What's Love Got To Do With It?

by All4Jazzy

Jasper learns that the cost of love isn't free...He eventually meets Edward who shows him the true meaning of love...Slash/AH. This is a love/romance story between Jasper and Edward who will eventually have everything they both dreamed of.

13. Chapter 13 Love and Liberation

Character names and Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. This story and it's plot and character variations belong to me. No infringement intended. I only own the errors. This story contains sexual explicit and mature language and situations. IF you don't like, don't read. Not for children under age 18.

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Okay, now Jasper makes his call to Kate. Enjoy and remember that you CAN help victims of DV. Please get involved in your local community efforts. Thank you

Kevin handed me his cell phone. I reached out and slowly took it from him. He smiled but it was not that reassuring. I had so many doubts about all of this. He intercepted my thoughts.

"It's just a call Jazzy. No one has to know that you even made it but the two of us. I'll be right here the entire time." He smiled again and rubbed my arm with his hands to help me relax. "You need to do this, Jazzy. It's time."

I hesitated.

"Make that call Jasper or James will have to spend some of those millions on some new teeth."

I nodded and held his hand. I sighed heavily. "Thank you so much, Kev. I love you for this…for everything."

He smiled. "Oh I'm sure I owe you so much more."

I smiled back and rolled my eyes. "Um…yeah…like for that time you talked me into helping you steal your Dad's car."

He laughed. "Oooh…yeah…that was pretty bad."

"To say the least. You talking about gettin' our butts busted. Oh man!" I looked at the phone. "Kevin, do really think I should do this? I mean this would be the last weekend I would be with James. It could mean so much worse." I gripped the phone tightly in my hand. "This could end so badly. I don't know Kevin. I just don't know."

"Jazz…"

"Kevin, listen to me okay. I mean, my life with James is treacherous. I get that. There is no reason why everyone else has to get involved and get hurt or hurt someone. I mean I can't stand James, but I don't want him to be killed. Besides that would mean that someone would go to jail and then that person's family would be disrupted. Kevin is just too risky. I can't take that chance."

"Jasper." He took my hands in his. I felt desperate and suddenly intimidated. "Look at me Jazzy." I did. "Breathe." I inhaled deeply. "Now relax." I willed myself to obey. "Just relax." He gave me another minute to collect myself. "Now focus on what I'm telling you. It's just a call. She'll make her recommendation and we can go from there."

I kept breathing and listened intently to him. Everything he said made perfect sense. He was right. It was just call. What could it hurt? I had to do this.

"Okay." I said. He inched closer to me as a further show of support and I dialed Kate's number. I was so glad he was here. I don't think I would have been able to do this alone. She picked up after two rings.

"Hello, this is Kate Garrett. How may I help you?" She greeted me. Dr. Cullen was right. Her voice was very pleasant and instantly helped settle my screaming nerves.

"Um, Mrs. Garrett?" I was so nervous. My body was quivering with fear. Kevin guided us to the window seat and sat beside me. He continued to hold my free hand and he placed his other hand on the small of my back.

"Yes, this is Kate Garrett." She said again.

"Um…Mrs. Garrett…" I started. "My name is Jasper Ha-"I couldn't tell her my married name. What if this got back to James? He would be infuriated if he knew I was talking about our private business with a total stranger. "Um…Jasper Whitlock."

Kevin's eyes bulged and I quickly looked away.

"Hi, Jasper. Please call me Kate. Oh and it's okay to use your legal name. This conversation is confidential."

I cleared my throat and put her on speaker phone so Kevin could hear. "Yes, ma'am." I whispered, but loud enough for her to hear. "I'm really scared right now." I confessed. "Honestly, I'm terrified."

"I understand Jasper and you have every right to be, no matter how much you or anyone else tries to convince you that you shouldn't be afraid." She had the most calming voice and she reminded me so much of my Mom when she would take care of me when I was little. "No matter what Jasper, I'm here to help you."

"Thank you. I am here with my brother. He helped me make this call. My husband doesn't know that I am doing this obviously. He would kill me if he knew." I decided that this would be a good time to slide in the fact that I was married to a man, that way if she was not "gay" friendly, she could bow out now. I figured that there probably were not very many services to help same sex couples. I was sure there were few or no shelters and services for male victims of domestic violence, gay or straight.

"Well, your husband will never know that we've talked." So she's okay with my orientation. That's good. "I'm glad you called me, Jasper."

"It's very nice to meet you Jasper." She coughed and excused herself. "Before we continue, Jasper, I would like for you to reintroduce yourself."

I paused, unsure of where she was going with this. "Um…I'm Jasper Hale. Whitlock is my maiden name. I had a visit with Dr. Cullen last week at the hospital and he gave me your number. He said that I could call any time. I hope this is alright."

"Of course it is. My cell phone is always on. Thank you, Jasper. I know that you are wondering why I had you do that. It's because even though I know you are afraid, I want you to be comfortable enough with me to begin to relinquish some of that fear. By acknowledging your public name, you are telling Jasper that he is ready for this. It also tells me that you are ready and that you are willing to move beyond the painful cycle of abuse."

She was absolutely right. "Yes, ma'am." I said politely.

"Jasper, you don't have to call me ma'am. Really Kate is fine." She said. "Now Jasper tell me about your situation. You don't have to tell me everything because it may be quite painful for you at this time, and there will be plenty of time for longer conversations later. I just need for you to give me a picture of what's going on right now."

I proceeded in giving her a brief summary of what has happened that brought me to this point. She listened intently only interjecting "I see" or "I understand" here and there. I explained what happened earlier this week and how that led me to Forks General. I told her about James' being nice to me and deciding to bring me here to Seattle. Lastly, I reviewed the earlier events that happened today and how my Dad talked James into leaving so I could talk to Kevin.

"I am scared, Miss Kate…I mean Kate, because I'm not sure how James is going to react once he gets back here. He normally doesn't allow me to have friends or talk to people. He's going to be angry." My voice trembled again from nervousness and a renewed sense of fear. Kevin and I had been here for a while and judging by the text that just popped up on Kevin's phone from my Dad, I knew they were about ready to head back home.

"Jasper, it sounds as if James has been irritable today and violent. I think your assumption might be correct and since you are concerned about time right now, I'm going to recommend that you leave the house, possibly with your brother or your mother. It might be safer for you if you go to a hotel for the night. I can meet you there if you would like."

I panicked. "Kate, I can't do that. I mean, I can but it's just that my sister has planned this huge party for me and our family and friends. They haven't seen me in two years and I really want to be here with them. If I leave, that will create a war between James and my Dad and my Uncle. It will be a blood bath."

"Jasper, do you think James will harm you tonight?"

"He might."

"Then you should leave."

Kevin pointed to himself and made an air circle with his finger to include the rest of the family. He wanted me to tell her that I would be safe with them, and truthfully tonight, I would be if I could stay away from James.

"Um…Kate, what I meant was that I think James will be angry enough to do something, but I will be safe with my family tonight as long as I'm not alone with him. My family is very protective of me and they will protect me. James won't create a scene in front of them."

"Jasper, that is against what I would recommend, but part of this process is allowing you to become self-empowered and to learn to make decisions for yourself. I agree that your family will be a barrier against the abuse for tonight, but what about after the party? How are you planning on telling them? What will be their reaction? How will they proceed? I know these are a lot of questions Jasper, but they are questions that must be considered before tomorrow."

"I don't know." I said honestly. "I'm so scared. I don't know what to do."

She cleared her throat. "Jasper, let's do this. If you think that you will be okay for the tonight, I will strongly recommend that you keep someone you trust close by you not only for the night, but throughout the day tomorrow and at that party. James' jealousy could turn bitter and consequently you could be seriously hurt or worse. I think that if you really want to attend your sister's party, then you should, but I think you and I should meet at a safe location afterwards along with law enforcement and perhaps your parents or your brother. I would not recommend going back with James to Forks. That could potentially be deadly. Your relationship with James is not only toxic, but it's viral. The violence and potential consequences have far reaching arms, and we need to tread carefully here."

"Okay." I said, reading Dad's reply to my message that it was okay to come back. We were almost done.

"I will set up your safe place in Seattle if you can text me your current address. I will arrange for law enforcement to be present and if you can maybe make an excuse to leave the party, for example, tell them you need to go to the store that would be great. James is going to be upset and law enforcement will go to your parents' home and serve him the restraining order. We can have local enforcement set up at your subdivision and be present when James is asked to leave and to make sure your parents' don't kill him first. They would guard your house and make sure he leaves the city. In the meanwhile he will not know where you are and we can work on getting you to a safer, more permanent place from there."

Her plan was crystal clear and made perfect sense, and truthfully, I felt relieved. "Kate, I just don't want James to hurt my family and my friends. He has a gun."

"Most perpetrators do. I will alert enforcement and they will run his permits. Since there will be a restraining order and a domestic violence complaint, they will probably confiscate it temporarily."

