First off, I wanted to say that I am so sorry for taking so long to update, and Happy Holidays. This chapter was a struggle for me, and I worked on it for a long time and am still not completely satisfied with it. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, and I might be in the market for a beta if anyone has any suggestions. This is a chapter that is leading to the baseball scene in the next chapter, but I couldn't seem to get it the way I wanted it.
As for why Edward seems to have such a problem with Blair, it was always my view that he didn't progress from the Victorian era he was born into like the others progressed from their time. Blair represents everything that Bella isn't: crass, mouthy, and disrespectful (in his mind at least). While not being able to read Bella's mind brings him peace from the chatter he always has to deal with, trying to read Blair's mind only causes him physical pain. The fact that she was able to hide things from him, as he's always used to being in the know, also frustrates him. He's not going to turn into some evil villain in the story, but he will be doing things that I think he's capable of that aren't morally right.
I will not give up on this story and am hoping that things run a bit smoother now that I have gotten over my writer's block. I don't own anything you recognize, and I did get inspiration from a pinterest post on one of the scenes but couldn't find out who posted it. Hope you enjoy.
Blair woke the next morning already feeling excited about the prospect of the day. She got up and began to prepare. Her father's door was open, and as she didn't hear him in the kitchen, Blair assumed that he'd already left for work. The whole situation made her feel nervous.
If this murder was the work of a nomad vampire, her father didn't stand a chance in either solving it or coming up against said vampire…or vampires. She'd forgotten to talk to Peter about it last night and resolved to bring it up to Jasper today…Jasper. The thought of his name made her lips curl into a smile. She'd never thought that things would end up this way…that she'd end up caring about him as much as she did, in the way that she did.
But Blair had meant what she'd said to Jasper the night before. She wasn't ready to know that he was possibly her mate. That word had rolled around in her head all weekend. Something she'd thought was impossible now seemed to make more sense. Why would Peter and Char be so supportive of their relationship if it weren't in the realm of possibilities? They'd never put her in a position to get hurt if it weren't true.
But that left another matter rolling around in her head…Did they only save her because Peter knew what was to come? Would they have left her to die if that hadn't been the case? Would they love her like they did if she weren't Jasper's mate? The thoughts made her stomach roll.
They were some of the most important people in her life, and the idea that their love was conditional on her relationship to Jasper wasn't something she could handle. Blair wasn't fragile. She had a better understanding of her emotions than most teenagers but losing Peter and Charlotte would cripple her. If she were honest with herself, losing Jasper would destroy her too.
Shaking the negative thoughts away, she put in extra care into her appearance. When she was finished, there was only 20 minutes left until Jasper was due to pick her up. Bella had gotten up and gone straight to the bathroom to get ready. Blair poured herself a cup of coffee and sat in the living room to wait. Bella flounced down the stairs, looking chipper and excited.
"Edward said that Jasper is picking you up?" She questioned.
"Yeah. In about 15 minutes." Bella beamed at her.
"So, things are going well between you two?" Blair gave her a suspiciously amused look.
"I guess. How are things with Edward?" Her sister blushed and looked away.
"Amazing. We…we kissed on Saturday." Blair smirked and rolled her eyes. She had no doubt it would have been a chaste kiss, since Edward would never let it go past first base.
"And how was it?"
"It was incredible. I think I pushed his boundaries though. He had to pull away." Bella looked disappointed and slightly embarrassed at her confession, but she was glad to have someone to talk to about it, "Have you and Jasper kissed yet?"
"Yes." Blair didn't give anymore detail, leaving her sister feeling frustrated.
"And?" Bella egged.
"And hopefully we'll be doing a lot more of it in the future." Bella's blush spread further before she turned pensive.
"Does he have trouble getting close to you like that?"
"He doesn't seem to, but I'm not his singer either." Bella frowned at her reply, slightly jealous that Blair could get close to Jasper without him pulling away.
Blair eyed Bella warily for a moment, wondering if she should steer the conversation to Peter and Charlotte. She would no doubt find out about them soon enough, but Blair really didn't want to deal with another tantrum should her sister find out from Edward first.
"Look, I have to tell you something," She paused, not really wanting to delve into all her secrets, but knowing she had to, "The vampires that saved my life are in town staying with the Cullens." The younger girl's mouth dropped open in shock.
"What?! You kept in contact with them? Why are they here?" She demanded, wanting to know what her sister was keeping from her. Blair pursed her lips, wondering how much she needed to reveal.
