Hey guys! So here is Chapter 26. Enjoy and I'll see you at the bottom :)
Ps: Mireads it's not Jasper :) You will have to keep reading to find out who it is :) And thanks for the reviews guys :)
I just stared at Esme in shock as I tried to process what she had just said. Someone has in their possession the book about Constance's power and life. They also have the book I got from the library. Combined those two books give vital information of two of the most powerful witches in history. My whole plan was based on us having the upper hand in regards to information. I thought that if we were able to gather information about how the dark witches were formed and their power we would have a major advantage. I also thought that I could use the information about Constance's life and power to help further and understand my power. Now all of that information is in the hands of someone else. It is starting to feel like we are losing a battle before it has even begun.
"You're kidding me! Who the hell is doing this?" Edward asked angrily.
"I don't know Edward. I do know that whoever did take that book knew about the protection spell and how to get around it." Esme said gloomily.
"We have a rat in the university. There is no other explanation. Whoever is doing this has to be someone close to us that has access to this kind information." Edward said as he pulled on his hair. This was really getting to him, not that I can blame him.
"I agree. It has to be someone close to the family. There is only a hand full of people who would have known about the protection spell on your room. I hate to say this Edward but do you think perhaps it could be Jasper?" Esme said with a sheepish expression. This was clearly a sore topic between the two of them. I still don't understand why Esme is so quick to question Jasper.
"No. He doesn't even know about the books in my room. You really have let go of this grudge you have against him mother." Edward said in a tight voice.
"I do not have a grudge against him Edward. Look at it from my perspective. He knows the university like the back of his hand, he excels in defence, he knows about the protection spells that are placed around the University and he is well versed in the history of the witches. You can't blame me for, not being able to ignore the fact that his biological parents are both dark witches Edward. With what we are facing this issue needs to be looked at." Esme defended. I stared at the two of them with wide eyes and mouth open in shock. Did she really just say both Jasper's biological parents are dark witches or are my ears playing tricks on me?
"For fuck sake mom you can't hold that against him. It is his fault! He never grew up in that environment." Edward said angrily.
"Don't use that kind of language with me Edward Anthony Cullen! I'm aware that Jasper wasn't raised in that environment, but you can't rule out the possibility of him returning to dark magic to search for his parents Edward." Esme scolded.
"He doesn't want to know them. He hates that his biological are both dark witches. Jack and Vanessa are his parents, that's the way he sees it. He has no other parents." Edward said with blazing eyes.
"How do you know that Edward?" Esme argued.
"Because he told me. He came to me when he was at his lowest and told me how much he fucking hates where he came from. I saw just how much it bothers him that his biological parents are dark witches and practises black magic. Jasper is good and he would take a bullet for you. I don't know why since this is the treatment he gets from you!" Edward yelled and then stormed out. I looked at the door in shock. I can't believe Edward yelled at his mother and stormed out like that. She did kind of deserve it but still I never thought he would be that angry at her. Esme looked thoroughly ashamed and she seem to be at a loss for words. I didn't know what to do. Do I go after Edward or stay and talk with Esme? I grabbed my bag and decide that I should follow Edward. I have to be in class in a few minutes anyway and ironically enough Esme is teaching said class.
"I'm going to make sure Edward is ok. I'll see you in class." I said warily as I got up.
"You must think I'm a terrible person," Esme said softly.
"No, I would never think that of you," I said not sure where she was going with this.
"I do love Jasper, he is like a son to me. It's just with all the terrible things that have happened in the last few weeks that has me questioning everyone around me." Esme confessed and hung her head in shame.
"I understand what you mean. When there is clearly someone that must be in your close circle of friends and family using information to screw with you, it understandable to question their loyalty. Trust is always a difficult thing to earn, but it is so easily lost. I have to agree with Edward though, I don't know Jasper very well but I really don't think he is behind all of this." I said.
"I know Edward is right but I still have to question the loyalty of everyone close to us. Carlisle won't be returning home this week. He had another setback. The doctors think he might be in the hospital for another week or two. And now my son is being put in danger. I need to question everyone's intentions right now. This affects my family and I can't deal with the possibility of losing one of them." Esme said with tears in her eyes. I dropped my bag and went over to give her a hug.
"Don't worry Esme, we will find who the rat is and we will deal with them. I promise you that I will do my utmost best to never let anyone harm Edward. You have my word." I said softly. I meant every word of that. We will find this rat in the university and I will personally deal with him or her. I do hope she knows just how much I do care for Edward and that I really would protect him with my life if needed be.
"Thank you, Bella. That means a lot to me. You head off and go see if Edward is ok. I will try and find any information I can about the protection spells being broken." Esme said as she wiped away the remaining tears in her eyes.
