A/N: Quick note, I've changed nothing of Jasper's history after he meets Maria, but I have added to his human life. I'm not very good at history so if I got anything wrong, blame Google. :)

Enjoy xoxo

– Bella's POV –

I'm not a good traveler.

I don't get car sick or anything like that. I just get bored and restless with nothing to do.

Jasper must've sensed that because the moment we got onto the highway he began distracting me. We started with a game of twenty questions, much like Edward had done when we first got together.

Only this time, nothing was off-limits. We covered every topic we could think of from books and movies to music, art, our hopes and dreams for the future, and anything else!

In some areas, we matched, but in some cases, like movies and books, we were totally different. I was willing to give one of his history books a chance if he'd read Harry Potter with me.

I can't believe he's never read Harry Potter!

That's blasphemy!

Then he asked about my childhood and life with Renee in Phoenix. It wasn't a subject I enjoy discussing, but I wanted him to know me. So, I told him about my parents. Living with Renee. Grandma Marie. How neither of my parents seemed to want me. My life beyond my parents. School. Friends. Dating. Boys.

Nothing was held back.

He questioned me endlessly about boys and the things I'd done sexually. Which, of course, led to me questioning him about his previous relationships. That was an interesting topic for sure!

I even went on to tell him about the changes I've been experiencing since the ballet studio. This led to the Edward topic and I answered all the questions he had.

When we'd exhausted every topic imaginable Jasper sighed heavily and tightened his arm around me before letting go and shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"I wanted to do this somewhere, fuck," he sighed, "there ain't anywhere good to do this, Darlin'."

"Do what?"

"I wanna tell ya my story. Everythin'. But I'm warnin' ya, it ain't easy to hear."

I slid closer to him, curling into his side. "Do you think it's easy for me to talk about my parents? My childhood and Edward?"

"My past is a little different to yers, Darlin'."

"Obviously." I rolled my eyes. "My point is, we all have things we don't want to talk about, but our pasts don't define us." I looked down at his scarred arm. "Much like our scars, our pasts don't determine who we are or where we're going, they tell us where we've been and what we've survived," I told him. "If you aren't ready, that's okay. We've got plenty of time. I'm not going anywhere."

He took a deep breath. "Did Edward ever tell ya my real name?"

"It's not Jasper?"

He smiled. "I was born in eighteen forty-four in Houston Texas. Momma named me Jasper Henry Whitlock, after my Pa. I was the youngest of four. All girls." He chuckled. "Agatha. Maggie. Pearl. And Effie."

"I never knew my Pa." He sighed. "He went off to fight in the war against Mexico two years after my birth and in eighteen forty-seven he was killed in battle. Momma was never the same after Pa's death. She raised us on her own, took care of the farm and her aging parents."

He went on to tell me what he could remember about his human life and growing up on a farm in Texas. His mother, Elsie Mae Whitlock, raised him and his sisters on her own.

"My uncles Tobias and Theo took care of the ranch. In eighteen forty-six, they were drivin' the cattle to Ohio. But by the fifties, they'd started goin' to the Chicago and Illinois markets. Even goin' up into California when they could. As the value of the livestock increased, the farm flourished. Momma and my sisters never had to worry about money."

He told me about his grandparent's cotton plantation. His uncles Everett and Joseph took care of that. Along with all those they employed. And yes, it was Texas, they even had slaves. I didn't like it, but that's the way it was back then.

The Whitlocks were good, compassionate, hardworking people. It was wonderful to hear about his life pre-vampire. He remembered more than most, more than was normal, from what I'd been told.

He kept up with his family, watching out for them over the years when he could. Even now, over a century and a half later, he kept an eye on the Whitlock family.

"When I was seventeen, in eighteen sixty-one, the war broke out . . ."

– XOXO –

I couldn't have been prouder of him.

My God, his story was tragic. Full of pain, death, and endless battles. He was turned by a tyrant who only wanted territory and power. Who forced him to submit to her. In every way imaginable. He killed for her. Became a ruthless, merciless, soldier for her. He let go of his humanity, buried it deep inside, and turned himself into The God of War. A legend those in the vampire world are still, to this day, terrified of.

He fed and bathed in the blood of humans, thinking nothing more of them than what they were; food. He fucked and found pleasure in men and women.