"Jasper is their sire. They're here to see him…and me." Bella's expression grew angry. Blair seemed to have more secrets than the CIA, and she felt betrayed that her sister didn't seem to trust her enough to let her into her world.
"So, you knew about the Cullens before we even came here? What the hell, Blair? Are they like the Cullens?" She demanded. Blair studied her for a moment, knowing she was referring to their diet.
"No." Bella's expression to on a frightened edge, her thoughts flitting to the mill worker that had recently been killed. It had been a suspicious death, and now Blair was telling her that vampires who fed on humans were in town at the same time.
"That mill worker…Did they…?" She trailed off, her tone demanding answers, and Blair felt her temper rise at the suggestion. She pointed a finger at Bella.
"Don't you fucking suggest it. No, they didn't. Edward will no doubt keep you away from them, but they saved my life. And they've been through more in their lives than your brain can even comprehend," Blair snarled, causing Bella to flinch.
Clearly, her older sister was protective of these vampires, and she felt hurt. How much of this world did Blair know and just hadn't felt the desire to share?
"I'm part of this world now too. You can't keep keeping things from me," She replied, feeling petulant.
"Your world revolved around Edward right now, despite the fact that there is so much more to it. You see only the good, but this world is deadly and dangerous. I'm sure you'll learn that soon enough, but not until you get out of the bubble that you and Edward are caught in." Bella opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by a knock at the door. She fixed Blair with a glare as she went to answer it. Jasper stood in the doorway, his face turning slightly strained as Bella's scent hit his nostrils.
"Bella," He greeted politely, before zeroing in on Blair, who'd come to stand beside her. He took in the feelings of anger and strain in the room and lifted a brow, "You ready to go?" She nodded and grabbed her backpack.
He glanced at Bella, "My brother will be here in a moment." Bella didn't say anything, only nodding. Her gaze was hard as her older sister bypassed her. Jasper grabbed Blair's bookbag and walked her to her side of the car, opening the door for her. When they were safely inside the car, he gave her a questioning glance. She sighed.
"I told Bella about Peter and Charlotte. She's not happy about me keeping things from her." Jasper looked at her curiously.
"Why don't you want to tell her everything?" Blair bit her lip in thought at his question.
"I suppose I should, but a part of me is angry about it. She thinks we have this kinship because we're two humans in a vampire's world. But all I see is that she was never interested in what I thought or what I was going through until it benefited her and her curiosity," She paused, "And even now, she doesn't care about anything besides how it affects her. Bella thinks if she knows, then it'll help her get closer to Edward."
Jasper understood her position then. Edward felt that the sun shone out of Bella's ass, but his impression of the girl was that she was selfish.
"She doesn't realize that vampires are people with their own pasts and complications just like everyone else, and a lot of them don't take kindly to prying," She continued.
"You don't think she'd be more prepared if she did know more?" He asked, glancing at her. Personally, he didn't care for Bella other than the fact that she was Blair's sister, but he didn't want the girls at odds because of his family. Blair just snorted.
"Maybe…or maybe it'll add to her trumped-up opinion that she deserves to know everything. There are secrets…like the shifters, where it's not my secret to tell." Jasper bit the inside of his cheek at the mention of the wolves.
"Mmm. Yeah, Peter mentioned them." Blair took in his disgruntled expression and started to giggle.
"He told you about Paul, didn't he?"
"He might have mentioned something about you and him." They pulled into the school and parked. They were in no hurry to get out of the car as they were still 20 minutes early. He wasn't going to deny that he was jealous of the shifter who'd taken her virginity. Peter had made it clear that there were no romantic feelings, but he didn't like the thought of anyone else's hands on her.
"You're jealous," She stated. He cocked an eyebrow as if to say, 'shouldn't I be?', "I don't love Paul like that, and he doesn't love me like that. Kinda like you and Alice." Jasper opened his mouth to argue before snapping it shut. Blair grinned at him slyly, knowing she'd gotten her point across.
It was a similar situation. Jasper wasn't in love with the pixie vampire, but they were close and had been in an intimate relationship for years. It would be hypocritical of him to condemn her for remaining friends with Paul. While he didn't like the thought of her being near a hormone-driven shifter, Blair was one to allow anyone to tell her who she could be around.
"Besides, I care for you more than I've ever cared for anyone in that way." His eyes snapped to her face as she looked up at him from underneath her lashes. He smirked, lowering his lips to her ear.
"Is that so?" She shivered as his cool breath hit her ear.
"Don't get cocky now. I could always change my mind." He grinned against her cheek, his nose skimming her jawline.
