I'm so sorry that this update is late. The only excuse I can offer is that I'm in my last semester of nursing school, and I've had a lot piled on me the last 3 weeks. I'm writing this story as a way to destress during my off time, and I already had quite a bit of it written.
Thank you for all the reviews. They've made me even more determined to push forward with the story. We have maybe 5-7 more chapters left in Twilight, depending on how I separate them, two chapters for the summer in between, 10-15 chapters for New Moon, 10-15 for Eclipse, and then at least 10 for what would be Breaking Dawn. I'm not splitting up the story into sequels, since I hate having to search and save series' I love. Anywho, this is a very important chapter. I worked a long time on the interactions and the reactions in this chapter to make them realistic, so enjoy!
I don't own anything you recognize.
Jasper couldn't stop smiling that next day, especially when Blair had sent a text reaffirming that she'd had a good time. He'd laid his past at her feet, and she'd accepted it unflinchingly. Edward had been wrong. And to top it off, Peter and Charlotte were arriving tonight.
He was sure Peter would love Blair. Her outgoing nature would match well with his brother's own personality. Edward, of course, had thrown a fit at their impending arrival. He feared that their diet meant a lack of control. Jasper didn't bother telling him that Peter and Char's control riveled the mind reader's.
He supposed that Edward couldn't comprehend that vampires who could control their thirst would choose a human diet, despite the fact that the man himself had gone off the rails at one point. Carlisle had sternly stated that Peter and Charlotte were welcome as long as they didn't feed in the area. His coven leader was not a man of judgement. Peter and Charlotte fed from the guilty, not the innocent, Jasper, himself, had considered adopting their diet, but still had trouble with the emotions that accompanied their lifestyle.
Edward was simply worried about his precious Bella. He admitted that the girl smelled appetizing but doubted that his friends would have any interest in her. Their personalities wouldn't mesh. Charlotte wouldn't be impressed with Bella's weak-minded obsession with Edward, a man she didn't like in the first place.
It was probably best to keep Peter away from the human. He'd never be able to curb his mouth. Blair, however, was exactly the type of human Peter would enjoy being around: Slightly abrasive with a sharp sense of humor. She was smart, kind to those she thought deserved it…and beautiful.
The way she'd looked at him the night before had almost restarted his dead heart. There was no pity in her eyes, only acceptance. She didn't pretend she understood or try to relate because that was impossible.
Then she'd kissed him, and it had escalated quickly. So quickly in fact that he felt moments from taking her in the front seat of her jeep, but she wasn't ready for that and neither was he. Jasper knew he could control his strength. He'd spent decades perfecting that control. But Blair deserved more than a fuck against the steering wheel of her car. Besides, if things continued the way they were, that would come later, he thought wickedly.
"I wonder what put that shit-eating grin on your face," Rosalie said from the door. He rolled his eyes, but the grin didn't disappear, "So, I'm guessing the date went well." She took a seat across from him.
"It did," He confirmed, "I told her everything and she was ok with it…surprisingly." Jasper's voice betrayed his relief. He felt cautious in his optimism, however. Blair had given no indication that her thoughts toward him had changed after his confession, but time alone with one's thoughts could bring different perspectives.
"Are you really that surprised? She doesn't seem like that judgmental of a person," Rosalie asked gently.
"She's not, but my past is difficult for most vampires to comprehend, let alone a human," Jasper said wryly.
"She's different," Rosalie conceded. He grinned at her.
"Is that respect for a human I hear?" She rolled her eyes and huffed.
"No," She said sternly, "It's mild affection." Jasper snorted. People thought the blonde beauty had a heart of ice surrounded with vanity but having a gift to read emotions gave him the most understanding of the vampire besides Emmett.
Rosalie cared so much that it was almost crippling. Her introduction into this world had been even more horrifying than his own, so he could understand why she'd come into this life with a bias against it. She'd lost everything in that moment.
Edward thought her hate of Bella stemmed from the fact that she was human, and the girl could have everything that was robbed from Rosalie. Add that to the fact that Edward showed interest in a human like Bella after he'd rejected her all those years ago, and the mind-reader thought Rosalie's vanity was injured.
There was no denying that his sister was vain, but those were surface thoughts. If Edward had bothered to look deeper, he would see that Rosalie had never had any real interest in him. Her brief pursual of him had more to do with wanting to prove that someone could still desire her after all that happened, that she wasn't tainted.
