Trigger warning:
Mentions of Abuse
Bruises
A/N:I'm so sorry for the late update! Life has been insane and this chapter was so hard for me to find the right way to end it. Work has been consuming my life it seems. I hope this long update makes up for it! :) Also, I have a Spotify playlist that I made that kinda is based around this fanfic. Would anyone like to hear/have access to it? If so comment down below! I would gladly link it! I am still actively adding to it and some of the songs on there will be used in later chapters! :) I hope you enhoy this update with a surprised POV! If you like the other POVs (not just Jasper and Bella) let me know and I will gladly keep including them!
***Peter's POV***
The wind rushed past Peter and Charlotte as they raced against the sun from Seattle to the safety of the cloud bank of Forks. Peter glanced over at his mate with a smile on his lips as her blazing red eyes met his. Peter slowed down as images of Bella with bright red eyes standing next to Jasper, with matching crimson eyes. The next image was of their ranch in Texas with five people on their back porch, Charlotte sat in Peter's lap and Bella in Jasper's lap and an unknown man in another chair. Charlotte rounded in front of him as they stopped running as she took his hands in hers.
"What did ya see?" Charlotte asked softly. Peter smiled down at her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest in a tight hug.
"Bella was with Jasper and us and someone else at our ranch." Peter said with a massive smile on his face. Charlotte's smile, matching his. "She was sittin' in his lap, oh, and she had red eyes."
"Seriously! Red eyes! She is goin' to be like us?!" Charlotte asked, excitedly. Peter nodded as she jumped into his arms and he swung her around in a circle. He set her back down on the ground as they separated and held hands. They turned back towards the direction they were originally heading and strolled leisurely through the woods in contentment. "So do you think she is his mate?"
"Bella being Jasper's mate?" Peter asked and Charlotte nodded. "I think so."
"Do ya think he realizes it?" Charlotte asked.
"I don't think so. I think at the present moment he's too worried about her and her father and this other vamp that is after her. His first priority is goin' to be her and her safety, everything else will come second and is going to be unimportant to him." Peter sighed as he shook his head.
"I swear. I wish he would open his eyes, he's so dense. He's the Major for cryin' out loud." Charlotte huffed in annoyance and Peter chuckled.
"That's true, but think about it from his point of view, Char. They both just got dumped and abandoned in one of the worst ways possible. The family that claimed them abandoned them after admittin' they were willin' to kill her. I think he's a little preoccupied with dealin' with all this to think about any pull his heart may have towards the Little Lady." Peter explained as they entered the territory they made yesterday and started running the perimeter.
"I know you're right. But, I just want him to realize that he deserves this. He deserves to be able to love his mate and for her to love him back. That he's worthy of it." Charlotte whispered as they got closer to the end of their perimeter run and headed to the Swan residence.
"I know. He will, hopefully." Peter sighed. "What do ya think about her though?"
"Bella? Oh, I love her Peter. I may have only gotten to know her for a few hours but honestly, she's amazin'. I want us all to be a coven again, like the old days. I just hope she will open up to someone sooner or later." Charlotte smiled a small smile.
"What do ya think happened to her?" Peter asked bluntly.
"Honestly. I'm not sure. I get there was probably a lot of controllin' and gaslightin'. I don't know why, but I think somethin'..." Charlotte shuddered as the thoughts passed through her head. "Somethin' physical may have happened between the mind reader and her that she didn't want to happen... I just wanna protect her and make her realize she's safe with us." She whispered as they reached the tree line that opened to Bella's backyard.
"I got that feelin' too." Peter whispered back. Charlotte looked over at him with sad eyes and he knew she was thinking of her own past. He pulled her towards him and wrapped her in his arms. He peppered kisses across her cheeks and down her neck. "I love you baby, we will. Ya know Jasper will not give up until she and her father are safe. Come on, let's check in with him." Peter said, pulling back from her, leaving an arm wrapped around her shoulders and directing them out of the tree line towards the house.
Once they broke the tree line they spotted Jasper sitting on the back porch step with a cigarette dangling from his lips as he stared down at his feet. Jasper didn't look up as the couple got closer and saw he was actually watching a line of ants walking across the stone walkway towards the grass. Peter and Charlotte felt the uneasy aura radiating off of him causing Peter to shift awkwardly in front of him.
"Major, you're projectin'." Charlotte said as she wrung her hands together. Jasper's head snapped up and quickly reigned in his emotions.
"Sorry." Jasper muttered as he flicked the butt of the cigarette into an abandoned terra cotta pot that sat on the bottom step.
"Do ya wanna talk 'bout it?" Peter asked, resting a hand on Jasper's tensed shoulder.
"Do ya... Do ya... Do ya really think he did somethin' to her?" Jasper breathed out. If the other two weren't vampires, Peter doubted they would've heard him. Peter and Charlotte shared a glance between them and then looked back at Jasper with sad looks adorning their faces. Jasper got his answer without needing it verbalized. "I'm gonna kill him." Jasper growled out, not leaving any room for anyone to doubt he would if he got his hands on him.
