I'm sorry this update is late, but I've had some personal issues this week that made my inspiration go out the window. I worked on this chapter for what feels like forever but couldn't seem to make it go where I wanted it to. The timeline is a bit skewed because I think that Blair's presence would spur Edward to move things along. Fortunately, Peter and Char will appear in the flesh in the next chapter.
Thank you so much for the reviews! The story has reached over a hundred and I couldn't believe it!
Shadowoftheblackdeat: Thanks for the review! I understand that this isn't full of Bella and Edward bashing, but in future chapters there are things that happen that irreparably damage what relationship they do have. New Moon is where we really get into a more hostile relationship between the two sisters. They are sisters, and I felt like making Bella overtly mean or to have them purely hate each other wouldn't be realistic. Blair loves her sister. She just doesn't particularly like her.
I don't own anything you recognize.
Blair sighed the next morning as she looked in the mirror. The bruise on her cheek stood out like a fucking brand. What was it with alleys and her face getting bruised? She applied more layers of make-up, but the fingerprint-shaped marking was still faintly visible. If she applied any more make-up, she'd look like a clown. Giving up, she went downstairs to grab her coffee and sit on the porch.
It was starting to move towards springtime, and the chill in the air was more pleasant than bone-freezing. She opened the door, peeking through the fog, and stopped short. Edward's silver Volvo was parked in her driveway. The man in question was leaning against the hood. Rolling her eyes, Blair gave a finger wave and sat down on one of the porch chairs. Edward pushed himself from the car and started making his way towards her.
"It's too early for this," She muttered, sipping her coffee. He faltered for a moment before continuing towards her.
"Good morning," He started politely.
"It was," Blair said under her breath, "Picking up Bella?" He nodded.
"I figured after everything that happened last night, I should talk to her." Blair sighed and looked up at him.
"Well, she's already pretty much figured out what you are. All she needs is for you to confirm it." He frowned.
"I want to thank you for what you did for her last night." Edward's eyes flitted to the bruise on her face.
"She IS my sister, Edward. Unfortunately, she has a way of getting herself into trouble. Something to look forward to if you continue this little dance of yours." Edward looked displeased at her comment. He pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment.
"Neither you nor Bella react the way you should. What happened last night should have sent you screaming for the hills." Blair narrowed her eyes. His tone held slight understanding, but there was an undertone of condemnation. He didn't agree with what Jasper had done, and she wondered how many of those horrified looks Jasper had gotten from Edward himself.
"No offence, but you don't get to tell me how to react. Jasper saved my life…twice. That's all I care about." He stared down at her, his lips slightly curling over his teeth.
How could the two sisters be so vastly different? Bella was sweet-natured, shy, and vulnerable. The girl in front of him was crass with an inability to curb her mouth. In that moment, he almost pitied his brother. The door opened and Bella stepped out, freezing when she caught sight of him.
"Um, hi? What are you doing here?" Her voice was breathy as she took in Edward's glorious figure. His expression changed to one of affection, his smile charming.
"I thought I'd drive you to school. We have some things to discuss." Bella's face lit up and she turned to Blair.
"Are you going to be ok?" Blair gave her sister a look.
"I do know how to drive, Bella. Have fun," She said, going back to sipping her coffee. Bella followed Edward to his car, where he opened the door for her. She watched as they drove away.
"I get the feeling that that's going to be a very codependent relationship," Blair said to herself before getting up and heading inside for her stuff
/
By the time lunch rolled around, Blair still hadn't seen Jasper yet. She'd gotten to school minutes before the bell rang, her dilly-dallying biting her in the ass. Last night had felt like a turning point, but for what she wasn't sure. Things hadn't been awkward when he'd left her, but what if it was different by the light of day?
Walking into the lunchroom, she huffed, seeing that her table was occupied. Edward and Bella sat together at her table, the only empty one left in the cafeteria. Bella was talking more animatedly than Blair had ever seen.
Where the hell was she going to sit now? Maybe outside? Blair went through the lunch line feeling annoyed. She wasn't rude enough to barge in on their conversation, nor was she masochistic enough to sit through a conversation between those two. She grabbed a burger, preparing to sit at one of the picnic tables outside. She felt a presence beside her and looked up. Jasper was grinning down at her, hands in his pockets.
"So, Bella and Edward took your seat?"
"Your powers of deduction continue to astound me, Hale," Blair replied dryly. She was happy that things still seemed light after the night before.
"Whitlock," He corrected quietly, "My last name is Whitlock." He wanted her to know his real last name, to hear it fall from her lips. She smiled softly at him.
"Well, I'm going to sit outside if you want to join me…Whitlock." It sounded just like he thought it would. Her husky voice made it sound almost seductive.
"Actually, my family wants you to sit with us. Alice was insistent on it." Blair raised an eyebrow.
"Ok? Sure." She grabbed her tray and followed him to their table. Alice looked at her excitedly. Rosalie was pensive, glancing at her cheek.