Emmett had understood immediately, feeling no jealousy towards Edward, and Rosalie loved her mate all the more for it.
"Will you introduce her to Peter and Char?" She asked, breaking him out of his revery.
"Do you think it's too soon?" He questioned. She contemplated for a moment.
"I think you should. They're a big part of your life, and they matter to you. She's going to be a big part of your life." Jasper didn't correct her that Blair was already a big part of his life.
/
Blair drummed her fingers on the steering wheel excitedly as she drove to the park on the outskirts of Port Angeles. Peter and Charlotte were here. Char had told her that Jasper wasn't expecting them until tonight. In reality, they'd arranged to meet Blair before heading to the Cullen house. It had only been a little over a month, but so much had happened. She'd wished on more than one occasion that Peter and Char were there in the flesh to help her through it.
Charlie had told her this morning that a worker at the mill had been killed in an animal attack. It had raised her suspicions, and she felt bad that her dad had to go into work on his only day off this week. Animal attacks weren't all that uncommon in this part of the country, but something about the situation had caused her neck hairs to rise. Blair would bring it up, and hope that Peter would get one of his feelings.
She pulled onto the dirt road that would bring her deeper into the park, away from the more populated areas. She pulled up next to the last of the picnic tables and got out, prepared to sit, and wait. Peter was never on time, no matter how much Char nagged him about it.
Minutes passed before she heard a twig crack in the distance. Her head snapped up, a nervous shudder going through her. It could have been a deer. It could have been Peter and Char…or it could have been whatever killed the mill worker. Blair rolled her eyes at herself, knowing the past month was making her paranoid.
Too many fucking incidences. Still, she peered into the foliage of trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever made the noise.
"What are you doing in the forest all alone, little girl?" A harsh voice whispered directly into her ear from behind her.
Blair shrieked, scrambling to move away, her legs getting tangled under the table. Her body twisted in an attempt to get away and she fell over the bench, landing on her ass in the dirt. Laughter could be heard, and she looked up, seeing a set of very familiar shoulders shaking in amusement at her predicament.
"Peter! You, asshole! Don't you think after what I've been through this month, that might not have been a good idea, you fucking douche," She snarled, her anger overriding the excitement of seeing him. Peter blanched.
"You're right. That was a dick move." Char had told him it wasn't a good idea, but nothing stopped Peter when he got an idea in his head, not even his mate. He grinned apologetically down at her before holding out his hand to help her up. Blair glared at him mutinously. His smile widened and he wiggled his fingers at her, urging her to take his hand.
A long moment passed before her anger began to ebb away and the excitement of seeing her friends again became her dominant emotion. Blair shook her head and grabbed his hand. Peter pulled her up and into a hug, lifting her feet off the ground. Damn had he missed her.
After she let him go, she ran up to Char and wrapped her arms around her, holding tightly despite her granite-like skin. Charlotte hugged her back gently but no less fiercely.
"I've missed you guys so much," Blair whispered.
"We've missed you too," The woman said back, pulling from her embrace.
"I feel like I haven't seen you in a year. Where have you been traveling?" She asked as they sat down at the picnic table.
"Mostly South America," Peter chirped.
"You haven't seen Garrett yet?" Char shook her head.
"No, we'll wait for the summer to do that." Blair bit her lip, already contemplating them leaving when they'd just gotten here. Peter, having always been able to read her like a book, smiled at her.
"We're staying until you graduate. Then you can spend more time with your family over the next year while we're visiting Garrett." Blair squealed excitedly.
"Really?!" A thought crossed her mind, making her sober slightly, "But what about…" She trailed off. Peter glanced at Charlottes and sighed. Jasper was going to kick his ass when this was all over.
"We're going to tell him tonight." The thought made Blair nervous. They'd just kissed the night before. Would this ruin everything?
"We'll take care of everything. He won't blame you," Charlotte said, reading her expression.
"Well, it is all Peter's fault," Blair said, smirking. The man in question gave an affronted look before his expression turned sly.
"So…how is Jasper?" She narrowed her eyes at his tone but couldn't stop the mild blush that filled her cheeks. Peter let out an exuberant noise.
"You're too invested in my love life and it's creepy," Blair huffed.
"It's my sire and my favorite human. I'm allowed to be nosy," Peter defended.