"No, you can't," He murmured firmly. Blair sucked in a breath as his lips descended on hers, his tongue stroking her bottom lip, demanding entrance.
"Woo. Hoo," Someone jeered from the front of the car. Jasper pulled away, annoyed as he took in Emmett, who was grinning at them through the windshield. Blair glared at the large vampire, which didn't seem to have any effect on the man. Rosalie stood to his left, her arms crossed and an amused look on her face.
"I hate your brother right now," She chuckled.
"I'm not to fond of him myself," Jasper growled as he got out of the car. He popped Emmett on the back of the head as he passed him and came around to open her door.
"Glad to see you guys are getting along so well," Emmett said suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows as they approached the couple.
"You know, I've thought that you were exactly like Peter since I met you."
"Thank you," Emmett said, taking it as a compliment. Blair smiled.
"Yup. All his annoying qualities wrapped in a big pile of granite." Jasper snorted at the put-out expression on his brother's face. Blair's smile softened, "Along with all my other favorite qualities." The large vampire beamed. Blair looked at Rosalie, who was staring her down with a stern look. There was still an amused sparkle to it, which gave the girl hope.
Besides Jasper, she'd been worried about the blonde beauty's reaction the most. She felt a bond had begun to grow with Rosalie, and she didn't want it to wither away because of her secrets.
"Er…we'll wait for you by the door," Emmett said, nudging Jasper along, knowing the two women needed to talk. Blair gave him a small smile before turning to Rosalie.
The teenager wasn't the only one that felt a growing kinship between them. Rosalie couldn't deny that she respected the human in front of her, a human who loved her vampires without fault. Anyone who caused Peter and Charlotte to become so defensive of them had to be worth keeping in their life.
"So, you liked my shoes?" Rosalie started, lifting a brow. Blair grinned at the challenge in her voice as she leaned gently against Jasper's car.
"I did. It's one of my favorite designs, although I've never been able to afford them myself."
"It was a sneaky way of getting my attention," The blonde said disapprovingly. Blair gave her a contemplative look.
"The fact that I complimented your shoes wasn't what grabbed your attention. The fact that I had the nerve to talk to you is. The subject wouldn't have mattered." Rosalie had to admit that the girl was right. Most people tended to keep their distance, subconsciously aware of the otherworldly aura that screamed predator.
"Yet, you still used your knowledge of my love of shoes to your advantage." Blair nodded, understanding what the vampire wanted.
"You're right, and I'm sorry." Rosalie nodded, seemingly satisfied that she meant her apology. The human knew it had nothing to do with her shoes and more to do with the fact that she began talking to the blonde using false methods, "Any conversation I could have started with you would have been laced with deception. I wanted to get to know you, but at the same time, I didn't. Ever since I've been in your world, I've had more secret than I know what to do with." Rosalie's gaze softened at her words.
"That never goes away."
"I know, but Peter and Charlotte are worth it." She glanced to where Jasper was standing by the school's entrance, "Your family is worth it." This elicited a smile from Rosalie.
"Yes, they are." She glanced at where her husband and brother stood, "He cares for you, Blair. Don't mess is up."
"I'll try. I've done a right job of it so far."
"Oh, I don't know. You've taken the toughest vampire I know and made him care. That's worth mentioning." They started to walk towards the doors. Sensing their conversation was settled, the two male vampires made their way to their side.
Emmett casually threw his arm around Rose, while Jasper laced his hand through hers. Despite the fact that his body temperature was well below normal, Blair felt warmth tingling in her fingers. She wondered if that was a response only he could ever make her feel, because even though she didn't mind, Peter and Charlotte had always been ice cold.
Like her first day at school, stares followed them as they walked through the halls, and whispers echoed around them. As they neared her history class, Rosalie and Emmett veered off, going towards their own class. Jasper paused and leaned his head down before placing his lips on her cheek.
"See you at lunch." Blair gave him a half-smile and nod and he headed off in the opposite direction.
Her other classes seemed to drag on, probably because she couldn't wait to see Jasper again. She was becoming what she'd fought so hard against: a love-struck fool, but Blair couldn't seem to make herself care enough to fight against it.
People were looking at her and whispering in every morning class she had, no doubt wondering how she could have gotten the attention of one Jasper Hale. It was now obvious that more than friendship was going on between them. She ignored it, letting them talk their idle gossip. Their opinion didn't matter anyway.