"How are you feeling?" Rosalie asked, her voice soft. Jasper put his hand on the small of her back as she sat down, and she felt too much pleasure to move away.
"I'm good. Promise." She supposed her reactions would seem weird, but she couldn't force herself to be more traumatized than she actually was to appease anyone's expectations. Sure, she'd been scared, but there was no use crying over it now.
"You're a weird chick," Emmett said with a goofy grin on his face. Rosalie elbowed him, giving him a warning glare.
"Well, I think this weekend's retail therapy will be just what we need," Alice said, waving her hands excitedly in front of her. Blair was looking forward to the trip, having a little bit of savings left from her babysitting job and what Peter and Charlotte gave her. She leaned back into the chair, careful not to trap Jasper's hand which was still paced on the small of her back. Despite the icy cold feeling of his flesh, she felt the spot he was touching heat up and spread up her spine.
"Definitely needed," She said, swallowing hard when he began to rub her back with his thumb. Her gaze landed over to the table that her sister and Edward were occupying. They seemed to be in an intense conversation, with Bella talking steadily. Edward was listening intently, his attention solely focused on the girl in front of him.
"He asked about you. He gets the feeling you don't like him," Jasper murmured in her ear, causing her to grin.
"Only a feeling? I though I was being more obvious about it." Jasper snorted.
"Nah. He just wants stories from her to prove you're nasty to everyone and not just him," Emmett piped in, amusement laced through his voice.
Alice looked like she wanted to defend her pseudo-brother but couldn't deny that it was exactly what Edward was doing. She'd overheard Edward talking to Carlisle about how classless he thought Blair was, how wrong she was for someone like Jasper. Edward thought Blair's personality would spur the war veteran vampire to reembrace his darker nature.
Carlisle had shut him down, his tone angry and stern. He'd reprimanded his first son, saying that Jasper was to be accepted as he was. He'd told Edward that if Blair was Jasper's mate, then he'd better get used to her presence whether he liked her or not. Alice had been proud of her coven leader and disappointed in her brother. She hadn't told Jasper and didn't plan to, having seen his temper at its finest.
"But you don't like him," Rosalie hinted, not seeming at all bothered by the idea. Blair bit her lip in thought. While she didn't hide her distaste for the mind-reader, openly expressing her opinion to the people who had been around Edward for decades was entirely different. She was just a random girl they were just beginning to like, and Edward was their family.
"I don't think our personalities go well together," She said simply, trying to skirt around the topic gently. Rosalie narrowed her eyes, sensing exactly what the human was doing. She opened her mouth to call the girl out before her husband interrupted her.
"Because he's a wet rag and you're a handful and a half?" Emmett asked, smirking at Jasper over Blair's head. Jasper rubbed his mouth to hide his grin, continuing to enjoy the warmth her back presented to the hand that laid there.
Emmett's words spurred a memory from Blair that had her smiling nostalgically.
Flashback:
It was the weekend after her 18th birthday, just months before they moved. She convinced her mom to allow her to spend the weekend out of town with friends. Peter and Charlotte had taken her to New Orleans, a place that still had Peter grumbling under his breath. Charlotte had popped him on the back of the head, reiterating that it wasn't his birthday.
"People are weird," Blair said, catching up with her vampires as they walked near Bourbon St, "The guy at the ice-cream stand offered me a free cone if I showed him my tits." Peter whirled around to demand she point out the vendor before zeroing in on the strawberry ice-cream cone she hadn't had when she disappeared from their sight.
"What?" She asked, grinning wickedly. Peter ran a hand over his face.
"You're too much of a fucking handful." He started to walk ahead, and she winked at Charlotte. It was much more fun than telling him that she'd actually paid for her cone.
End Flashback
Jasper felt the familiarity and affection filter through Blair's emotions as she looked at Emmett. He reminded her of someone, someone she cared about like family. It was heartwarming to say the least.
"Maybe that is the reason. It's more because my sister can be weak-minded, and I feel like Edward may take advantage of that." The table was silent for a moment, wondering if Blair was right in her observation. Edward was a gentleman for sure, but his views had never truly left the Victorian Era he was born into.
"I don't know if you're right. He seems to care about her…maybe fascinated is a better word," Jasper said pensively.
"Why is that?" Blair questioned. He paused.
"I ain't the only one with a gift. Alice can see the future and Edward can read minds. But he can't read Bella's or yours for that matter." Peter had told her about Edward's reaction to trying to read her mind. She'd found it hilarious but was genuinely curious as to what made Bella and herself immune to Edward's gift.
"Why?" Jasper shrugged.
"We have no idea. Alice can see you just fine." The vampire in question smiled brightly, her lips carrying a secretive edge that had Blair feeling paranoid, "And I can feel you just fine." Emmett guffawed at his choice of words causing Jasper to roll his eyes at his childishness.
"So, add that to the fact that she smells particularly appetizing to him, and he's up for the challenge?"
"Exactly," Rosalie snarled.