"You'd be nosy even if it wasn't Jasper," Charlotte teased. He grinned unapologetically.
"You're getting ahead of yourself, Peter. We've had one date. Hardly a walk down the aisle." Peter didn't deflate.
"You're sweet when you're in denial."
"Whatever you say, Disco Dave." Blair felt satisfaction when her friend's expression turned to one of annoyance.
"How's Edward and Bella?" Charlotte asked. Blair pursed her lips in displeasure.
"Slightly sickening. She's so far up his ass, she might as well be a turd. I don't get it," She replied.
"You don't need to. Mates manifest their feelings in different ways. Especially human ones," Charlotte said, always the voice of reason. She received two identical looks of annoyance in reply.
"Well, you know we love you if we're willing to stay in the same house as Eddy-boy for an extended period of time," Peter mumbled. Blair grinned. She couldn't have been happier that they were staying. If things continued to progress with Jasper after tonight, it would be the best of both worlds. She was worried about his reaction but was relieved that the secret was going to fully come out and she wouldn't have to feel guilty anymore.
"He told me everything…about his past," Blair said quietly. Peter and Charlotte looked at her in surprise, "I think he wanted to see how I'd react…if I'd freak out or something."
Peter had no doubt that Jasper was trying to gauge her reaction, but also knew the man better than anyone. His sire wouldn't have told her if he hadn't accepted her place in his life. Jasper was a decisive man, and once he set his mind to something, nothing could stop him.
"He trusts you," Peter said softly. She sighed.
"He shouldn't. He told me everything about himself, and I've been lying to him since I met him."
"For us. We'll make sure he knows that," Charlotte comforted. The sun was starting to dip below the tree line, signaling that it was time for them to head to the Cullen house.
"Go home, B. We'll take care of everything. I promise." Peter pulled her into a hug, and she couldn't help but believe him.
/
Jasper could hear them coming long before they broke through the tree line surrounding the house. He was happy to see his old friends and excited for them to meet Blair. Peter had supported him when he was with Alice but had bluntly told him it wouldn't last. He was right, of course. Peter was always right or at least thought he was, which seemed to add to his cocky attitude. The sounds got closer and moments later Peter and Charlotte broke through the greenery.
"Major!" Peter crowed. He had never truly gotten out of the habit of addressing Jasper by his title. Charlotte grinned next to him as they approached. The exact opposite of her husband, she called him Jasper, unwilling to remind herself of the wars.
"Peter. Char," Jasper greeted with a familiar smile. Peter pulled him into a hug, followed by Charlotte. It had been three years since he'd last seen them, and Jasper welcomed their familiar presence.
"How's it been? Still munching on the wildlife?" Peter asked, his voice teasing. Jasper rolled his eyes in response.
"You know I am. Where have you been?" His friends traveled the world constantly, rarely settling in one place for long. Nervousness shot through Peter and he glanced at his mate, causing Jasper to furrow his brows. Anything that made Peter nervous couldn't be good.
"Actually, Major, we need to talk to you about something after the heartwarming greetings are made." His voice was serious, eyes focused on his sire.
"Is it bad?" Jasper's spine straightened at the thought of a possible threat.
"No," Charlotte interjected, "But it is something that needs to be discussed." Despite their reassurance to Blair that they would take care of everything, neither of them knew how their maker would take the truth. Jasper was a man always used to being in the know. Peter could only hope that he would take his anger out on him and not Blair.
"Alright. We can go elsewhere after you've greeted everyone." They walked into the house where everyone was gathered in the living area.
"Well look what the cat drug in," Emmett said laughingly. He'd always gotten along well with the two vampires.
"If a cat did drag us in, you'd eat it." Emmett snorted and pulled the man into a hug, patting his back and causing Peter to stumble slightly forward.
"You know I prefer bear, dill hole."
Rosalie got up from her place on the couch and pulled Charlotte into an embrace. The two had always gotten along wonderfully. Alice practically danced into the room, following Rosalie's lead of greeting. While Charlotte wasn't as close to Alice as she was to Rosalie, she still loved the pixie for all she had done for Jasper. Her exuberant nature could be tiring, however.
"Carlisle. Esme. Thank you for letting us crash here," Peter said, addressing the coven leaders.
"Of course. You know you're always welcome," Esme said warmly.
