A/N: Finally, Jasper and Bella come face to face! Their first meeting. Given Bella's trust issues, you might've expected her to be reluctant when she finds out Jasper is her mate. I considered that, but neither me, Bella, or inner Bella have the patience for all of that slow-burn stuff. So, here you have it.

Next chapter, we're checking in with Charlie. I'd like to see what he has to say about all of this and maybe we'll finally get some answers!

Enjoy xoxo

– Bella's POV –

I stood in front of my full-length mirror, scrutinizing my outfit for the evening. The black corset was new. It had leather halter neck straps that wrapped around my neck, like a collar. The thing was tight. Thankfully, I don't need to breathe! My breasts were pushed up to my chin! I paired It with a pair of black skin-tight leather trousers and my favourite spiked stilettos.

As a human I never would have worn such shoes . . . no! Strike that. As a human, there's no way I would have even considered wearing this outfit. As a vampire, I knew I looked damn good!

I left my hair to flow down to the middle of my back in its natural wave. My makeup was darker. Black liner. Sexy, smokey eyes. The only color I wore was deep blood-red lipstick.

Damn. We look good!

"Yes. We do."

Once I was dressed, I prepared my playroom, decided on the night's activities, and then waited for my pet to arrive.

Freddy's usually very punctual, but I was a little eager tonight, so I had some time to spare.

My hunt had gone well. Seattle was always crawling with evildoers. It wasn't hard to find one to my taste. Not if you know where to look, anyway. There are places even the police won't go these days. A lady walking down certain streets, at night, alone, seemingly vulnerable . . . they fall for it every time! And pay the price with their lives.

Perhaps I enjoy the hunt a little too much. But I'm a vampire. Why shouldn't I enjoy myself? Taking out the scum of the earth is better than dining on animal blood. Yuck!

Admittedly, I don't always dine on scum bags. Sometimes I'll indulge in something else if the scent is appealing. But, I figure, if I'm going to take out a few innocent lives, the least I can do is take out a couple of bad eggs, too.

My morals may be in short supply, but I do have rules. Number one: no children. Ever. I don't care how good and tasty they smell. I will not kill a child.

Hmm. I'm pretty sure that's my only rule.

I'm not usually a dine-and-go kinda gal. I like to have a little fun. Maybe that's bad, I don't know. Nor do I care.

The date I told Edward about, the female I met in the hotel, she was a bad egg. Rotten to the yolk. You name it, she did it; sex, trafficking, drugs, guns, distributing to kids! Her business was so far under the radar the cops didn't even know she existed until they found her body in the river. She played the part of soccer mom real well. But I'd been watching her for weeks. I knew her game. So, I met her in a bar. We chatted. She pretended to be the married, bored housewife looking for excitement. Once I got a few drinks in her we went back to her hotel room and, well, nothing was held back.

Scumbag or not, there's nothing better than sinking your teeth into a warm body post-orgasm. . . or during. Mm. Those are the best.

Just as the clock struck nine, there was a knock on my door.

Show time!

I've known Freddy for decades. He's one of my favourite pets. Always so willing and responsive.

I was too excited, and aroused, to make him wait. Whether he knew it or not, tonight was going to be all about me. Damn Jasper and all his sexiness. I blame him entirely for my current state. If it wasn't for him—the delicious way he smelt, the dark look in his eyes, that gorgeous body, and, oh dear god, the sounds he made!—I'd be halfway to Mexico by now! Instead, I had to stop for a little playtime with my pet!

Oh, c'mon! Are you not woman enough to admit you're horny? We have needs and desires. And right now they need to be taken care of. Post-haste!

"Fine!" I hissed. "I'm horny! Happy now?'

Yes. But I am worried our pet isn't going to be enough to satisfy this particular Jasper-induced need.

"Yeah," I sighed, "I'm worried about that, too. But it's the best I can do in our current situation. If I had more time, I might be able to find a Jasper look-alike and live out all my dirty fantasies with him, but for now, our pet will have to do."

There's always the sexy hunk himself . . . think he'd be up for a steamy weekend of debauchery with us?

I growled. "How many times? He's married. To Alice! Our former BFF! There may be lines I'm willing to cross, but mating bonds are sacrosanct. We don't fuck with that!"

He may be married to her, but I assure you, they're certainly not mated.

"Do you know something I don't?"

Yes. Want to know what it is?

"No. I want to have sex."

With Jasper.