"Ok. I'll see you in class then." I said as I grabbed my bag and hurried out the door.
Now I have to find Edward. I can't call him cause my phone smashed to pieces last night. Right, well think Bella, where can he be... I wracked my brain trying to figure out where Edward would go as I walked down hallway after hallway. I walked past the gym and heard noises that sounded like someone punching a bag. I slowly opened the door of the gym and quietly poked my head through the door to try and see who was in there. In the far corner of the gym was Jasper skilfully punching a black punching bag. He was wearing a pair of navy shorts, a pair of sneakers and nothing else. I could see his muscle's in rippling as punches and kicks the bag. He must have been going at it for a while as I could see the sweat glistening on his skin. He was so focused that I didn't want to interrupt him. I checked my watch and saw that I only have ten minutes to get to my lecture and I still need to find Edward. Just as I was about to turn and leave, Jasper turned and spotted me. He grabbed the swinging bag and brought it to a halt. He rubbed his neck and looked kind of sheepish at being watched. Ha, guess he doesn't like attention either. I felt oddly at ease being in the same room as Jasper. After having just found out about his parents, I figured I would be a bit wary around him.
"Hey Bella. How are you doing?" Jasper said with a small smile. I suddenly wondered if something had happened between, Alice and Jasper last night.
"Hey Jasper. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your training session." I said and gave him a small wave. I walked into the gym towards Jasper as I feel it would be rude yelling to him from the door.
"It's alright. I was actually just finishing up. I have a lecture in a few minutes." Jasper said as he grabbed his towel. I have to admit Jasper was sexy. He had a clearly defined six pack. I get why Alice was so crazy about him. I sure as hell wouldn't kick him out of bed if it I didn't have Edward. Mmmm I wonder how Edward would look like all sweaty punching and kicking the bag. Oh, I have my first training session with Edward today. I wonder just how hot and sweaty we will get. Damn it Bella, get your head together! You have more important things to be thinking of.
"Ok, well I'll leave you to it then," I said as I started to turn towards the door.
"Bella wait," Jasper said and I turned back to face him.
"Edward told me about your power and what you guys are planning on doing," he said impressed. Ah, I did wonder if Edward had told Jasper about that.
"What do you think about it?" I asked nervously as I chewed on the inside of my cheek. We could really use Jasper's help on this, it would be a shame if he thought we were lunatics for even thinking about taking on the dark witches.
"I think it's about time someone stands up to the dark witches. It's a very brave thing you and Edward are trying to do. I will, of course, help the two of you in any way I can." Jasper said with a smile. I let out a sigh of relief. At least getting our friends to help us with our crazy plan was easy. Right now I really needed something in my life to just be easy. I wanted to talk to Jasper about what was happening with the person breaking the protection spells and stealing books, but I thought it would be better to talk to Edward about it first.
"I'm glad you will help us. We really do need all the help we can get." I said smiling happily. Our little army was coming on nicely.
"So who else is helping you guys? Edward said you are asking some of your friends." Jasper said with a nervous edge to his voice. Ah, this must be about Alice.
"Yeah, I asked Emmett, who you know. He is ready for this and very excited about it. Rosalie is also in and she seems very determined. I also asked my friend Alice.." I said watching Jasper's face for a reaction.
"Is your friend Alice going to help us?" he asked not looking at me but to the floor instead. Awhh I could see a blush form on his cheeks.
"Yeah, she is. She was a little bit hesitant, but she is determined to help us." I said with a knowing smirk.
"That's good. We will need all the help we can get," he said with a smile. Ah, he really does like her.
"What about Maria? Are you going to ask her to help us?" I asked cheekily, fishing for information. I watched as Jasper's smile turned into a frown.
"No, I don't think Maria can be trusted with such a big secret and honestly I don't think she'd be much help," Jasper said awkwardly. I felt bad for Jasper being stuck with such a bitch for a girlfriend. He seemed like a really nice guy, he deserved better than a lying cheating bitch.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" I asked warily.
"You want to know why I'm still dating Maria?" Jasper said with a raised eyebrow.
"You don't have to answer that. It's none of my business." I said shyly, wanting to kick myself for bringing it up. It really is none of my business.
"It's ok Bella. You're not the only person to ask me that." Jasper said and patted my shoulder in a reassuring manner.
"I honestly don't have a valid answer for it though. I have been with her so long that I wouldn't know how to end things with her." Jasper said sadly.
"Are you happy with her?" I asked in a bit of a harsh tone. Damn Bella you are really shit at being compassionate. I really should work on my personal skills.
"No. No, I am not happy." Jasper said sheepishly.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked that. I didn't mean to be rude." I said guiltily.
"It's ok Bella. I deserve someone to be stern with me. I have been in a terrible relationship with Maria for so long that it is ridiculous that I haven't walked away. How pathetic am I right?" Jasper said nervously.
