A/N: I needed a break from the drama. This one's all Isa and Jasper. With a little Major thrown in for good measure! Enjoy xoxo

– Isa's POV –

"Would you join me in a hunt, Darlin'?" Jasper purred in my ear, his arms wrapping around my waist as he came up behind me.

As much as I enjoyed catching up with Kate, I was ready for this day to be over and have a little alone time with my mate.

Unfortunately, before I could answer him, Carlisle jumped in and insisted I would only be hunting animals from now on. I'm not sure why he thought he had any right to tell me what I could or couldn't eat. Eleazar piped in with his two scents and even Carmen tried to insist animal blood was the way to go.

"Pete," I growled, "you're in charge of Edward and all his pieces. If anyone tries anything, feel free to start a bonfire!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Pete saluted me, grabbing Edward's head off the tree stump where I'd set him. "C'mon Ed, yer mine now!"

It took every ounce of strength I had within me to take Jasper's hand and lead him into the forest, ignoring the sudden insistence I change my diet and conform to their way of life! Why? Who the hell knows? None of the Denalis have ever had anything to say about my diet. They've always respected my choice to feed how I want!

I think it has more to do with being around the Cullens. Bella mused. To be a Cullen means to live by their rules and their choices. It's different for the Denali Coven. They respect an individual's choices. Eleazar only agreed with Carlisle because they're mated and for some reason, Carmen's kissing their asses!

"It's almost over, Darlin'," Jasper purred, stopping a couple of miles from the house and pulling me into his arms.

I sighed and leaned into him, enjoying the feel of my mate's body against my own.

There was part of me that always thought, if I ever saw the Cullens again, we'd become this big happy family. I was angry and hurt by the way they left me, but I think part of me figured I'd just forgive them and we'd go on as if nothing happened. Now though, I'm not sure how much more of this I can deal with. Why can't they all just leave us alone and respect our decisions?

Because we've made decisions and live our life in ways they don't agree with, therefore they think it's their job to set us right. We just have to hold on a little bit longer. After the battle, the Volturi will arrive and then they'll be Aro's problem!

I'm worried about that, too. What if they try to take Jasper away from us?

We're strong, Sunshine. We're powerful. If anyone tries to take our mate from us, we'll turn them to ash!

"Tomorrow," I said to Jasper, "I need to learn how to use my shield in battle. Perhaps when those who insist on telling me how to live my life—those who think me weak and easily manipulated—see me crush my enemies to dust, they'll think twice before crossing me again!"

Jasper purred, his lips brushing across my throat. My back hit a nearby tree as he lifted me into his arms and pressed her erection into my core as he nipped at my throat. "Do you have any idea how much ya turn me on, Darlin'?"

I laughed softly. "I have some idea, yes." I tightened my legs around his waist, enjoying the feel of him.

Hmm. You know, I didn't believe him when he told us he's a man who can be both submissive and dominant, but I'm starting to think Jasper wouldn't mind being the more submissive partner.

I can see Jasper as a submissive type, but not The Major.

Oh, no! Definitely not The Major. Our Major is all dominant, sexy Alpha male. But Jasper . . .

Running my fingers through his hair, he began to purr again, his body subtly vibrating against mine. Giving his hair a little tug, he lifted his head, so that his black eyes met mine.

"I need you, Isa," he whispered.

Sweeping my fingers beneath his eyes, across the dark purplish shadows. "We both need to feed first," I told him, my voice assertive. There was no mistake, I was the one in charge here. Not him. Not tonight. "Then you're going to take me to my apartment in Seattle and I'm going to have my wicked way with you, mate."

The purring in his chest exploded as his whole body began to tremble and vibrate. "Anythin' ya wish, Miss. Swan."

I shook my head. "Isa. It's always Isa."

"Isa," he breathed. "My Isa." Pressing one last kiss to my pulse point, he took off towards Seattle with me still in his arms.

