– Bella's POV –

"Let's focus on one problem at a time," Jasper suggested. "What do we know about Victoria?"

While the rest of us were fuming over the most recent revelation, my mate remained still and very, very calm. Eerily calm. It was almost like he'd shut down. He was ridged, his eyes as black as midnight. Merciless. But I couldn't sense any anger in him. Except for his eyes, there was no outward emotion at all! Just calm. It seeped out of him. But instead of making everyone feel at ease, they were anxious, and concerned, shifting nervously, as his eyes swept the room. Was this type of behavior normal?

I'm not sure we should be the judge of what's normal and what's not.

"She's coming," Peter stated. "Soon." He shook his head. "I don't know when, but it's gonna be real fuckin' bad if we don't intervene."

Hmm. She's early.

"You aren't surprised," Jasper stated, his eyes on me.

I shrugged. "She usually shows up around March. It's the anniversary of James' death. She likes to remind me what's to come. Usually with a bunch of flowers and a condolence card with a message about how we'll meet again one day."

"But you were human," Alice hissed. "You didn't do anything! You were the one being hunted!"

"Doesn't matter. I was the catalyst for James's death," I told her. "You could argue it was his own fault. If he'd left and not taken on a Coven of seven vampires, he'd likely still be with her. But Vicky is beyond that now. Her mate is dead and she wants revenge."

"It's been eighty-five years!"

"I think she still believes I'm mated to Edward, but I'm resisting the pull to him to keep him and the Coven safe," I explained. "I'm not sure why she didn't just kill me and then go after the Coven. Maybe she doesn't think she's strong enough to take them all on at once. Maybe she's waiting for something." I shrugged. "Who's to say what's happening in her mind? She's lost her mate; she's not thinking clearly."

"I believe," I sighed, "she's still operating under the assumption I'm the same Bella Swan who'll happily sacrifice her life for those fools. She's wrong. If she wants Eddie, I'll gladly hand him over and not feel an ounce of remorse as she rips him apart and lights the match."

Dad and Alice were shocked by my words. The other three not as much. I wasn't going to apologize. I'm not the same Bella I was when they knew me. I'm not about to go back to being a boring, pathetic, doormat for everyone to walk all over, either!

If they don't like me as I am, they know where the door is. Nobody is forcing them to stay!

"None of this matters," Pete intervened. "Fact is, she's comin' and we need to be in place to stop her. The Cullens aren't the only ones who'll fall if this gets out of hand."

"Explain," Jasper barked.

"She's bringin' an army, Major. Newborns." He told us. "She'll rip through the Cullen's, kill the lot of 'em, and then unleash the newborns on Forks and the surroundin' areas. Half the town will be massacred. The Volturi will have to intervene and to ensure the safety of our world, it'll be wiped out."

"The Volturi will nuke Forks?" Dad asked, his mouth hanging open in shock.

Peter shook his head. "The entire state of Washington."

Fuck me!

"The whole state?" Dad asked. "All those people . . ."

Pete nodded. "The carnage will be widespread. There won't be a way to ensure our secret without takin' out the whole state."

"Do you have any idea on a time, Pete?"

"Negative." He shook his head. "I just know it'll be soon."

"What's today's date?" I asked.

"It's the fifteenth," Char answered.

I looked over at Jasper. "It'll be the twenty-fifth," I told him. "If she keeps to her timeline she'll attack on the anniversary of James' death. He died on March twenty-fifth. That's when the cards and flowers show up."

"Ten days."

"That doesn't give us long,"

"Long enough," my mate growled, straightening.

Ah. Finally, he seems to have awoken from his nap.

"Alice," he barked, all business now, and damn it was sexy, "call Carlisle and tell him what's going on and that we're on our way back to Forks."

She nodded and darted away.

"Charlie!" Jasper continued. "Call the shifter Alpha and inform him what's happenin' and what's about to go down in his town. The pack doesn't need to be a part of it but they'll need to be aware and ready to protect their land."

"Can do, Major." Dad disappeared as soon as he had his orders.

"Char, call the Denali Coven and get them to Forks. Don't tell them we know Eleazar's lied to us. I want to question him myself."

"I'm on it, Major." She said and slipped out of the room.

Finally, he turned to Peter. "Do you have any idea the size of her army?"

"Right now, no more than fifty. But it changes daily. Sometimes she's addin', sometimes she's losin' numbers due to in-fightin'."

The Major nodded. "Call Garrett. Get him here. And if you can reach any of the other nomads that are willin' to help, do it. I want as many seasoned fighters as we can get to offset the Cullen's weaknesses."