"Yes. With Jasper. But he's mated and married. So I'm going to fuck Freddy tonight!"

But you'll be thinking of Jasper.

I smirked. "Of course, I will! Now, are you done?"

Oh, yes. Go ahead. Scratch your itch.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and imagined Jasper was standing on the other side of the door. Jasper got me into this situation, my imagination was going to get me out of it!

One more deep breath and I yanked open the door. To my complete and utter shock, it worked! Instead of seeing Freddy in the doorway, Jasper stood there in all his gorgeous glory.

Hot damn. That's what I'm talking about!

I watched his eyes go black as he looked me up and down, taking in my new outfit. "Fuck me."

I smirked. "Only if you're a good boy, pet."

If possible, I think his eyes darkened a little more and a low growl reverberated through the wide expanse of his chest.

Hmm. That wasn't like Freddy. He's all submissive. No dominant Alpha in him anywhere.

"Am I just really good at fantasizing or is something wrong here?"

Uh. I don't want to alarm you, but I think that is Jasper!

"Don't be stupid. Why would Jasper be here?" I hissed. "He doesn't even know where I live!"

"Isabella, Darlin', who're ya talkin' to?"

Oh. I think I just had a mini orgasm when he said our name! Holy crap. Make him do it again.

"Jasper?" I whispered.

He grinned. "Yes, Isabella."

Uh oh.

Uh-huh. Either, we wished too hard and it came true. Or, for whatever reason, that is Jasper. On our doorstep. Smirking at us. Looking all gorgeous and smelling like a fuckin' God!

Am I drooling?

Maybe. A little. And, well, either you've peed yourself or this man can turn you on so much you're soaked!

What the hell is wrong with me?

I also think he can smell our arousal.

A low growling was coming from Jasper's chest. The sound called to me, urging me closer to him.

I needed to be closer.

I shook my head. "Nope. Nope." Without thinking, I slammed the door and quickly locked it. Not that I thought a lock would keep him out if he wanted to get in!

I heard a soft thud and the image of him pressing his forehead against the door filled my mind. "I'm sorry, Isabella." He said softly. "I know this ain't what ya wanted, Darlin'. That I ain't what you were expectin'."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"I think you know, Darlin'." He said, his voice muffled through the door. "You felt it the moment we locked eyes back at the Cullen house. You feel it right now. Your desire. Your need. That feelin' in yer chest. The desire to be closer to me . . ."

"No," I whispered. "No. It can't be."

"I'm sorry, Darlin'."

Why the hell is he apologizing? He's the one mated to us! We're a fuckin' mess!

I threw the door open and looked back at his shocked expression. "You can't be my mate!" I growled. "You're a married and mated man, Jasper. Or have you forgotten about Alice!"

He frowned. "I ain't ever been married or mated to Alice, Darlin'. We're best friends. She found me and showed me a new life, but we've never been romantically involved. Besides, Alice is mated and married to someone else."

He isn't married or mated, Sunshine. He's ours. This is what I wanted to tell you back at the Cullen house. It all made sense as soon as we saw him. He is the reason you were drawn back to Forks. It was your mating bond urging you closer to him.

"That makes no sense! Why now? I've been a vampire for eighty-five years. Why not before?"

I don't know. I don't know why you've only just begun experiencing the pull. You should've felt it the moment you woke up to this life.

"Then maybe you're wrong. Maybe . . . it's not that. Cullen's lie, remember?"

"I ain't a Cullen', Darlin'," Jasper told me. "Never was. After your birthday, when we left, Carlisle disowned me as a member of the Coven. I went back to my original name, Whitlock, and rejoined my Coven. I'm their Alpha. I only return to the Cullen's every couple of months to keep Alice, your father, Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett safe from those who see them as easy targets due to Carlisle's ineptitude and their diet!"

Our mate is a good man.

"Sure. Take his side." I grumbled.

It also makes sense. Think about it. We've heard the rumors over the years. Remember Alistair? Maggie? Siobhan and Liam? Even Garrett! Nobody has ever had a nice thing to say about Carlisle Cullen and his pretentious ways or his progeny! Especially his progeny!

"Surprising, considering the way he portrays himself." I frowned, trying to take it all in. This is so not where I expected tonight to go! I should be halfway to orgasm-ville by now.

You still could be . . .

"Who're you talkin' to, Darlin'?" He asked, taking a step closer to me.

I met his eyes.

Hmm. How to answer that?

