Hello all. Here's the next chapter. Shout out to my beta breaiden0413 for going through and finding my mistakes. I know a lot of you are curious about New Moon, and how it will affect the story: whether Jasper will leave or not. I can't tell you that, but I can tell you that Blair's character came to me because I envisioned a scene from New Moon when I was first coming up with the story, and her character just grew from there. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I've been working a lot, but I'm trying to make it a goal to update at least every two weeks. Hope you enjoy, and I don't own anything you recognize.

Edward slammed on the gas as he pulled out of the field. Bella's sister was smarter than he gave her credit for. While her declaration didn't completely take away the tracker's interest in Bella, it did shift it mostly to the elder Swan. Killing the mate of one such as Jasper would be a trophy of epic proportions for a vampire like James. Edward almost pitied him.

If he did succeed in getting to Blair, he could only imagine what Jasper would do. And with Peter and Charlotte by his side, there would be no stopping them. Blair had managed to make herself useful in his eyes, as he'd gladly sacrifice her if it meant Bella could live.

Jasper's mind was a terrifying place normally, but when James' eyes had landed on Blair, his thoughts had taken a more disturbing turn. He had no doubt that if James had been a mind reader, the tracker wouldn't have entertained the thought of going after Blair. Edward turned on the main road, taking a left away from town.

"Where are we going?" Bella demanded. Her voice was becoming hysterical. No one answered her, "Dammit, answer me!"

"We have to get away from here…far away - now."

"Turn around! You have to take me home right now!" She demanded. Bella began to struggle against the harness.

"Emmett," Edward ordered grimly. His brother secured her hands.

"No! Edward, you can't do this! Where's Blair? Is she leaving? Charlie will call the FBI if we don't come home!" She said in a rising voice.

"Blair is safe with Jasper. We've been through this before. Calm down," Edward said through clenched teeth.

"Not for me. You're not doing this to your family for me."

"Blair is in danger too, Bella. Her declaration made James very interested," He persuaded sternly.

Bella quieted for a moment. Blair must have known what admitting to being Jasper's mate would do. Blair's scent was mellow from what others had told her, and until she'd opened her mouth, James had focused mostly on Bella, herself.

"Pull over, Edward," Alice said. She'd remained mostly silent since they'd left the field. When Edward didn't slow down, she kept her voice calm, but unbending, "Do it, Edward."

"I saw his mind, Alice. Tracking is his passion - his obsession - and he wants her. He wants Blair too. He begins the hunt tonight."

"He doesn't even know where…" Edward cut her off.

"How long do you think it'll take to track their scent across town?" Alice went silent as Bella realized what that meant.

"Charlie! We have to go back to him. What about Blair? He's after her too! If she goes back…" Bella started. Emmett chuckled.

"Blair is safer than anyone right now. You don't know Jasper or Peter and Charlotte. The tracker would have to be a fucking moron to go at them head on. Blair going back will probably be a blessing," Emmett said darkly.

Bella flinched at his language, causing Edward to send a warning glance at his brother in the rear-view mirror. Alice ignored them both and continued to speak to Edward.

Bella was relieved when he began to pull over, finally persuaded to see reason. She took comfort in Emmett's words. Blair and Charlie were safe.

/

The car was silent as they pulled off the road towards her house. Blair could tell they were angry with her admission, and she felt terrible that this was how she admitted to Jasper that she knew and accepted that she was his mate. This would definitely be something they would need to talk about later, when their lives weren't at stake. She'd never felt bad for being a human in a vampire's world, but in this moment, she did.

There was no way around it. If she'd been a vampire, this wouldn't be happening. James wouldn't be the slightest bit interested in her or Bella. But she wasn't a vampire, and she needed them to protect her. Blair had never felt so powerless.

"Stop feeling guilty. This isn't your fault," Jasper said lowly.

"I know that. In my mind. But all I can think about is that I'm forcing you to relive your past," She replied quietly.

"There isn't anything we wouldn't do for you, B," Charlotte said with conviction.

"That's kind of the point, isn't it?"

"We'll take care of this quickly," Peter started before addressing Jasper, "If we take care of the tracker, we'll have to go after the red-head. She's his mate. You remember clearly why exactly Maria ordered us to destroy mates." Jasper just nodded. His expression showed that the memories weren't pleasant, so Blair didn't ask. Instead, she changed the subject.