Lunch did finally come. Bella was already sitting with Edward, looking deep in conversation. Blair rolled her eyes and headed towards the line. Jasper hasn't arrived yet, but she could only assume that he was on his way. Craving a salad, she headed towards the bar containing the veggies.
Her path was blocked as Lauren planted herself directly in her way. The girl was looking at her with an expectant look on her face. Blair wondered if the blonde had any self-preservation, as her patience with Lauren was quickly running out.
"Can I help you?" Blair asked impatiently.
"Tyler was at the drive-in Saturday and said he saw you and Jasper Hale a few cars over…and then you show up with him today." The older girl was shocked at Lauren's audacity. She supposed the junior was used to getting exactly what she wanted. At one point, she'd decided she wanted Jasper, and being unable to get him, now sought out the girl he did want to prove she was better.
"You caught me. We went to a movie." Blair walked around her to get to the salad bar, but Lauren followed, not at all deterred.
"Which one was it? The one where the awkward senior with no friends gets the guy because she puts out?" The blonde snarled. Blair just grinned.
"No. It was the one where the popular, blonde whore puts her nose where it doesn't belong and gets it broken." Jessica had come up behind them now and was grabbing at Lauren's sleeve.
"C'mon. Just leave her alone," She pleaded, unsure what her friend's angry obsession with Blair Swan was really about.
"No," Lauren snarled in reply, "I want her to admit it. He's just with her because she gave it up." Blair's grinned widened.
"You're right." Lauren's face showed surprise, "He's using me for sex, but I'm okay with it. His dick is huge…and that tongue is capable of the most magical things." Blood rushed to the other girl's cheeks as she gave a gasp of indignation, and she stomped off. There would undoubtedly be rumors by the end of the day. Jessica was looking at her with a gob smacked expression and she winked.
"A piece of advice, if you ever want to get rid of someone bothering you, make them uncomfortable." Blair finished making her salad, passing by the girl. If she wasn't mistaken, there was a small smile creeping at the edge of her mouth.
Jasper had shown up by then and had been surveying the scene with interest. He'd almost intervened but knew that Blair was the type to fight her own battles. His eyebrows had disappeared into his hairline at her reply to Lauren, and Emmett was barely keeping his laughter at bay. His girl felt tickled pink as she approached the table. He gave her an appraising look as she sat down beside him.
"What? I made you sound good," She defended. Emmett's hold on his amusement broke then and he gave a deep laugh. Jasper smirked, shaking his head.
"There's going to be rumors all over school by the end of the day," Alice commented, looking amused.
"Of course."
"That doesn't bother you?" Rosalie asked. She felt a little angry on Blair's behalf, knowing Lauren just wanted to make herself feel better. She was a bully in every sense. Blair just shrugged,
"Nope. She'd have spread them no matter what I said. No point in trying to deny them."
"Why not?" Jasper questioned.
"Because people will believe I'm only trying to save my reputation. Who the hell cares about some high school teens' opinions? In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't even matter. Besides, I can spread rumors just as easily." The four vampires looked confused, "Last year, I rejected a guy who asked me out. He decided to make his ego bigger by claiming we slept together, and that I was a lousy lay to make himself look good.
I didn't deny it. But by the end of the day, the whole school thought he had to put on his mother's heels to get it up and called out her name when he came. He tried backtracking, but by then it was too late. Yeah, I got labeled as easy, but he came off very Norman Bates." Her friends laughed. Jasper threw an arm around her and buried his face in her hair.
Blair smiled, leaning into his embrace. She wondered how it was possible to feel as comfortable as she did around him. She saw Rosalie smile at them, and knew she was happy to see her pseudo-brother so content. Blair glanced to where Bella sat in conversation with Edward, wondering what it would be like to be that close to her sister.
"They're talking about your parents," Jasper said. She frowned.
"She's no doubt making herself seem more mature than either of them." He made a noise of affirmation and gave her a curious glance, knowing from her emotions that she didn't agree with her sister's assertion, "Bella thinks that just because she had to teach mom how to balance a check book and cooks for dad that she's somehow more of an adult than she is."
"And you don't agree?" Alice asked. The pixie knew from her visions that she'd be closer to Bella, while Blair would veer towards Rosalie, but she liked Jasper's mate and respected what she was doing for him.
"I agree that my mother is flighty and forgetful, and that my dad can be unsociable. But no, as a whole, I don't. When I played soccer, my mom had a jersey with my name made and wore it to every game. When I was a cheerleader, I could hear her cheering for me over the crowd.