"We're happy you're here," Carlisle said, and he was. Jasper always seemed more alive when Peter and Charlotte were around. While they all had their own horror stories of entering into this life, the three war veterans had endured more than most. The Cullen patriarch respected them immensely. They respected his wishes that they do not hunt in the area, and that was all he could ask.
Edward came down the stairs, not looking at all happy with their presence, but greeted them politely all the same.
"Edward," Peter muttered in greeting back. The animosity between the two was palpable, causing Carlisle to sigh. Edward could be judgmental. His Victorian ways became a hinderance with vampires like the two nomads. Add Bella to the mix, and Edward didn't want Peter and Charlotte anywhere near the vicinity.
"I don't know if Jasper has discussed it with you, but I need to ask you to keep your distance from Bella. I'm sure he's told you about her." Edward's voice was controlled, trying to convey dominance in the situation. Peter snorted.
"We have no interest in your human, Eddy." He whirled around to look at Jasper, "Yours, however." Jasper smirked, rolling his eyes. He saw Charlotte elbow Peter, and his expression turned serious.
"You wanted to talk to me about something," He prompted.
"It's actually something you all need to know. I'd prefer to talk to the Major alone. Char will fill everyone else in." Peter shared one last look with Charlotte before nodding to Jasper to follow him.
They took off out of the house and into the woods. When Peter was sure they were far enough away, he stopped and leaned against one of the trees.
"What's this about, Peter?" Jasper asked, taking his friend's tense form.
"You ain't going to be happy about this. But I'm hopin' that by the end of it, you'll understand why it happened this way…why it had to happen this way." Peter's southern accent became more pronounced and Jasper's nerves were sent on high alert, his muscles coiling.
"Spit it out, Captain." Peter flinched, knowing he only called him that when he was losing patience. He ran a hand over his face.
"Three years ago, I got a feeling that I needed to head towards Phoenix. Didn't know why, just knew it was important. Real important. When we got there, it was the dead of night and the streets were deserted…except for a teenage girl." Peter paused as he took in his maker's stoic expression. His lip was beginning to curl over his teeth in a slight snarl, catching on to where Peter was going with his story. He took a breath and continued on.
"I knew who she was in that moment…who she was to you. We followed her but kept our distance, of course. I didn't hear the other vampire until he'd pulled her into the alley. By the time I reached her, he'd already latched onto her neck. He was looking to feed, so no venom was transferred. I killed him, while Char checked on her." As Peter finished his story, Jasper's eyes took on a wild look.
"So, you're telling me that you and Charlotte are the vampires who saved Blair," He snarled. Peter fought the urge to flinch as Jasper projected his anger towards him.
"Yes."
"So, you've known who she was the whole time. And she's known you. She knew who I was before she even came here." His thoughts were racing, connecting the dots: Things Blair had said. What she knew. How she'd managed to resist his gift…it was all because she was prepared for it.
"Don't blame her. If you're going to blame anyone, blame me. I told her to keep it quiet. Had to beg her really," Peter said quickly.
"Why?" Jasper demanded, wanting to know what possible reason he could have for keeping something like this from him.
"Because I wanted you to love her on your own. I wanted her to love you on her own." Jasper's anger lessened only slightly, causing Peter to relax a small amount in return.
"You're why she inserted herself into my life. She's known she was my mate the whole time. She already knew everything about my past." The betrayal in his voice caused guilt to filter into Peter's emotions.
"No, she doesn't. Blair doesn't know about you being mates, and we never told her much about you. Only about your gift and that you changed us during the Southern Wars. We kept it short out of respect to you. And Blair…Blair wouldn't take the news that I've known about her connection to you the whole time well." Jasper felt a small amount of comfort knowing his mate's reactions had been genuine, at least most of the time.
"You seem to know her very well." His anger was starting to slowly evaporate, and now he was curious. If she really had known Peter and Charlotte for the past three years, her loyalty to them would run deeper than to a man she just met. It didn't take away that she'd lied…again, and he still had questions that WOULD be answered. But could he really see breaking a mating bond over this…no. Peter grinned, his emotions becoming affectionate.
"We didn't mean to. We only meant to stay for a few months at most. But a few months turned into a year, and then a year turned into three, and then it was time for her to move here. It's hard not to want to be around Blair. She's like a mouthy sister I didn't want until I had one." Jasper was silent, taking in his progeny.
