It doesn't take him long. I can smell the deer he used to soothe the hunger, but the black still swirls around, clawing at his eyes. Fighting to come through. To feed.
I stand, dig in my feet as he sprints head on towards me. Emmett and Rosalie hear him now, and rise, concerned.
His anger meets with my own, thirst feeding frustration feeding fear. I increase his fear, just a little bit. He bought that on himself. A growl rips from his chest, and he's leaping towards me. I twist away at the last second, trying my best to keep my mind blank. Not easy to do, considering we don't often fight, and I have to judge how he attacks.
The other two watch from the sidelines, staying out of our way. Emmett will step in when it's right...if I let him.
I keep my distance, batting at Edward's head, kicking his legs out from under him, throwing him against the previously abused trunks as he runs at me again and again.
"You attacked her!" he screams, ripping the words out from a falsely wounded heart.
"I saved her," I whisper, sweeping in behind him, hands around his neck.
I'm considering taking his head off when Esme comes into sight. I sigh, it was a really good idea. He wouldn't have enjoyed it, but when did I care about what he likes? She glares at us both, and I step back, moving my hands off his shoulders. Saved by your momma, huh Golden Boy? He shoots daggers at me, with the set of mouth that just screams that I'm gonna get it later. Bring it on, bitch.
I walk with Esme, and Edward fucks off back home with Pixie. It takes a while before she speaks to me, so we fill the time by weaving further through the forest. I absentmindedly claw the tree trunks, a habit from when we had to mark our territories. It doesn't work so much if you haven't got humans to keep, animals don't count.
"I thought you had hunted, Jasper," sadness clenches around her throat, and I almost feel bad.
Which is worse, I wonder? To give the truth that causes more pain, or feign weakness to protect those you care about? I've never really been able to get past that moral dilemma, especially with Esme. Either way, I refuse to apologize. Yes, my actions have consequences, but I feel no remorse for what I did.
"I did. I didn't mean to go after her. I just...didn't expect it," I lie. I always lie.
She stops walking and pats my arm. I sigh, wishing that she was strong enough to stay, to listen. But duty calls, she has to go back and play momma for everyone else. I'll be alright. I swallow the venom crawling up my throat that dares call me weak. It's better this way, I say, to protect her with lies, and they'll learn the truth soon enough. I'll make sure of that.