I remember my father and I attempting to cook dinner in the summers I visited, laughing when it turned out horribly." Blair paused, catching Jasper's gaze as he listened intently to every word, "I think people forget that parents are humans too. They'll never be perfect, but I had a good life and am very loved. I wanted for nothing, so I don't see a point in moaning over everything that could have been better."
The table was quiet for a moment. None of them actually remembered their parents, their memories going hazy when the venom had made its way through their veins. It was like looking at an out-of-focus photograph. You knew that the picture was of people, but not who they were or your connection to them. Jasper had no doubt that when Blair became a vampire, she'd hold onto those memories with everything she had. He could only hope that she got to keep them.
The bell rang soon after, causing them to all go their separate ways. Jasper held her hand again all the way to Calculus. The whispers intensified as they took their seat next to each other. Blair just ignored them, focusing on the man next to her. He was without a doubt, the most amazing person she'd ever met…all his trials had morphed him into the man he was today. As terrible as his past was, Jasper had managed to overcome it.
The empath felt her affection as the teacher began class, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Never in over the century he'd been alive had he known someone who'd accepted him just as he was. Blair had felt desire when she'd seen his scars instead of fear and repulsion.
Jasper had never been as religious as Carlisle, nor did he think that they were abominations in the eyes of God like Edward but looking at the girl next to him made him think everything was for a reason and part of some grand plan…that the girl next to him was made for him and only him. He was neither willing nor able to let her go.
The rest of class passed by with Blair scribbling notes, and Jasper had no doubt that he'd be tutoring her for the rest of the semester. She elbowed him when she noticed the smug grin on his face, guessing his thoughts.
After class ended, he walked her to her next period. Blair surprised him by kissing him on the lips before he had a chance to leave. Her mouth was warm and pleasant…and gone before he had a chance to truly reciprocate. Blair disappeared inside seconds after, as if she didn't go then she wouldn't be able to. He ran a hand through his hair, a satisfied smirk on his face as he walked away.
/
Blair sat next to Rosalie and Emmett during Computer Science, feeling freer than she had since she moved to Forks. She now had more friends that mattered to her, when once there was a time when she could only see letting Peter and Charlotte into her life.
Jasper was waiting for her when she got out of class. They were quiet as they walked to the car. She studied his hand that was clasped in hers briefly, taking in his long fingers littered with tiny scars. One day, she'd find out where each one came from, and the stories behind them. Although, she wondered which ones were caused by Peter and Char.
She saw her sister get into Edward's car without sparing her a glance, her whole being orbiting around the boy as if he were the sun. Annoyance streaked through her as she waved goodbye to the rest of the Cullen clan before getting into the car.
"You know, your relationship with you sister is interesting," Jasper started, "You love each other, but you take no joy in each other's company. Your perception of your parents is so different, which isn't uncommon, given that parents tend to treat each child differently. You seem to resent her for the way she views them." He watched as Blair pursed her lips in thought, contemplating her answer.
"I guess…I sometimes feel like Bella views her childhood as more tragic because she feels it will make her more interesting…which is insulting to our parents," She sighed, "But, at the same time, who am I to say what's traumatizing and what isn't? Our mother's attitude could be seen as neglectful at times, and our father's stoic attitude can come off as unfeeling every once and a while, but we were loved. She was coddled more than I ever was, being the baby and all."
"You see the good in people," He surmised. She laughed, shaking her head.
"Not at all. I have too limited patience to go looking for the good in everyone." He snorted, slightly agreeing with her lack of patience. A country song came on the radio and Blair turned it up, "I love this song!" She started to sing along. Her voice was by no means angelic, sounding off-key, but she didn't seem to care.
Jasper guessed that she wasn't going to hide the things she enjoyed because they might be embarrassing. He was glad, because he would have never gotten to know her otherwise if she'd held back.
"You like country?" Blair paused in her singing to look at him.
"You can't be friends with Peter without learning to like it," She replied, and he laughed. Peter played country and classic rock around his house every day. It was either learn to love it or pull your eardrums out.
As they pulled into her driveway, Jasper tensed. Blair followed his line of sight and sighed. Billy Black, Sam Uley, and Paul were all standing in front of her house, undoubtedly waiting for her. Paul's expression was angry. She could see his shaking from the car, causing Sam to put a hand on his shoulder.
"I honestly expected them to show up sooner," Blair said.