Oh! The sexy Cowboy wants to know about me! Ooh. How thrilling!

"Myself," I answered. I didn't want to tell him. But there was something inside of me resisting the urge to lie. "There's," I sighed, "well, I'm not sure how to explain it. I just, um . . . there's a voice . . . in my head . . ." I shrugged and then huffed. "I might be a little . . . crazy, okay."

He smirked and took another step toward me. "I know you ain't crazy, Isabella."

How the hell is he so calm and put together? I'm a fuckin' mess!

He's taking it well.

"You're taking this very well. I just told you I hear voices in my head. Shouldn't you be freaking out about now?" I asked. "Or calling Carlisle? Sending me for a psych eval or something?"

He shook his head and took one final step, putting him toe-to-toe with me. Reaching out, he brushed his fingers across my cheek.

Oh. Wow . . .

His touch was unlike anything I'd ever felt. Like fire spreading through my veins. Hot and powerful, but not painful. The sensation urged me closer and I didn't hesitate to press my hand against the center of his chest, right above the place his heart should've been beating.

"Hmm." I hummed, leaning closer.

"I'm not worried, Darlin'." He whispered as his fingers trailed across my bare shoulder and down my arm. "And there's no way I'd ever call Carlisle."

"Oh?" I met his eyes. "How come?"

"You don't trust him." He said simply. "The Cullens abandoned you. Edward hurt you, near enough abused you. Carlisle let it happen." A low growl rumbled through his chest. "I know I was one of them then; I left ya, too. But if you'd let me, I'd like to—"

Does he ever shut up?

This is getting us nowhere.

Actions speak louder than words. Let's show him.

He was still babbling on about some shit or another and I was losing my patience with it all so I took matters into my own hands. Grabbing hold of his shirt, I pulled him into me and kissed him.

Ah. That shut him up!

He was surprised at first, but a little nip of his lovely bottom lip sure spurred him into action. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me flush against his chest as he returned my kiss. As soon as his tongue met mine and began gently caressing, my mind shut down and the world around me blurred. All that mattered was this man and all the beautiful things he was about to do to me.

– Jasper's POV –

As soon as we arrived in Seattle, I left Alice and Charlie to find Peter and I began the hunt for my mate. Her beautiful scent and the pull of our bond led me to her door. But nothin' could've prepared me for when she pulled it open and I came face to face with Isabella Swan, clad in leather pants and a corset!

Hot damn! She looks fuckin' sinful!

This wasn't going to be the meetin' I'd envisioned. The one where we hash it all out and share our stories. With the emotions she was givin' off, I knew exactly what she wanted.

Part of my mind wondered who she'd been waiting for and who she was talkin' to, but the other half . . . well, the other half was currently pulsing between my legs, achin' to mate and claim the stunnin' female stood before me.

And then she kissed me.

She kissed me!

I was tryin' to make my case and she kissed me!

I felt her impatience. Her desire. Her arousal. And then her lips were on mine and, for the briefest second, I froze! Me! Major of the Southern Wars. Froze.

Again. Get a fuckin' grip, Solider!

She noticed it too and, again, took matters into her own hands. This time with a little nip to my bottom lip.

Looks like our girl might be wearin' the trousers in this relationship!

That seemed to get me goin'! I pulled her into me and kissed her. It was the best kiss of my life! Full of passion and promise.

"Are you sure, Darlin'?" I needed to be sure. I couldn't, wouldn't claim her as mine if she wasn't sure. This was an all-or-nothing deal! She needed to be aware of what she was getting herself into. "Once I'm inside of you, Isabella, you'll be mine fer eternity."

She pulled back to look into my eyes. "It's probably you who should be worried, Jasper." She grinned. "I'm the crazy one, remember?"

Ain't nothin' crazy about my mate!

"You ain't crazy, Darlin'."

"That's debatable." She grinned and then sighed and took a step back. "Look, I'm not . . . I've been alone for a long time. Pretty much my whole vampire life . . . And, the truth is, I'm not like the Cullens. I've gone out of my way to be the exact opposite of everything they stand for."

"I ain't a Cullen, either, Darlin'." I reminded her.

She shook her head, sighed, and then took another step into her apartment. I went to follow her but she held out her hand to stop me. "If you come in here, I won't be able to stop myself. And, maybe, you need to know a few things before this goes any further."

"I'm listenin'."