Peter and Charlotte simply nodded at him, knowing there was no need to acknowledge that they would assist him. The three vampires looked back at the house as a light turned on upstairs and the sound of a shower started. The sound of gruff mumblings filled with sleep alerted them to Charlie waking up and getting ready for work.
"So, I got a lot to catch ya both up on." Jasper sighed and pulled another cigarette out of the lining of the denim jacket he had took from his old house when he went on a perimeter run in the middle of the night. Peter sat down next to Jasper and pulled Charlotte into his lap and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Charlie, her father, knows all 'bout us. He is friends with a member of shifters that lives on the reservation. When they were teenagers he saw his friend shift when they were drinkin'. He knows all 'bout vamps and werewolves and the Cullens' special diet." Jasper explained, staring out at the tree line. Peter felt his eyes widen at the shock.
"So, he knows you're a vamp. Are ya stayin' here? Is he okay with that? What did the Little Lady say?" Peter asked rapidly.
"He knows. He is okay with all of us stayin' here. He knows 'bout the threat to her. He agrees that she's a damn danger magnet and needs to be wrapped in some damn bubble wrap." Jasper chuckled as he looked down and tapped the ash off the cigarette.
"All of us? What 'bout Bella?" Charlotte asked quietly.
"Yeah. She told him ya'll would more than likely be seen around here to help protect them and is very adamant that he is gonna love ya both. He's a huge Mariners fan. We watched the game last night. Isabella is..." Jasper looked back at the window to her room and a small smile picked at his lips. "She's shocked about it all honestly. But she's so damn strong and is handlin' everythin' so well." Jasper said, looking back at the couple in front of him.
The screen door opened behind them and Charlie stepped out with a cup of coffee in his hand and looked between the three vampires on the steps of his back porch. Jasper stood up and tossed the butt with the other one and nodded at Charlie. Peter and Charlotte stood up as well, hand in hand.
"Charlie. Mornin'." Jasper greeted and stepped up on the main deck as Charlie closed the screen door softly.
"Morning Jasper. Is this Peter and Charlotte?" Charlie asked as he turned around and nodded towards the couple.
"Yes sir. Peter Whitlock, and this is my mate and wife Charlotte Whitlock." Peter offered his hand to Charlie who took it firmly.
"Pleasure to meet ya!" Charlotte said, taking Charlie's hand after Peter dropped it. "We absolutely adore Bella! She's such a feisty sweetheart." Charlotte rambled with a soft smile. Charlie smiled warmly at the couple and nodded.
"Thank you. She definitely is something." Charlie chuckled and sat down on one of the patio chairs and sipped his coffee more. He nodded towards the other patio chairs and the rest of them took a seat. "So, from what Jasper explained you both are here to help protect Bella?"
"Yep and you too! We will try not to get in your way or anything. We want to get rid of this threat as soon as possible." Charlotte said, smiling at Charlie.
"Thank you, but you don't have to worry about me. I am glad she has you all looking after her though. Do you think I should tell Billy and the boys about this? They see her as family there too." Charlie asked, looking over to Jasper who nodded.
"I think that may be a good idea. We can set up a meeting with them and explain the situation and see if we can come up with a battle plan." Peter offered and looked to Jasper habitually.
"Sounds good. I'll call Billy later and see if we can have them come here for a cookout or something. Will that be okay with you all?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, bein' on neutral ground would be best. Then our presence won't trigger any youngins' to shift too early." Jasper said with a sharp nod and Peter watched him carefully as the old Jasper started coming out and he was turning into the Major that he remembered from the old days.
Peter and the other vampires looked up to Bella's window causing Charlie to look up as well. "Everything alright?" Charlie asked with a worried voice.
"Yeah, it sounds like Bella is waking up." Peter said as he watched Jasper get up.
"Excuse me. I promised her a cup of coffee would be waitin' for her when she wakes up." Jasper excused himself as he used his vampire speed to head into the house.
"Coffee creamer is in the fridge, top shelf, and three spoons of sugar!" Charlie called out to the blur of Jasper with a small, knowing smile. Peter and Charlotte looked at each other and then back at Charlie with wide eyes.
"Thank ya." Jasper said, quickly poking his head out before rushing back inside and up the stairs. Charlie chuckled and took a long drink from his coffee. He looked over to the two shocked vampires in front of him and nodded.
"You know?" Charlotte whispered, looking between the two males.
"I have my suspicions. I know quite a bit about tribe lore and I figured vampires would have something like that as well." Charlie whispered, not giving away too much, knowing that Jasper could hear them clearly. Charlotte gasped and quickly smiled at Charlie.
"So you like the Major then? Do you approve?" Charlotte asked excitedly. Charlie simply nodded as he glanced down at his worn watch.
"Alright, I'm gonna say bye to Bells and head to work. Make yourselves at home. I'll call Bella later after I talk to Billy and let you know about the meeting." Charlie said, standing up and walking into the house.
