HI there, everyone. A late – or if you're orthodox early – Christmas present: I've decided to finally finish this story after all. It's going to be around 6-7 chapters, at least in my outline. This one's a little short, but some fluff was necessary at this point in the action. Remember to leave some feedback!

Chapter 26

B POV

That afternoon I had seen a vampire crazed with hunger for my blood. The look on Jasper's face when he came back from dealing with the nomads that night spoke of a different kind of hunger: His eyes were an excited black and overly bright at the same time. While I had been determined to lay into him about chasing after dangerous vampires without getting my opinion on the idea, things took quite a different turn.

When he was rushing up to me growling I was vaguely aware of someone – Peter I think – giving a warning shout of "Out, everybody", then I was suddenly drawn to Jasper as if by a magnet and at once we became a writhing mass of fiery limbs and passion.

At some point we must have made it to Jasper's bed because I was there when I regained some sort of coherence and consciousness again. "Is… is it always like this?" I asked, stretching luxuriously across Jasper's chest. "I mean, with vampires?"

He was purring again and smiled down at me lovingly while playing with a lock of my hair. "Definitely not. Not remotely. Must have something to do with the whole mate thing." He started kissing me again, then suddenly raised his head as if to listen to something I could not hear and swore under his breath. "I'm sorry, Bella, but it's almost 6.30. We need to get you back to your house or we'll all be in trouble."

I pouted but started to get up, looking for my clothes. No luck. Blushing furiously, I remembered what had happened to them. "Do you think I could borrow a shirt from Esme?" I asked, not prepared for the possessive growl I got in return.

"You're not wearing something with another vampire's scent on you!" One of Jasper's shirts came flying at me. "Put that on!"

I blinked and he apologized at once. "I'm sorry, darlin', but there are probably tons of things to learn for both of us with this mating stuff. For now, just the thought of you with … I would tear Esme to bits and she does not deserve that." He picked me up as soon as I was halfway decent and almost flew me back to my room.

…just in time as well: I had just settled under my covers when Charlie's voice rang out in the corridor. "Morning, Bells, don't forget, I'm going to that meeting up in Port Angeles for the next two days. I've asked Billy to check on you regularly. Take care! Bye!"

With that the front door closed behind him and both of us erupted into nervous giggles.

"Two days?" Jasper's eyes sparkled mischievously. He looked like an angel come to earth even more, now that he was as relaxed as I had never seen him before.

"Two days", I answered, sitting up with an effort. While I felt whole and contented, somehow my limbs needed reattaching in the proper order.

"Maybe you should take a sick day at school today", Jasper said eyeing me critically.

I shook my head at him "Get your mind out of the gutter, young man!"

"That's not what I meant."

I frowned, thinking about what to wear to school today just to distract myself from the beautiful man next to me.

"Try getting up then!" he suggested with a crooked smile.

I did. And failed. "Oh!" My legs seemed to have turned into jelly and would not carry my weight. Jasper reached out and made sure I would not fall flat on my face.

I pouted when he gently pushed me back down on the bed, but as soon as his scent reached my nostrils again, I tried to pull him down with me. "Hmmm!"

Iron grips detached my arms sneaking round his neck. "One night and my innocent little human girl turns into a wanton hussy", he snickered and tucked me in. "You need to rest. I promise I won't leave, but I'd also like to make sure my mate does not die of exhaustion before I've even had a chance of turning her." He bent down to give me a tender kiss. "Please sleep, you need your strength. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to leave you alone."

"But… the Cullen's living room", I blushed again when bits and pieces came back to my memory.

He shook his head determinedly. "No. Someone will take care of that, don't worry. Now sleep!" A drowsiness that was not completely mine came over me. No way to resist a bossy empath, it seemed.

P POV

Oh boy, this was going to get interesting!

I had seen what was about to happen as soon as Jasper approached the house. He might have reverted to obedient vegetarian son to talk to Carlisle, but as soon as he scented Bella, he turned back into full Major mode, intent on claiming his mate.

I made sure there would be no interference from the Cullens and stayed outside myself in case Edward decided on another one of his harebrained schemes, which – to my surprise – did not happen. I learnt later that once Alice had assured him Jasper would not change Bella, he had given in. As for myself – this has definitely been as new experience and … I think we'll have to figure out a way to deal with Jasper, the mated empath or no one will get anything done with him and Bella around.

I told him when it was time to get Bella back and give Charlotte and me some time to tidy the chaos he and Bella had created. What that will mean for Bella's newborn time might be interesting, but for once I enjoy having a thoroughly contented best friend.