– XOXO –

As we were running towards settle, Jasper told me how he'd been feeding from drug addicts because they were so blissed out that they felt none of the pain another victim would feel. But it wasn't always possible. There are only so many drug addicts on the streets and eventually, someone would notice them going missing.

"Is that why you tried the animal blood diet?" I asked. "The pain of your victims?"

He nodded. "I can control their emotions but as soon as I began to feed, my gift falters and I feel everythin' they're feelin'. After leavin' the south, the fear and pain of my kills became too much fer me to handle. I couldn't take it anymore so I changed my diet. When Charlie joined us, I switched my diet again, but most of the time, I still hunt animals, only taking a drug addict now and then to satiate my hunger. Feedin' this way, on a half-and-half diet, helps with my control. Because I'm satisfied, I haven't slipped since you were human!"

I smiled and kissed his cheek. It was remarkable, but, I wondered, "What if you just snapped your prey's neck and then drank from them?"

He faltered and came to an abrupt stop just outside Seattle. He set me down on my feet and looked down at me. "Run that by me again, Darlin'."

Do vampires lose brain cells as they get older?

"You remember you're a vampire, right?" I asked him. "We come with an entire arsenal of powers and abilities. Extreme supernatural beauty is one of them. Speed another. And on top of that, you're empathic! Use those things to your advantage."

"Find a pretty girl, seduce her, lure her into a dark alleyway, fill her with lusty vibes, give her the best orgasm of her life, and then using your incredible speed, snap her neck and enjoy your dinner. No fear. No panic. No pain. Just bliss!"

He stared back at me, and then sighed, nodding his head. "Pete suggested somethin' similar about twenty years after I joined the Cullen's. I'd just started going to school with the others and I was havin' a hard time."

"I'm not surprised," I sighed, exacerbated. "What did Carlisle think was going to happen when he sent an empath into a high school with hormonal teenagers? He's a doctor! Did he not consider the implications for you? Oh, of course not! He was thinking about the poor, ickle biddy humans! No wonder you never smiled in Forks. You were going through a constant case of PMS every damn day!"

Jasper's lips twitched as he tried not to smile. That set me off. And before we knew it we were both laughing our assess off!

As we began to settle, he pulled me into him. "Pete suggested exactly what you did, snap their necks and then feed. We're so fast, it's unlikely a human would know or register any emotion. I suggested it to Carlisle, but," he sighed, "he said if I wanted to remain with the Coven I had to live by their rules and that meant never feeding on humans. Any unintentional slips would be forgiven, it was expected with this diet, but if he thought I was doing it on purpose, I'd be out. By this time, I'd become close with Esme, Rose, and Emmett, and," he shook his head, "Ali and Edward were getting closer. I was worried about leavin' her . . ."

"And Edward manipulating her." I finished.

That was understandable. If Edward had managed to sink his claws into Alice and began using her, with their combined gifts, who knows what trouble they could cause! Alice may have changed since I knew her, but when she joined the Cullens, she was susceptible to Edward's manipulations! She was new, young, and naïve. Jasper said she's only just started to see Edward for the monster he is! And the only reason they didn't grow closer is because Jasper put a stop to it! What would've happened if he'd left her alone and vulnerable to Edward's games?

I sighed and pulled him closer to me. "So, let me see if I understand this correctly," I said, running my hands up his chest. "You suffered through a century of war and torture at the hands of your Sire."

He nodded as my arms draped across his shoulders.

"Then Peter rescues you and you went into a depression due to your gift causing you to feel the horrendous pain as each of your victims died in your arms."

Again, he nodded. His arms slid around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

"Just when you don't think you can take any more, in walks Alice! An unusual vampire with golden eyes, offering you peace and a new way to live."

Again, he nodded.

"Only, as it turns out, this new life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Again, you suffer. Only this time it's not through war, but decades of high school with hormonal teenagers and severe boredom. And on top of that, you were forced to give up your natural food source and replace it with a diluted version that barely keeps you satisfied and tastes like shit!"