"Where's Bella? Is she on the way home? How are we going to do this?"

"Edward tried to take Bella out of town, at first. Alice convinced him otherwise a few minutes ago. They're headed back to your house. She's to pack up and you're both leaving. We're taking you to Phoenix," Charlotte said, reading a text from her phone. Blair furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Why Phoenix?"

"Because it's a big city that you're familiar with. The tracker will be listening, and Bella is going to give him a show. He's not going to believe you're going where you say you're going," Charlotte explained.

"Ok. Whose going with us?" Blair felt dread fill her stomach as she thought about what they were going to have to do to get her father let them leave without a fight.

"We are," Jasper said with no room for argument. She felt relief at that.

"Edward is going to allow you to be alone with Bella?" She asked with lifted brows. Jasper curled his lip over his teeth in a slight snarl.

"He doesn't have a fucking choice. Alice will be going along too, as a buffer to satisfy him. We'll take two separate cars," He said. Blair nodded as they pulled up to her house, "Bella is already inside. Pack your things and get back to the car as soon as you can. We'll be waiting," Jasper instructed gently, undoubtedly feeling the war raging inside of her. She stared at him for a second before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

She pulled away before he could react and pushed open her car door, hurrying toward the house. Blair could feel the chaos in the air as soon as she crossed the threshold. Voices carried from upstairs, and she followed the sound. Bella was packing quickly, while Charlie stood back, looking dismayed.

"Blair," Her dad said in a relieved voice, "Maybe you can talk some sense into your sister. She says she's leaving. I don't understand what's going on."

Bella looked up briefly from packing and gave her sister a significant look. Blair bit her lip and gave her a discreet nod of understanding.

"I'm leaving, Dad. I can't stay here, and there's nothing you can say to change my mind."

"At least, wait until your mother is home." This caused both of the girls to pause.

"Mom is coming home?" Blair asked. Charlie nodded.

"Things aren't going well in Florida. If Phil isn't signed by the end of the week, they're moving back to Phoenix." Bella only paused for a second longer before she continued to pack.

"I have a key to the house."

Blair knew that it was her turn to make an excuse. Her father looked broken at the thought of his daughter leaving. She was about to add salt to his wound. He would think that he was going to be alone again. He wouldn't have anyone to come home to from work. It wouldn't be permanent, of course, but her father wouldn't know that.

"I'll go with you," She said, clearing her throat. Her father's eyes snapped to her, the sad look in his eyes becoming deeper.

"What?"

"If she wants to go, she shouldn't travel all that way alone. I'm sorry, Dad." Blair went to her bedroom and pulled out a suitcase. She grabbed a few clothes from her drawers and threw them in her suitcase. She heard Bella in the bathroom, grabbing her toiletries. Blair didn't bother, knowing she wasn't going to feel like doing her make-up for the next few days. She'd just grab her toothbrush and be done with it. Her father came to her door.

"This isn't safe, Blair. You guys shouldn't be traveling at night or alone. I wish you could convince her to wait." His voice broke at the end, causing Blair's heart to break with it.

"Dad, you know how stubborn she is. She's determined to go and I'm not going to let her go by herself." She picked up her suitcase and brushed past him, meeting Bella at the bottom of the stairs. Charlie was hot on their heels.

"Please, just wait. Wait until tomorrow, and I can take you to the airport myself…or…or we can do more stuff together. I know that we haven't done a lot together since you got here," Charlie started. Blair looked between the two, and watched Bella squeeze her eyes shut. Her sister whipped around.

"Like what, Dad? Going to the Lodge? Steak and cobbler every Thursday night?"

"Bella," Blair reprimanded quietly. Bella didn't spare her a glance.

"If I don't get out now, I'm going to be stuck here. Just like Mom." Bella opened the door and hurried out. Blair watched her father's face crumble and took a deep breath.

"She didn't mean that."

"It sounded like she did," He grunted.

"Her emotions are high. I guarantee that in a few days she'll calm down and come back," Blair comforted.