Oh man! James is going to be pissed! He's going to erupt.

"Jasper, I know you are thinking that he will find you, but I assure he won't. Jasper, you have made an important first step by talking to your brother and making this call. If you have an emergency before tomorrow night, call 911. In the event that you don't have an emergency, this is your plan for your immediate safety since you will have to leave quickly. You can call your parents from the hotel or have Kevin drive back when enforcement delivers the restraining order. He can keep them calm and fill them in after James leaves the house."

"In the meanwhile, you need to pack some toiletries and at least one change of clothes. Put it in the vehicle that you will leave in after the party. You'll also need some money, cash only, and I know you probably don't have your important paperwork with you, but we can probably have enforcement escort you back to Forks later to get some of your belongings."

"James would never go for that." I said.

"He won't have a choice. They can arrange for James to not be there so you can go in and get your belongings."

"Where will James go?" I asked.

"Since the level of violence is heightened in your situation, he would be asked to leave with enforcement while you're on the property. Fortunately for you, we have trained officers in Forks who work with same sex violence every day. They will be sympathetic and understanding of your needs and are equipped with the resources to ensure your safety. After you obtain your belongings, you will leave with them."

"Will you be there?" There was no way I was going there alone.

"Yes. I will be there. If you would like, and it will make you feel better, you can bring your brother or your parents. Either way, you will be safe."

"Will James follow us?" I know I was paranoid, but I had to be sure James wasn't going to try to figure out where I was relocated. Disappearing seemed simple enough, but I didn't want to wake up one morning with a gun in my face."

"No. Enforcement will stay with him until we have secured a safe departure from Forks. Once you leave, you will not being going back." She stated firmly. "There will be nothing left for you in Forks."

"No problem there." Then I remembered my friends. "I do have friends there."

"Well you will need to communicate with them by email or phone, but your presence there ceases for a while. Also, you won't be able to disclose your location. James will not give you up without a fight, and if he discovers you're anywhere near Forks, he could really harm you. So that is how that has to be for now."

"Will James go to jail?"

"Well that gets complicated. Maybe…maybe not. I mean, we need some evidence, proof of the abuse, witnesses, maybe Dr. Cullen's report. He's trained in domestic violence treatment and is usually very thorough. I mean, that's a hard one Jasper, and we can discuss that at length tomorrow when we file the report."

"Okay."

"Like I said, we will bring your family and contacts into the loop later on tomorrow night, but it is vital that they be brought up to speed and that they know exactly what has been and what is going on. You have the right to file a police report since you have been abused. We will do that tomorrow during the day. Don't worry. I know a few judges there in Seattle and Forks. We probably can have the report filed in Forks and the emergency order declared there by Judge Henkley as well since that's where you live and the abuse took place there."

"Will I have to go to Forks to file the report?" I asked.

"No. We can do a conference call in the morning. I'll text this phone if that's okay and have you go to a safe location and we can file it over the phone. How does that sound?"

"Sounds okay, I guess."

"Jasper, I know this hard and you are apprehensive about all of this, but trust me, you will be okay. Seattle is a big city. If you allow us to help you, it will be quite hard for him to find you."

"I'm just so worried about my family. I just…"

"Jasper, we will set detail on them. From what you told me, it sounds like that they can stand their own any way. Don't worry. "

"I mean, like if he doesn't go to jail, he'll just be free to look for me out there. I mean if I change my address he can find me on the internet."

"Jasper you don't need to worry about that right now. We have ways to hide you."

"I feel like a prisoner already. James is the one who hurt me, but I feel like my life is going to be uprooted."

"Jasper I have to be honest. It will be. Totally. It may take months of court dates, prosecuting attorney and crime victim advocate meetings before he pleads guilty to aggravated domestic violence and be sentenced."

"James is never going to admit to doing that. He has too much to lose." I asserted.

"That is probably true and that happens more often than not. As a victim of this type of crime, you have the right to tell the sentencing judge how the violence has affected your life and he may be persuaded by your testimony, and any evidence you might have already."

"I don't know." I was so doubtful. Dad sent me a text saying they were about ten minutes away from the house. "My folks are almost back, so I'm going to have to go."

"Okay, that's fine. We'll talk tomorrow. We can review the violence laws of Washington state and sentencing guidelines then. The facts might leave you with a gut wrenching feeling. There are different convictions in the state of Washington, but we will discuss this later. The main thing is that you get out of there after that party."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Try to relax and stay close to your family for the rest of the night. I'll be in touch."

"Okay. Thank you." I said.

"You are more than welcome. Take care."

"You too."

We hung up just as I heard my Dad's SUV pull into the driveway. I gave Kevin his phone back. I peeped out of the curtain and saw them getting out. I drug Kevin downstairs. Our mothers' were nowhere in sight. They did leave a note saying they were next door at Ms. Amy's house and they would be home when Dad came back. I guess they wanted to give us privacy. "Kevin can you go out of the back door and act like you were not here? That will throw James off and he will think you weren't here."

"Hell naw!" He spat. "Fuck that bitch!"

"Please, Kev. You promised you would follow my lead. I ran to lock the front door to give him a chance to get out. "Come back in about fifteen minutes. Make sure you take a shower." I couldn't risk James smelling my scent on him.

He looked confused. I heard voices getting closer. "Kevin, leave! They are almost done with getting the bags out of the car. They will be coming in soon. I'm going to lie on the couch and pretend to be asleep. That's pretty public, and James can't bother me there. He'll think my eyes are puffy from being asleep."

"What about Dad and Uncle JP?" He said from the back door. "Our Moms?"

"They will catch on. See you in a minute." I pleaded with him with my eyes. "Please."

"Jasper, I don't like this."

"I know. I know. Just please...do this for me...please."

He exhaled loudly and left. I had just enough time to unlock the door and jump on the couch. I faced the back of the couch and buried my face in the cushions. I rolled my body in a tight little ball and pretended to be in a deep sleep. The story was that Kevin and I chilled out in the living room for a few minutes then he left to go take shower after his trip. Then I would tell them I decided to take a much needed nap and that Kevin said he would be back soon.

A minute later the door flew open and everyone filed in. I couldn't see their faces, but the boys were super excited about their toys they'd gotten. I was sure that was a stall tactic. Rose was going on and on about the party, and Dad and Uncle Michael were talking about some NFL player. I almost jumped for joy when I heard my grandfather's voice. He must have pulled into the yard when they did. I didn't hear James' voice at all.

"Jasper is sleeping!" Patrick squealed. "Like Goldilocks!" He and Miles giggled and I almost did myself. When all of this drama was cleared, I was going to enjoy spending time with them. They were a lot of fun. I knew by now Dad and Uncle Michael had caught on because we'd been texting them. They were the masters of playing stuff off and acting just plain dumb when they wanted to hide something.

"Jasper, we're back son." Dad nudged me.

"Hmmm." I mumbled and rolled my body tighter.

"Jasper, get up. I'm going to sic two very eager hobbits on you. I'm sure they would love to pull all of that blonde hair or tickle you to death."

He poked me again and I batted his hand away. "Boy get up!"

"Go away." I murmured. He poked me again.

"Move, Jip." Uncle Michael came over to me.

Oh boy!

He swatted me on my backside. I threw the pillow aside and turned to face them with perfect "sleepy" eyes. This was a brilliant idea.

"Ow!" I yelped. "Uncle Michael, really?" He and my Dad were standing over me blocking my vision of James. I could only see his legs behind them.

"You want another one?" He asked.

"Um..no." I said.

"Then up and at 'em cowboy!" He said handing me hand so he could pull me up.

The looks on their faces blatantly told me that this was ridiculous and that they were not cool with me asking two grown ass men to play childish games. They were pissed and about one word from turning around and knocking James through that wall. My Dad's suspicions were confirmed and he was very disgruntled by these charades. There was an even greater message on their faces that I unequivocally understood. They wanted me to come clean about my little problem standing behind them. They would play along for now, but they were going to get to the bottom of this. They weren't going to put up with his or my foolishness for too long.

"Hey, Papa!" I greeted him. He came over and hugged me. "I really missed you."

He hugged me back. "I've missed you too. It's so great to see you again."

Without a shadow of a doubt, my grandfather, Uncle Mike's dad, was one of the most influential person in my life. He was more than my surrogate grandfather. He was like a father figure, a mentor, a safeguard, and I'm proud to say, my friend. As a child, there was no safer place than the security of his lap. I would watch horror movies on TV from behind his recliner. The Wolfman wouldn't dream of coming for me there! I could count on him to always have some Werther's Originals candy on hand. He taught me how to appreciate gourmet foods and some good old-fashioned county cooking as well. I remember, at age 5, standing on a chair by the stove as he taught me how to make pancakes. He would often reminisce about his mother, whom he adored, having him stand on a chair stirring cake batter when he was no more than 3 years old.