"He doesn't seem fascinated by me," Blair said, very thankful that Edward's inability to read her mind hadn't turned her into a puzzle to him.
"Your sister is just silent to him. You are a different matter. Your mind gives off a sound that is painful when he tries to read your mind." Blair's answering grin was malicious, clearly happy that the mind-reader was punished when he tried to invade her privacy.
Eleazar had come up empty when asked about why that could possibly be, leaving Jasper to dwell on the fact before moving on. The 'why' really wasn't important in the scheme of things.
"Add that to the fact that I'm not his singer, and I don't present enough of a challenge. Thank goodness."
"Not a challenge in that way, at least," Jasper drawled, gazing down at her. Blair pursed her lips.
"Hey…I resemble that remark." The rest of the Cullens giggled, and for a moment, Blair felt accepted. She glanced at Bella's table again only to find her sister glaring fiercely at her. Edward was frowning, glancing between the two.
"Edward just told Bella that you've known the whole time," Jasper said disapprovingly. Blair swore internally.
"Ah. I'm never going to hear the end of this." The bell rang, and they all began to gather their stuff. Bella walked out with Edward, determinedly ignoring her older sister. Maybe Blair would get lucky and Bella would give her the silent treatment as punishment.
Jasper kept his hand on her back as he led her to Calculus. They took their seat, gaining stares at their closeness.
"She going to give you a hard time?" He asked as they waited for class to begin.
"Undoubtedly. My sister has a trumped-up opinion of herself. She thinks she should know everything…although I guess this is a bit bigger than me having a date to Homecoming with Norman Leith my junior year," She said tiredly.
"Boyfriend?" His tone held a slight edge, causing her to lift her eyebrow.
"No. Just some adorably nerdy guy who was bullied into asking me out to satisfy someone else's ego." He gave her a questioning look, "A story for another time," Blair said fondly. Jasper's grin turned slightly wicked and suggestive.
"Is that what you're into? Nerdy guys?" He looked genuinely curious, and she had to hold back the excited feeling that wanted to spread to her toes.
"Don't knock the nerdy guys. I guarantee that Norman will go from 'nerdy bookworm' to 'your daughter calls me daddy too' by the second year of college." She heard him swallow hard, slightly choking on his own spit. Blair smiled smugly as class began before he had an opportunity to say something else.
They didn't get the chance to speak again until class was over. She shot him a wink before heading back to her next class. She sat with Rosalie and Emmett again, and when the period ended, she couldn't help but be thankful that Edward had driven Bella to school. It gave her at least another hour to avoid the inevitable fit.
She stopped short as she exited the room. Rosalie and Emmett walked around her, both sending her smirks as they went in the opposite direction. It wasn't the fact that Jasper had apparently decided he wanted to walk her to her car that shocked her.
No. It was the fact that he was leaning against the wall, books in hand, and hair falling into his eyes. He looked sinfully casual. It was as if everything he did was effortless and beautiful. It wasn't fucking fair.
"What's up?" Damn. Did her voice wobble? What was happening?
"Thought I'd walk you to your car and help you avoid Bella for a little while longer." She was definitely going to have to admit to Peter that she was wrong about the Texan accents.
"Thanks." Was all she could get out. They began to walk towards the parking lot in silence. It wasn't uncomfortable, more pleasant than anything.
Blair caught sight of Bella, who was following Edward like a doe to his car. She sighed, slightly thankful that she was too caught up in the vampire to look for her, but slightly disgusted by Bella's infatuation. They reached her jeep and Jasper leaned against the hood of her car, in no hurry to go back to his own car.
"Your siblings won't be angry that you're making them wait?" She asked, glancing over to where his family was waiting by Rosalie ostentatious convertible. They seemed to be purposely looking anywhere but over at them.
"They can wait." He paused and crossed his arms across his chest. Blair felt like an immature ass with how her eyes traced how his muscles coiled at the action, "So, you're going shopping with Rosalie and Alice? Good luck with that."
"Aw. Did they drag you to pick out that designer sweater you're wearing?" He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Actually, I was going to see if you wanted to go to the drive-in afterwards instead of the day of the dance." Blair tilted her head questioningly.
"Do you have something else planned for that day?" He smirked at her, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Perhaps." His voice was soft, spreading over her skin like a feather.
"Are you trying to proposition me, Mr. Whitlock? People get up to all sorts of things at drive-ins," Blair replied mockingly. His eyes turned dangerous, lazily tracing her face as he lifted himself up from her car. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear.
"Darlin', if I was propositioning you, you'd know." Blair's mouth dropped open and she ran her tongue over her teeth. The man was fucking lethal. Her eyes narrowed as he pulled away, looking satisfied with himself.
"Well look at you…trying to sweet talk me like I'm your third cousin." She added a southern lilt to her words, enjoying the disgruntled look that crossed his face.
"I don't even know if I want to go with you now." His tone was exasperated as he started to head towards his sibling.