"And now you're telling me, you did all of this—suffered through all these years—for four incompetent adults who're being led around, lied to, and manipulated by a man who can't accept his sexuality or that he's become a vampire. Carlisle would rather turn his coven into humanesque vampires than embrace all this world has to offer! He's opened his family up to ridicule by vampire society and left them all defenseless against a potential enemy. So the only thing standing between them and death is you."

He sighed. "That about sums up my life, yes." He shrugged his shoulders. "That's what I am to them, Darlin'. Muscle. The bodyguard. I keep 'em all safe. That's my purpose within the Coven. Carlisle made that clear when he heard my story. He said that's all I'm good for. To defend. To take a beating."

I hate them! I hate them all! I didn't think it was possible to hate anyone so much! And I'm throwing Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett in there as well. How could they possibly be so stupid and blind? Jasper sacrificed everything! His happiness. His sanity. His health. And what does he get in return?

Us. He gets us.

"This ends. Now." I told him. "You are so much more than just a deterrent to keep the Cullens safe! Once this battle is over and we've met with the Volturi, we're leaving and we are not coming back."

He looked like he was about to argue with me, so I took hold of his chin and looked him in the eye. "They're vampires, Jasper. They have all the same abilities and strengths as you. If they're too ignorant to take this opportunity and soak up everything you're teaching them, then frankly, they're too weak to live this life and need to be culled before they expose us all."

I took a deep breath and sighed. "You know," I took his hand in mine, "It's okay to embrace your humanity. If you or the Cullens wish to feed from animals, do that! Live your life however you wish. Be a part of the human world. Go to college to better yourself and then get a job. Have a career. Give back to the world you live in and make a difference! We're here for an eternity. We could be doing so much to make life better for those weaker than us."

"I think it's truly commendable that Carlisle is a doctor. He works to save as many human lives as he can and I think that's wonderful! But he and the others need to realize, they're vampires first. They are not human. They must accept what they've become and all they lost as well as all they gained when they were reborn into this life."

"They can't go around preaching to other vampires who don't choose to live their lives in the same way," I warned him. "They need to realize they have all the same strengths and weaknesses as every other vampire, and if they don't utilize what they have, they're going to die."

"And you, my mate," I reached up to cup his cheek in my hand, "need to realize it is not your job to save them. It is not your responsibility to defend them. That Is a position Carlisle forced you into. Maybe it's time you decide what you want and start making your own decisions."

He stared back at me, looking a little stunned and overwhelmed. There was a lot to unpack in what I'd said. A lot for him to think about. I didn't expect change right away, but it needed to happen. And I was serious. Once this fight is over, we're leaving and we're never coming back.

It's time the Cullens learned to stand on their own two feet. They're not incapable. They prove that every day they train with Jasper and Peter! I think they're just ignorant and sheltered. Carlisle has kept them all in the dark for so long, they have no idea what the real world is like. It's not all cushy luxury homes and designer clothes!

"I wouldn't even know where to start," he admitted, sighing heavily as he ran a hand through his hair.

"So, start with something simple," I suggested. "What would you like to hunt, my mate?" I asked him, giving him the choice.

I would never take his choices from him. If it was animal blood he wanted, I'd stand by him. If it was human, I'd shield his mind so he was never affected by his prey's final emotions.

"I'd like to hunt the way you do, Darlin'," he told me.

I eyed him. "Are you sure?" I asked. "I'm not a picky eater. I'll take an innocent or a criminal, I'm not bothered."

"I enjoy the idea of Charlie's diet," he said, his voice stronger. "He's dedicated to ridding the world of criminals, but, as you've pointed out, that ain't always possible. We're vampires. We need blood to survive. I'm not gonna fall to pieces over a life that's been taken to sustain my own or yers."

I nodded. "When this is all over, I can teach you how to feed without killing, if you'd like."

He smiled. "I'd like that," he agreed, "but I ain't got the best control . . ."

"It'll take time. And there will be slip-ups, a lot at first," I warned him. "But, as Char said, if we've got anything it's an abundance of time!"