He was warm, loving, firm, and straightforward. He had a way of accepting whatever came his way with no more than a shrug. His deep faith carried him through what life had to offer. One of three children, he pulled himself out of poverty with great drive and determination but he never forgot his roots. He was a broker and had a head for figures. It was just downright degrading to play dominos with this walking calculator. Before I could put my tile down, he'd tell me my total!

I sat back down and the boys were engaged in some kind of conversation as our mothers walked in. They were busy helping Rosie unpack the bags. My grandfather went into the kitchen to help them. The two men in front of me refused to budge, daring the bitch behind them to even try to make them. I heard him exhale loudly out of pure aggravation that they were in his way. I was sure he'd had enough of their stalling tactics. Finally they bent, and walked into the kitchen. I yawned because I really was exhausted from everything that had happened. I put on my best sleepy moves, rubbing my eyes with my palms, tousling my hair, scratching my arms, you name it. It was a very good act.

I looked up at James and gave him a fake smile. Surprisingly, he returned it and gave no indication that he didn't buy my act.

"Where's Kevin?" Aunt Felicia asked.

"He said he was going to take a shower a while ago. We hung out in here…" I yawned and stretched again for effect. "…we hung out for a few minutes and he said he felt like he needed to get the day off of him. He was taking too long so I must have fallen asleep. He might have too because I haven't seen him since he went home."

Okay, our mothers knew this was not entirely true, but understood if I was lying, then they should follow along and they did. They had a good inclination of what James was doing to me and that I needed protection. Dad and Uncle Michael didn't fail me either. James watched them to see if I was lying, but my family came through for me. They protected me with the fierceness of a lioness protecting her cub. I was going to have to do a lot of explaining.

"I didn't realize you were gone." I lied, standing up to face him. God help me but I cowered in his presence like a scared school boy. "I'm sorry. I would have gone with you."

"I'm a big boy, Jasper. I was perfectly fine." He crossed his arms.

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I was just saying that I didn't know if you would be cool with hanging out and all. That's all I meant." I looked at him nervously, trying to get a good read on his mood.

He was aware that he was surrounded by onlookers and listeners who was ready to whip his ass, but I could tell he was really not okay with going to that store with my folks. I was going to get the whipping of my life!

"I'm sorry." I whispered. My family was here, in the room, but so help me God James intimidated the hell out of me.

He smiled. "There's no need to apologize, sweetheart. I love you and I had a great time hanging out. No worries. I even bought you a gift."

Now you tell me you love me? When you're trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes? You self-righteous bastard!

The men and the boys took a seat, and the women went in Mom's room to do something.

"Really?" I asked surprised. "You bought me something?" He must have clued into the fact that my folks were on to him.

He chuckled. "Well, don't act so surprised sweetheart." He laughed and reached out with both hands and stroked me up and down my shoulders. "I buy you things all the time." He seemed a little perturbed by my response, but mostly because I was embarrassing him in front of the guys. "Don't be like that." His eyes told on him, though my folks didn't see them. He was going to make me pay for questioning him like this in public.

"I didn't mean it like that, James. I just wasn't expecting you to buy me something today since you brought me all of those gifts this week. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

The men just shook their heads, obviously not believing I was bitching out like this. They were so masculine and buff and here I was...a pathetic boy toy for another man. At least this is what my mind told me they were thinking. I should have known better than to think they would think so little of me.

God this is so embarrassing. Dad raised me to be a man! Not some pink-lacy punk! And then there's Kevin who is all testosterone...and we're the same...we grew up together...they raised us together and out of the two of us, I ended embarrassing my father by becoming someone's little cunt...another man's at that. He didn't mind me being gay, but to let another man truly take 'all' of my manhood...God I wish I could die.

James stared at me and I saw his blue eyes darken. He smiled again. "Oh don't be silly. You haven't offended me babe. I just thought after that incident with that snake you could use some relaxation, so I bought you this." He handed me a fifty dollar iTunes gift card.

"Thank you." I took the card and pretended to read it.

I was weary of him buying me anything after all he'd done to me today. Maybe he was doing like he always did when he hurt me so badly-go buy me something as his way of apologizing. I think it was more so that he was afraid that after everything that happened, and after spending time with Kevin and the others, that I wasn't going to want to go home with him. After all, he had threatened to seclude me forever. I was sure that still stood, but he was trying to coat the situation with a little kindness to make sure I would be a willing participant when we departed on Sunday.

I recalled James' words before we left Forks. We leave together, we come back together. It was clear to me now. He was afraid that his actions had caused me to change my mind. He was full of regrets. I was certain of that.

"No problem. I figured you could download more music to your account and unwind a little." He smiled again. "I always know what you need." I felt like I was going to puke. The other guys groaned in disgust. "Don't I?"

I snapped out of it. "Of course, baby." I murmured, thoroughly embarrassed when I heard the guys nearly gag. I didn't even know why I was still trying to be nice to him. "Thanks. I actually did need this. I have like fifty cents in my account." I put it in my back pocket.

"Yeah, I was thinking we could use some easy listening on our way home." He grinned. I trembled again, for God only knows why, and he gave me a sharp look.

There it was. I knew it. He was securing my seat in his car on Sunday. I decided I'd better play along to keep him as calm as possible. James was many things, but dumb was not one of them. He had been too upset with me all day to just let everything go that easily. While he couldn't be certain if I had talked to Kevin, he had a good inclination that I had. He knew Kev and I were close and that I had probably share some things with him. He didn't seem as upset as I thought he would be about going off on that trip, but I didn't want to take any chances.

The guys were sitting with their heads down, scratching and rubbing the back of their heads. They knew James was full of shit, but both held their peace. The boys were laughing and horse playing with each other. I was glad when Patrick darted between us and created a diversion. James was very perceptive, and I wasn't so sure that I could pretend that I was going back with him.

"Jasper, guess what?" He squeaked standing between me and James who was quite discomposed by the unwanted and sudden appearance of my smallest brother. That also caught the attention of the other men in the room. James made some kind of growling noise and I almost shot him a nasty look but Uncle Mike piped up.

"What the hell?" He flexed his shoulders and we looked in his direction. "...did you just growl at my son?" If there was one thing I knew about my Uncle, he was extremely territorial. He did not play when it came to his children. If you wanted to get your ass beaten...mess with his queen or any of his five princes. He wasted no time in checking James. I had to admit that I was impressed and jealous of his boldness. He was forthcoming and did not hesitate to let my husband know what time it was. James got that message loud and clear. Uncle Mike would pulverize him if he even thought about doing something to his kid. He showed absolutely no fear and I secretly wished I could have that kind of fearlessness with James.

I quickly looked at James who looked taken aback. He seemed nervous and like he was thinking about snapping on my uncle, but held his peace. I was sure he would take that out on me later as well. His semi-frown quickly dissolved into a smile. "Of course not, Michael. He just startled me that's all." He chuckled but Uncle Mike and my Dad stared at him like they were ready to punch him in his face. Papa was calm as always. "He's fine." I knew James was lying. He really did growl at that kid and Uncle Mike knew it as well.

Uncle Michael adjusted his neck and looked at his son. He didn't crack a smile. "Patrick, get somewhere and sit down. Better yet... go in the kitchen with your Mama."

"But, Daddy..." He looked at his father and held his palms out.

"What did I say, Patrick?" He knew his father was about business so he wasted no time running into the kitchen to find his mother. Uncle Michael fearlessly turned his attention back to my husband. "Don't fuck with him like that again." Again I was amazed.

"Michael." Papa extended his arm to interrupt him. Uncle Mike looked over at him and rolled his eyes. He always deferred to his Dad, whom he respected more than any other person alive, but it didn't look like this would happen this time.

"It's cool. No harm no foul." James said. He knew he'd pissed my uncle off so he tried to sugar coat his mess.

Uncle Michael looked at his father again and grunted. My father laughed almost to himself. They were grown, but they hated when he went all fatherly on them. "James, I will beat your ass about my kids. You don't wanna go there." My father chuckled again and shook his head mainly because he knew my uncle meant every bold word that he spoke.

James was visibly annoyed by his threats. "My apologies." He raised the palms of his hands. "There's no need for threats." His eyes blackened and his face was red as fire. He was mad and probably mostly because he couldn't slap me right then for what my uncle had just said to him. What a coward!

Aunt Felicia came into the living room when she heard the commotion. She was exquisite with all of that silky jet black hair and caramel colored skin draping her curvy hips and powerhouse frame. As Uncle Mike would say, she was a "bad mama jama." He had no complaints with her. Her baby was on her heels crying and she was ready to pounce on someone about messing with him. She looked to her husband for an explanation.

"What's going on?" She asked with her hands on her hips. "What happened with Patrick and why is he crying?"

"I just wanted to tell Jasper something, Mommy." Patrick said holding his little hands to his lips. I watched James from the side of my eye. He was rubbing his forehead.

Uncle Michael scratched his head. "Well, you tell him from over there and stay away from James."

"Michael don't be rash. I said it was cool." James interjected.