"What if she doesn't?" Blair didn't want to make Bella out to be the bad guy in this situation and appreciated that she'd taken most of the blame on herself instead of leaving it on her older sister, but she had to offer her father some comfort.

"She will come back. And if she doesn't, then I'll be back in a few days once I get her settled." He looked relieved, and she kissed him on the cheek. Blair went out the door quickly. Bella was already sitting in the passenger seat of her jeep. Blair quickly got into the driver's side and pulled out, trying not to look back at her father, who was standing on the front porch.

Bella had unshed tears in her eyes, causing Blair to reach over and take her hand.

"He'll forgive you, Bells. Just apologize when all this is over." Bella didn't say anything, just sniffed and nodded. They both jumped as a thud hit her door. Edward quickly let himself in, causing Blair to glare at him, "Try not to take off my door while it's in motion, Edward." He ignored her and focused on Bella. Blair just cursed under her breath and kept her eyes on the road. Edward was murmuring softly to her sister.

"Where's Jasper?" She asked.

"Running in the woods beside the car," Edward replied, not even glancing at her. It didn't take them long to pull up to the Cullen's residence. Jasper was at her door before she could blink. He helped her out, grabbing her hand a low growl entered his throat as he neared the front door.

"Laurent is inside." He pulled her closer as they walked inside. Laurent was standing in the center, his hands raised slightly in a placating manner. Peter and Charlotte stood against the wall; their eyes focused sharply on him. Edward pulled Bella behind him and hissed.

"Edward, he came to warn us," Carlisle said calmy.

"About?" Jasper asked smoothly.

"I'm sorry you and your coven have become involved in this, and I've grown tired of James' games. I came to warn you not to take him head-on. He's as every bit as comfortable in the human world as you seem to be. He's the most lethal vampire I've met in my three hundred years," Laurent said quickly. Peter snorted.

"You obviously haven't met many vampires, then," He said cockily.

"Don't underestimate him, nor the woman, Victoria. She is his mate, and will defend him until the end," He warned.

"Oh, we had planned to kill her too," Charlotte replied darkly.

"It seems you have a choice to make," Carlisle said. Laurent took in the group briefly, his eyes settling on the two humans for a few seconds. He still seemed confused but didn't say anything more about it.

"I have no ill will against you. I think I'll go to the coven in Denali you've mentioned. I'm interested in the life you've created here."

"Then go in peace," The coven leader said. Laurent nodded and headed for the door. It was slammed shut before he'd opened it a crack. Jasper stood over him, seeming to tower even though there wasn't a vast height difference. His hand came up and grasped the man's throat. It wasn't enough to actually hurt the man, but enough to be perceived as a threat.

"Jasper," Esme warned as his aura filled the room. Laurent's eyes widened in fear as he gazed at the man who'd become a legend.

"I will kill James…and his red-headed girlfriend, no matter how lethal they are," His tone was mocking before it took a serious turn, "But if I find out that you helped them in any way, you won't live to see the next sunrise." Jasper squeezed and the skin around Laurent's neck cracked. He let him go swiftly, and Laurent quickly nodded and disappeared, his fear trailing behind him.

"What's the plan?" Peter asked solemnly.

"Emmett, Rosalie, Esme and Carlisle will stay behind and lead a false trail. Be sure to keep Charlie in your sights. Peter, Char, and I will take one car, while Alice takes Bella in the other. We'll head down south and get a hotel. We'll wait for Edward to call with a location, then Peter and I will meet you and take him out," Jasper said grimly, "If you get an opportunity to kill him, take it, but I'd prefer if you trapped him instead."

"Why?" Bella asked, frightened. Blair glared sharply at her sister.

"Because the world needs to be taught that our humans aren't easy prey. He will be the example," Jasper replied, not looking at her. Edward growled.

"Jasper," Carlisle chided, always the pacifist, "I agree that he needs to die, but…"

"Then you better kill him before I get there." His voice was unshakeable and every person in the room knew he meant it.

"Rosalie, take Bella upstairs and change clothes with her," Edward ordered.

"I'll change with Blair," Rosalie snarled, causing Bella to flinch. Esme sighed and looked at her kindly.

"I'll change with her." She took Bella's hand and led her up the stairs. Blair rubbed her face as Rosalie pulled her out of the room to do the same.