Silently, Peter nodded and disappeared as Jasper turned to me. There was something different about him . . . something . . . I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Not worried are you, Major?" I asked, moving at my natural vampire speed to straddle his lap.

Ah. Nope. He wasn't worried. He was aroused.

Hmmm. I wasn't expecting that.

He growled softly. His hands moved to my hips, pushing me down, as he lifted his hips to press the bulge in his jeans against my center.

"About an army of fifty or more newborns marchin' into Forks intent on destroyin' my former Coven, my mate, and the whole town?" He asked. "Nah."

"Good." I smiled. "Then you can escort me home so I can grab a few provisions and we can, uh," I smiled, "take care of this rather sizable problem you're having . . ."

With a low, intimate growl, Jasper stood and tossed me over his shoulder. "We'll be back in an hour, Pete! Be ready to leave." He called as we left the hotel room and headed back to my place.

– XOXO –

"At some point," I panted, leaning into my mate, "we're going to have to try that in a bed."

We'd only just made it into my apartment.

As soon as we were inside the elevator, the doors closed behind us, Jasper turned to me a low, sexy-as-hell growl rumbled through his chest. Without a word, he descended on me, pinning me against the wall. His hands slowly, sensually slid over my body, caressing every inch of me he could reach as his lips met mine in a passionate, fiery kiss. His hips pressed into me, keeping me pinned in place as he lifted both my hands above my head, holding them there in one of his.

Oh! This is a surprise. I didn't know he had it in him.

Our tongues met as I opened my mouth. Unlike our previous kisses—where we'd almost battled for dominance—this time there was no denying him. He growled as his tongue stroked mine and something in me relented allowing him to take control.

I wasn't used to being the submissive one in the relationship. There was part of me that wouldn't allow it, she growled and wriggled against his hold.

Why is he so strong?

Surprising me, the fight seemed to turn him on even more. He rubbed that delicious bulge against my belly and growled back at me.

This was unusual. I wasn't expecting it. All the other males I've been with, and some females, relent after a few growls. Not Jasper. He held on tighter and refused to submit.

"Behave, mate," he growled in my ear. "Submit, or we'll never stop fightin' fer dominance."

I hissed. "I don't submit."

He chuckled.

Chuckled!

The man chuckled!

He wasn't angry or deterred or even spurred on. He was amused!

Another growl came from me as I tried to free myself from his grip but he just held on tighter, his lips gently brushing across my throat.

The elevator was beginning to slow as we reached my floor. Shocking me, Jasper suddenly released my hands and lifted me into his arms. My legs went around his waist as he pressed himself against my wet center. Feeling him throb and twitch against me was wonderful and I suddenly needed more of him.

His lips moved back to mine as the doors swept open. I'm not sure how we made it to my apartment. Or how he unlocked the door. But somehow, we made it inside. The next thing I know, I heard the tearing of fabric as he ripped my jeans clean off! My panties went next. And then there was a gasp from somewhere behind me; I don't know who it was, I didn't much care, to be honest. With a desperate growl, Jasper was buried inside of me. My back hit the wall as he began to wildly thrust. I was on the cusp of a wonderful orgasm when my door slammed shut. His fingers moved between us and he began stroking my clit, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.

"Come for me, mate," he purred.

Fuck. That's all it took and I was flying into bliss.

Lips moved across my throat. "That's my good girl." He nuzzled and kissed and held me against him with such tenderness you'd never believe he was savagely pounding into me!

After that, all there was, was him and me and utter bliss. The moment he let go and came undone inside of me, he sank his teeth into my throat and my body just react. There was something so unbelievably pleasurable about his bite, it pushed me over the brink and I was flying again.

If I'm being completely honest, sex with Jasper is like nothing I've ever experienced. He was strong and savage, but still gentle and tender. He dominated, but he didn't force me to submit; it was my choice. A choice I'm not about to make, by the way. I don't submit. Ever.

I dunno. You liked it when he called you his good girl.

I did not.

My whole body still trembled from the powerful orgasms.

He brushed his lips across my jaw. "A bed sounds nice," he purred. "I'd like to make love to you, mate. Take my time. Explore every inch of this beautiful body."

Oh, damn. That sounds good. Let's go now!

"I have a bed," I grinned.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "After we've dealt with Victoria," he promised. "I want to be able to take my time, Darlin'."

The enemy is approaching pretty damn fast. And the whole state of Washington is kinda relying on our stopping her. That might take precedence over sex with our mate.