My uncle looked at his wife. "He's good, baby."

"Why is he crying then?" She asked. She shot James a nasty look. "What did you do to him?" Wow…my aunt…a female…had more courage to stand up to James than I did. Could I get any lower?

James raised his hand. I knew my husband well enough to know that he did not appreciate her challenging him like that. He couldn't stand for women to "leave their place." I'd seen him very nastily put women back in their 'place' for saying less than she did to him. His blue eyes were piercing as he watched her from across the room.

"Nothing. It's all just a misunderstanding." He told her.

"Hmm. Doesn't look like a misunderstanding to me." She looked at Uncle Michael for reassurance.

"No worries, bae." He stood and walked over to her as we looked on. He gently placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her to him. "He's good, sweetheart." He kissed the top of her head.

"What did he do to him?" Her words were slightly muffled against his muscle-ripped chest. She was genuinely concerned about the possibility that my deranged husband had somehow manage to harm her little one. She knew James' history of domestic violence with me, but she wasn't having him touching her son. "Why did you tell him to stay away from James?"

"It's nothing, bae. I got it handled." He kissed head again and pulled back. "Go relax with the girls. Patrick is good."

She looked doubtful. "Are you sure?"

He tapped her nose with his finger. "It's straight. No worries."

She motioned for Patrick to come to her. He did and she embraced him. Satisfied that he was alright, she went back in the kitchen, but not before shooting James another nasty look. He gave her a bone chilling, 'bitch I will hide your body look' as she walked away, but just stood there as silently as he could with his arms crossed defensively over his chest. He was done. Unfortunately for him, my uncle saw him. It took mere seconds for Uncle Mike to fly around the couch. My Dad saw him coming and quickly prepared himself to stand one hundred percent with my Uncle. He was coming for James.

"This bitch done lost him damn mind." His voice was forceful as he zeroed in on my dear hubby.

"Michael," Papa spoke sternly, gently grabbing his elbow. Uncle Mike shrugged him off, holding his ground steadfastly in front of my disrespectful husband. If James hadn't been so abusive, perhaps I would have defended him. "Son, I think you need to calm down," Papa reiterated.

He turned towards his father, saying, "Dad, I've got this." Papa rose from his seat, followed by my father. Uncle Mike swiftly pushed the coffee table aside, fearlessly stepping up to James. He stood before him, locking eyes, with squared shoulders and unwavering determination. His fearlessness was palpable. He was indeed physically stronger than James and no doubt would stomp him in the ground. My father was standing pretty much in the same stance as Uncle Mike was.

"James," he started with a hard look on his face. I stood there with my mouth wide open wondering if James was about to get his just desserts. "Let's get one thing straight cause you one of those mother fuckers who tries to go for bad but ain't nothing but a pussy."

"Michael-" Papa interrupted.

Uncle Mike ignored him.

"I saw the way you looked at my wife. I sure as fuck heard you growl at my son. You gone get fucked in the head bout mine." He didn't take his eyes off of James. One thing I knew was that Uncle Mike meant every word.

"Listen Michael, I said no harm no foul," James said. His eyes were dark and I knew he was incensed. "The kid startled me. And your wife comes in here starting with me. I-"

"I don't give a fuck what they did. But you better watch yourself around mine cause you gone fuck around and find out. You look at my wife like that again, you little bitch; I swear to God I will put a bullet straight through your fucking head."

"Michael, son, this is not called for." Papa pleaded with Michael, urging him to reconsider. He had decided that this altercation was unnecessary and would only result in someone getting hurt.

"Oh it's very called for Dad."

My Uncle glanced briefly at the door when Kevin and his other two brothers filed into the kitchen. Confusion and bewilderment filled the air as the three boys looked around, trying to make sense of the situation and understand why their father was confronting James. Sensing the tension, I had wisely positioned myself out of harm's way, but the boys wasted no time in aligning themselves with their father. Though not as imposing as their father, their muscular builds indicated their readiness to spring into action.

"What's going on Dad?" They asked

He ignored them. James squared his shoulders and inched back. Was he going to fight? After the way he beat me, would he try to do the same to Uncle Mike?

"Jasper, I believe it's time for us to depart," James declared, his gaze piercing. He shot me a resentful look. "This charade is over. I'm through with this nonsense. Head upstairs and gather our belongings so we can return to where we truly belong."

My Dad sprung to action when he heard that and closed the gap between himself and James. Papa saw this and tried again to rein this in. "Boys, I said that's enough!"

Again he was completely ignored. I was shaking like a scared cat under the intensity of James's ominous glare. My brothers stood flexing and fists pounding. They were all in ready. Not that my Dad or Uncle needed any help with snapping James in half.

"You all kinds of fucked up if you think my son is going anywhere with you." My Dad ground his fist in his palm. "Bitch you out your damn head. I know you been beating on him and shit. He's trying to hide it, but I tell you what! Let me even come close to hearing that truth from Jasper, and I swear to God I'm gone lay your sensitive ass out!"

Papa stepped between his two sons. Uncle Mike was biologically his, and he'd practically raised my dad from birth. Truthfully, they were more like twin brothers than best friends. They both understood who their father was. Papa's voice was gentle yet firm. "Jasper Peter!" He scolded his very adult and very good and grown son. "That is Enough! I have asked you two to let it go for now! There is a more proper way to handle this." It was very surprising to know that these two men were raised by one of the most passive men I have ever known. They were far more aggressive than he'd ever been. He certainly didn't raise cowards for sure.

"Dad, this douche has Jasper afraid to move. I've been seeing it since I got home. I'm not dumb. He ain't bout to leave with my son, Dad!"

Concern was in his eyes and his expression focused. He was protecting me as he'd always had. He had been attentive to me since he first saw me today. He understood the situation I was desperately trying to hide, and clearly understood the dynamics and the impact it had on me. He was worried for my safety and frustrated because he realized the effect this heathen was having on his son and the potential danger involved.

James defiantly crossed his arms and further closed the distance between himself and my father. His voice strained with tension as he spoke through clenched teeth, his face contorted in a grimace. "Your son is my husband," he gritted out. "I don't think you have any right to intervene in this matter, right Jasper?"

He turned to me and I quivered in fear. "I-I…" I stammered. I felt so hopeless. My head was pounding and I felt a knot in the back of my head. A sharp pain shot through my head. I sat on the arm of the couch and shook my leg.

"I said right, Jasper?" Tears fell from my eyes and Kevin immediately came to my side. He stood in front of me daring James to make a move towards me. He still kept his promise but was guarding me like a watch dog.

"Man fuck your bitch ass." Uncle Mike said. "I wish you would try to take Jasper out of this house."

"Michael, what did I ask, Son? I understand you are upset as you should be. But the language is very disrespectful."

Uncle Michael scowled at him. "Dad, just go home and wait for us. Let us take out the trash."

James huffed and decided he was done talking to them. He turned and walked toward me and Kevin. "Jasper let's get going babe. We're done here."

Despite being surrounded by my protective family, fear coursed through me, causing me to tremble uncontrollably. Their fierce determination to shield me was evident, yet I couldn't shake the overwhelming terror that gripped me.

"JASPER!" He snarled. "I've already repeated myself way too many times. You know better than this!" He was surely going to kill me. "Get up and go get our things as I have instructed you. Now!"

I jumped up. I hung my head. "Okay," I was almost whispering.

"The hell you talking to him like that for!" My Dad was pissed. "Jasper hell naw! I know he got you scared of him and you are on a mind fuck with him, but he gone stop talking to you like you're his damn dog! I don't even treat you like this and I'm your damn Daddy. Sit down!" He ordered me. " You ain't packing shit. But what is gone happen is James gone get the hell up out of my house …without you!"

"Dad it's ok-"

Kevin held his hand out to stop me. He gently push me back into my sitting position on the arm of the couch. "Hold on, Jazz." He said, and continued to block me from James. He moved over so James couldn't see me or intimidate me with his looks.

"You ain't packing no damn bags. James can go pack his own junk and step."

James grunted no longer hiding his disdain at all. "You're quite cute, Kevin. Were you not taught to stay in a child's place?" Kevin didn't budge. "It's too bad you're straight. You would be a fun, sexy addition to our bed especially since it's obvious Jasper wants to be with you anyway."

Surprisingly Kevin didn't budge. He wasn't phased or swayed by James' insults. He held his position in front of me and refused to give James the time of day or any of his bullshit.

"Little boy" He taunted and took two more slow deliberate steps towards my brother. Kevin flexed and prepared himself to lay James somewhere in my parent's living room. He didn't have to do anything at that point because uncle Mike was on James in a flash. This time his nose was almost touching James.

"Please go ahead put your hands on him….Go…a…damn…head and put your hands on my son. I want you to." He goaded

.