/

Edward turned to Peter and Charlotte as Blair and Rosalie disappeared downstairs.

"Keep your distance from Bella," He said through clenched teeth. Peter chuckled.

"We have no desire to make your mate a midnight snack, Eddy. Our ONLY concern is protecting Blair. If Bella happens to be protected in the process, then good on her," Peter taunted in reply. Edward took a step towards them before Alice cut him off.

"Enough. Edward, Peter and Charlotte have much better control than you give them credit for. Bella will be protected. This is not the time to be antagonistic," She said calmly. Blair and Bella returned, both in different clothes. Esme's statuesque build caused the clothes to hang off of Bella, while Rosalie's busty figure caused Blair's outfit to appear baggy.

"I'll sit in the back seat with Blair. You drive," Jasper said to Peter as they made their way to the car. Alice and Bella got into a sedan with darkened windows, while Jasper pulled Blair to a BMW with the same tint. Edward followed Bella to the driver's side and leaned down to speak with her quietly.

"Stay on our tail, but not close enough to draw attention," Peter told Alice. She gave him an amusedly cross look.

"I do know how to drive, Petey." He scowled at the nickname and got in on the driver's side. Rosalie came up to the window on the side Blair had got in and smiled down at her.

"Be careful out there. We'll take care of everything here. Charlie will be safe," She said softly, feeling affection for the human in front of her. Blair smiled back at her.

"Thank you," She replied gratefully. Rosalie patted her hand before heading back to the rest of her coven. Blair glanced back at them. Emmett gave her a thumbs up, which caused her to giggle, while Esme and Carlisle gave her encouraging smiles. It made her feel safe. In that moment, everything felt like it was going to be okay. Jasper got in the car, and Peter put the car in drive.

"You should probably get some sleep," Jasper murmured as the trees began to blur out of the window.

"I don't know if I'm going to be able to," She said quietly.

"Try, B. You're looking a little worn," Peter said with mirth, causing Blair to narrow her eyes.

"Is that your way of telling me I look like shit?"

"You said it, B, not me," He replied with a grin. Blair snorted when Char hit him in the arm in retaliation. She moved closer to Jasper as Peter turned the radio on. Elvis's crooning voice came over the stereo, and Blair felt her eyes grow heavy as the idea of sleep entered her mind. Maybe she was really tired. Sighing, she scooted her body down until her cheek rested on Jasper's thigh. His hand came up and began to stroke her hair.

"Get some sleep, baby. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." His words seemed to work, as his own smoky voice began to hum the tune to 'Can't Help Falling in Love' along with the radio. Her eyes grew heavy and she drifted off to sleep to the sound.

/

"So, what are we going to do?" Peter asked when he was sure Blair was asleep, "If James is as good as Laurent says, then he'll figure out where we've taken them."

"Oh, I'm counting on it. I meant what I said. I'm going to make an example out of him. The world will know not to touch her by the time I'm through," Jasper replied as he gazed down at his mate, gently running his fingers through her hair.

"Sounds good to me," Peter said cheerfully, completely wanting to remove the threat to his human sister.

"We'll have to go looking for the red-head afterwards. The death of her mate will make her a danger," Charlotte said as she stared out the window.

"Then we will. We'll have every nomad in our contacts out looking for her. Garrett has always enjoyed a good hunt," Peter said with conviction.

"Good. After this, spread the word. Put a bounty on her head if you have to."

"Consider it done, Major." They were quiet after that, hoping not to wake Blair. Jasper couldn't help but stare at her as she slept peacefully with her head in his lap, although how she managed to find a comfortable position against his granite-like skin was beyond him.

Things seemed to have progressed faster than he could comprehend. Over a month ago, the thought of him having a mate would have been far-fetched and completely laughable, but here she was: a human. He'd resigned himself to a life alone before this, believing that God would never allow one such as him to have a mate. He would never allow anything to happen to her now that he had her. He just hoped she wouldn't look at him differently after it was all over.

/

Blair woke up several times throughout their trip. Peter was going at felony level speeds, and the normally 25-hour trip was being cut in half. The last time she fell asleep, she awoke to the city of Phoenix out the car window. They were stopped in front of a hotel. She heard planes outside and knew they were near the airport.