Damn Cullens always ruining my fun.

Don't worry. You can take it out on them during training. Nobody said we had to hold back.

Good point. Suddenly things are looking up!

"Tell me honestly, Darlin'," Jasper said softly, kissing and nipping my throat, "I need to know, are you upset we're mated?"

My whole body tensed and went cold. How could he think such a thing?

Uh. Well, we haven't been very enthusiastic about it. More worried about what we've lost than what we're gaining. Hint. Hint.

What are we gaining?

Oh, I don't know. It could be the stud muffin between our legs! His dick's nicer than Garrett's, bigger too! And he knows how to use what God gave him! How can you possibly be upset about that? Sex with our mate for eternity is not going to be a hardship!

Plus, there's the more important parts. The fire when he touches us, the tingles, the feeling in our chest, the desire, the connection we feel to him, the need to be closer to him, and the blossoming love. I know you're not going to admit to that yet. But it's there and I know you can feel it!

There's also the fear that something will happen to him during the coming battle. You're going to push yourself harder than ever before to ensure he survives what's coming. Despite knowing he's more than capable of protecting himself and us. You're not going to let him protect you!

Well, of course not! I'm not some sissy girl. I can protect myself, thank you very much!

I know it'll take you a while to admit how much you like his dominant side. Or that, when he called you his good girl, you orgasmed harder than you ever have before!

It's okay to be vulnerable with him. It's okay to let your guard down and trust him. He's ours. That won't ever change. This isn't a trick; there is no ulterior motive here.

Then, of course, there's the fear of what comes after the battle. When it's just the two of you and you have to let your guard down around him. I know you fear that moment when he realized what a mess we are. We can keep it together for a while, but Jasper's going to be with us for eternity. That terrifies you.

What you don't see is, if you let it, life with our mate could be amazing! We'll never again be alone. He'll be there through all the bad times and all the good. You'll protect each other. Love each other. Your connection will grow as you walk through life together. You'll always have him beside you. As a friend. A companion. A lover. A partner. Maybe, one day, even your husband. You'll be able to travel the world together, go on amazing adventures, or just lie on the beach enjoying the sunset in his arms. There is no limit to the future the two of you could have! But you're hung up on the things that are changing . . .

I'm not good with change. You know that. And this is a big one!

Massive. Life altering.

Terrifying.

Exciting. Thrilling. Beautiful. Amazing!

Soft fingers brushed across my cheek, sweeping a lock of hair out of my eyes. "What does she have to say, Darlin'?"

And then there's that. I think he's the first person who hasn't looked at us like we're insane! Even though it's a big possibility!

"She says you're the first person who hasn't treated us like we're a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic."

He burst out laughing, tossing his head back. The sound was erotic, sexy, and free. I watched as his Adam's apple bobbed up and down and as he looked back at me, his eyes darkened.

"You, my beautiful mate, are not crazy," he said gently brushing a kiss across my forehead.

See? He's kinda perfect.

"Do you know why you talk to her, Darlin'?" He asked.

I shook my head. "The voice in my head has always been there. Ever since I woke up."

"Mm." He nodded. "As a human, Edward spent a long time glamouring you. Glamouring can have a profound effect on the human mind, especially when it's done for an extended period. The Volturi outlawed it centuries ago, because of the adverse effects. When Edward left you would've gone through withdrawals."

"Like an addict?"

"Exactly like that. Did you ever experience symptoms similar to the flu or a stomach bug?"

I nodded. "Not long before I was turned, I just thought it was the bug going around."

"That likely didn't help, but it could've also been a side effect of the withdrawal. Then there were the other side effects you mentioned; hallucinations, hearing his voice, your lack of appetite, weight loss, and sleep deprivation. These are all side effects of bein' glamoured. Then, on top of going through detox, you were turned unexpectedly and violently. Have you ever considered, the voice you talk to is yer inner vampire?"

I frowned. "No."

"I think yer like me, Darlin'," he said softly. "When I was with Maria, there was a time when the battles, the blood, the carnage, and death, got worse. My mind couldn't handle it and . . . it, uh, fractured." He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

He went on to explain how he became an entirely different man. Jasper receded into the back of his head, for his sanity, and the darker part of him took over. The Major. He was the part that could handle the brutality of constant wars and the viciousness of his Sire.

These days life is a little different for them. Most believe Jasper has The Major locked up inside his mind, or that he's gone, but the truth is, they're almost the same man. He is, and will forever be, Major Jasper Whitlock. Both the gentleness of Jasper and the darker, colder Major. Only when it's necessary does The Major return and that hasn't happened in decades. The Major is happy to let Jasper live his life, especially now he's back on human blood! The Major couldn't stand animal blood after almost a century of partaking in a vampire's natural diet.