"So, I'll meet you at your house after shopping?" Blair called after him, her voice smug. Jasper turned back, his cocky grin apparent, before turning back and heading towards his family. She'd take that as a yes.
/
Blair heard the front door slam from her room and knew that Bella was home. Her stomps up the stairs signaled her approach and it wasn't long before her door was thrown open. Her sister stood in the open entryway, hands on her hips and face red.
Blair looked up from her homework and took a deep breath, waiting for the onslaught.
"You've known the whole time! You told me it was a mugging gone wrong!" Bella screeched. Blair turned back to her homework.
"Your voice is reaching dog whistle level, Bells." Her sister screeched in frustration.
"Blair, I'm serious. Why didn't you tell me? You've watched me drive myself crazy for weeks!" Blair sighed and turned to her younger sibling.
"Obviously, Edward didn't tell you the rules. We're not allowed to tell anyone. My life was saved by two vampires. Do you honestly think I'd betray that by telling you something just because you're too nosy for your own good?" Bella deflated, her face red from anger fading into a blush of embarrassment. She slowly sat down on Blair's bed.
"Can…Can I see it again?" Blair stared at her for a second before turning her head to the side, baring the side of her neck with the bite mark. Bella ran her eyes over the wound and gave a shuddering breath.
"I would've kept your secret." Bella's voice was small, feeling betrayed that her sister had kept something so big from her.
"I think you should have Edward explain their laws to you since you guys seem to be hanging out with each other now." This time Bella's blush was from pleasure, momentarily forgetting her anger towards her big sister. She wanted to talk to someone about how amazing the man was.
"He's amazing. He spent the entire day opening up to me and asking me questions. He explained why he acted so weird. Apparently, my blood is more appealing to him that anyone else's." Blair wasn't sure why her sister sounded dreamy at that, "He's even been coming to my room as I sleep so he can get used to my scent so he can be around me." Blair did a double take, her eyes going wide and her posture straightening.
"I'm sorry…what? Did he sniff your panties while he was at it?"
"Blair!" The older girl looked at her incredulously. How in the hell did Bella find this endearing?
"No, Bella. That's fucking creepy. Like really creepy. The dude has been in our house without our knowledge!" Bella huffed, not getting how her sister wasn't seeing the point. He was doing it so he could be more comfortable around her.
"You don't get it."
"Damn right I don't. It's fine to be a little rebellious and sneak a guy into your room, but generally you should know they're there," Blair snarled. Bella got up and headed towards the door, knowing that her sister would harp on this if she tried to talk about anything else.
"Well, he's sneaking into my room, not yours." Blair gave her another disbelieving look before waving her away. Her sister was fucking crazy if she thought this was okay. She waited until she heard Bella's door close before grabbing her phone. It rang twice before Peter picked up.
"B! How're things going?" She felt comfort at his voice.
"That creepy-ass dude has been creeping around my house while we're asleep!" Peter was silent for a moment. That definitely didn't sound like Jasper, so that could only leave…
"Edward?"
"Yes! He's been sneaking into Bella's room to test himself on her scent," Blair sounded disturbed, "What if he's heard me talking to you and Char?" Her panic was reaching Defcon 0. Jasper had just started to open up again. Now he was going to find out another secret that she'd kept from him?
"Sug, he wouldn't hesitate to tell his family if that was the case. We'll just have to be careful about how late we talk," Charlotte said in a soothing voice. Peter grumbled beside her. Their conversations now had to be timed because Edward was being weird.
"This just makes my skin crawl, and Bella seems all hunky-dory about it!" Blair was almost as weirded out by that than she was about Edward's actions.
"Well, would you be weirded out if it were Jasper sneaking in?" Peter asked slyly, hoping to prod more from the tight-lipped girl.
"If I was unaware, yes," She replied exasperatedly.
"But it'd be ok if you were aware?" He replied smugly. Charlotte snickered, covering the noise with her hand. Blair groaned, knowing she'd walked right into that one.
"I can't even with you right now. What do you want me to say? That I like him? I do. I really do. I like his stupid smirk and the way he challenges me. And it's moronic of me because there's no way he could be my mate. So, it's just me signing up for heartbreak." She was breathing hard by the end of her words, her stomach in knots as she spilled the feelings she'd tried to deny.
The other end of the line was quiet, and she knew Peter and Charlotte were sharing a look. Blair didn't have low self-esteem, but she was still a teenage girl. Jasper had lived a lot of life both as a human and a vampire. How was it possible for him to even look at someone who'd only seen 18 years as anything more than some insignificant crush? The insecurity that she'd hidden behind snark had finally come to the forefront.
"B, how do you know you're not? We know Jasper better than anyone. He's never shown interest in a human," Peter said gently. Blair squashed the rising hope in her gullet.
"That's the point…I'm human." Peter rolled his eyes.
"For now. And if he's actually shown interest in you, then who are you to assume how he should feel? He sees what we see, and so should you." His voice was stern and unyielding. The thought that something could actually happen between Jasper and herself was a mind-blowing concept. The thought that she could have him and keep him made her nerves bundle and coil.