Peter was still nervous, but there was a fierce protective emotion at the forefront. It was obvious that Peter would do anything for Blair, and not just because she was his sire's mate. He wondered if Charlotte felt the same, and Jasper quickly concluded that she must as well.
"If it helps, she fought me every step of the way. Blair isn't a liar. If you haven't noticed…she's blunt as a brick…painfully so." That elicited a small smirk from Jasper, "She didn't even want to meet you, not until the playing field was more even." This caused Jasper to look up sharply, eyes narrowed.
"Meaning?" There was a snarl at the edge of his voice that told Peter he knew exactly what it meant. Peter just gave him a look.
"Major, when we saved her, she figured out what we were immediately. Despite what the mind-reader twat thinks, the Volturi have their ways of finding out when humans discover us."
"So, you're saying she knows that she's going to be changed. That she wants it." Peter nodded.
"She thinks I'm going to do it." He expected Jasper's growl, so he didn't react, "I'm not saying I am, but I couldn't tell her that."
"Why?" Peter ran a hand through his hair and leaned against the tree behind him again.
"You've met her. Blair believes in mates, having seen me and Charlotte, but Blair is big on choices. She knows you can't help who you love, but she needs to choose to stay with you. She's watched how Bella is acting around Edward, and she's afraid to turn into that."
"I don't believe in the whole "I couldn't stop myself from being with him" stuff. We always have choices." She's said those words to him sitting in her house. Jasper understood then. Peter could have easily turned Blair and the bond would have been completed the moment they met. But he didn't. Peter knew who Blair was as a person. The girl needed to know that she loved him of her own volition, and not because of some innate destiny that tired her to him.
"She doesn't love me. Not yet," He said. Peter simply smirked in reply.
"But she will, and even she knows it. I get that this is a lot to take in, but don't be mad at her. She fought me every step of the way, and it was only her trust in me that stopped her from telling you…and when she figured out she had feelings for you, she fought even harder. She didn't want to feel that way about you. Not like that."
What Peter was saying connected more dots together: the way she began to feel attraction to him only to squash it down before it became a full-fledged emotion.
"Why do you think that is?" He asked quietly. Peter sighed, feeling frustrated with the girl for the millionth time since he met her.
"Blair thinks you deserve someone who you could relate to more." Jasper rubbed his face in contemplation. Blair was right that she could never relate to the trials he'd faced in his first few decades as a vampire or even his last few years as a human, but he didn't expect her to. There weren't many vampires who had survived that time to relate in the first place.
"Well, I'll just have to take my time convincing her otherwise," He said, a slow grin spreading over her face. Peter scowled.
"Don't even need to know, man. Not when it comes to her." He turned serious, "Blair means more to me and Charlotte than you could know. I've never been able to beat you in a fight…but if you hurt her, it'll happen for the first time." Jasper could feel the sincerity in his friend's emotions and nodded. He could respect that. The fact that Blair had inspired such loyalty from two vampires who didn't like humans in the first place spoke volumes.
"We should probably head back. I need to talk to the rest of my family and then go talk to Blair."
"Hopefully, my wife has managed to make them understand." They began to head towards the house, emotions rampant at the revelations. Shouting could be heard as they neared the home, and they shared a look before hurrying inside.
Charlotte was being restrained by Alice and Rosalie, snarling as specks of venom dripped from her lips. Carlisle and Emmett had a hold of Edward's shoulders as he hissed back at the woman. Jasper sent out a wave of calm, which seemed to quiet Edward, but had no effect on Charlotte.
"You fucking go near her, and I'll have your head on a platter," She snarled. Peter quickly went to his wife's side and put a hand on her shoulder. She stopped struggling and looked at him with a feral gleam in her eye.
"Now what could you have said to make my wife so angry?" He directed at Edward, a deadly lilt in his voice. The boy growled.
"That woman is nothing more than a liar. Every word that leaves her mouth is a deception. She doesn't deserve to be a part of this family. She doesn't even deserve to be related to Bella. Blair Swan is nothing more than a threat to our family." Three identical snarls echoed through the house of what Edward's tone suggested.
"Oh, and your Bella is so perfect?" Rosalie shot back scathingly. The discovery of who had saved Blair had been shocking, but understandable. Peter and Charlotte loved Jasper and would do anything to secure his happiness. Saving his mate and continuing to protect her wasn't the surprising part. Rosalie was uncertain how she felt about the situation as a whole, but knew she had a bone to pick with the girl about using her weakness for shoes to get in her good graces.