"Carlisle just told their leader about Peter and Charlotte. They might be here to talk about that." His eyes never left Paul, his expression betraying that he was displeased as he took in the person who'd taken his mate's virginity. While Jasper knew it was ridiculous of him to expect her to have never dated anyone before she met him, he couldn't stop the jealousy rising in his gullet.
"I should go with you," He said, his voice holding a slight growl at the end. She gave him a look.
"That would make things infinitely worse. I'll be fine. Peter texted me earlier about coming over tonight. Wanna pick me up at 6:30?" Jasper nodded, reluctantly agreeing to leave her alone with the shifters…or semi-alone since he planned to park his car and patrol near her house just in case she needed help.
Blair lifted a brow, grinning as if she guessed his thoughts as she gathered her stuff. They were getting impatient if their looks were any indication. Jasper glanced at Paul on last time before gently lifting her chin and kissing her directly on the mouth. It only lasted for a second, but there was an undeniable possessive edge.
"That was dirty," She murmured when he pulled away. He winked at her as she shook her head, smiling as she got out of the car. He sent a smirk at the now furious shifter before backing out of the driveway.
Blair braced herself as she walked up to her house, knowing this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation.
"Hello, Blair," Billy said softly when she reached them.
"Billy," She greeted smoothly. They stayed awkwardly silent for a moment before Billy cleared his throat.
"Blair, Charlie is one of my best friends…"
"And that should effect who I hang out with?" She retorted with her arms crossed.
"You obviously know what they are…what we are. You know that they're dangerous," Sam started. Blair cut him off.
"About as dangerous as you are." Sam opened his mouth to disagree, but she interrupted him, "I've been privy to this world for a long time. I don't need a lecture about how dangerous it is." Paul snorted in disbelief, causing her to narrow her eyes.
"What would Charlie say?" Billy tried and Blair let out a laugh.
"Before or after he committed us all to the psych ward?" She set a challenging glare at him, "Or do you plan on having Sam change in front of him to prove your point?" Billy looked stricken for a moment. Their laws stated that their secret must be kept at all costs to protect the tribe. He trusted Charlie with his life, but not even his best friend was an exception to the rule.
"I'm going to stop this before it goes any further. None of you have the right to tell me or Bella who we let into our lives. I am not part or your pack, nor am I subject to your laws. So, go ahead and mention how terrible you think the Cullens are to my dad. The only thing that'll get you is a lecture on judging people you don't know." Her tone was stern and unmoving. She wasn't going to have this argument. Her personal life was not up for discussion. "Now tell me why you're really here. It's about Peter and Charlotte, isn't it?"
Sam pursed his lips while keeping an eye on Paul, who seemed ready to explode on the younger girl. This was more personal for the volatile shifter, who had been best friends with Blair for years.
"The Cullens have informed us of the two vampires that will be staying in the area. We want to ensure that they will keep to the treaty, and keep the Cullens' diet," Sam said formally. 'Well, that will go over well,' she thought.
"Why didn't you tell them this?" She asked.
"We did. We just wanted to reiterate and ensure our secret is kept."
"I'm not your middleman, but I'll pass along the message," She replied, feeling annoyed. Sam nodded, satisfied. He'd never gotten to know the eldest Swan, but his impression of her was that she was stubborn at the best of times. There was no point in trying to sway her to see reason.
"Please just think about what you're doing, Blair, and what this could do to Charlie," Billy imparted before he pushed his wheelchair towards the truck. Sam gave Paul a warning glare before following him.
Blair's heart hurt as she took in his angry expression. She'd seen it on him plenty of times before, but it had never been directed at her.
"You're really going to do this. Are you really going to throw away ten years of friendship over them?" He snarled, crossing his arms in a defensive position.
"Are you?" She countered. He growled in frustration.
"Are these the bloodsuckers that saved your life?"
"Yes."
"It's interesting how that mill worker was killed as soon as they came to town." Paul knew he'd struck a nerve when Blair's mouth turned to an ugly scowl.
"Peter and Charlotte didn't kill the mill worker," She said through clenched teeth. Paul gave a harsh laugh.
"So much faith in them. They're all murderers, B. There is no way around it." She threw her hands up in frustration.
"Is your brain even connected to your mouth. You don't know them…any of them. You don't know what they've been through. None of them chose this life." Blair felt like she was talking to a brick wall for as much as the words seemed to reach him.
"It doesn't matter if they chose it, Blair. You're naïve to think that it matters." He groaned when her expression didn't change, "You're so fucking stubborn."