– XOXO –

Feeding with my mate was an experience I'll never tire of! There was something very erotic about the whole thing.

We found a little dive bar in a seedier part of Seattle. We were going to hunt separately, as we'd always done in the past, but as mates it seems that's no longer possible. Every time I tried to seduce a male and lure him outside with me, Jasper's instincts took over and he scared the poor human away.

"This isn't working," I sighed, leaning into my mate as another male went running out the door when Jasper, again, intervened and chased the human off. "Let's try a different approach," I suggested. "You choose our dinner, and we'll feed together."

As soon as the words left my lips, I was pulled into his arms, my back pressed against his chest as he pointed out a little brunette with big doe eyes.

"I want to watch you, Darlin'," he purred, pressing his arousal into my lower back.

Well, I wasn't about to say no to him!

We spent half the night talking to her. She smelt delicious; a sweet, innocent little virgin. Kinda reminded me of human Bella.

Mm. Maybe that's what he likes about her.

It wasn't difficult to lure her out into the alleyway after closing time. She was ready and eager. Full of liquor and Jasper's lusty vibes. As soon as we were outside, she was in my mate's arms, rubbing herself against him.

Brazen little hussy, isn't she?

As Jasper increased the lusty vibes, she began to tremble with the oncoming orgasm. At the same time, I enveloped him in my shield, just in case.

"Feed my mate," he purred. "Let me watch you, baby."

His hand thrust into my hair, gently leading me to our prey's throat. Keeping my eyes on him, my teeth sank into her jugular just as she began to pant and moan, bucking her hips between me and Jasper.

He watched me feed, his hand on the back of my head, gripping my hair. Unable to stand it for long, he joined me, sinking his teeth into our prey's throat and groaning as her delicious blood bathed his tongue and slid down his throat.

When our prey was dead, Jasper pushed her aside and we came together like two wild animals. This time, there was no saving my jeans as he tore them from my body and thrust inside of me, both of us desperate to reconnect and claim one another the way only two vampires can!

– XOXO –

The next morning, I was woken by soft kisses being peppered across my naked body as my mate whispered his declarations of love.

It's been decades since I slept. But, curled up in my bed with my mate wrapped around me, I allowed myself to relax and sleep in the safety of his arms.

I don't usually sleep. If I remain in my hybrid form, sleep becomes a necessity. Unlike a full vampire, hybrids need sleep. Not a lot, just a couple of hours every few months. Usually, I can time it and switch back to my vampire form before my body starts feeling the effects of a hybrid's physiology.

Last night was different.

After our hunt and claiming in the alleyway, Jasper and I ran back to my penthouse. We were both disheveled and underdressed, so I took him through the private entrance, avoiding the humans. As soon as we were inside, the door closed behind us, I lead him into the bedroom.

I had every intention of taking him, claiming him, making him mine. Dominating him! I wanted it. I needed it. At least, I thought I did. But by the time we got to the bedroom . . . what's that old saying? The wind came out of my sails, or something like that.

"I've noticed, there's not much difference between you and Bella," Jasper began, slowly removing what little clothes I still had on. When his black eyes met mine, I realized this wasn't Jasper undressing me, it was The Major.

"We're usually pretty in sync with one another," I agreed.

"Except for one thing," he said, slowly unbuttoning his shirt.

"What would that be?" I wondered.

"Because of her past with the Cullens, especially Ed, I think Bella needs to be the one to take control. She needs to be the assertive one, the dominant one. At least fer now."

I nodded.

Bella is more connected to her human side than I am. I was born from Laurent's venom. I am the vampire side of her. Not the human. I loathe the Cullens and all they've done to Bella. I would happily tear the whole Coven apart and light a match!

Bella is the more forgiving one. At least partially. Usually, she hates them as much as I do, but she can be flippy floppy. Her humanity tends to raise its ugly head and make her feel guilty. Fuck knows why she should feel guilty!

"But you, my beautiful Isa," he purred, laying me down on the bed, "are far more willing to accept yer dominant mate."