"There is another part," he told me, "he's the part of me that nobody ever wants to meet. The God of War. When even The Major couldn't handle life with Maria, The God of War was unleashed upon his enemies. He is the very darkest part of me. The most brutal, terrifyin' part. He recognizes no one. Feels nothin'. Answers to no one. And will kill anyone in his path, no matter who they are."

"I can't imagine there being a part of you that wouldn't recognize our bond," I admitted.

"I don't know what would happen if he came forth now. Maria seemed to think she was the only one who could control him, but I doubt that was ever true. She was as scared of him as everyone else. Truth is, I ain't sure what he'd do to you or what he'd feel. Maybe he would sense our bond . . . but maybe he wouldn't. That ain't a risk I'm willin' to take, Darlin'. Not ever."

I leaned into him. "Then I guess it's a good thing there isn't a need for him to rise. Whatever enemies we face in the future, they can deal with you and me. Let The God of War rest. He's done his job. You're here. You're safe. We're together. Let him be at peace with that."

He smiled and leaned forward to kiss me, soft and sweet.

"Do you still talk to The Major?" I wondered.

"All the time." He smiled. "And so have you."

I frowned. "I have?"

He grinned. "In the elevator . . ."

My eyes widened. "That was The Major?"

"It was." If possible, his grin grew wider. "He ain't ever gonna submit to ya, Darlin'," he warned.

I pouted. "Never?"

Does this mean I'm going to have to submit? I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Oh! Oh! I know. I know! Should I tell you?

"Never," Jasper repeated, his tone just a little darker and more possessive. "The Major doesn't submit. Ever. To anyone. He is an Alpha. Dominant in all things. In time, you will submit to him, Darlin'. To find peace and balance within our bond, one of you must submit . . ."

I sighed. And he wouldn't. From the little I know about him so far, he certainly wasn't the submissive kind. Jasper, no matter which part of him is in control, was an Alpha.

But so are you . . .

Which was going to cause us to clash on occasion. Especially if one of us couldn't relent and submit to the other. At least partially.

"In the bedroom," Jasper grinned, "I ain't The Major, Darlin'. I'm happy to give in to all yer fantasies and desires."

Huh. Well, I wasn't expecting that! He really is perfect for us. Both sexy dominant and willing to play with us? What more could we ask for?

"So, The Major won't ever submit," I clarified, "but you would?"

His grin widened. "On occasion, I happen to enjoy a female who likes to take control in the bedroom."

He's the best of both worlds! He'll be able to give us exactly what we need. And he understands us better than anyone else! It makes sense now! We aren't crazy, just two halves of the same coin! You, the insecure, neurotic human bits. Me the cool, calm, insightful vampire bits.

I'm not insecure. Or neurotic. And our start in this life wasn't nearly as traumatic as Jasper's!

Not insecure, huh? Then stop comparing Jasper to Edward. He is not Edward! Move on from what Edward did and accept you are now a mated woman and all the good that comes with that. Give in to your desires and accept The Major as our Alpha.

And don't compare our story with Jaspers. What's traumatic for him, might not be for us, and vice versa. Our start was traumatic for us. Don't downplay that. The things we went through, we did that all alone.

Waking up buried and trapped inside a coffin.

Our first kill.

The first innocent life we took.

The first time we discovered our gift and our heart started beating again!

The first time we turned ourselves back into a human! Remember that? Remember how scared and freaked out we were?

The year we spent starving ourselves on animal blood and the ugly aftermath.

These are our traumas. All of them, we faced on our own. That alone is traumatic!

We were on our own. No one to guide us. No one to talk to but each other. No one to keep us sane. No one to help us or comfort us while we grieved for all we'd lost.

Our story isn't full of war and battles like Jasper's, but to us, it was traumatic. It was hard. It was painful and scary. Don't downplay what we went through because it's not the same as what someone else went through.

You're right. As usual. The first few years were a struggle. Sometimes I forget how far we've come and everything we've faced together. It's nice to know you're never going to go away.

Are you kidding? I've seen you make decisions without me. I think I'll stick around.

"Now," Jasper grinned, brushing his lips across my jaw, "yer avoidin' my question, Miss. Swan. Are you upset about our matin', Darlin'?"

I ran my fingers through his hair and gave it a gentle tug. "I don't do change very well," I admitted. "And this is a big one."