"Why? Because I won't do what you want me to?" He looked ready to walk away then, but Blair wasn't going to allow their conversation to go unfinished again. She reached out and grasped his hand, feeling relieved when he didn't pull away, "Paul, I love you," He looked down, "You've been my best friends for ten years. You've been there for me, as I have for you. But just because I love you, does not mean you can control who I allow into my life."
Paul took a deep breath, feeling calmed by the physical contact, "I don't want you to get yourself killed. How can you not see that you'll get hurt or worse if you continue to be around them? How can you side with them over me?" His voice was resigned.
"Because they're not the ones asking me to choose," Blair replied softly. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. She let go of his hand and headed into her house. He didn't say anything as she walked away.
When the door was closed firmly behind her, she let out a breath and heard the truck start up and drive away. Blair wiped away a stray tear, squared her shoulders, and headed to the kitchen to start on her homework.
/
Bella arrived soon after Paul left, a dreamy expression on her face. She joined Blair at the kitchen table. Her older sister never looked up from her homework. Bella wondered if she was still angry about this morning. But what did she have to be mad about? What was the point of both having vampire boyfriends if they couldn't talk about it?
"I'm sorry about this morning…about jumping on you," Bella started. Blair just nodded, "Edward explained that Peter and Charlotte asked you not to tell anyone."
Blair didn't bother to tell her sister that she wouldn't have told her anyway. Bella had never shown interest in her life until it benefited her, "He also said that they'll be switching to the Cullens' diet. He says I'll have to keep away from them until they get the hang of it." Blair frowned, gritting her teeth as Bella twittered on.
"Peter and Char have better control than your boyfriend ever will. They've been around me for the last 3 years." Bella opened her mouth in protest, but snapped it shut. If Blair's reaction that morning was any indication, she was very sensitive when it came to the two vampires.
"How are things with you and Jasper?" She asked, changing the subject. Blair wondered if she was taking an interest in her love life because it gave her an excuse to talk about Edward. Feeling a little vindictive, she looked up at Bella.
"It's hard dating a vampire."
"Why? Because of their strength and desire for blood?" Bella asked obviously.
"No. Because they can hear and smell everything. I once had Taco Bell before hanging out with Peter and Char, and I nearly imploded trying to hold in a fart. Peter kept asking why I was so red. So, you might want to make sure Edward is gone before you take those morning shits of yours and keep some air freshener handy for when he picks you up." Blair held in a gleeful smile at Bella's mortified expression. She patted her sister's hand, who then took off towards her room, no doubt in search of said Febreze.
/
Charlie was home by five. Her father looked tired, making Blair feel bad for the man. He was investigating something that was possibly unsolvable. When Bella came out of her room to make dinner, her face was still red, causing Blair to smirk. She prepared spaghetti, and dinner was eaten in silence.
"Dad, is it ok if I go hang out with the Cullens after dinner?"
"To see Jasper?" He asked with a tired smirk. She pursed her lips, hiding a smile.
"And his family."
Charlie forked some noodles, "You know the curfew." Bella looked between the two, slightly envious of their easy relationship. She still hadn't told Charlie about Edward, "What about you, Bells? Got any plans?"
"No, I've got homework to do," She said simply, attempting to keep her blush at bay. Blair gave her a smug look, which cause Bella to give her a dirty one in return when her father wasn't looking.
Blair didn't really understand why Bella had yet to tell their father about Edward. She'd have to do it eventually, especially if Bella was planning to meet the Cullen family this Saturday.
Jasper arrived promptly at 6:30, and her father seemed more at ease with the man than he had at the drive-in, making her wonder if Jasper was affecting his emotions. Or maybe it was because Charlie was under the assumption that Jasper's 'parents' would be there to supervise.
She had to wonder if it was awkward for Carlisle and Esme, playing the part of parents to adult vampires who could and did have sex lives with each other…or in her and Jasper's case, future sex lives…hopefully.
She kissed her father on the cheek on her way out the door after repeating she'd be back by curfew. She felt giddy to see Peter and Charlotte, but there was still something she had to talk to Jasper about.
"I have a question," She said as soon as they were in the car. Jasper looked at her curiously and nodded for her to go on, "The mill worker that was killed the other day…" She trailed off. His mouth turned into a deep frown. His expression betrayed that her suspicions had been correct.
"We think it was nomads passing through, although we've seen no sign of them in the area otherwise," He told her honestly.
"Does that happen often?" He shook his head.
"Rarely. Nomads tend to feed in bigger areas since it's easier to cover up."
"Like Peter and Charlotte…until now. Sam told me about their demands." Jasper's lips quirked at the corner.