"Michael, get out of my face." I was taken aback when James showed no signs of yielding. I realized he was determined to prove a point to me. Perhaps he wanted to demonstrate that he could overpower and mistreat me like he had done earlier in Miss Amy's backyard. He needed to assert his dominance to everyone else and ensure that his threats carried weight. He couldn't let me believe for a moment that he was afraid or perceived as weak in any way.

"Dad I wish he might." Kevin defended himself. He knew, without a doubt in his mind that his father would put a bullet through James head for him. But he took no hesitation in standing up for himself.

"You have fucked with Jasper long enough James. This night…." He pointed upwards. "… is the last night you will touch him again." Uncle Mike wasn't playing games. He really meant I wasn't going anywhere.

James laughed. " Jasper darling it's getting late."

I was overwhelmed by a profound sense of guilt and helplessness. Unable to stand up for myself, I relied on others to come to my defense, while I remained there, weeping uncontrollably. I felt as though my masculinity had been stripped away entirely, leaving me feeling utterly pathetic.

"James it's time for you to get the fuck out of my house!" My Dad ordered.

"We're attempting to do just that," he uttered, frustration evident in his voice. "If you all would kindly step aside, we could leave within minutes." He made an effort to maneuver past my brothers, but they swiftly positioned themselves as human barriers, determined to prevent him from causing any harm. I felt an overwhelming surge of pride in calling them my family. Their unwavering stance signified their unwavering commitment to protect me at all costs.

My uncle reiterated, "Jasper, you're not going anywhere with this ass licking whore!"

"Michael!" Papa scolded him. It was a good thing the women had taken the kids out a while ago.

"My apologies Dad." He said. "But where's the lie?"

Papa sighed loudly. "James is it possible for you to find a hotel?"

"Sure we can find one. That will be no problem at all." He said. "I came with my husband and I'm leaving with him."

"Over my dead body," Rosie piped in. She came storming into the living room. I guess she grew tired of waiting at Miss Amy's house and wanted you to see what was going on. " Jazzy's not going anywhere with you!"

James groaned and rolled his eyes. "And here is yet another person minding my business."

"You hurting my brother is my business. What a cunt!" Rosie blurted. "You are a yellow back coward!"

"Go away" He snarled. If he thought he could get away with bitch slapping her he would. "Don't you have a party to plan that Jasper won't be attending?"

"Oh he will be at my party and you still ain't leaving here with my brother. In fact why are you here?"

"That's an excellent question baby girl!" My Dad walked to the door and held it open for James to bounce right out of it.

Oh if it were just that simple.

"Jasper do you want me to leave babe?" He turned towards me. "These people are trying to keep you from me. Tell them that I haven't been harming you."

Amidst the protest from my family I tried to desperately find a solution to this. The best thing to do would be to leave and go with James. I would sacrifice my safety and my life for the protection of my family. I didn't want them dead or in jail. I just couldn't allow that. Even if it meant they had to live without me.

I sat in silence but my heart was so devastated. I had no words. I didn't want to go. But I couldn't stay.

Sensing that my resolve was breaking Uncle Mike intercepted my thoughts. He knew me and he knew what I was thinking of doing.

"Jasper?" Uncle Mike called out, beckoning me to his side. Petrified, I remained frozen, seeking solace within the protective presence of my bodyguards. After the ordeal James had put me through earlier, fear gripped me, and I dreaded the thought of him trying to seize me once more. I was afraid to answer my uncle and come to him.

"Jasper you don't have to be afraid. You are with your family now," My favorite uncle reassured me. "Come to me son."

I stood but my legs wobbled like jello. My brothers stepped to the side, effectively keeping James behind them and away from me. I couldn't see through tears of despair.

"Son, come." He opened his arms to me, beckoning for me to come to him. "It's okay. Come to me, Jazz."

I started walking over to him.

"Jasper do you remember our conversations earlier today." Again I froze. He was reminding me of that ass whipping he put on me.

"James you can threaten him all you want but you won't get another chance to to touch my son." My father said.

"JP, your son… hmm your son…perhaps you should have done a better job rearing him. He doesn't listen very well, and he can't cook or clean worth a damn."

The hurt within me rose, threatening to erupt into an angry volcano. I could feel the burning desire to unleash my own fury upon James, to make him pay for all the pain he had caused. The words "son of a bitch" escaped my lips, a testament to the intense frustration that had built up over the years.

The realization hit me like a thunderbolt—my existence had been reduced to that of a mere servant, tirelessly cleaning up after him, serving as his personal whore and maid. The resentment surged through my veins, fueled by the unfairness of it all. I had been stripped of my dignity, forced into a role that belittled my worth as a person.

"The only thing he's good for is lying underneath me in my bed until I finish inside of his ass." Shock and disgust from my family could be heard around the room. He had become so used to belittling me that he didn't even care that he did it in front of people. "He's my bitch. That's what he's good for."

My spirit shattered, and I succumbed to overwhelming embarrassment and despair. He meant to intentionally embarrass and degrade me. Tears poured down my face uncontrollably, as if a dam had burst within me. The room fell into a heavy silence, weighed down by the weight of my anguish. I put my fist over my mouth and clutch my chest. I cried loudly. How could my own husband hurt me so deeply?

In that moment, I managed to catch a glimpse of the two men who had been holding themselves back, their restraint evident. They had the strength to lay him out, to retaliate against the injustice I had endured. Yet, their expressions revealed the depth of their empathy and the pain they felt on my behalf. My tears struck a chord within their hearts, and I could swear I saw tears welling up in their own eyes.

With my hands covering my face, I felt the comforting presence of Kevin and the boys as they gathered around me, offering solace and support during this agonizing moment.

"Jasper get your sorry ass upstairs now like I told you and man that shit up. That's another thing you weren't taught…how to be a man. Stop all that damn bitching and crying!" James belted. I jumped back as his voice bolted through the room and tried to move towards the stairs. I was so afraid of the outcome of this. My uncle with my father closely in tow walked over to me. My three brothers moved to stand with them at my sides. I saw a clear vision of James face. It was pure black evil. I was going to pay dearly for this if he ever got me alone. He would surely crack my skull. They stopped in front of me while James stood red and huffing in full view of the transaction that was taking place.

My Dad placed one hand on the side of my neck and pulled me into his space. He was at his breaking point with James.

"I understand, my son. I know this pain cuts deep," my dad whispered softly, his forehead gently resting against mine as tears streamed down my face. In that moment, I couldn't find the words to express my emotions, nor could I muster a smile. All I could do was sob uncontrollably, my breath hitching with each tear that fell. But my dad remained steadfast, unfazed by the messiness of my anguish. He was my rock, my pillar of strength, and at that moment, his heart shattered alongside mine. He felt my pain with every fiber of his being.

As we stood there, locked in a heartfelt embrace, I could hear the silence enveloping the house. I knew that James, the source of my suffering, seethed with anger at witnessing the solace I had found in the arms of the one man who loved me unconditionally. But my dad's presence, his unwavering support, was a shield against any fury James may have harbored. In that moment, his love protected me from the storm, providing a sanctuary of love and understanding.

Dad's sniffling mingled with my tears, a symphony of shared sorrow. He absorbed my anguish, offering solace without judgment. In a hushed whisper, barely audible, he spoke words that carried the weight of a universe of empathy, "Daddy knows." I felt the gentle brush of his lips against my forehead, a tender reassurance that he would always be there for me, no matter the challenges I faced.

The weight of our connection, of the love between a father and son, lingered in the air. James may have stirred with anger, but in that moment, his fury was inconsequential. The strength of our bond, the unbreakable love we shared, shielded us from the turmoil that had plagued our lives for far too long. It was a reminder that true security and solace could be found within the comforting embrace of family.

As we stood there, united in my pain and resilience, the house remained hushed, a testament to the profound impact my dad had on my life. James may have tried to extinguish my spirit, but he could never extinguish the unwavering love and support that flowed between my dad and me. In that moment, his power over me crumbled, as I found strength in my father, rising above the tumultuous circumstances that had threatened to break me.

"Talk to me baby boy." He pleaded. He needed to hear the truth from me. He knew what was going on, but he needed that confirmation. My father trusted me. If I said it happened that was all he needed to rightly devour James. "Please tell me the truth about what happened to you today. Why do you have those scratches and cuts on you, son? I saw those bruises on you when you got out of the shower." My eyes widened. " Jasper, I'm Dad. I will always be your Daddy. I am no fool. I've known about this 'abusive unimportant wanna be' since he came into your life. He's a bitch. He can't handle a real man so he preys on innocent boys like yourself. I don't give two fucks about you being gay or with any man you choose to be with. But I do care if they're beating on you. I will never be okay with that, Son."

I shook my head a little and tried to gain control. I heard James say "pathetic." I willed myself not to look in his direction.

"Jasper, I am DONE with this bastard." Dad said to me still cradling my face in his hand. I nodded and he caressed my cheek with his thumb. "Talk to me. Let us help you end this now."