Around the early 1900s, he found Peter. As soon as he saw the man, he felt a spark of something. Warmth and power and love. He turned him without a second thought, knowing only that he needed him.

"As soon as Pete woke from the transformation, he sought me out," Jasper said. "To Maria's horror, he attacked her, ripped off a couple of her limbs, tore off his clothes, dropped to his knees, and pledged fealty to only me."

"Maria took that to mean we were True Mates and she was ready to kill him. Would have too, if I hadn't stepped in and stopped her."

I didn't understand that; why would she kill a truly mated pair? If she thought they were soulmates, why rip them apart like that?

"Havin' a truly mated pair in her ranks would've been too dangerous," Jasper told me as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. "We were an army, Darlin'. Most of our soldiers were nothin' more than cannon fodder. That's why we were continuously bringin' in new recruits to train fer the next battle. If a True Mate falls in battle, whoever is left standin' will become volatile. The need to avenge their mate's death will become all that matters to 'em, and they'll tear through anythin' that stands in their way. The loss of a mate," he sighed and gently pulled me closer to him, "the grief can easily send a vampire insane. And a vampire who's lost its mind is an extremely dangerous creature."

I guess that made sense. Jasper and I are just starting out, we've barely been together a few hours, and already I can't imagine losing him. That thought alone is too painful to even consider.

"But obviously you stopped Maria from hurting Peter?"

He smiled. "I did. Once he joined us, everythin' changed."

Decades later, in nineteen thirty-nine, he found and turned Charlotte. As soon as he saw her, he felt the same pull to her as he did to Peter. He knew immediately that she belonged with them and was unable to resist the pull to turn her.

"I ain't gonna lie to ya, Darlin'," Jasper said, "I've had a sexual relationship with both Pete and Char."

He went on to tell me that during Charlotte's newborn year, the three of them regularly shared a bed. They were comrades in war and lovers in the bedroom. Their bond hadn't weakened over the years, either. If anything, it had only become stronger. He said that was normal between a Sire and his progeny when there's a sexual component to their relationship. The bond is almost as unbreakable as a True Mating Bond. Almost.

Even to this day, the three of them are still close. Jasper considers Peter and Charlotte his. Now, as I'm his mate, ours.

"With Char, things are a little different these days," he went on to tell me.

Unlike Jasper and I, Peter and Char are not True Mates. They love one another. They're companions. Loyal and devoted to each other. But they do not share a soulmate bond.

Five years after they escaped the south, Peter returned to rescue his Sire. Knowing where Jasper was and what he was going through, that it was likely worse for him after they'd left, Peter couldn't rest, couldn't relax, until his Sire was home and safe with them.

Their loyalty to Jasper was extraordinary. I don't think even Edward and Carlisle have such a strong, unyielding bond.

I don't believe for even a moment any of the Cullen kids would risk their lives to rescue Carlisle the way Peter did for Jasper.

I could be wrong.

Maybe I am.

But I don't see them doing it.

"How so?" I wondered.

"Chars changed over the years. She found herself. Or, better put, she accepted who she'd always been but because of the time she was born into, was never able to fully embrace," Jasper told me. "Our bond ain't what it used to be. We're still as close as we were, but it ain't sexual anymore."

Though that did make me happy—because I wasn't sure I could share my mate with another female—I also felt a little vexed by it.

Jasper chuckled. "That's sweet, Darlin', but it ain't necessary," he assured me, obviously sensing my emotions. "Char and I have a great relationship. We're closer than me and Ali or even me and Rose. She's truly my best friend. I'll never be able to think of her as my sister, because of our past, but we're closer now than we've ever been. Truth is," he smirked, "Char's much more likely to enjoy your company than mine."

I frowned. "Huh?"

"Char's a lesbian," he told me.

"Oh!"

He smiled. "There ain't many people that know. She and Pete have stayed together and most who've met them assume they're mated. All the Cullens did. I ain't sure what they'd say if they knew the truth."

I shrugged. "It doesn't matter what they think. If she's happy, who the hell cares what anyone else thinks?"

Jasper smiled, seeming relieved by my words.