She took a deep breath and then sighed. "I live in a very morally grey area." She told me. "I had no qualms taking Edward apart. I took several of his body parts and have no plan to return them. Ever. If he comes near me again, I'll burn them. I have several pets across the globe. Some human. Some vamp. I like sex. A lot. I'm a Domme. My vampire subs call me Mistress. My human subs call me Miss. Queen; none of them know my real name."

"I enjoy spending my time laying on the beach enjoying a Mai Tai and a cabana boy. I don't always kill. I'm not opposed to it, but I do prefer the snatch, eat, erase method. Saves on all that pesky body disposal. I'm excellent at glamouring humans. Thanks to Edward, that was the first vampire trick I learned."

"I am a vampire. I am not a human, nor do I wish to pretend to be one. I enjoy the finer things in life, but I can also live out of a suitcase or a backpack if the mood strikes. I don't dwell on those I've killed. Their blood sustains my body and, if I take a life, I try to take those who've harmed others. But that's not always possible. I don't have a problem taking someone off the street. This is where my method of feeding comes in handy. I can feed without killing. But that hasn't always been the case. In the beginning, it was harder and I failed. A lot."

"I enjoy sex with humans. And I enjoy it even more when I feed from them at the same time. There's nothing better; well, nothing I've experienced so far." She grinned, her eyes lingerin' on my crotch.

"I wasn't expecting you tonight. My pet, Freddy, is on his way here. He's a vampire, deeply submissive in the bedroom. A nomad usually. I've known him for years; we've been having sex for decades."

A low, possessive growl rumbled through my chest.

"Your growl is the sexiest sound I've ever heard and it makes me wonder what it sounds like when you moan. I don't like sharing my space. I love to be on the road but I prefer living in a tropical highly sunny area because unlike you, I don't always sparkle in the sunshine."

"I will not live with the Cullens. Ever. And I can't live with my father, either. I'd like to have a relationship with him, but he doesn't need to be privy to certain aspects of my life, such as our future sex life or my feeding habits. I doubt he'll approve."

"I'm a little crazy. I talk to myself. The voice in my head often answers. We argue. A lot. I have trust issues. If I trust you, you're lucky. If you lose that trust, you're dead. I'm not opposed to killing my enemies. But I don't tend to go looking for trouble. I like to be alone. But I'd make the exception for you."

"I can be a bitch. I own that. I drink. Coffee is my lifeline. If we don't have sex soon, I might combust. I work. I do not, nor will I ever, go back to high school. I do not shop unless I need to. I will not play dress up or Bella barbie. And there will be no makeovers. I'm a big girl now, if I want to wear makeup, I will. If I don't, I won't. My body. My choice. If you still wish to mate with me, Jasper, please come in and drop your trousers."

That was . . .

Fuck me.

Wow!

She was direct. Dominant. And fuckin' sexy as hell.

I've got no idea what 'morally grey' means. She's a vampire. She's living her best vampire life. The Cullen's way of life is completely abnormal in our world. The way Bella lives her life is completely normal! Hell, she even takes out killers! That's the strangest part of the whole thing. Most vamps just take what they want and move on. She goes out of her way to kill the killers! That's pretty damn impressive.

Then again, Charlie's the same way. He refused to kill innocents but also refused the animal blood diet. So, with his mate's help, he took to hunting criminals. Once he started, Pete, Char, and I joined him.

I don't care who we eat, as long as it's human. I can't stomach that animal shit a moment longer!

There was a lot to unpack in that speech! I had a lot of questions. The most important: how the hell does she go into the sunlight without sparkling? And did she say something about coffee? Does she drink? How is that possible?

Don't know. Don't care. We can ask later. Much, much later. Do as our mate has ordered and mate her!

I took a step into her apartment. "I ain't goin' anywhere, Darlin'."

I pulled her closer as I ground my erection into her, makin' her moan as our lips met once more. There was nothin' more to say tonight. The time for talk was over.

She pulled me further into her apartment and I kicked the door closed as I entered. Simultaneously removing my jacket. Her hands ran up and down my chest. My shirt didn't make it as she tore it from my body. A low, intimate snarl left her lips as she got her first look at my scarred chest.

She wasn't scared, though. She was pissed off. Furious. Outraged and feelin' all kinds protective. But she wasn't scared. If anything, she was turned on!

That's new. Most females see our scars and run fer the hills. Our mate is turned on!

"When we're done here." She purred, kissing each of my scars. Damn, it felt fuckin' good! "You're going to tell me exactly who did this to you, Jasper. And if the culprit is still alive, I'm going to make them wish they weren't."