"It is." He nodded. "But there ain't no rush, Darlin'. We have eternity. We can start slow, and get to know each other. I'm not goin' anywhere."

That didn't sound too bad, I guess. "We're so different." I sighed. "I'm not the same person I was when you knew me and . . ."

He pressed his finger against my lips. "I ain't him, Bella," he told me. "You knew me as Jasper Hale. But he ceased to exist when Carlisle threw me outta the Coven. Get to know the real me, and I promise ya, Darlin', I won't disappoint ya."

He's ours. Every part of him. Jasper. The Major. Even The God of War. How could he not be perfect for us?

Ours?

Uh-huh. And, I'd bet Alice's left tit Major Jasper Whitlock is nothing like Edward Cullen. That's what you're worried about, right?

It might be . . .

Nah. The Fates, God, cupid, or whoever decides this type of thing aren't that cruel. They would never mate us with a man who's anything like Edward Cullen because he isn't what we need. Jasper is what we need.

Why Alice's left tit and not mine?

We have fuck awesome tits! Jasper likes to nuzzle them. No way am I giving that up!

I leaned into him, enjoying the warmth of his body. "No, I'm not disappointed we're mated," I told him, making sure he understood I wasn't disappointed with him. I didn't want him to worry I'd rather be somewhere else or with someone else. But I can't say I'm not cautious. For a while, I think, part of me is always going to wonder when the other shoe will drop.

But then, Jasper isn't Edward. And I need to stop comparing them. Jasper is a man. He's strong, kind, smart, compassionate, gentle, and powerful. He is not an insecure, naïve little boy.

I can't say I love him, not yet. One day, it'll happen, I can already see that. And I'm open to it. But I'm not there yet.

– XOXO –

To save time, and water, Jasper and I showered together.

Time and water? Seriously. That's what you're going with?

It's more efficient.

Uh-huh. And it has nothing to do with our sexy mate being all wet and naked? Or the time you spent on your knees enjoying the taste of his dick? Or the three orgasms that followed?

Fringe benefit.

When we were clean and satisfied, I dried my hair and quickly braided it so I wouldn't have to worry about it later. Then I did my makeup. I went a little heavier this time and added crimson-colored lipstick that looked great with my skin tone. No need to hold back anymore.

Jasper peeked over my shoulder while I was deciding on underwear. With a kiss on my cheek, he picked out the red lace bra and panty set. "Wear these, Darlin'," he insisted.

His subtle command went straight to my nether region! It was sexy and thrilling, even if it meant giving him a little control. I'm not completely unreasonable. I can bend, on occasion. I just . . . ever since Edward I haven't let anyone have that kind of control over me. What if I give in and lose myself again?

You won't. You're an entirely different woman now than you were back then. And Jasper is an entirely different man. Say it with me: Jasper. Is. Not. Edward!

I dressed simply in a pair of black skinny jeans and a black fitted v-neck t-shirt. Nothing too fancy.

I slipped my feet into black, peep-toe stiletto ankle boots and grabbed my black leather jacket out of my closet. Then I packed a bag with a few essentials and added in some weapons that would throw Vicky and her army off. Hopefully.

"Are we running or driving?" I asked, finding Jasper in my living room reading the book I'd left on the coffee table.

Oooh. Our mate likes to read. There's something very sexy about a man who enjoys a good book.

He set the book back down and stood. "It'll be quicker to run. I want to get this initial meetin' over with. I have a feelin' we'll meet a little resistance from a few of them."

I nodded. "Namely Carlisle and Edward. Possibly even Esme."

He sighed and nodded.

Maybe a little incentive. . .

"Hold that thought." I dropped my bag and darted back into my bedroom, gathering up what I needed. "Okay. Now I'm ready," I said, returning to the living room.

"Whatcha got there, Darlin'?" He wondered as he led me out of the apartment.

"Edward parts." I shook the bag and they all began to twitch and squirm again. "If Carlisle wants Edward's missing pieces back, they'll have to behave. Otherwise, I have no problem tossing them right into the fire. And I've got some pretty important bits in here." I grinned.

I'm not above blackmail or being petty. Or vindictive, for that matter. No skin off my nose if Edward loses all his parts.

"What parts did ya take, Darlin'?" Jasper wondered.

I grinned. "Oh, you know. An assortment of bits and bobs."

A/N: So, Bella's not crazy! She's talking to her inner vamp. I wonder if her inner vamp will come out to play. That might be interesting.

The next one will be out on Thursday and we'll finally get a look at the inner working of the Cullen Coven!