"At least she's never lied to us," Edward spat back.
"No, she just couldn't mind her own business," Rosalie countered viciously.
"Enough," Carlisle said firmly, "Blair is allowed to have her secrets just as we are," He turned to Peter, "I do not like that you insisted she keep this from us, but I can understand your position. You were doing what you thought was right, and I can not fault you for that." Edward looked at his father in disbelief.
"The girl is a menace. Not only does she take delight in antagonizing me, but she's also known who we were the whole time and didn't tell us. And why? Because they told her not to? Because she's Jasper's supposed mate?" Edward ranted.
Jasper had been oddly quiet during his rant, eyeing him like a mongoose might eye a snake. Peter took in the barely concealed, rising fury on his sire's face and smothered a gleeful smile. He wanted to lash out at the vampire who was disrespecting his human but knew that it was Jasper's place now.
She IS my mate," He said, his voice quiet and lethal. He began to approach Edward, his gait almost lazy and aloof. The power seeping from his person caused the other vampire to blanch and Carlisle to eye him warily, "You told me to keep my distance from Bella. I'm not telling you to stay away from Blair…I'm warning you. What Blair does or doesn't do isn't your concern, it's mine. Keep your opinions to yourself or you won't keep your limbs."
Edward looked at him disbelievingly and looked around for an ally. Seeing none, he huffed and sped out the door angrily. Carlisle looked after his son and sighed. Edward would need to get over his animosity towards Blair Swan.
"I'm going to talk to her," Jasper said, and he was gone before anything else could be said.
/
'I'm coming over. Open your window.' Blair had read the text at least 15 times over the last two minutes. He knew. It had taken her a second to get up the courage to open the window. Now she was staring at it, waiting for him to appear, knowing it wouldn't be long.
He obviously wasn't going to hurt her, not that the thought had really crossed her mind. But it didn't mean that he wasn't angry or wasn't planning to end…whatever the hell was going on with them. His simple and to-the-point text seemed to point in that direction. The thought made her frown. Not only would it make the future awkward, but it would hurt like hell. It was for this exact reason she never gotten involved with anyone.
It was past midnight. Charlie was snoring away, and Blair had no doubt that Bella's creepy sort-of boyfriend was already in her room. At least Jasper had informed her before he went trapsing into her window. A thump on the tree outside her house caused her to look up. There he was, crouched on a branch. She leaned out the window and gave him a small smile.
"Hey." Her voice came out throaty with an awkward edge.
"Hey," Jasper replied quietly. He held out his hand, "C'mon, let's go for a walk." She crossed her arms and lifted a brow.
"I don't know. Are you going to drop me?" He gave her an offended look.
"I wouldn't drop you, Swan." She wondered if he was offended that she was doubting his prowess as a vampire.
"Never said you wouldn't do it on purpose." He rolled his eyes as she began to climb out the window. She seemed practiced in the art of sneaking out. Blair grabbed his hand and he pulled her securely across. He picked her up and they were off. Blair didn't scream, which made him wonder how many times she'd run with Peter or Charlotte. He didn't go far from her house, having parked his truck at the end of the street.
"You guys have a lot of cars," She commented as he put down the tailgate. This part of the street was empty of houses but still slightly lit by the streetlamps in the area. He motioned for her to sit down next to him.
"So, are you angry?" She asked as she hopped up on the gate.
"Yes." Was his simple reply.
"Will you get over it?" Blair saw his lips tug at the corner, and she smothered a grin.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry, if it's worth anything." Jasper felt that she was being honest and sighed.
"It wasn't all your fault from what I understand. But tell me now if you have any more secrets. I might not take as kindly to it in the future." Blair bit her lip, taking in his serious expression.
"I'm terrified of clustered holes." His gaze snapped over to hers, his expression confused.
"What? This isn't the time to be funny," He started sternly. She shook her head and smiled softly.
"I'm not. I can't look at lotus pods without wanting to vomit the image away. I don't like clusters in general. I don't like looking at clam beds or penguin gatherings. It makes me uncomfortable. And…not even Peter or Charlotte know that about me." His expression cleared, realizing what she was doing, "Mainly because I'm afraid that Peter will use it against me."
"He definitely would," Jasper murmured. She stared at her hands for a moment.
"I didn't want to lie to you again. Especially not after the other night."