Yes, ma'am!

Yeah. I'm man enough to admit, I like her dominant side. No. I fuckin' love it! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for being the dominant one in the relationship. I'm a dominant man. An Alpha. But I ain't opposed to lettin' my mate take the lead now and then. If she wants to play, I'll happily bow to her desires.

And I ain't opposed to a little murder, either. Especially if it means we get to take out Maria. I've been waitin' fer an opportunity to kill that bitch for decades.

"Yes, ma'am." I moaned as she began lickin' me, markin' her territory.

I wasn't worried about her former pets and lovers, either. Nor the humans she's slept with. Once we've mated, it'll all be in the past. Mates don't share. Ever.

And I ain't gonna judge her for the things she's done in the past. Fuck. I ain't no saint!

As her hands moved over my chest, explorin' and markin', I removed her corset and tossed it aside. Her skin was soft and smooth, flawless and beautiful beneath my fingers. We kissed, licked, and nipped at one another. Low growls and moans filled the quiet room.

Her fingers tore through my jeans as she moved lower, lickin' and kissin' her way down my body. As her teeth scraped across my nipple, her little hand wrapped around my cock.

Fuck! The feel of her hand on me was like heaven!

How the hell is she so fuckin' warm?

I wonder what she'll feel like inside.

We weren't going to make it to the bedroom. Hell, at this point we weren't going to leave the foyer!

Her leather pants disappeared beneath my fingers. I'm not sure if they survived my need to see her. Feel her! Oh, well.

I explored every inch of her little body as she kissed and licked me. Somehow, we ended up on the floor. I'm not sure how. Our lips were locked, tongues battlin' for dominance, a fight she was going to make me work for. Not that I minded. I wanted to taste her. To worship every inch of her. But she had other plans. I was sitting against her front door when she moved into my lap, straddlin' me.

She squirmed and wriggled. Her desire and need were rampant. But I managed to still her before she dropped down onto my aching cock.

"Are you sure, Darlin'?" I asked, one final time. "Once we mate, there's no goin' back. You'll be mine. For all eternity."

"Jasper," she half-growled, half-moaned. Her hands slid down her body, fingers pullin' on her nipples, and then moved lower. She caressed her slick, wet pussy and used her juices to coat my cock in her essence. "Mate me." She growled. "Now."

Fuck.

I weren't about to deny her!

No female vampire I've ever been with has been this fuckin' hot! As soon as she was wrapped around my cock, it was like enterin' a fuckin' furnace! But fuck, I loved every second of it.

She rocked herself back and forth, adjusting to my size, and then locked eyes with me as she began to move. My arms wrapped around her, holdin' her against me as we found our rhythm. My lips met hers in a heated, passionate kiss. It was the most amazin', wonderful thing I've ever experienced. And, I ain't gonna lie, I've had a lot of partners in my time. None of them have ever brought me as much pleasure as my little Darlin'. She was exquisite. We moved together, in perfect harmony. At first, it was fast and desperate, both of us needin' the release, but after the first orgasm she slowed her movements and it became about pleasure, about being together and connectin' as mates.

Our bond solidified after that first orgasm. From then on, we were two lovers, explorin' each other's bodies. Two vampires markin' and claimin' one another.

With mates, everythin' is instant. The bond. The relationship. The emotions. The love. It all converges on you at once. It can be overwhelming, desperate, and a heady experience. One that typically always results in a physical claiming.

We moved from position to position, but the one she was most happy with, the one that brought her the most pleasure was the simple missionary. Connecting with her as our bodies were flush together. Her legs wrapped around my waist, and her hands pulled at my hair as I sank even further into her warmth. It was exquisite.

At the height of our ecstasy, unable to resist, I sank my teeth into her throat, markin' my mate as mine for all eternity. She cried out my name as my venom filled her. Only when it was over and she was fully marked and claimed did she flip us over and ride me into oblivion. Fuck it was fantastic. Her pussy pulsed and squeezed me. I watched as her lovely breasts bounced, hypnotized by her sheer beauty of her. She didn't stop until I reached my climax. And as I came deep inside of her, her teeth sank into my throat, claimin' me as hers.

Her markin' set me off again! I flipped us, and with a roar took my mate. She was mine. Only mine! Nothin' would ever come between us again. Nothin' could ever pull us apart. We were one. Mated. Claimed.