Truthfully, Char's sexuality didn't matter to me. Gay. Straight. Lesbian. Whatever. If you're happy, then it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. It's her life. Let her live it how she wants. I know not everyone thinks that way. There will always be people who think it's their right to interfere and push their opinions on you. Unfortunately, that's just the way life is. To me, it doesn't make a damn bit of a difference. Love is love. You do you. It ain't my place to tell someone else how to live their life.

"So, sharing is pretty common among vampires?" I asked. "Even those with a soulmate bond?"

"It can be, yes." He nodded. "Just depends on the couple. Everyone's different."

"Are you and Peter still close?" I wondered.

"We are."

Despite the Cullen's dislike towards Charlotte and Peter, Jasper never gave up his position as their Sire and Alpha of their Coven. He visits them every few months. They talk on the phone. Text. Email. From what I can tell, they're as close now as they've ever been.

It was Peter who encouraged Jasper to follow Alice to the Cullen Coven! Alice always thought she was the one who 'saved' Jasper—she bragged about it often, apparently—but it was Peter who guided him and helped him. Peter stood by him through the worst of his depression. Char held him when he broke down after leaving the war. Peter was the one who suggested he try animal blood so he didn't have to feel the onslaught of emotions every time he fed.

Honestly, I was kinda wondering why Jasper left them and joined the Cullen Coven. It obviously wasn't to find a better way of life! He had that! So, what was the point?

"Whenever we meet up, it usually involves several days of umm . . ." He cleared his throat nervously.

"Sex?" I provided, smiling. If he could blush, he would. It was so cute!

He cleared his throat again. "Yes."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about," I assured him, leaning into his side.

What he'd told me didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Hell, if Peter's as sexy as his voice sounded over the phone, I look forward to meeting him and Charlotte.

There's absolutely no way I'd share my mate with another female. Right now, that's not an option I can even attempt to consider. He is mine. And no other woman is going to come near him. Ever. Peter, however, I'd consider sharing if the opportunity presented itself.

Jasper sighed. "I ain't usually embarrassed about my relationship with Pete. It's just . . . the Cullens weren't okay with it. They'd go on endlessly about me stayin' away from Pete and Char. How they were a bad influence. That they'd be the reason I go back to drinkin' human blood. If Alice weren't badmouthing them, it was Edward or Carlisle."

"I'm not them, Cowboy," I assured him. "I would never hurt you that way. Separating you from your family is just cruel." I brushed my lips against his jaw. "Besides," I smiled, "I'm looking forward to meeting them. And I look forward to watching you take Peter."

A low, intimate growl rumbled in his chest as he looked down at me. "Really? You would want to share that way?"

"I would like to meet them first. And I'd prefer it if we could finalize our bond before anything sexual happened," I admitted. "And I don't think I'm ever going to be happy to share you with another female, no matter who she is. But—"

"That ain't an issue, Darlin'," he purred. "Char don't want me, remember? But she will be all over you the moment the two of ya meet. So, if that ain't somethin' yer interested in—"

"I'm interested," I told him. "Well, I'd like to meet her first. Get to know her better. And Peter, too. But Charlotte won't be the first female I've ever been with."

He looked down at me. "Want to explain that one, Darlin'?"

I smiled and told him all about my previous relationship with my BFF Willa back in Phoenix. We hadn't gone all the way, but we'd come close. Or as close as we were both ready for back then.

I'd never been able to have this type of conversation with Edward. At the first mention of the S-word Edward fled. I'm surprised he didn't cover his ears and scream 'lalalalala' like a child.

By the time I was done telling him about Willa, my mate was aroused.

"But ya ain't ever been with a male?" He asked.

"Never," I assured him.

He nodded, seeming satisfied.

"So, can I ask, if you preferred being with Peter and Char, and you didn't want to stay with the Cullens, why did you?" I asked him.

It didn't make sense to me. It's not like anyone was forcing him to stay. With the type of strength he possesses, the Cullens are no match for my mate!

"For you." He leaned down to press a kiss on the top of my head.

He went on to tell me all about Peter's gift of 'just knowing shit'. It was Peter who encouraged Jasper to go to the Cullens because if he didn't, he and I would never have met and I would've been killed!

Looking back on my time in Forks and with the Cullens, I can see how that might've happened. If it wasn't James, it likely would've been Edward or the shifters. And that's only if I survived James and the nomads! Jasper saved my life by remaining with a family he didn't really want to be part of. He'd changed his whole life for me. Sacrificed decades of happiness with Peter and Char, for me.