"I know. Peter told me. I'm not used to someone having the upper hand on me," He said, sounding put out. Blair smirked.
"Well, I did use your arrogant assumption of my naivety against you." Jasper huffed but had to concede that she was right. He had assumed she was just a naïve human when they first met, "This wasn't supposed to happen," She whispered. He looked at her curiously.
"What wasn't supposed to happen?" Blair licked her lips and swallowed hard before answering.
"Peter and Charlotte talked about you. Not about anything really private, but it was always with such respect that I couldn't wait to meet you." Jasper's eyebrows furrowed.
"But?" He prompted, practically hearing the unsaid word at the end of her sentence.
"But…not only did I think I'd be a vampire when it happened…I thought I would feel for you what I feel for Charlotte and Peter: family-like. Not like some love-sick teenager that can't think straight around you, I wasn't supposed to care this way, and I keep fucking it up." She huffed out an ironic laugh, lifting her eyes to the stars. It was easier to focus on that than the array of emotions flitting through her body.
"Do you know why you feel that way?" He asked quietly. Blair leaned back on her elbows in the bed of a truck, eyes still on the sky.
"I have an idea, but I'm not ready to have it confirmed yet." It had crossed her thoughts many times today. The way her vampire friends were so supportive of her relationship with Jasper had her mind racing, "It's not that I would mind being connected to you that way. In fact, I like the idea more than I should at this point. But I'm not ready to accept that that might be the only reason Peter and Charlotte saved me…or the only reason they stuck around for three years…or want me to be a vampire."
"They love you. Peter spent the better part of an hour trying to convince me that this wasn't your fault." He saw her smile with obvious affection, "You want to be a vampire?"
"You act like there's much of a choice. Even vampires have someone to answer to, as you know. But to answer the question: yes, I do. I want the freedom of it all and the time to do anything and everything I could ever want. And before you ask, I've been considering the consequences for three years."
Jasper didn't try to persuade her otherwise. Despite his violent beginnings, being a vampire did provide as much freedom as it did shackles. He couldn't honestly say that he'd change if he could.
"I think I've learned by now to never try to change your mind," He teased with a half-smile.
"Well, that's a plus," She murmured. Blair still wouldn't look at him. Finally having enough, he gently grabbed her chin, turning it until her eyes met his.
"I care about you too…of my own volition," She kept silent, looking at him from beneath her lashes, "But I would prefer if you never lied to me again," He finished with a smirk.
"I can promise that. But don't be angry with me if I have to tell you that you look fat in something." He snorted and pulled her up. She groaned but went willingly.
"Let me get you home. We'll talk more about it tomorrow."
"So, you're still picking me up?" Jasper nodded and picked her up again, taking off towards her house. He stopped in front of the tree and put her down, "I can get it from here." She kept her voice quiet.
"Mhm. Plenty of experience sneaking out?" He questioned with an amused tone.
"Maybe." Was her noncommittal answer. Blair couldn't deny that she was hoping this night would end much like the one before, but she didn't know if she should make the first move again. Jasper seemed to sense her internal question and grinned, bending down. Her nerves tensed in preparation, but she was surprised when he bypassed her lips and kissed her cheek.
"Despite the fact that I'll get over it." He kissed the other cheek, "You did lie to me." He nipped at her chin, "And what kind of lesson would it be…" His tongue flicked her earlobe, "If I didn't punish you." When he pulled back, Blair had to concentrate on calming her breathing. She narrowed her eyes at the self-satisfied expression on his face.
"Seems to be as much of a punishment for you," She countered, "Besides, I can give you so many other ideas on how to punish me." His eyes darkened at her words, his lips curling into a dark smile that held promises.
"Go to bed, Swan. I'll see you tomorrow." Blair threw him her own self-satisfied look, knowing she'd gotten to him, and began to climb the tree as she'd done many nights before. Jasper watched her carefully, eyeing for any signs that she might fall.
Blair pulled herself inside quietly. By the time she turned around, he was gone.
So, I hope it was everything you were hoping for. Originally, Jasper wasn't going to find out for a long time, but as the story progressed, I decided that I wanted Peter and Charlotte to be more present. The next chapters will contain more Jasper and Blair interactions and also Jasper getting to see inside Blair's friendship with Peter and Charlotte. I'm working on it now, so I hope to have to up soon. Read and Review if you can. It really has kept me going these last couple of weeks. Thanks!