It took me a minute to calm myself down. I couldn't bring myself to look at James. I was dead. My father was standing on my left and my uncle on my right, each with a hand on my cheek. I winced from the pain in the back of my head when one of them touched me there.

"Jasper you're hurt?" My Dad looked panicked. "What's wrong with your head?"

James interrupted. "I'm sure Jasper is fine." He was trying to prevent me telling on him. "Jazz stop being a drama queen as usual!"

My Dad glanced angrily at James, his eyes filled with understanding for my situation. Without diverting his gaze, he inquired, "Jasper, did James hit you in the head?" Memories instantly flooded my mind, everything from the whipping that landed me in Forks Hospital. Overwhelmed, I nodded and cried uncontrollably, seeking solace in their comforting hands. Tears welled up on my Dad's face, a mix of hurt and pain evident.

In a split second, my dad's movements mirrored the agility and speed of a vampire. With a swift and calculated motion, he lunged towards James, catching him off guard. Before James could even register what was happening, my dad's strong grip seized his throat, exerting an unyielding hold on him.

Uncle Michael stood near, ready to jump in in a blink of an eye, if necessary. He knew what it meant for my dad to be able to take the lead on this and defend his son. Honestly, if the roles were reversed, my Dad would do the same thing. Uncle Michael would stop at nothing to defend and protect any one of his five sons of his right hand. Momentarily, he stood aside and let my dad prove to me and my abuser that he would not stand for this any longer.

In a display of raw strength, my dad effortlessly maneuvered James backwards, his fingers tightening their grip on his throat. With a surge of power, my dad hoisted him up, his body weight suspended in the air for a fleeting moment. Then, with a force that seemed almost superhuman, he forcefully slammed James into the coffee table, shattering it under the sheer impact.

The room erupted into chaos as the table splintered and shards of wood flew in all directions. The sound of the crash echoed through the air, reverberating with the weight of my dad's pent-up anger and frustration. The sheer force of the collision left no doubt about the intensity of my dad's rage and the message he was sending.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze as the room stood witness to the raw expression of my dad's protective instincts and the unyielding love he had for his family. His actions spoke volumes, conveying a clear message to James and anyone else who dared to harm me—there would be consequences for their actions.

Having received the confirmation he needed from me, my Dad continued to cash in on every promise he'd made to protect me and fuck James up for harming me. Everyone was on guard ready to assist and defend. Dad's well-maintained physique showcased his strength as he harnessed the power of each muscle in his body. The shattered remnants of the table mirrored the shattered illusion of control James had once held over my life. It was a physical manifestation of the strength my Dad had summoned to defend one of the people he cherished most...his only son. Truthfully he would do it for any person in the room other than the one he was currently stomping a mud hole in.

In that moment, the room became a battlefield, and my dad emerged as the unwavering protector, ready to fight tooth and nail for the safety and well-being of his son. No matter how James had tried to convince me that my family didn't care, my Dad was showing me that we had an unbreakable bond of love that would prevail against all odds.

"You've been beating on my son, you puss ass bitch!" James tried to get up and charge towards him, but that slam paralyzed his efforts. He tried to swing and kick but my dad skillfully blocked his attempts. He somehow managed to roll to the side and kicked my Dad on his leg. He stood and attempted to push past Dad, but my father stood firm, like a bulldozer. Unlike my feeble attempt earlier in the yard, my Dad, who was much stronger than me, pushed him with such force that he lost his balance and fell to the floor again. Blinded by his love for me, my Dad began mercilessly kicking and attacking him for all the pain he had inflicted upon me. We all continued to witness the scene, seeing my dad consumed by anger.

In a moment of pause, my dad's fury was intercepted by Papa, who bravely positioned himself in front of my dad. The air in the room crackled with tension as my dad's breathing became erratic, his chest heaving with each heavy breath. His gaze burned with an intensity I had never witnessed before, and his face flushed crimson like a canvas painted with rage. It was as if a storm had erupted within him, unleashing a tempest of emotions that threatened to consume everything in its path.

He gently moved Papa to the side and lit into James again. I watched in awe and trepidation as my dad fought with every fiber of his being, his determination unwavering. The fire in his eyes mirrored the fierce protectiveness he felt for me, his child. In that moment, it felt as though he would stop at nothing to ensure my safety. The sheer intensity of his anger was palpable, and I couldn't help but question the limits of his restraint.

The room crackled with a potent blend of emotions—anger, fear, and the unwavering love that bound our family together. It was a battle of conflicting desires, as my dad teetered on the edge of a precipice, torn between seeking justice and succumbing to the darkness within him.

Amidst the chaos, my mom somehow made her entrance into the house, standing by Papa's side. She attempted to use her presence as a calming force, a beacon of reason amidst the storm of emotions. She understood the gravity of the situation and sought to prevent my dad from crossing a line from which there would be no return. My mom and Papa, united in their efforts, stood as a united front, imploring my dad to find solace in reason rather than giving in to the primal urge for revenge.

"Son of a bitch." He kept saying over and over as he pushed past my Mom and Papa while kicking him. My dad was given James his turn turn to be tossed around and kicked and thrown like garbage. Blood was all over his face from the beating my Dad was putting on him.

"You hurt my son…"He kicked him in his neck, head, back, side, and legs. "Fuck you bitch…talk down to him…throw him around." He wasn't letting up, "Fucking coward. You think he can't defend himself so you treat him like garbage."

He kept going despite protests from my Mom and Papa. He was pounding him with his fist now in his face. He was literally going to kill him. He wouldn't stop his assault against the abuser who had stolen so much from me.

"Hit him like he's your fucking child…treat him like a mangy dog in the streets…Got him scared of your bitch ass... Insult him and treat him like nobody loves him….Disregard and disrespect him like he has no purpose…"

It went on and on as my father poured his heart, hurt, and pain into every punch and kick. He was relentless and I felt he was definitely going to kill him.

"JP, stop son." Papa pleaded trying to lead him away from James by the elbow. " Son, please listen to me. JP listen to my voice. You need to stop."

After another few minutes, Dad halted his assault, pressing his shoe-covered foot against James's throat. Despite James's feeble attempts to push him away, he was weakened by the relentless beating he had endured.

James lay on the floor, bleeding and coughing badly. Although my dad had given him a beating, it paled in comparison to the torment he had subjected me to. Holding his ribs, James rolled onto his side, in excruciating pain. He was a bloody mess.

"Jazz, what did he do to you, son?" Dad's voice was filled with a mixture of rage and anguish. James squirmed beneath his foot, but Dad responded by stomping his chest, exerting more pressure to keep him pinned down. "Tell me what this pathetic excuse of a man did to you. Look at him, making you scared. But he's nothing but a cowardly piece of shit. A worthless motherfucker." Dad increased the pressure, ensuring James couldn't escape.

"What did he do, baby boy?" Dad pressed, his voice commanding and desperate. His voice was heavy and deep from exertion at he looked at James with disgust.

I hesitated, paralyzed by fear and embarrassment. It was difficult to find the words to convey the horrors I had endured. Kevin, sensing my struggle, looked at me with encouragement.

"Jazz," he gently prodded, offering his support.

"I'm scared and ashamed, Kevin," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. Kevin sought my approval once more, silently asking for my consent to share our secret.

"Uncle JP, I'll tell you," Kevin spoke up, his voice filled with both determination and pain. He glanced at me, seeking my confirmation, and I nodded, giving him permission to reveal the truth. "Jasper told me that James was attacking him in the yard when they first arrived today. Jazz tried to fight back, to protect himself. But he's terrified. James got him scared to breathe or defend himself because he's always abusing him. James beat him mercilessly in the yard, and then dragged him into Ms. Amy's yard, hiding behind those trees. He continued to beat him, using his hands and belt buckle. He threw him against the retaining wall, causing him to hit his head. There's a big knot on his head from that. Jazzy needs to go to the hospital because it's bad. He's putting the best on the outside. Jazz has bruises and marks all over his legs. And then, after he was done beating him like that, he...he..." Kevin's voice caught in his throat, tears streaming down his face. He clenched his fist, attempting to hold back his emotions, but it was futile. "He forced him to undress and he...he hurt him. He was hitting him there and then made him...perform vile sexual acts on him against his will. He degraded him and force him to be quiet about all of this when Auntie Lizzie came home from the store. He threatened to rape Aunt Lizzie too."

"Aw fuck naw!" My uncle loves my mom as a sister. She was his princess and since the day she married his brother, he adored her. He protected her as much as he did Aunt Felicia, and Dad felt the same way about his brother's wife. He rush to my Dad's side. He pointed to James. "You have fucked up!"

Kevin continued, " He also beat Jazz upstairs in the closet after Dad came home. He only stopped cause Rosie came home and was calling for Jazz."

My Dad's face shook. It was like watching a real life version of the Incredible Hulk. There was legit fear in all of us. His face turned hard with black anger as he learned about the unthinkable threat James had made against his beloved wife... the treasure of his heart. Fury exploded from inside him again, fueling his determination to protect our family at all costs. With a steely look in his eyes, he looked at James and began impaling him again, breaking James' nose with his fist. He kicked him I'm the groin causing James to unleash a howl.