Sure, they flirted, but Blair had always thought they would end up like her and Paul: friends who occasionally acted on sexual desires. But it wasn't the same. She loved Paul but had never felt that pull that made her want a relationship with him. Jasper…well there was definitely some kind of pull with him.
Did he feel it? Or was this going to be some kind of unrequited bullshit that had her crying on the bathroom floor like they did in the movies?
"I don't know," She muttered.
"Yeah, you do, kid. Just give yourself time to admit it to yourself. You've never been good at self-denial," Peter said. He was the second person to tell her that. She wondered if it was just a nice way of saying she was selfish.
"We'll see," Blair finally replied.
"Yes, we will."
/
As much as Blair wanted to keep her distance from Jasper after the revelation that she was developing actual feelings for the man, she didn't. The truth was that she'd always known her attraction was more substantial than regular teenage hormones. And Peter and Rosalie were right. She wasn't self-denying. She wanted to be around Jasper, so she was around him.
The rest of the week brought more flirting, more suggestive tones, and guesses on her part as to what he could possibly want to do the day of the dance. What the week didn't bring was a full-night's sleep. Every little noise made her want to storm into Bella's room to catch Edward in the act. She didn't. Bella was aware of the fact that he was there now. Her sister must have told the vampire what she thought of his nightly escapades if the glares he gave her at lunch were any indication.
Jasper seemed to pick up on it. He'd send Edward looks when he thought she wouldn't notice. He'd sit close enough to her that his smoky scent would fill her nostrils. It made her feel like she was on a porch on a mountain, taking that first sip of coffee in the crisp morning air. Comfort was the only way to describe it.
Jasper continued to ask her questions, wanting to know every aspect of her life. Blair wanted to ask about his past, to get the full version that Peter and Charlotte would never tell her out of respect to him. She refrained, hoping he'd tell her in his own time, hoping that he'd trust her enough.
When Saturday came, Blair got up early, like always. She had her make-up done and was dressed in a pair of jeans and a leather jacket. After looking through her clothes and finding nothing suitable for her outing with Jasper later in the night, she settled that she'd pick something up at the mall. Bella would be going somewhere with Edward, not that Blair really cared enough to ask where. Charlie came down around 8, fishing gear on, preparing to go to the lake with Billy Black.
"Where are you going today? He asked as he poured his coffee.
"To the mall with Alice and Rosalie, then I'm going to a movie at the drive-in with Jasper." Blair only had to wait a split second for the expected reaction. Charlie choked on his sip of coffee, jostling the cup, and spilling it down the front of his shirt. Her father hissed, quickly rubbing at it, making it worse.
"The drive-in?!" He thundered. Blair nodded, hiding an amused snort into her own cup.
"Dad, if I was planning to have sex with him, I probably would've lied, so that there was no chance of you dropping in. We'll be in my jeep. Easy to spot."
"Blair," He sighed. Regardless of knowing that Dr. Cullen's kids were extremely well-behaved, the idea of his daughter being alone in a car with the boy was daunting.
"If you're going to start with the whole 'when two people love each other very much' talk, you don't have to. Mom beat you to it." Charlie looked slightly relieved at possibly avoiding the sex talk, "Besides, I already know you don't have to love them." He sputtered. She grinned teasingly at him. Her father was definitely going to patrol the drive-in tonight. Charlie reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a can.
"Here," He said gruffly, passing her the can. It was mace.
"Aw, Dad. I'll be fine and remain pure tonight. I promise." He blushed red before getting up and heading to the door, "I'll see you at the drive-in, Dad!"
"Damn right you will," Charlie mumbled under his breath, "Curfew at 11," He said louder.
"Got it!"
Bella came down thirty minutes later, looking like she'd put more effort into her appearance than usual. She was jittery and kept quiet as she waited for Edward to pick her up. The knock at the door had the girl jumping up to answer it. Edward stood at the door; his expression turned to utter adoration as he gazed at Bella.
"Hi," Bella greeted, her voice breathy.
"Hello." He quickly glanced at Blair before returning his gaze to her sister, "Blair, my sisters are waiting in the driveway for you." His tone was polite and controlled. She almost didn't catch the underlining of dislike. Smirking at him as he moved aside to let her pass, she caught sight of Bella's warning glare.
"Catch you guys later." Was all she said as she made her way to the shiny convertible. Alice and Rosalie were waiting as she climbed into the back seat. Blair was shocked to see Rosalie with her hair up in a ponytail and pulled through a ball cap. Alice had followed suit, covering her own short hair with a hat.
"People like to take pictures of us when we're out," Rosalie said at her questioning look. Blair nodded, immediately understanding. It must be hard to be a vampire in such a technological age.
"We'll be looking for you a good outfit for your date tonight," Rosalie said airily as they pulled out onto the highway and headed towards Port Angeles.
