening in, this is private between you and me."

He looked unconvinced but eventually nodded,

"Very well. Let me go talk to Peter and Charlotte first though. They'll be the ones watching over us."

"Us?"

"You don't really think I'm going to let you go through it alone do you?"

"Jasper you'll be needed to plan the action. I'll be fine, you got through it, Alice did, Rose, do I make my point?"

He was even more unhappy about this but Peter added his weight to the argument and Jazz caved in eventually.

"We're going out for a while. Back later. Good luck Bella, see you when you wake up ready to kick ass, just remember we're on your side, if you can"

He touched my cheek as he and Charlotte left and there was quiet in the house.

"Shame about the supplies"

Jazz laughed,

"Trust you to think about something like that when a vampire is about to bite you."

"No, my mate is, there's a hell of a difference. Now just remember I love you now and I'll love you as much when I wake up. Stay safe my love"

Jasper

I had never seen such courage before and it was humbling. She took my hand and led me back upstairs into the bedroom and lay on the bed.

"I'm going to close my eyes and you are going to start the process. No long drawn out goodbyes or hugs and kisses. This is a task we have to do. I love you Jasper"

She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek as I caressed her face then turned it one side and bit into her warm tender flesh. Her blood was like sweet honey and I swallowed reflexively before gaining control and pumping in my venom. Years of experience told me just how much to use and as I licked the wound sealing my venom in I felt like a monster more than ever. Wiping her tear away I pulled her into my arms and she started to fight the pain blossoming throughout her body, my venom destroying her human body and transforming it to stone. Kissing her for one last time I went out shutting the door as I heard a vehicle draw up outside. Bella was quiet for now so I felt able to leave her, had she cried or screamed nothing would have taken me from her side.

Emmett

I'd never seen Jasper's place before and I was impressed, it reminded me a little of my human home and I guessed that's what he had tried to do, recreate home. I could smell Bella's scent but it was tainted somehow and I realized with sadness that she was already on her way to becoming a vampire. Rose and I got out and waited for the others before walking to where Jasper stood on the porch his face like stone. Esme ran up and hugged him and he made the effort to return the hug but his soul was with Bella.

"Jazz, thought you could do with a little help"

He nodded to me then looked at Rose who sighed heavily and shrugged,

"What the hell, she's your choice brother"

He cracked a smile and I knew her words meant something to him, he and Rose had always been close. Carlisle was next, holding his hand out,

"We're here to help Jasper. I'm sorry about before. You tell us what you need and we're happy to do it. How long has Bella been under?"

"Only a few minutes Carlisle. She wanted to get through it so we didn't have to look after her any more."

"Did you tell her she might well attack us when she woke up? Newborns aren't usually picky who they bite."

"No I decided not to go too far into the newborn attack anything that moves route, she saw that with Victoria's army. She didn't need scaring any more. However she behaves when she wakes up, we'll deal with it. Come in Peter and Charlotte will be back soon."

We followed him into the house and the scent of transformation hung in the air, a scented, salty, metallic smell that would grow stronger before tailing off as Bella's tissues slowly succumbed to Jaspers venom. So far there wasn't a sound of distress which I found spooky but Carlisle after listening, turned to Jasper,

"As unusual in her transformation as in everything else. It's almost like she is controlling her pain level or are you helping?"

"She asked me not to so I'm just monitoring her, like you."