James rolled over and Dad tried his best to put his foot up his ass much like he had done to me.

"You hurt my kid in my house…his home where's he supposed to be safe…Then you threaten my wife!" Papa was still pleading with him to stop. Somebody's cell phone was ringing but it was left unanswered. Mom was speechless as she listened and observed this. "…use him for your filthy sexual pleasure like he's some cheap ass whore…take him without his consent…assault him in public…or whenever the fuck you get ready…You done fucked up bout my wife bitch!"

Dad kicked James so hard that he almost fell unconscious. Blood spewed out of his mouth. Uncle Mike landed another blow as well. James was barely awake. Then they came to an abrupt halt. My Dad's breathing was growing faint, and his mind began to slow down as he immersed himself in profound contemplation, carefully weighing his options for the next course of action.

As the weight of my revelation settled upon us, I looked around at my family. Their faces reflected disbelief, torment, and a deep mental anguish as they struggled to comprehend the depravity of the situation. Papa and Mom were completely devastated, their hearts breaking before my eyes. Uncle Mike seethed with anger and intensity, mirroring the emotions of everyone present. Dad continued to stand in silence, his expression blank as he processed the horrifying truth. His mind seemed to teeter on the edge of insanity.

"Jasper, I believe what Kevin has said," Dad murmured, his words almost a whisper to himself. James was down. He couldn't have risen if he wanted to. Dad contemplated his next move, his mind consumed by thoughts of retribution. "Jasper, son, are these things true?"

He looked up at me, his gaze both intense and unsettling. Fear coursed through me as I realized that his thoughts were clouded, his judgment compromised.

"Yes, sir," I whispered, my voice trembling with both fear and resignation.

The air was eerie and silence abound as my dad made his next move, a move that sent shockwaves through each and every one of us. With a swift motion, he reached behind his back, revealing the glint of a Glock in his hand. He cocked it and fired. My Dad was a sure shot, but James seeing what was happening moved just in time preventing a bullet to his head. The bullet hit him in the shoulder instead. Dread settled over me like a heavy fog as my worst fears materialized before my eyes. The air thickened with tension, and even James, the perpetrator of my suffering, displayed genuine fear on his face—a realization of the magnitude of the situation he had found himself in.

As if choreographed, my uncle moved closer to my dad's side, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. The unwavering support and unspoken bond between them were evident as my uncle drew his own weapon, mirroring my dad's actions. They were a united front, prepared to face any consequences together. The camaraderie that flowed between them was nothing short of breathtaking. They were in sync, a seamless union forged from the moment they entered this world. They had always been each other's guardian angels, ready to protect and defend at any cost.

Their unwavering loyalty extended to me, their beloved family member. In that moment, it became abundantly clear that they were willing to risk everything, even their freedom, to ensure my vindication. The thought of spending the rest of their lives behind bars didn't faze them. If it meant seeking justice and securing my well-being, they would snuff out James's life without hesitation. Their love for me was unyielding, a force that transcended any fear or consequence.

My uncle prepared to fire his gun. He moved and stood over and pointed his gun at his chest. My Dad did the same. In that moment, I became acutely aware of the lengths my dad and uncle were willing to go to shield me from harm and defend my mother's honor. This bullet would definitely be for his threat to harm their beautiful lady. Their actions were a testament to the power of familial love, a force that could move mountains and defy all odds. Their unwavering determination would stop at nothing to ensure my safety and deliver justice.

As my brothers stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock, the weight of the situation settled upon them. They were rendered speechless, unable to comprehend the gravity of the events unfolding before them. The room held its breath, suspended in a state of disbelief and awe, as the unbreakable bond of family loyalty and protection played out before our very eyes.

In the midst of James's anguished wails and the intensity of the moment, their gazes remained locked, reflecting a deep connection and unwavering resolve. They recognized that the path they were about to embark upon was not just a choice, but a profound sacrifice for a greater purpose. Their unspoken agreement carried with it a sense of duty and selflessness, as they understood that their individual desires and aspirations had to be set aside for the sake of something far more significant—I, who represented their shared love and commitment. With a heavy yet determined heart, they steeled themselves, ready to face the challenges ahead as a united front, bound by an unbreakable bond of loyalty and devotion.

"Sweetheart, please, look at me," my mom's voice interrupted and trembled with a mixture of fear and determination, as she tried desperately to calm my dad. He was consumed by a blinding rage, his sanity seemingly slipping away. With a firm grip, she clasped his wrists, refusing to let go. "Breathe, my love, just breathe," she coached, her words a lifeline in the midst of chaos.

My dad's grip tightened around the gun, his breaths heavy and erratic, resembling an enraged predator ready to strike. His eyes blazed with an intense fire, fixated solely on ending James' life, the man who had inflicted harm upon his son and threaten to take his wife's innocence. A second shot rang out, but it narrowly missed James' chest but struck him in the arm when Uncle Reggie swiftly grabbed hold of my uncle's arm. It was his gun that was discharged. He wrestled Uncle Michael to the ground and held his arms behind his back. I hadn't even realized that Uncle Reggie had entered the house. The suddenness of the moment startled everyone present. Papa took my Uncle's gun when Uncle Reggie handed it to him and gave it to my Mom. He motioned for the rest of us to move out of harm's way, and we obediently sought refuge near the stairs, though our eyes remained fixed on the unfolding scene. Without Uncle Reggie's intervention, my husband would have met his demise.

"Guys, let me handle this. Don't sacrifice your freedom like this," Uncle Reggie pleaded, his voice filled with authority and reason. As a member of law enforcement, he knew the importance of handling the situation within the boundaries of the law. "JP, put it down. Think about your family, man."

"Jasper is my family," my dad responded, his voice laced with determination.

I approached my dad, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and urgency. "Please, Dad...Uncle Michael, please. I don't want this. I don't want you to do this. I want to protect you. I don't want you to sacrifice yourselves for me. Please, put the gun away Dad. Please. This will only hurt me more and make my situation worse. If you want to help me please don't pull that trigger."

"Jasper," James huffed, his voice strained from his injuries. "Help me." I ignored his plea, my focus solely on my family.

"Guys, please, I promise that if you don't do this, I will tell the police everything. I will press charges. I'll stay here with you and move back home. Just please, don't do this. Please, Dad. I was the one who was hurt. I know you love me, and I love you and Uncle Michael so much for protecting and standing up for me. But I would rather have you both with me at home," I pleaded, my voice filled with a desperate plea for reason.

"Jasper's right, baby," Mama added, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and hope. She handed Papa the gun. "He's right. Let's find another way to handle this."

"He hurt our son, Liz. He threatened you, bae," my dad's voice quivered with a combination of anguish and rage, tears streaming uncontrollably down his face. He could not allow this kind of rebellion against his family. Papa placed a comforting hand on my dad's shoulder, silently conveying his support and understanding. "He hurt our son, Dad. Our own flesh and blood," my dad repeated, his voice heavy with a profound sense of pain.

"I know, son. And we will address this properly," Papa assured him, his voice steady and resolute.

"Jasper, I hear you, son, but this sorry piece of shit is long overdue for a bullet in his skull for what he did to you," Uncle Michael declared, he was standing now with Uncle Reggie holding him back. "I'm so sorry, Jasper, that we weren't here to stop this from happening or in other instances. I don't give a damn about being locked up. I've been there before. But what this bastard has done to you...I—" His voice broke as he was overwhelmed with emotion.

I approached him and wrapped my arms around him too, seeking solace amidst the turmoil. I rested my head on his chest, finding a small measure of comfort in his embrace but mostly trying to reason with him. He hugged me back.

In that room, emotions ran deep, and tears welled up in every pair of eyes. The weight of the situation, the profound pain we collectively shared, hung heavily in the air, tangible and suffocating.

My mom's voice, a gentle plea, cut through the turmoil. "I know, my love. I know the pain he has caused, and he will face the consequences. But don't let this consume you," she implored, her voice filled with a mixture of love and reason. She turned his face towards her, her touch a soothing balm against his raging storm. "Calm down, my baby. Breathe. Focus on our son, Jasper. He's home, under our protection. James will face justice. I'm fine. He hasn't harmed me. Please, don't let yourself be consumed by this darkness."

Papa, the voice of wisdom and reason, stepped forward, his hands held out in a gesture of peace. "JP, lower your weapon," he spoke with a calm authority. "It is not necessary here. I understand the pain we all feel for Jazz, but this won't help him. Please, give me the gun," he requested, his words a gentle plea to his beloved son. He loved and respected his father, and after a moment of internal struggle, he eventually acquiesced, handing over his weapon to Uncle Reggie who had let Michael up and left to secure them.