"It weren't all bad, Darlin'," he assured me. "I found new friends in Emmett and Rosalie. A confidant in Esme. And, as I said, I saw Pete and Char as often as I could."

"And your diet . . ." I frowned.

Hooking his finger beneath my chin, he lifted my face so that we were gazing into each other's eyes. "Just to have you in my arms now is worth every second of the last sixty years, Darlin'. There is nothin' I wouldn't do, nothin' I wouldn't give up fer you, my mate. You are worth it."

He just had a way of making me feel loved. Is that our bond? Or is it just him? I don't know. I don't much care, either. I felt . . . loved. Needed. Wanted.

I leaned into him, pressing my lips to his in a deep, passionate kiss. It didn't matter that we were speeding down the highway. My vampire mate would keep us safe.

When we parted I curled my body into his, needing to be close to him. He didn't seem to mind. His arm wrapped around me as he drove.

"Do you prefer human blood to animal blood?" I wondered.

"I think all vampires would prefer our natural food source to any alternative," he answered. "Once we realized animal blood weakens ya over time, Pete began lookin' into alternative ways fer me to feed without causin' me to lose control of my gift."

"Turns out," he smiled, "it's just a matter of snappin' my victim's neck before they realize they're about to be dinner! As vamps, we come with an arsenal of extra abilities. One of 'em is our beauty. I can easily lure my prey to me, flood 'em with whatever emotion I want, make 'em feel at ease and safe, then snap their neck and feed. From what I can tell, my victim barely feels anythin', especially not the fear I was used to feelin' when I fed indiscriminately."

"We never, ever feed from innocents, either." He told me. "Pete and Char developed a way to feed only from criminals and the dregs of society. We try to stay away from females and we never, ever harm a child."

I nodded. I preferred their way of feeding to hunting poor innocent animals. That, to me, was just wrong!

A few minutes later, when I asked, he told me about the various bonds vampires can have outside of family and acquaintances. Finding a True Mate—a soulmate—in the vampire world is extremely rare. Hardly anyone finds such an eternal bond. It's more common to find a companion, or in their terms, a mate, than a True Soulmate.

Esme and Carlisle are mates. Not true soulmates. As are Emmett and Rosalie. Jasper and Alice were companions, but that lasted all of five years before they separated, realizing they were better friends than compatible as lovers.

So, Edward had lied.

Again.

None of the Cullens shared a soulmate bond. In their terms, they were just mates. Companions. They loved one another but it wasn't as eternal and unbreakable as my bond with Jasper.

The only thing more rare than a vampire finding his soulmate is a vampire finding their soulmate in a human. That's completely unheard of.

I don't care how rare it is, we both feel the bond. That's all that matters to me.

"Have you ever met a truly mated couple?" I wondered.

"Eleazar and Carmen, From the Denali Coven. The Cullens think of them as cousins. And I believe there's a couple in Egypt and another in Ireland. But I've never met them. I'm sure there are others out there."

I nodded.

Jasper's life has been so different from mine. But then, he's lived a vastly longer life than I have and was born in an entirely different time.

He was brave and strong. A real hero. Not only in his human life but his vampire one as well.

He seemed genuinely shocked that I wasn't condemning him for his past or disgusted by the things he'd done. Though he never came out and said it, I got the feeling it was the reaction he was expecting, perhaps even used to receiving.

After spending time with them, I could see how some members of the Cullen Coven would judge him and believe he was a monster. But I could never, would never, judge my mate for the choices he's made that have kept him alive and brought him to me.

I doubt there's even one member of that Coven that could have survived all my mate has been through. What the fuck gives them the right to judge him?

Now that I know his story my view on the Cullen Coven and the past six months has completely changed.

He could have singlehandedly taken out James, Victoria, and Laurent on the baseball field if he hadn't been held back by the Coven.

Hell, he'd probably be able to take out the entire shifter pack if he wanted to.

He's an empath! All it would take is a little lethargy to put the town of La Push into a deep slumber. Then it's just a matter of moseying through and killing the shifters. Nobody would even know it was him!

I asked him why he didn't just do that in the first place.

He shrugged. "It ain't as much fun, Darlin'."

I rolled my eyes. Men.