"Are we flying somewhere?" She asked Jasper, confused.

"No, but it's convenient in case the family needs to meet up with us or if we have to leave quickly," He said simply, "Peter and Charlotte are inside getting us a room." Blair was quiet for a moment, contemplating that this was their first time alone since she'd admitted she's accepted her status.

"I know you're probably tired of hearing it, but I'm sorry." It was his turn to look confused.

"For?"

"For the way I admitted that I knew I was your mate. That wasn't how I wanted it to go. I just didn't see any other option at the time," She said, looking down at her hands. His finger came up to lift her chin as he looked at her gently.

"She's your sister. I get it. I'm glad we've both admitted to ourselves."

"I never thought this would be possible…I'm eventually going to have to talk to Peter and Charlotte about it…and about the night I was attacked and why they saved me," She sighed. Jasper smiled at her.

"They love you, Blair." She nodded.

"I know." He looked like he wanted to say more, but the car doors opened, and Peter and Charlotte got in.

"We got a room near the exit. It's got a bedroom so you and Bella can get some rest while we wait," Charlotte said.

"I think I've rested a bit already to avoid gripping the 'oh shit' handle while Peter drove," She joked.

"Hardy Har Har. I got us here, didn't I? You didn't die," He replied tartly. She stuck out her tongue at him, and he wiggled his eyebrows, "C'mon, let's get inside."

Bella met them at the room with Alice, who was wearing a scarf and sunglasses to hide her skin. Bella looked tired and worn out as they entered the room, which was definitely the highest-end room that the hotel had available.

"Get some sleep, Bells. I'll text Dad and let him know we made it." Her sister just nodded and headed for the bedroom. Blair got out her phone and sent a text to Charlie, not having the courage to talk to him on the phone. She'd just have to make it up to him when they got back. The vampires of the room got settled in, and Blair decided to turn on the tv just to have some noise.

Bella slept for most of the night, with Blair drifting in and out of consciousness on the couch. When her sister finally emerged from the room, Alice had gone out and gotten them food: Breakfast for Bella, and then a hamburger for Blair. She smiled at the vampire's consideration. It was as they were eating that Alice gasped.

"He's figured it out." She began to scribble on a piece of paper, drawing as the vision overtook her. Everyone had come to stand around her as the drawing took form.

"It's a ballet studio," Bella said.

"You've seen this place before?" Jasper asked sharply.

"We took classes at a studio on 5th and Cactus…well I took classes. Bella dropped out after a month." Bella glared at her before turning back to the drawing.

"Our studio had an arch just like that, but I guess that all ballet studios look the same." Bella's phone rang. She glanced at the name and answered it quickly, "Edward!" She walked off to talk to him in whatever private setting she could find. Blair turned back to the vampires.

"It has to be the same ballet studio. It's too much of a coincidence. He's in Phoenix," She said, running a hand over her face, "What was he doing in there, Alice?" The pixie bit her lip.

"He was running a VCR. I couldn't tell why."

"A VCR?" Peter asked. He wished in that moment that his gift would speak up. It was infuriating when he wasn't able to turn it on when he needed it.

"I don't like the sound of that," Blair said. Bella came back and reluctantly handed over the phone to Alice. They talked quickly and she hung up looking resigned.

"Edward and Carlisle are coming. Edward is going to take Bella away, while we search the area for James," She glanced at Blair, "Maybe Blair should go with them." Blair simply snorted.

"No. I'm better protected here than I would be anywhere else." Peter and Charlotte nodded, knowing there would be no changing her mind. Jasper gave her a small smile, feeling pride at the faith she had in him to protect her.

Around five in the morning, Blair and Bella decided to retire for a few hours. Blair knew she wasn't going to be able sleep. There was too much to worry about, too much to think about. It was an hour later when Bella's phone went off again. Bella blearily glanced at the number and answered it quickly.

"Mom?" She whispered, suddenly wide awake. Blair sat straight up and looked at her curiously, "It's him," She whispered, causing Blair, who's back went rim rod straight. She held out her hand, and Bella looked relieved as she handed over the phone.

"Who the hell is this?" She demanded quietly.