"It's not a date," Blair murmured, wondering if it was pointless to argue.
"Hmph. Whatever. You still need something to wear." Alice turned around and gave her a wink. Thanks to Rosalie driving at speeds that would have her father flashing his blue lights, they made it to the mall in record time. Both of the vampires kept their head down, skillfully managing to avoid attention as they must have thousands of times before.
Rosalie began to grab outfits almost as soon as they walked into the first boutique. It was higher end, but like Peter and Charlotte, Blair figured the Cullens had amassed a healthy amount of wealth. Alice zipped around the, keeping her speed within human limits, but Blair could tell the vampire was impatient. She watched leisurely, having no intention of blowing her money on a single outfit.
"Try this on," Rosalie said, placing a flowery romper in her hands.
"Uh, no. It's too cold for that, and my bank can't take the price tag," Blair said firmly. Rosalie gave her a stubborn glare and put her hands on her hips.
"I have Jasper's credit card. He said I can use it on everything today," Alice piped up, coming to stand beside them with several outfits in her hands.
"Yeah. That's a hell no. I'm buying my own stuff." She returned Rosalie's challenging look until the girl pursed her lips.
"I can respect that." The two vampires gracefully walked to the counter to purchase their stuff, not bothering to try it on. Buying clothes for close to a century must have given them an eye for what would look good and what wouldn't.
"You'll have to buy something for your date," Rosalie said as they walked to the next store.
"It's not a date," She replied out of reflex.
"And if he thinks it is?" Blair side-glanced her.
"He doesn't," She replied. Alice snorted, giving her an incredulous look.
"You know you seemed smarter when we first met." Blair made an affronted noise in the back of her throat, shooting the pixie a glare.
"He does, you know…think it's a date," Rosalie said quietly as they searched through the racks. Blair's throat went dry and she swallowed hard. The blonde took in her contemplative expression, "Don't do him the disservice of denying that you want him. Jasper is a man who knows what he wants, and he wants you."
"I was trying to be respectful," Blair replied, shrugging casually, hoping to convey that she felt at ease when she didn't, "You guys get attention wherever you go. Stares. Desire. Fear. When I want something, I usually have no problem with admitting it to myself, nor trying to get whatever it is. This is different. I may not know every aspect of his past, but I'm not stupid enough to believe it wasn't harsh and unforgiving.
And I'm trying to fight that part that's cocky enough to believe that I could be what he needs. To have him and then possibly have him turn around and decide I'm not what he wants. Why would I set myself up for that?" Rosalie and Alice stared at her for a moment, surprised at her answer. The girl wasn't downing herself, stating only facts. Jasper's past was bloody, and to her, an 18-year-old girl, she could never be what he needed in his life.
"Then why do you continue to be around him? Continue to flirt and make jokes if not to lead him on?" Rosalie's voice was a slight hiss. Even though the blonde beauty knew that Blair cared about Jasper, she wasn't going to allow this human to hurt her brother. Blair narrowed her eyes in thought, plucking out a pair of dark, washed out jeans as if she needed to hold something in her hands.
"I guess I convinced myself he'd be just like my friend Paul. I love Paul, but I'm not in love with him. And he's not in love with me. Even if we are on the outs right now."
"He'll never be satisfied with that. And neither will you," Rosalie said firmly. Alice laid a hand on Blair's shoulder.
"Let's buy these and go get something to eat for you." Blair nodded and went to purchase the jeans. They walked towards the food court. She wasn't hungry after their conversation, so she purchased a coffee and sat down at a table away from the populace.
"You know that Jasper and I were involved," Alice started gently. Blair nodded, "We were together for ten years, and he never smiled like he did yesterday after you agreed to go to the movies with him today." Blair ran a hand through her hair, starting to feel like this mall trip had gotten heavier than expected. She looked at Rosalie.
"You don't like my sister. Not that I blame you since I don't like her half the time. So, why in the hell are you pushing me to accept Jasper?" Rosalie chuckled darkly, slightly amazed by the human's brazen attitude.
"There are many reasons as to why I don't like your sister. Her being human is only one of them. But out of everyone, Jasper deserves to be happy. And so, I'm willing to overlook your species in this case," The blonde paused, and amused smile taking over her face, "Besides, watching you two is better than TV. But know this…if you do decide to pursue a relationship with Jasper, which you will…if you break his heart, I'll break your bones.
Blair snorted, wholly believing her but still feeling affection at the girl's threat.
"And if he breaks mine?" She challenged.
"He's worth the chance."
"Yeah, he is," Blair murmured. If they were right, and Jasper did actually want to pursue something serious with her, then could she let the opportunity pass; the opportunity to be with the first person she'd genuinely felt interest in since before she was 15? No, she wasn't going to let him go. Peter and Charlotte didn't seem to care, almost encouraging it.
"I guess I should find a pretty top to wear." Rosalie and Alice grinned before pulling her up and leading her towards the stores. The air was lighter after her decision. She finally decided on a crème-colored off-the-shoulder sweater and a pair of clogs.
