Chapter Thirty Two

Jasper

Now I was torn, if Caius Volturi were involved in this I needed as much information as Maria could give me but Bella was in danger and that was even more important.

"Major, we can go back now and look after Bella, You follow when you've got what you need."

"No, it won't take me long to get what I need. Maria?"

"This Bella means a lot to you Major?"

"Just tell me what you know."

"Very well. Caius Volturi approached me and asked if I would train Jasper up to fool others into believing he was you. In return I got control of the southern covens once and for all but I don't think he wanted Jasper for himself. I believe this is to lure someone else in to help him."

"With what?"

She shrugged,

"I can only guess but I would think Caius Volturi is tired of being Aro's second, he wants power for himself. Maybe he's found someone willing to work with him."

"Why would they want a copy of The Major?"

She turned to Darius,

"I don't think they wanted a copy, I think they wanted the real thing but maybe Caius knew he could never get The Major to work for him so he used what he had available, a double."

"How did he find out about the double though?"

"That you will have to find out for yourself I'm afraid, I don't know. I can keep Caius from finding out you have his double for a little while, maybe a few months, I insisted on six months to train Jasper up. Then I'm afraid it will be all over unless you can work out what is going on and find a way to stop it."

We left straight away, Maria promising to keep in touch and warn us if Caius found out he had been double crossed. None of us trusted her, even though I could tell she was speaking the truth, and yet she seemed genuine in her desire to help which was worrying on its own. Maria never did anything without a payoff and safety from Caius Volturi seemed little enough payment when she could have done her job and waited for the leadership to be dropped into her greedy little hands. Still for now we could do nothing but hope she did not have some secret agenda that would, she hoped, prove a better pay off and still allowed her to tell me the truth. I needed to get back to Bella fast, I was uneasy being away from her and finding out someone might already be trying to kill her made things infinitely worse.

Rose

Bella was asleep when I heard from Emmett, she'd been fretting that she hadn't heard anything from the others even though I told her they wouldn't be in touch until they found Jay. His news was good and bad, they'd found Jay and rescued him although that sounded a strange affair but Bella could now be in danger. We had to get moving so as soon as I said goodbye to Emmett relieved he was safe I woke her up.

"Sorry Bella but we need to move….. fast."

"What? Why? Have you heard something? Are they OK?"

"Yes they're OK and they've got Jay but they were given some disturbing news. I don't want you to panic but you might be in danger. You were linked to him and there are people out there who would very much like to see you dead."

"Who? Vampires you mean?"

"Yes but I can't tell you any more. Just get your things together quickly."

"Where are we going?"

"I don't know, our orders are to keep moving until we hear from Emmett again."

"How long?"

"I'm not sure, not long. Now come on."

I kept watch out the window as Bella got ready to move impatient at her human speed but trying not to show it. As she came out of the bathroom with her bag I noticed a car parked up in the shadows with two figures sitting inside.

"Wait here, I'll get the car and be ready to move as soon as you see it. Throw your bag in the back and jump in."

"They're here already aren't they?"

She sounded scared but clear headed,

"I don't know Bella but move fast."

She nodded biting her lip in agitation and I turned out the lights and went out strolling slowly towards the car so I could get a look at the two in the other one. As I approached the doors opened and I tensed ready to fight and hoped Bella was watching and would make a run for it but then I heard voices behind me and relaxed. The two men were waiting for their girlfriends who had just finished work at the bar close to the motel.

Bella

I was terrified, what had gone wrong and why was I being targeted? I hadn't done anything except meet up with the guy who was Jasper's double and that was hardly my fault. Could it be because I tried to help him, to warn him about his vampire stalker? It hadn't exactly worked if so, they still kidnapped him and now with everyone away getting Jay free the enemy was looking for me. Not that I didn't trust Rose to keep me safe, she was as good as anyone but these people must be professional and Rose wasn't a trained fighter.

I did as she said getting into the car and fumbling for my seat belt as I looked around nervously.

"Its OK Bella, I was mistaken. There was a car with two guys in it but they were just waiting for their girlfriends. All we have to do is drive around for a few hours until I hear from Em, then we can meet up and you'll be safe enough. I know I'm no Jazz but I will keep you safe."

"Oh I know, I'm just worried for the others and you. I seem to bring trouble whenever I meet you."

"Rubbish, this isn't your fault Bella and now you're family so you're problems are our problem.

"Talking of family where are Esme and Carlisle?

"Edward too?"

She grinned when I shook my head,

"I don't care where he is it's just that it seems odd to hear you moved out. I feel kind of responsible for breaking the family up."

"Well don't, Emmett and I leave every so often to live by ourselves but we go back eventually. It's hard living in a house full of vampires sometimes and we enjoy just being alone. I think if truth be told Carlisle and Esme enjoy the peace too although they'd never admit as much. They still have Edward anyway and Em and I had been visiting when Alice rang."

"Did you tell them about it?"

"No, we thought it would be better to wait until we knew exactly what was happening. I didn't think either you or Jazz would have thanked us if we had now would you?"

I couldn't argue with that, I hadn't left the Cullens with any unpleasantness but I'd felt I didn't belong in their life and in truth I never expected to see them again, even Alice hadn't said much about Esme and Carlisle.

Rose

I wasn't sure where to go, Bella could sleep in the back if necessary but we would have to stop for comfort breaks and such stops were always going to be dangerous although I watched out for a tail as assiduously as I could without unnerving Bella any further.

"Rose what do you think they'll say about Jazz and I?"

"Does it matter?"

She thought about this for a while then sighed,

"I'd like to say no but I guess it does because they still love Jazz even if he's left the family."

She sat back and closed her eyes,

"Catch a nap. I can pull over so you can climb in the back, there's more room."

"Its OK, I feel safer up here with you. I just wish I knew the guys were safe on their way back. This feeling like a tooth ache in my chest is driving me crazy."

"That's the mating pull Bella, just proves you two are meant for each other but don't worry you'll see Jazz again soon. Just sleep, I promise if anything worries me I'll wake you."

"Where are we going?"

"Round in circles, it seemed the best thing. I can see if we're being followed easier when I know the area."

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep but all I could do was visualize Jazz with Maria and worry not about my own safety but his.