Chapter 107

Jasper

I had planned on going to hunt whilst Rose was with Bella but in the event I found myself unable to leave the area afraid Bella might be gone when I got back so instead I found a quiet spot in a corner of the park down the street and leaning against a tree thought about all that had happened since I met her. I had been so sure everything was finally perfect in my life, I had a diet I could stick to without too much of a struggle now, a family who supported me and now my mate.

Then in a blink of an eye it had all fallen apart, Bella had gone missing and I was devastated. Finding her still alive was the most wonderful feeling but seeing the damage both physical and mental that her abductor had done to her I wondered if I would ever get her back. Chances were that she would decide she'd had enough of the dangers in the world without becoming involved with mine. I was sure I was going to lose her and Rose's visit was the final throw of the dice.

When Rose finally rang me three hours later to tell me she'd left Bella alone in the apartment I was furious, until that is she explained it had been at Bella's request.

"I think she wanted some time alone to work through things, its not been long since she thought her life had ended so I decided she should have a little space, besides I knew you weren't far away. I know you too well brother. Best of luck."

I tried to walk slowly back but it was a struggle and I was almost running when I reached the building. I could feel that Bella was more settled, she'd made her mind up about the future and all I could do was to cross my fingers and hope as I walked in uttering my usual greeting.

She looked so beautiful in clothes I'd never seen before and she smiled a little timidly, was that because she had bad news for me? Whatever she had decided she was comfortable with, that much I could tell. When I heard her words I knew it was over and I was alone once more but then she held out her hand and in just a few words made everything right again. I held her tight and went to kiss the top of her head, all I allowed myself these days, but then she moved so our lips met and I felt home again.

"Are you sure Bella? I don't want you to be pressured..."

She silenced me with a finger to my lips,

"Just promise me that you'll be patient with me Jazz, I'm still feeling my way back and I know its going to take time."

"You can have as long as you need so long as I can be there with you."

"Then I guess you should ring Carlisle and ask him when its convenient for us to visit."

"Its home Bella, we can go whenever we like and be welcomed. How about now?"

"Will you stay with me? I'm scared of meeting the Volturi."

"Well Felix is going to look intimidating but just remember he's not the enemy, more of a law man."

She giggled,

"Like a sheriff?"

"More like his deputy dressed as Frankenstein but you'll be fine I promise you."

"Then let's go."

We drove to the house in a companionable silence Bella holding my hand and looking at me as I drove,

"Something wrong?"

She shook her head,

"No, its just I've been so wrapped up in my own problems that I didn't really consider your feelings. It must have been very hard for you finding me like that."

"It was but the main thing was that I did find you and I knew however long it took you would be OK eventually. I had the family to help me after all."

"You're very close aren't you? Even Peter and Charlotte. What about Darius?"

"Darius is a bit of a loner but he's loyal to his friends and as soon as he found out what had happened he volunteered his services."

"How is Charlie fitting in?"

"Great, he's one of the family now and I think Carlisle has sorted out all his problems."

"Problems?"

"Yes he's a vampire now so he can't go back home, or to his job, Charlie Swan, Chief Swan, is dead."

"Oh, I hadn't thought about that but of course, they'd know something was wrong, and Carlisle sorted it all out just like that?"

"Family looks after its own Bella."

As we pulled up the front door opened and Alice and Esme came running to greet us, well Bella really and I almost lost her as they shepherded her into the house but I clung on. I'd promised to stay with her and I had no intention of breaking that promise. Once inside it was clear that Alice had seen something because everyone was there, including Peter, Charlotte, and Kat and standing in the shadows Felix Volturi. Kat squealed in delight and ran to hug Bella while Rose brought Skye over for a cuddle and as Bella sank down on the couch, Skye in her arms and Kat chattering in her ear I moved a few paces away to speak to the Volturi guard.

"You can tell Aro that Bella will be changed soon, she's made up her mind and I just want to give her a few more weeks to get used to everyone."

"I'm not here to spy on the girl Major but I'll pass on your message."

There was a strange undercurrent in the room and I saw Kat look up searching for someone and then see us and smile before turning back to Bella. It dawned on me what was going on when I felt the emotions of the two of them.

"I'll bet Peter had something to say about that Felix."

He looked at me sharply then understanding dawned,

"Of course, the empath. It would be appreciated if you could keep it to yourself for now. We want to give Kat the chance to grow up without everyone watching us closely."

"And Peter's OK with that?"

"No, but he understands that he can't fight fate Major."

"You know once Edward gets here your secret will be out?"

"I think Peter might be ready to "speak" to Edward before he starts telling the others. I'm glad you found your mate Major and mine too. Are you going to introduce me?"

I waited until things settled down a little and Bella was talking to Esme and Charlotte before introducing Felix to her. She looked at him nervously as he sat down opposite and held out an enormous hand,

"It's nice to finally meet you Bella, I've heard a lot about you and I think you have done remarkably well in recovering from your ordeal."

As I watched, sitting beside her and holding her hand, I saw Felix work his magic especially when Kat joined him, the change was remarkable from feared enforcer to family friend. There was more to him than met the eye, a lot more.

Once Bella had relaxed enough to join the girls for Skye's bath time I found myself cornered by Peter who looked rather weary.

"What do you know about birthday parties?"

"You'd do better asking Alice, she's the organizer around here, why? You throwing one for Charlotte?"

"I wish. No I mean the jelly, cake and fucking candle type with rabbits jumping out of hats and clowns."

I looked at him puzzled,

"What?"

"Exactly my sentiment but apparently its what kids want for a birthday party. Its frightening the fuck outta me."

"Well, if you will take on a kid that goes with the territory and you got Felix as a son in law to boot."

"That isn't funny Major but Kat thinks the world of him so I guess my hands are tied. I warned him though, one false move and he'll find himself wearing his gonads as earrings!"