"Yeah, he's not looking forward to living off of animals for a couple of months, although they have done it when they've stayed over a long period of time."
"Did he pout?" Blair asked with a grin.
"Of course," Jasper snorted out. Blair giggled with affection.
They pulled up to the house, where she could see what looked like shadows of light flickering against the house, "We decided to have a bonfire tonight," Jasper explained as he laced his hands through hers. Blair could hear Peter long before she saw him, his boisterous voice chattering excitedly. He paused as Jasper and Blair made their way into view.
"B, tell Emmett that I'm the champion line dancer in Phoenix!" He said, causing Blair to smile as they got closer.
"I don't know why you're proud of that, but it's true." Peter pulled her into a hug, ruffling her hair.
"I told you everything would be okay," He whispered into her hair.
"And you love being right."
"Of course, I do." He let her go and she was pulled into Charlotte's arms. She breathed a sigh of relief that everything was out in the open, and that she could love her friends in front of everyone. After Char let her go, Jasper pulled her to sit down on a log, wrapping his arms around her.
Blair surveyed the rest of the family, who were looking relaxed and at ease. Rosalie and Emmett were sitting closely. The large vampire was playing with his mate's blonde locks. Alice was talking animatedly with Charlotte, and Esme and Carlisle were looking at their family's happiness with obvious elation. In that moment, everything felt perfect. She had Peter and Charlotte, the Cullens, and Jasper.
She couldn't understand why the shifters were so against the vampire family. It didn't really matter, she supposed. If they wanted to deny themselves being friends with these vampires, then that was their loss.
"Time to get this party started," Peter said as he got up and plugged his phone into a speaker sitting to the side. He mumbled to himself as he searched through his song list before making a noise of triumph. Blair recognized the song immediately and let out a laugh. (A/N: I was listening to 'Dancing in the Moonlight for the first song, and 'C'mon Eileen' for the second one while I was writing this) Jasper looked at her questioningly.
"He knows that this is one of my favorite songs." She watched as Peter bowed in front of his wife and held out his hand. Charlotte rolled her eyes but smiled and took his hand. They began to twirl elegantly around the fire, "They used to do this all the time in Phoenix," She murmured to Jasper.
"They've done this for as long as I've known them," He said, grinning. She laid her head on his shoulder, feeling warm as she watched them dance. Carlisle and Esme got up next with Rosalie and Emmett following a moment later. The vampires effortlessly danced around each other, casting their shadows from the fire in a tantalizing pattern. Blair glanced at Jasper.
"What do you say, Whitlock? Wanna take me for a whirl?"
"I thought you'd never ask, Swan." He gracefully got up, pulling her with him. She was grateful Peter had insisted she learn how to dance as Jasper twirled her around the fire. Blair knew he was taking it slow for her, but he didn't seem to mind. With the way he was looking at her, she felt nothing less than perfect.
She felt a rush of an emotion she almost didn't recognize, but by Jasper's raised eyebrows and small half-smile, he certainly did recognize it. Blair looked away, and he grabbed her chin and lifted her head. His lips pressed to hers in a sweet, chaste kiss. He inhaled slowly before pulling away and spinning her in a circle. The song began to end. When the next song started, Blair looked over at Peter.
"Is this my playlist?" Peter grinned as Charlotte sat down on the log.
"He has a 'Blair's favorite songs' playlist," Char said laughingly.
"May I?" Peter asked, holding out his hand. Jasper smiled and nodded before turning to his friend's mate.
"What do you say, Char? It's been a while since we've danced," He asked. Charlotte bounced up and they were off. Carlisle was now dancing with Rosalie, while Esme looked on with a look of contentment. Emmett was spinning Alice around, their difference in size obvious, but their dance effortless.
Blair laughed as Peter pulled her into a dance they'd done many times before. Joy was her only emotion as they moved around each other. It was as if they were in Phoenix again, making asses out of themselves without a care in the world. Only this time, it was better…more complete.
As they began to wind down, Blair felt a sliver of fear climb down her spine, deathly afraid of losing it all. Making sure no one was listening, she looked at Peter, who seemed to sense the shift in her mood.
"Peter," She murmured, "If anything ever happened between Jasper and I to where…it didn't work out or he decides I'm not what he wants…would you and Char leave me behind?" Peter furrowed his brows before he pulled her into a hug.
"Never."
Okay, so that's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Please read and review if you feel like it. The next chapter is the baseball scene. Peter and Charlotte being there should shake things up. Thank you!