Naked and aroused, he slid into bed beside me, moving me so that I was straddling him. Slowly, remaining in complete control, he lowered me onto his straining erection until he was fully sheathed inside of me.

"Yer the part of Isabella that wants to submit," he breathed, his voice deep and husky, his black eyes boring into mine. "Am I right, little one?"

I groaned. "Yes, Major."

With a smirk he lifted himself, resting on his elbows. "Ride me, Isa." He commanded. "Show me how much you want it, little one."

Gripping the headboard, I road my stallion to bliss. His black eyes took in the sight of me, watching my every move as I lost myself in the pleasure of his body. I came again and again, but my Major did not once buck. Not until he was good and ready.

When that time came, when he couldn't hold back any longer, he spanked my ass and flipped us over, finding his pleasure within my body.

We fucked for hours.

Until my legs were like jelly and standing was no longer an option!

With my Major wrapped around me, still buried inside of me, he urged me to sleep and to allow my mind to shut down for a while.

After everything we'd been through recently, I think Bella and I needed that more than anything else. To feel complete and safe in our mate's arms. To close our eyes and rest for the first time in decades.

I'm not sure how long I slept. The sun was beginning to rise when Jasper woke me with sweet kisses and the soft, soothing sound of his purr. I love it when he does that.

"Good mornin', Darlin'," he smiled, deep red eyes meeting mine.

My Major had retreated again. That was fine. I knew he'd be back when I needed him. And one day, when she was ready, Bella would accept him as our Alpha, too.

"Good morning," I yawned and stretched, feeling refreshed. My addled mind felt clearer than it has since we came to Forks.

It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do!

Smiling, I curled into him, watching the sun rising higher in the sky and making my mate subtly glow.

We'll have to see if we can do something about that. We can't take him to the beach if he's going to scare the locals! I wonder if our shield can black out sun rays? Like tempered windows!

Good idea! We'll get on that today. I want to practice and see what this shield is capable of. We only have eight days until Victoria arrives. It's not long, but hopefully, we can have a better understanding of our gifts now that we know the extent of them!

"What would you like to do today, Darlin'?" Jasper asked, then went back to brushing his lips across my hip.

"Ideally, I'd like to spend the whole day in bed with you," I answered, smiling when he looked up at me. "But with the enemy approaching, that's not possible or fair on the others who're hard at work training and will probably need your help."

He nodded and sighed.

"So, I think we should get ready, go back, and while you're helping the others become semi-competent fighters, I'll see if I can figure out my shield and how to use it in battle."

He grinned. "Sounds like a plan."

After showering, I headed into my closet to get dressed and then packed a few extra things in a duffle bag, figuring we wouldn't be back to the penthouse again before the battle.

Jasper looked up as I entered the living room and stared at me in shock.

"What?" I asked, looking down at my outfit. Light blue destroyed skinny jeans, a v-neck white t-shirt, dark brown ankle boots, and a pale tan leather jacket. The complete opposite of what I'd worn the last time we headed to Forks.

I wore barely any makeup this time, just a swipe of mascara and that was it. No jewelry. And my hair was left to flow down my back.

"Uh, nothing." He shook his head. "I just . . . I wasn't expectin' . . ."

I smiled. "Last time we left to head to Forks I felt the need to put on my armor. Make a statement and visually show them the difference between me and human Bella. This time, I'm not feeling so defensive." I shrugged. "Why is that?" I wondered.

Jasper grinned. "We've mated. You physically accepted and submitted to yer mate last night. That kind of mating always leaves its mark. With Ali and Charlie, for example, she settled and calmed, while he became more assertive and adventurous."

That was something to think about. How was mating with Jasper going to change us? I feel calmer, and not so defensive, but how else have we changed?

Pulling me into him, Jasper kissed me. "And the blonde hair?" He inquired.

"Oh," I smiled. "I was practicing!"

Eleazar was right about my gift. After showering I was imagining myself blonde and then suddenly . . . I was blonde! With blue eyes!