"Jasper no, you're not pathetic. I get where you're coming from. It's hard to let someone go when you have been with them for as long as the two of you have been. You're just stuck in a bad habit. I do, however, think it would be better for you to break away from the bad habit." I said in a comforting voice. I really hope I didn't offend him or overstep my boundaries by saying that.
"You're right Bella. I really should end things with Maria. The problem is I just don't know how." Jasper said quietly.
"I wish I could tell you how to end things with her but I honestly don't have a clue," I said with a sympathetic smile.
"It's ok, I will figure it out. Thanks for listening to my problems." Jasper said shyly.
"No worries. I would say I'm only a phone call away if you needed to talk, but my phone got smashed to bits last night. I am here if you do ever need to talk though, you might just have to look for me till I get a new phone." I said with a smile.
"Haha, fair enough. Thank you, Bella. How are you doing after last night?" Jasper asked and I could see the anger flash through his eyes.
"I'm ok. It was a terrible thing to experience. Do you know who the other girl was?" I asked quietly as I remembered that I forgot to ask Edward earlier.
"Yeah, her name is Rachel Black. She is a senior. I didn't personally know her, but everyone had a lot of lovely things to say about her. Her family arrived here this morning. They decided to take her home with them." Jasper said sadly.
"Black? Does she have any relation to Jacob Black that works in Billy's?" I asked.
"Yeah, it's his sister. Jacob sat with her all last night. His parents had to drag him away from her. They were very close. His taking it extremely hard." Jasper said with a sad frown. Oh no, poor Jacob. This has to be absolutely horrible for him and his family.
"That's terrible. Poor Jacob. I still can't wrap my head around what happened." I said gravely as I remembered how lifeless and empty the girl looked last night.
"Yeah, I know it horrific thing that happened. I'm glad you're ok though. Edward was losing his mind last night with worry. I have never seen him so scared and afraid." Jasper said with a knowing smile. I felt guilty as I never took into account what Edward must have gone through last night. Fuck, I really am a terrible girlfriend. Jasper's phone started ringing, effectively breaking me out of my annoying inner monologue. I really should stop giving into my insecurities.
"I have to get this Bella, sorry. I'll talk to you later right?" Jasper said as he grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder.
"Yeah definitely. I have to go find Edward and head off to my lecture anyway. See you later" I said as I walked out the gym. Jasper said good-bye and answered his phone. I could hear yelling as I walked toward the door. He must be on the phone with Maria. I really hope he does end things with her and soon too. I walked towards the balcony as I finally figured out where Edward would go. It was only a hunch, but I made my way over there hoping I'd find him. I looked at my watch and realised that I was already late for my lecture. I walked faster hoping I'd catch Edward before he heads to his lecture. I walked out onto the balcony and spotted Edward with both his hands on the railing with his body hunched over. I couldn't see his face but from his posture alone I could tell he was upset. I slowly walked over to him and made my steps a little louder as to not startle him. I leaned against the railing and faced him. He looked deep in thought with a scowl on his beautiful face.
"Edward are you ok?" I asked hesitantly. He looked very tense.
"I just can't believe my mother would throw that in Jasper's face. It's not his fault that his biological parents as dark witches. He can't control that, he didn't have a say in the matter. I have known Jasper my whole life and I know how hard it is for him to cope with the fact that his biological parents are dark witches. Jasper is nothing like them though. He would give his life to protect the people he loves. He would never sink low enough to practise dark magic." Edward said and I could hear him try and keep the anger out of his voice.
"I know that Edward and I completely trust your judgement when it comes to Jasper. Just know that your mother does feel terrible for what she said. She is just stressed and worried with everything that is going on. She feels the need to question everyone around hers' loyalty right now. I don't think she meant it personally Edward." I tried to reason with him.
"I know we are all stressed with what is going on, but neither you or I, turned against our friends and family the moment something bad happened. We need to stick together right now more than ever and not go around accusing each other." Edward said as he clenched his hands into fists.
"Edward you have to calm down. I know what Esme said is wrong but please try and see her point of view." I said as I placed my hand on his shoulder. Edward took a few deep breaths to calm down. When he did finally look at me, there was only a small bit of anger left.
"I spoke to Jasper before I found you. He really does seem like a great guy." I said with a smile.
"What did you guys talk about?" Edward asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, he was just telling me how you liked to dress up like a girl and hold tea parties with teddy bears when you were younger." I said as I tried to hold in my laughter.
"Did he now?" Edward asked with a smirk as he moved closer to me.
"Yeah, he said you even use to put on make. Apparently red lipstick was your favourite." I aid and Edward pounced on me. He started tickling me and I tried to get away from him as I laughed. I'm sure I looked like a crazy fish flapping about on dry land. Edward continued to tickle me mercilessly and I was laughing so hard that tears were running down my face.