Bella wasn't back by the time they got back to her house. She invited them in and up to her room. Alice excitedly went through her make-up, pulling out pallets to apply. Rosalie began to fiddle with her hair. Blair began to feel a kinship in that moment. She enjoyed being around people who she could see as friends.
By the time they were finished, she looked beautiful. Alice kept true to her smoky style, brightening her lips with a dark red lipstick. Rosalie had put her hair into a sleep side-ponytail. The clogs made her taller, but no where near the 6'3" height of Jasper.
"You guys do good work," She said, grinning.
"We better get going. Your movie starts at 7," Alice said cheerfully.
"I'll be taking my jeep. My dad is probably going to stop by the drive-in to make sure we're not having sex." Rosalie snorted as they gathered their things.
"I figured you'd be classier than having sex in a car surrounded by people."
"You never know," Blair mocked, shimmying her chest jokingly, "But I definitely don't fancy being caught by my father." The two made a noise of agreement.
"He'll be stopping by around 8," Alice affirmed, making Blair grateful for her gift. Blair got in her car and followed them out to the road. Her hands began to sweat with every mile that passed, growing slick against the steering wheel. She groaned internally. This was ridiculous.
Their house came into view. Jasper was sitting on the front porch steps, his long legs splayed gracefully in front of him. His hands were clasped lazily. He seemed the picture of ease and it pissed Blair off. She put her car in park and wiped her hands against her new jeans.
Jasper got up, his body stretching like a jungle cat, muscles coiling in a powerful and unyielding way. 'So fucking screwed,' she thought as she got out of the car.
"See you later, Blair," Rosalie called as she and Alice disappeared into the house. Jasper began to approach. He looked deliciously casual in a thin grey sweater and jeans.
"You look beautiful," He commented when he reached her. She fought down a blush.
"Your sisters are good at what they do. Ready to go?" He nodded, twirling his keys on his finger before catching them in his palm, "We're taking my car. My father will be stopping by to check up on us." He lifted an eyebrow as she tossed him her keys. He caught them easily. This was definitely going to be an interesting night.
Blair climbed into the passenger seat, and they took off towards the drive-in. The sun had begun to set. He drove the speed limit, one hand on the wheel and the other rested on his knee.
"Why is your father coming by?" Jasper asked, training his golden eyes on her. She wasn't nervous about his driving and knew his reflexes were better than any human's.
"Because I was honest about where we are going. He wants to make sure you're not deflowering his daughter." Jasper snorted.
"Darlin', surely you know I'm not that easy." Blair snapped her fingers mockingly.
"Damn. There goes my plan to seduce you," He laughed lowly in his throat, "Where were the rest of your family?"
"Carlisle had a shift at the hospital. Esme and Emmett went hunting," He replied simply.
"You guys feed off animals, right?" Jasper nodded, "Does that satisfy you?" He frowned at her question, choosing his words carefully.
"It sates us if that's what you're asking." Blair could tell that he was uncomfortable with her line of questioning, probably due to his previous diet. She decided to move on as to not make the conversation awkward.
"So, are you going to tell me what you have planned for the day of the dance?" He shrugged.
"I thought we could spend the day with my family." Blair smiled.
"I'd like that." His answering grin was worth any answer she could have given him. They pulled up and Jasper paid. She didn't bother arguing, so they parked before getting out and heading towards the snack counter. Jasper bought her the twizzlers and coke she ordered, and they walked back to the car.
The movie credits were beginning to roll. It was an older movie, like most drive-in movies, but Blair thought that Jasper might like that more than a new one. She focused on the screen, determined to keep her eyes forward.
Jasper was watching the girl out of the corner of his eye. Blair seemed to be relaxed, biting into the rope-like candy, and sipping her coke. Her eyes never strayed from the movie screen, but he knew that she was hyperaware that they were alone in the car. She looked beautiful; his eyes able to make out every angle of her face. Her shoulders were bare, leaving a view of her silky skin. A drive-in probably wasn't the best place for them to go, considering the lust rolling from several cars in the lot.
Jasper, himself, hadn't felt lust for anyone since Alice. But this girl wasn't a vampire. She was a mouthy human who he desired more than he'd ever desired anyone. Once he was made aware that she was his mate, the pull became more obvious, more tangible. It was like a cord he hadn't acknowledged that was tied to him. It connected straight to the human sitting next to him. Blair glanced over at him, catching his gaze.
"What?" She asked with furrowed brows. He shrugged, turning his attention back to the large screen. He smirked when he saw her touch her face out of the corner of his eye, trying to make sure there was nothing on her face.
About an hour into the movie, a knock came from the window and a flashlight shined into the car from Blair's side. She snorted and rolled down her window.
"Hi, Dad." Charlie Swan stood in full uniform, flashlight in hand, and a suspicious look on his face.
"Blair…Mr. Hale," Charlie greeted.
"Mr. Swan," Jasper greeted respectfully.
