Chapter Ninety One

Peter

I followed as closely as I safely could wondering how long it would be before Charlotte could find out what she needed to know and managed to get word to me. Once I had passed the message alone I would try to get her away from them as quickly as possible. This feeling I had while she was away was like a colony of wasps making a nest in my chest and head.

I felt uneasy and the pain was building, I guess she was right and I should have told her how much she meant to me before letting her go or even begged her not to go at all. Did it matter how Bella's father was feeling after thinking he'd killed his daughter? If Charlotte was correct then Bella was never going back to his world in any case.

I didn't start to worry too much until they started heading towards Texas, then I really started to worry. Had Charlotte given Bella up? If so why? She and Bella were friends? Did she feel Bella would be better off with the Cullens or even a miraculous revival and go back to her daddy? I could hardly credit it but something was definitely wrong here and I had to warn The Major and Bella before it was too late. Cursing I pulled over and rang hating the message I would be imparting.

"Peter?"

Wow did The Major sound different, more wound up yet not so angry and uptight, it was difficult to explain but it made me nervous.

"Yeah I think we might have a problem, well you really."

Now I had his attention,

"The Volturi?"

"Nope, no sign of them but Charlotte met up with the Cullens and now they are headed your way."

"Who is with her?"

"No idea I couldn't chance getting too close but they are definitely headed to Texas."

"You think she told them about Bella?"

"No, I don't, I trust Charlotte."

Somehow I knew I was right, she wouldn't betray us, she loved Bella and she knew Bella was happy where she was, according to her she was with her mate so why would she ruin everything? It just didn't make any sense.

"So why are they headed this way Peter?"

"I don't know but I'll follow, if they head for Houston I'll warn you."

"We're leaving in any case, I'm not taking any chances."

Bella

I heard the conversation and I didn't believe Charlotte was leading them here any more than Peter did but it made no difference, Jasper wasn't willing to take any chances. He grabbed his things and turned to me,

"I have to get you out of here."

"She wouldn't do that Jasper. They are obviously going somewhere else."

"I wish I had your faith Belle but I've seen the duplicity of humans and vampires and I'm not taking any chances. If they find you then the Volturi will find out you are still alive and that will put you in even more danger. Come on."

He grabbed my hand but I stood resolute,

"You didn't answer my question, make your choice."

"Bella we don't have time for this right now."

"I heard Peter, we're in no immediate danger and if you leave as The Major you go alone. I'll take my chances with the Volturi and contact the Cullens, they'll know where Charlie is."

"They won't be able to save you Bella."

I looked at him with a sad smile,

"Maybe I won't care about being saved Jasper if you go."

He tried to drag me again but stopped realizing he would only hurt me if he continued pulling me along.

"God you're a stubborn woman."

"Not really, just one who is looking for a decision. If you want to go then go but promise me I will never see or hear from you again and you won't interfere in my life whatever happens."

He shook his head looking at me pleadingly,

"Can't we discuss this as we travel?"

"No, because depending on your decision I may not be going the same direction as you."

I sat back down and looked at the floor,

"Its time to make your mind up Jasper or The Major. You can't be both. I can't live with both of you."

He threw his bag down in frustration cursing low and closed his eyes running his hands through his untidy dusty blond hair, a gesture that made me smile. For a second he reminded me of a little boy offered a bag of sweets or an ice cream and trying to decide between the two.

All I could do now was to pray he made the right decision although he had been The Major far longer than he had existed as Jasper Whitlock. Suddenly he turned and strode to the steps running up and throwing open the door and I knew I had lost him. Then he reappeared picked me up in his arms and carried me outside to the truck, so Peter and Charlotte had found other transportation! Sitting me on the hood he opened my hand and placed the keys in it,

"You should leave, start driving north and don't stop until you get back to Forks. Go back to your human life, keep your mouth shut and I will ensure your safety though you will never see or hear from me again. That's the best I can offer."

I slid off into his arms again and looking into those eyes I shook my head,

"No deal. We go together or not at all, you didn't make the promise."

"I can't Bella. I wont leave you unguarded and prey for the Volturi."

"The Major would without a second thought."

"Well maybe I'm not The Major any more, I don't know, I can't think with you so close."

I grabbed his arms as he tried to pull away,

"If you can't its because you feel something for me. I'll make it easy for you Jasper. I love you and I want to stay with you."

He closed his eyes and shook his head vehemently,

"Don't say that Bella, you deserve much better than me."

"Maybe but it doesn't alter the fact. So either we go together or you leave me here."

I waited with bated breath knowing that if he left I would be heartbroken and it was a pain I knew I would never recover from.

The Major

Hearing those words and all the others Bella had said plus feeling the love and desperate hope that were mixed up in her emotions I knew this was my chance to decide on a new way of life. With Bella I really thought I might be able to change, become Jasper Whitlock once more. She was giving me the only chance I would ever get and I was standing here like a fool keeping her waiting. I loved her so much it hurt so why was it so hard to tell her so?

Suddenly I understood, by telling her I would be putting myself in her power, I would no longer be master of my own destiny. Now that was a laugh, when had I ever been master of my destiny? I was a soldier taking orders, then a vampire killing machine who was powered and guided by the Volturi. I took a deep breath and opened my mouth hoping I wasn't just about to make a complete fool of myself,

"So where are we going?"

Her face broke into the sweetest smile and I knew I'd been right in my decision so I could relax a little. I pulled her close and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

"May you never regret this decision Bella because your life is going to be hard and dangerous but I promise you I will protect you with my very life."

"We'll protect each other Jasper and it will get easier I promise you."