Though the guns were relinquished, the tension in the room remained palpable. My brothers held their positions, their guard still up, a testament to their loyalty and determination. In that moment, the love and unity within our family were tested, but the bond that held us together remained unbroken.

Seizing a moment engulfed in sinister rage and though wounded, James lunged very broken from the floor, fueled by a darkness that consumed him. His intent was to assert dominance over my dad, to claim his perceived power. However, his grave mistake came in the form of a punch aimed at Dad, but instead pounded Papa's neck. Papa staggered, but remained on his feet. That hit hurt as evidenced by him holding his neck. In a swift effort, Papa skillfully evaded the scene momentarily.

Papa's boys saw red. This single act served as a catalyst, triggering another response from every male, young and old, and Rosie in the room. The atmosphere ignited into chaos as a fierce brawl erupted within the confines of my parents' living room. Each individual was driven by a shared purpose—they would not allow anyone to lay a hand on Papa. Their determination to quell James's aggression and impart a lesson he would never forget was unwavering. Together, they descended upon him, their united force overwhelming.

I found myself paralyzed, unable to move or react. Shock coursed through my veins, rendering me utterly useless in that moment of turmoil and chaos. My mind struggled to comprehend the reality of the situation, and I stood as a silent witness to the intense battle that unfolded. But it wasn't just that. My head was hurting so bad that I felt I would pass out. Something was wrong but it was too much going on for me to say anything. I was swooning and could hardly focus on the fight let alone join it.

The room reverberated with the sounds of grunts, scuffles, and the collision of bodies. It was a flurry of motion, an onslaught of fists and determination. Each blow struck with precision, fueled by a collective desire to protect our family and extinguish James's aggression. In the midst of the chaos, a sense of justice permeated the air, as my loved ones fought to restore balance and teach a lasting lesson to the perpetrator of our pain.

As Aunt Felicia entered the room, her eyes fell upon the scene of Uncle Mike relentlessly hammering James. Confusion etched upon her face, she glanced at me for answers before shifting her gaze back to the chaotic pile on the floor. The absence of her little ones indicated that she had wisely entrusted their safety to Miss Amy. Uncle Reggie followed closely behind her, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

Aunt Felicia started to speak to her husband, her voice filled with concern, but her words were cut short as Mom rushed over to plead with Dad once again, desperately urging him to stop his participation in the fight. Despite the pleas and attempts at intervention, the adrenaline and anger coursing through my dad's veins compelled him to stay in the battle.

The sound of Papa's voice boomed through the room, his desperation evident as he pleaded for his sons to release James. "Michael! JP! Enough!" he yelled, his voice filled with both pain and authority. "Let him go, boys! Rosie, I'm alright!"

But his pleas fell upon deaf ears as my family continued their relentless assault on James, their fury unyielding. Uncle Reggie bravely stepped into the fray, attempting to intervene and put an end to the violence. Blood poured from James's nose and mouth, evidence of the punishment he had endured. Despite his serious injuries, he somehow managed to scramble away from the relentless onslaught. He was defeated, his reign of terror was coming to a swift and brutal end.

In a commanding tone, Uncle Reggie called for an end to the chaos. "Alright, everyone, break it up!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the turmoil. We heard sirens in the yard. He must have called for back up.

The severity of James's injuries was apparent. Blood pooled on the floor, and it was evident that immediate medical attention was required. The sight of his condition left no doubt that the ambulance Uncle Reggie had called would be necessary to address his wounds and provide the care he didn't deserve, but desperately needed.

In a climactic moment, my father's fist connected with James in a devastating blow, the force behind it echoing the years of terror and abuse he had subjected me to. It was a knockout punch, the resounding crack signaling the end of his cruel reign. The weight of my father's vengeance reverberated through every bone in James's body, a fitting punishment for his transgressions. As the dust settled, I stood there, not just a weakling son but a survivor, my hidden pain and enduring suffering finally finding release in that powerful strike. It was a turning point, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life where strength and resilience would pave the way for a brighter future.

The room fell into stunned silence as James crumpled to the ground, his body limp and lifeless, consumed by unconsciousness. The weight of my father's final blow reverberated through the air, leaving an eerie stillness in its wake. Time seemed to freeze as onlookers processed the abrupt end to James's reign of terror. The hushed whispers and gasps filled the void, mingling with the palpable tension that hung heavy in the room. The sight of James, defeated and motionless, served as a stark reminder of the power that had been unleashed, bringing an unsettling calmness to the chaotic storm that had engulfed us all.. The weight of years of my torment seemed to lift off my shoulders, replaced by exhaustion. My father stood there, panting heavily, his fists still clenched, as he surveyed the scene before him.

My dad's gaze shifted from James's motionless body to me, his son, who had endured so much pain at the hands of this man. There was a flicker of sadness in his eyes, a reflection of the scars he couldn't erase from my past. But there was also a glimmer of hope, a silent promise that he would do whatever it took to protect me from further harm.

He approached me crying with a heavy heart, his steps slow and deliberate. "I will always love you, Son," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and tenderness. "Your Daddy is deeply sorry for not being there when you needed him the most. I am so sorry, Jasper."

I shook my head, feeling utterly drained, my mind foggy and overwhelmed. It was as if all the strength had been sucked out of me, leaving me disoriented and lost. In that moment, all I could do was open myself up and accept the love he was offering, even if I couldn't fully comprehend or process it.

As the realization of what had just transpired sunk in, a wave of emotions washed over our faces. My family displayed a mix of satisfaction and vindication, knowing that justice had been served. Law enforcement filed in and apprehended everyone they saw actively participating in the brawl. They pulled my Dad's and Uncle's arms behind their backs and handcuffed them, all while reading them their rights. I was devastated as I watch my family being restrained from young to old.

In that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, as if suspended in time. The weight of the past collided with the uncertain future, creating a palpable tension. Yet amidst the chaos and the aftermath of violence, there was a shared understanding that something had irrevocably changed.

The room slowly came alive with whispers and murmurs. Emergency services went to James's side, tending to his injuries and calling for medical help. My family offered words of support and reassurance to me, despite being handcuffed and ordered to sit down.

My dad stood there, a mix of weariness and determination etched on his face. He called me over and was telling me not to worry. The battle was far from over, but in that moment, he had stood up for me, defending me with every fiber of his being. It was a powerful testament to the strength of a father's love and the lengths he would go to protect his child. He meant what he said to me earlier during the day that 'he would take care of this problem for me.'

The room now held an air of both catharsis and uncertainty. The road ahead would be challenging, filled with healing, and rebuilding. But in that moment, my dad had taken a stand, ensuring that the cycle of abuse would end and a new chapter would begin—a chapter defined by love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son.

The weight of these emotions threatened to consume me, but a part of me recognized the importance of restraint. My dad had taken matters into his own hands, delivering the punishment that James deserved. It was a reminder that justice could be served without me needing to descend to his level.

Yet, the fire within me still burned fiercely. The desire to confront James directly, to make him understand the pain he had inflicted, gnawed at my every thought. It took every ounce of self-control to hold back, to channel my anger into more constructive paths. The next part of this fight would be legal and with it I would have an opportunity to hand James his ass.

In that moment, I vowed that I would no longer be confined to the role of a submissive servant. I would rise above his oppressive grip, reclaiming my autonomy and asserting my worth. No longer would I allow myself to be diminished by his actions. This was the turning point, the catalyst for my personal liberation.

In that pivotal moment, an overwhelming sense of suffocation gripped the air, as if all oxygen had been forcibly expelled from the room. The weight of the situation bore down upon me, causing my senses to falter and my consciousness to fade. I succumbed to the darkness, my body unable to withstand the intensity of the scene unfolding before me. Fragmented memories lingered in the recesses of my mind, snippets of my family's frantic movements as they rushed to my side, their voices a distant echo in the abyss. The room, once filled with life and energy, now lay shrouded in complete blackness, enveloped in an eerie and profound silence that seemed to stretch into eternity. In that void, time itself became elusive, leaving only a profound emptiness that echoed the depth of the moment's impact.

As my consciousness waned, fading into the depths of unconsciousness, I could faintly hear the desperate calls of my name, "Jasper," resonating through the room. The sound of my family's voices, filled with urgency and concern, pierced through the eerie silence. Their footsteps echoed, growing louder as they rushed to my side, their love and worry palpable in every hurried movement. Amidst the chaos, I caught snippets of the paramedics' urgent instructions, their words muffled as they worked tirelessly to revive me. Through the haze, I registered their assessment of my unresponsiveness, their attempts to administer life-saving CPR. My mother's voice, strained with panic, mingled with the voices of my family, their collective distress reverberating through the darkness. Every word spoken, every action taken, was a testament to their unwavering care. However, as my grip on consciousness slipped away, the world around me dissolved into silence. I became detached from the urgency and concern, drifting into a realm where no sound could reach me, leaving me suspended in a state of absolute unconsciousness.

A/N: And there it is. The ass whipping we've been waiting for. Can't wait to see what happens next.