"I give up! Stop Edward, please!" I begged. He released me after another minute or so. We were both breathless and still laughing. It felt good to be a little silly during this messed up situation. Edward wrapped me in his arms and gave me a sweet caring kiss. I held onto him as his kiss made me a little light-headed.
"You ok love?" Edward asked concerned.
"Yeah, your kissing abilities are making me a little light-headed," I assured him. I rested my head on his chest and wrapped my arms around his torso.
"We should get to class," Edward said but neither of us moved.
"Who do you think took the books?" I asked as I peeked up at him.
"I honestly don't know. It has to be someone close to us, someone who knows about all these things. This person also has to know about my mind reading abilities because I would've picked up on thoughts like that." Edward said thoughtfully.
"I can't stop thinking about the book they took about Constance's life and power," I said gravely.
"I know love. I can't wrapped my head around the fact that someone we know would turn on the witch community like this." Edward said with a tinge of anger.
"Edward you don't understand. I wanted that book because I hoped it will give me an indication as to where Constance would have hidden her grimoires." I said as I looked up at him. I could see the realisation in his eyes.
"Let's hope the book doesn't mention anything about it. We need to find a way to get our hands on Constance's grimoires before they do. If they manage to get their grubby hands on her grimoires then we are truly screwed." Edward said solemnly.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Constance was responsible for the creation of the portal. She created the spell that was used to create the portal. If they found her grimoires then they could find a way to get rid of the portal." Edward said.
"But how did the Banshees and soul eater get past the portal then?" I asked.
"There are one or two ways to get dark witches and creatures from the Unknown across the portal. The problem is that it take an enormous amount of power and it requires sacrifices." Edward said darkly.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"The professor I told you about that got kicked out for telling students the truth about the Unknown told me. His name is Alistair Kane. He told me about a werewolf escaping from the portal a few decades ago. Well, it wasn't really an escape as much as someone sending him. The werewolf managed to get out of the university before they could kill him. Every full moon there are witches looking for the escaped werewolf. He still hasn't been found." Edward said. Holy shit there was a werewolf on this side. Sure he can't pose much of a threat as he never returned here.
"So what do we do now? How do we find Constance's grimoire before the dark witches do?" I asked. I truly had no idea where to go from here. My plan has pretty much, been blown to shit at this stage.
"We start by getting your mothers grimoires. Maybe there is something in there that can help us." Edward said determinedly.
"Edward we need to head to our lectures. We are already very late." I said as I reluctantly removed myself from Edward.
"Yeah, you're right," Edward said as he let go of me. I grabbed my bag and Edward and I headed back into the main building. I looked back at the view of the Unknown before I went inside. I felt an ice cold chill run up my body as I looked out at the vast expanse of the dark forest. Edward took my hand in his and we walked through the many corridors. This place really is humongous and I'm surprised I haven't managed to get lost yet.
"I will talk to my mom and ask if we can head off to your apartment on Friday morning," Edward said.
"That's fine. It's a long enough drive so it would be better to leave in the morning." I said as we reached the lecture hall that I need to be in. I turned to give Edward a kiss and he slipped his hands into my hair and deepened the kiss. He broke away from our kiss and he left me panting. I was suddenly rethinking the whole 'going to my lecture' idea and opt for the 'let's get Edward naked' plan.
"I'll see you after your lecture. We can go for coffee with the gang." Edward suggested.
"I don't know if Billy's will be open so we might have to find somewhere else to go," I said sadly. I wonder how the Black family were dealing with what had happened.
"Yeah, I don't think it's open. We can go to the other coffee shop. It's usually packed with stuck up fake bitches so maybe we just grab the coffees and sit outside." Edward suggested.
"Yeah, I'm not in the mood to deal with skanky bitches. Would you text everyone? I don't have a phone." I asked.
"Yeah no problem. I'll meet you outside here and then we can walk over together." Edward said and gave me a final kiss before he left. I tried to walk into the lecture as quietly and inconspicuously as I could. Unfortunate for me, I tripped up the stairs to my seat. I could feel everyone's eyes on me and I was sure my face was as red as a tomato. I got up to my feet and tried to walk as gracefully (pretty much stumble) to my seat next to Emmett. I could see him quietly laughing at my embarrassment. Asshole. Esme continued the lecture without saying anything about my stellar entrance and I was thankful for her taking the attention away from me. I honestly did try to focus on what Esme was saying but my mind kept drifting back to who was behind all of the breaches of the protection spells, the stealing of the books, the creatures crossing the portal and the painting placed in Edward's room.
I wonder who is the person doing all these things...Till next time :)