Jasper made a grumbled sound in the back of his throat, telling me he wasn't happy with this change, as he buried his nose in my long hair, taking in the scent of me.

"You smell the same," he mused.

I smiled and kissed him. "It's still me, just blonder."

Is blonder a word?

Of course, it is! I said it, therefore it's a word, I told her adamantly. If I could poke my tongue out at myself, I would have.

I wasn't eager to get back to Forks. But I couldn't think of any other reason to postpone. And, it was kinda important we went back. I just wasn't looking forward to going back to all the drama. Last night and this morning with Jasper were exactly what I needed. Just the two of us. No bickering. No lies or betrayals or needless drama. Just him and me.

As we ran, he took my hand in his squeezing. "It's almost over, Darlin'." He promised. "Just a few more days. A battle. And then freedom."

"Don't forget a trip to Mexico to kill your sire." I reminded him.

He sighed. "Right. How could I forget?"

With a sigh, I pulled him to a stop. "Look, Cowboy, if I thought she'd accept, I'd happily invite her here to die alongside Vicky. That way, we could take out two evil bitches with one stone. But, from what you've told me, Maria is smarter than that."

"She is," he agreed.

"So, we'll have to go to her. Unless there's a reason you're being stubborn about this . . ."

"Like what?" He frowned.

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I've never had a Sire. I don't know what that bond feels like. Maybe you're feeling loyal . . ."

"No," he growled, pulling me into him suddenly. "There's no loyalty. Any loyalty I felt to her died the day she tore my heart from my chest because her favourite pet died in battle."

I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Then what is it?"

"I don't want you going to Mexico. I don't want you to know her or meet her or have any part of her near you!" He growled, tightening his arms as if he thought I'd slip away. "I don't want you to see . . . to see that side of me!"

A torrent of anguish and fear hit me as my mate sobbed in my arms. His knees buckled and we both went down. Even in this state, my mate tried to protect me. He shifted me as we fell I landed on top of him and he hit the floor.

He sat me in his lap, his arms tightening around me as he buried his head in my hair.

"Shh. I've gotcha, my mate." I soothed, lifting my shield to wrap around us. "I've got you, my love. I won't let anything hurt you ever again."

"I can't," he whispered, "I can't go back there, Isa."

My arms tightened.

I couldn't promise him we'd never go to Mexico to end the bitch. Truth is until Maria is dead, there will always be a part of me that aches to find her. Over time, that need to seek revenge will grow and fester. A lot like Irina; she blames me for Laurent's death and she won't settle until I'm dead. Maria harmed my mate. She put him through hell. She needed to pay for that. With her life. Preferably very slowly.

Gotta admit I'm not thrilled with the idea of Jasper returning to the south, either. Especially if he has enemies down there. But I've been thinking, maybe there's another way to get Maria. An option that'll appease us both. Why not ask the Volturi for help?

I never considered he might still have enemies in the south. Taking him back there could cause more trouble than we need or want.

"Bella is wondering if we could ask the Volturi for help," I told Jasper. "Would they be willing to do that, do you think?"

Jasper lifted his head from my shoulder. "She's on their radar. One of the top most wanted vampires in our world. They've asked me to take her out several times over the years but I've passed on the opportunity. I want to see her burn but . . ."

"You don't want to go back there and possibly ignite long-forgotten feuds or find old enemies looking to make a name for themselves by trying to take out The God of War himself," I nodded in agreement.

I hadn't thought about what it would cost Jasper, Peter, and Char to return to the south or the implications! The last thing we need is more enemies! I don't fancy going to war every damn month! We want peace, not war!

"Maybe we could work something out with the Volturi while they're here," I suggested.

He nodded. "We can talk to Pete about it today and see what he thinks. I'm happy to let them handle Maria. But Darlin', there will be a price. The Volturi rarely do anythin' fer free."

I nodded. "Let's talk to Pete first. Then we can decide how to proceed." I suggested, wondering what the Volturi would want in return for Maria's death and if would I be willing to pay just to see my mate's sire turned to ash.