"Er…how are you liking the movie?" The question was asked so awkwardly that Blair's shoulders shook as she tried to keep her laughter at bay. She put on a serious face.
"You're too late, Dad. I'm already pregnant." Charlie's eyes bulged and she heard Jasper choke. Peals of laughter spilled from her mouth, and her father started to grumble.
"Not funny, Blair."
"Mr. Swan. May I speak with you?" Jasper asked before quickly getting out and meeting Charlie on her side of the car. Despite the fact that her father was tall, Jasper towered over him. Other people had begun to look at them from their cars, finally noticing that there was a cop around.
"Mr. Swan, I understand that I should have asked your permission to take Blair out, and for that I apologize." His voice was smooth and persuasive. He stuck his hand out, which Charlie reluctantly took and shook firmly.
"It's ok. There isn't much one can do when Blair has set her mind to something." Jasper grinned and nodded. Charlie cleared his throat, "You kids enjoy the movie. Have her home by 11." He paused before taking in the good-looking boy and his daughter's look of slight adoration when she looked at the Hale boy, "Make that ten."
"Yes, sir." Jasper rubber his mouth to hide his amusement.
"See you at the house, Blair." She waved at her father as he flashed his light towards a couple of other cars whose window were fogged up and walked off. Jasper got back in the car.
"That was cute, I'm sure he appreciated that. You really are a southern gentleman."
"Well it's a bright side of being from the south. I still remembered my manners after I was changed." Jasper stared at her for a moment. Blair was touched that he'd made an effort with Charlie. His eyes traced the curves of her face before he looked down, coming to a decision. If this was ever going anywhere, he had to know that Edward was wrong, that she could accept his past.
"You ok?" She asked with her head cocked slightly to the side. The mood had shifted, and she wasn't sure why. He took a deep breath. She needed to know what she was getting into.
"I was born in 1844. I don't remember most of my early life. The venom burns a lot of our memories away. I joined the Confederate Army, lying about my age. I rose through the ranks. People listened to me. I became the youngest Major in the Texas Calvary." Blair stayed silent, listening intently. She wasn't sure what had caused him to start telling her his story, but she wasn't about to risk him changing his mind.
He didn't look at her the whole time, staring straight ahead as if he was watching the movie. She listened as he told her everything Peter and Charlotte respectfully wouldn't. She felt tears come to her eyes as he explained what Maria had done to him for letting Peter and Charlotte go: Soaking her nails in venom before ripping off his arms and leaving him like that for a week.
Blair wished she could kill Maria in that moment. When he finished his story, he finally turned to her. She was facing him with her knees on the seat and her head leaned against the head rest. Jasper waited for her fear, for her to demand he get out of the car. Jasper became confused when it never came. The girl only felt respect.
Blair didn't think, only reacted. She could never be just friends with this man. Blair didn't think about how difficult it would be in the future if it didn't work out, or if he found her true mate and left her. She leaned over the arm rest and slammed her lips against his. Jasper froze in shock. This wasn't the reaction he was expecting. Her scent enveloped him, and he felt himself return the kiss, growing more passionate with every stroke of his tongue.
He barely noticed her moved, as she never broke contact, until she was straddling him. Blair pressed closely to him to avoid the steering wheel. Her legs were pressed on either side of his, and she felt his arousal against her thigh. The kiss was demanding and unrelenting as they both warred for control, just as she imagined it would be. When they pulled back, both of their breathing was ragged.
Jasper stared at her wild-eyed before he began to chuckle. He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Swan, you know how to bring a man to his knees. I wasn't expecting that reaction."
"I didn't expect it either. You're amazing. Everything you've endured and overcome," She whispered. Her hands came up to his chest, and she gazed at him with a question in her eyes. Jasper seemed to understand, and he swallowed hard before nodding.
Blair reached up to where his neck met his shoulder and traced under the thick scarring under his sweater, her hands trembling. Jasper closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth from her hands and she ran her fingers over his marks.
"So fucking beautiful." He heard her murmur. The moment was broken when cars began to start up. The movie was over.
"I'd better get ya' home," He said softly, never taking his eyes off of her.
"Yeah. I guess so." It was more of an ungraceful struggle to get back to her own seat than it was to climb over to his.
The silence on the way back was comfortable, as they were both lost in their own thoughts. He pulled up to the driveway and she looked at him, confused as to why they didn't go to his house so that she could drop him off.
"I need a run anyway," He said, answering her unasked question. Blair nodded.
"I had a really good time tonight," She said quietly.
"Me too, Darlin'. Can I pick you up on Monday?"
"Sure." He softly pressed his lips to her s before getting out of the car, looking reluctant to go.
"See you then." Jasper disappeared into the tree line. Blair sat in her car for a moment to gather her composure. She laid her head against the head rest and smiled. People sure do get up to all kinds of things at drive-ins.
Soooo….what do you think? I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one should be up in about a week. It'll be mostly in Jasper's point of view. Thanks!