Chapter Fifty Seven

Jasper

The flight seemed to take forever and each minute took me further away from Bella and closer to a woman I had hoped I would never have to face let alone trust again. I'd told Bella I was fine and everything would be OK but I'd lied, only to save her feelings but never the less the omissions were lies and I hated myself for them. Meeting Maria again was possibly the easiest part of this whole plan. The really difficult part was pretending I wasn't me which included killing and feeding on humans. If Bella had known I would be forced into that she would never have let me come and if she found out she would be beside herself.

I just hoped the others understood enough about her to keep that from her but it was something to worry about. Whatever Caius wanted Jay for it wasn't going to be pleasant and sure as hell included fighting and killing, vampire and humans probably. At McCarran airport I could have rented a car for the trip to Death Valley but I decided to run, I would avoid the traffic and be there more quickly, besides there would be no rental car to dispose of although Maria could have done that once she handed me over.

Maria

Of course I knew he would come, he was far too honorable to let his double take the risks. He was the best man for the job and largely thanks to me although after reading his journal I did not feel pride but only regret that I had turned such a noble man into the monster he once was. That he had redeemed himself, struggled to climb out of the pit I had led him into was just another mark of his inner strength.

To think of the team we could have been if only I had been able to see beyond my thirst for absolute power. That had led to another transformation, the loss of another human life that had been sacrificed to my overwhelming greed. Luckily though this time I was in a position to do something about it. I couldn't give the second Jasper Whitlock his life back any more than the first but I could ensure that he was not used as a pawn in some power play of Caius. All this ran through my head as he appeared in the doorway of this desolate cabin.

He looked at me for a long time before speaking and I waited.

"Whatever your reasons for helping us I thank you. But I think you know more than you've so far divulged. Is Caius working with someone or alone?"

"I can only repeat what I know Major. He came to me with a deal, the southern covens for my help in training someone to take your place. This person had to be able to fool anyone with knowledge of you. I told him it was impossible, you were too well known in our world for an imposter to fool anyone but then he told me about your double. Even then I was skeptical, identical rarely means that especially to vampire eyes. When I saw Jasper I was amazed, he truly was you standing there before me and all the old memories came flooding back."

"We don't have time for your reminiscences Maria. What about the plan? Who was Jay supposed to fool and why?"

"I've told you all I know Major but I have my own theories if you're interested?"

"Go on."

"Well perhaps Caius isn't working alone, if he wants to take over the Volturi he'll certainly want allies. Maybe those allies want you on their side. The best fighter in our world, it would give them a certain kudos don't you think?"

"And Caius would know I would never stand with him so he found my double who could be persuaded. What have you told Caius?"

"That you are almost as good as The Major, brave and resourceful, that I have indoctrinated you to believe working for Caius would be in your best interest, that you had a change of heart and want to be on the winning side. You did well for yourself Major and it took a long time. Do you understand just what sacrifices you'll be making by taking his place?"

"I know."

"Then lets hope it doesn't plunge you back into despair once more. I would hate to think I destroyed you twice."

"I know you read my journal but don't think it changes anything between us Maria."

"Oh I don't and reading your journal underlined that to me. I just hope you might think a little more kindly of me after this."

"Why does it matter how I feel about you Maria?"

There was a long silence and then we heard Caius approaching. Maria smiled a little sadly and whispered in my ear,

"Because despite everything I still love you Major and I always will. Now are you ready to play your part? Stay in here until I call you."

She stepped out into the furnace that was the valley and I heard her speak,

"Caius."

"You have him?"

"I do, the real Major is dead I take it?"

"He is. Let me see him."

"Just don't forget what you promised me."

"Don't worry you'll get your reward once I have what I want."

"Then lets hope your venture is a success. Major."

I took a deep breath put on my face that arrogant and slightly dangerous look I had worn over the years and stepped out sparkling as the sun hit my uncovered skin to see Caius standing, a look of eagerness on his face that turned to one of triumph as he saw me,

"Major Whitlock, it's a pleasure."

I looked at him coldly,

"Who are you?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Caius Volturi and I am to be your master."

"I have no master."

He scowled but then nodded looking at Maria,

"You did a good job, he even has the originals arrogance but can he fight?"

"Do you want a demonstration?"

I crouched ready to attack, just a little less well than the real one would but close enough.

"No, you'll do. Come we have a long way to go and people to meet. Well done Maria, I assume I can trust you to keep your mouth shut?"

"Just give me what you promised and no one will ever learn the truth. But just in case you thought of double crossing me you should know I have written a letter which will be sent off to Aro if anything should happen to me."

Caius eyes narrowed and we both knew that's exactly what he had in mind, Maria had been clever to cover herself.

"Do not worry, I keep my word."

"Good, then neither of us need be concerned need we?"

Caius turned and beckoned me to follow him and without glancing back I did just that but I felt Maria's fear and regret and knew she had spoken the truth, she really did still love me and now it was too late, she understood that. From here on out I would have to be extremely careful in everything I did and said, every action I made or I could find myself fighting for my very survival all over again. I was already steeling myself for the first hurdle, feeding on humans, after all I was a newborn raised by Maria and I knew that would be far harder this time around, especially as I could show no distaste for it.

"What am I here to do?"

He turned to look at me and smiled,

"Exactly what you were created for, to fool everyone into believing you are The Major, to train my "partners" newborn army as Maria trained you and to stand at my side as I take control of the Volturi from my weak and disappointing brothers. Are you ready for that?"

I smiled, arrogance and insolence vying for position on my face,

"Of course, I'm The Major."

"I have a cover story for you so listen carefully. You left the Cullens and your "wife" Alice because you were disillusioned at their way of life. You decided you wanted to live as a true vampire and you wanted control of not only your own life but men again so you came to me."

"Why would I come to you?"

"Because I could give you what you wanted, an army to command."

"Major Whitlock was born for that."

He laughed,

"You were indeed my friend and from now on you will only answer to that title do you understand?"

"I do."

"You will live, feed and train as if you were him."

"Not a problem, after all I am, there is no other."

"How true, how very true Major."