"Blair, Blair, Blair, it was such a naughty trick going to Phoenix," James' voice came over the phone, smooth and taunting.

"Oh, please. Did you honestly expect us to make it easy for you?" She snarled, attempting to keep her voice down.

"Actually, I was hoping you wouldn't. But, it was almost too easy to track down your old address. Your mother got a call from your father and came home early. How convenient for me. Would you like to say hi?" There was a slight shuffle, and then her mother's voice came over the phone.

"Bella! Blair!" The voice said with panic in her voice. Blair met eyes with Bella, worry in her eyes. But something familiar tickled the back of her brain, as if she'd heard her mother's voice in the exact way before.

"You fucking touch her, and my family will rip you apart." James chuckled.

"I have no desire to hurt your mother, Blair. Can you get away from your vampires?" Blair glanced at the door.

"Yes. We can get away." James made a sound of satisfaction.

"Good. Get a taxi to your house. I'll call with instructions from there. Blair…if you alert your mate in any way, your mother won't live to see the end of the day. See you soon." James hung up, and Blair sat there for a minute. Bella shook her.

"What? Where's mom?"

"James says that he has her." Bella gasped, her breathing becoming labored. Blair explained his terms quickly, and Bella jumped up.

"We have to meet him. We have to help her!" She said. Blair furrowed her eyebrows like she was trying to figure out a puzzle. Something wasn't right. Why would her mother come home without calling them first? Why did those words said in that exact way spur a memory she couldn't grab a hold of. Glancing at her phone, she opened it and began to dial a familiar number.

"Who are you calling?" Bella demanded.

"Phil. Something isn't right." The phone rang two times before her stepfather picked up, "Hey, Phil! Is my mother with you?"

"Yeah, she's right here. Charlie just called. Do you want to talk to her?" Blair let out a breath of relief and glanced at Bella, nodding once.

"Blair?" Her mother's voice came over the phone.

"Mom." Blair's voice was breathy and filled with relief.

"What the hell is going on, Blair? Your father called and said something about Bella freaking out, and that you both left for Phoenix?" Her mother said in a slightly angry tone. Blair didn't mind. She'd rather her mother be angry than in the hands of someone like James.

"It's not a big deal. Bella just had a small hiccup in her relationship. She's calmed down, and we're sorting it out," Blair calmed. Her mother sighed heavily on the other end of the line.

"I'm coming home. Wait for me."

"No! You don't need to come home. Bella is already calming down, and I'm sure she'll want to go back soon," She said, not wanting her mother to be anywhere in the near vicinity until James was dealt with. Bella was looking at her with wide eyes.

"I'll be home in a couple of days, Blair, and we're all going to sit down and have a talk," Renee said, and Blair knew that there would be no convincing her otherwise. The only thing left to do would be to get rid of James before her mother ever crossed the Arizona state line.

"Ok. Be safe then. I love you." She hung up the phone and sighed in relief.

"I never would have thought to call Phil. I'm so glad she's ok," Bella said, her voice small.

"Yeah, well the voice on the phone sounded too familiar. I think he's gotten a hold of some of our home movies. How else would he even know about the ballet studio?" Blair threw her phone on the bed and exited the room with Bella hot on her heels. Jasper could immediately tell something was wrong and was by her side as soon as she crossed the threshold, "He called us."

"What? What did he say?" Jasper demanded.

"He tried to trick me into believing he had our mom. I think he used some of our home movies, but he's in Phoenix. He wanted us to give you the slip and wait for instructions." Peter and Charlotte looked furious at the thought. Jasper just stood by her side silently.

"Well, we know where he is now. We can wait for the others and then take him head on," Alice surmised. Blair shook her head.

"No, if we don't answer tomorrow, he'll know something is up. He'll be in the wind before we even get to him," She said. Peter watched as her facial expression changed, knowing she was coming with up with a plan he wouldn't like. His own expression turned guarded.

"What would you suggest then, B?"

"We make him think he's won, and then you attack."

"And just how are we supposed to do that?" Jasper asked with a growl, seeming to catch on to where she was going. Blair looked at him solemnly.

"With bait."

Ok. That's it! I hope to have the next chapter up in a couple of weeks. It won't be an extremely long one though because of how I've split it up. Thank you!