Peter waited a few minutes until he heard Charlie was upstairs saying goodbye to Bella and he turned to Charlotte with a devious smirk. "Even Charlie can see it and he's human. It's only a matter of time until he gets his head on straight and figures it out himself." Charlotte let out a gleeful laugh and launched herself into Peter's lap, hugging him tightly.
Jasper shook his head with a small smile as he sat in the computer chair as Bella was saying goodbye to her father. Bella looked over at Jasper with a questioning look as her dad left the room with a final wave. Jasper heard his heavy footsteps trotting down the stairs and out the front door. Jasper anxiously watched as Bella reached over and took the hot cup of coffee and took a sip. A small moan passed her lips and she took another drink from the mug before setting it back down on the nightstand.
"That is perfect. Thank you!" Bella smiled at Jasper,who smiled back, letting out a sigh of relief. Bella stretched, groaning as Jasper heard her neck and back pop.
"You're welcome Isabella." Jasper nodded and leaned back, relaxing in the computer chair. "How'd ya sleep?" Jasper asked.
"Good. The best night's sleep I've had in a while." Bella sighed and scooted to the edge of the bed and tilted her head at Jasper. "Did you have anything to do with it?"
"Ya needed sleep. So I did help in the beginnin'." Jasper answered with a nod. Bella nodded and detangled herself from the blankets.
"I'm gonna get dressed. What are we doing today?" Bella asked as she walked to her dresser and started rifling through her drawers. Jasper's ears perked up at the sound of pots and pans clanging together and the hushed whispers of Peter and Charlotte as they rummaged through Bella's fridge and pantry to get breakfast started for her.
"Well, we talked to Charlie this mornin' before he left for work and we think that with the connection ya'll have with the pack, we'd all have a cookout here and discuss Victoria so they can help protect ya." Jasper said cautiously.
"Why do we have to get the pack involved? Wouldn't that put even more people in danger? I appreciate Peter, Charlotte, and you protecting my dad and I but I worry you three will get hurt in the crossfire already." Bella sighed and turned back towards Jasper and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well, considerin' the pack and us care 'bout ya is why we are all wantin' to protect ya. Try thinkin' 'bout it the other way 'round. If ya knew that Seth was in danger wouldn't ya try to protect him as ya are now?" Jasper asked and watched Bella huff and nod at him. "Now you're just human, he's a wolf, he's significantly stronger than ya, but you're his friend and love him, so ya want to protect him any way ya can. That is how we see it. We all are able to protect ya 'cause we care 'bout ya. And we are all powerful enough to protect ya being supernatural beings and all that." Jasper explained carefully.
"Fine." Bella's shoulders slumped as understanding and surrender settled into the room around the two. "So, if we are having the pack over for a cookout, I'm going to have to go to the store to get everything." Bella said, turning back to her dresser and shuffling through the clothes til she settled on an outfit and turned to the bathroom.
"I'll wait for ya downstairs with Char and Peter.I'm gonna help Char finish makin' breakfast for ya." Jasper called after Bella as he stood and blurred down the stairs before Bella could protest them cooking for her.
Bella sighed, knowing better than to argue with Jasper as she turned back and already saw her bedroom empty. She walked into the bathroom and set her clothes down on the lid of the hamper in the corner. She ran a hand through her hair as the sound of music floated through the closed door from the stereo system downstairs. Bella let out a small laugh and sent appreciation towards Jasper knowing they turned the music on to give her some privacy. She turned to the shower and turned it on as hot as it would go before quickly stripping from her pajamas and stepped carefully into the shower. Bella sighed in satisfaction as the hot water pelted her skin and into her muscles. Her mind wandered as she slowly washed her hair with her favorite strawberry shampoo.
Her mind raced from the fact that Charlie knew all this time about the Cullens and never said anything to her about it and the fact she knew that he probably worried about her more than he let on. Her mind drifted towards the Cullens and where they are now. Did Esme miss her like Bella does her? Is Carlisle looking at one of his many books that he frequently loaned Bella and wondering her thoughts on it? Was Emmett as sad and regretful as she was how their last interaction went down and miss their bond as much as she does? Is Rosalie worrying about Bella anytime she sees an old red pickup that is in desperate need of a tune up? Or her safety even though Edward isn't around anymore? Her thoughts migrated towards Edward and tears spring to her eyes. Did he mean everything he said in the letter? Are Edward and Alice happy now? Do they even think about the pain they have caused? Her tears stream down her face and combine with the warm water.
There was a soft knock at the door causing Bella to startle and grab on the bar on the wall to stop from falling. "Yeah?" She croaked out over the shower.
"Ya okay in there Suga'?" Charlotte's soft, concerned voice floated through the air and wrapped around her like a safety net that she didn't know she needed at that moment.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I must have gotten lost in my own mind." Bella said, clearing her throat. "I'm almost done. I'll be right down."
"Okay Suga'! Breakfast is ready for ya whenever ya are. Take your time. No rush." Charlotte called through the door. Bella waited a few seconds and let out a shuttered sigh knowing that Jasper probably sensed her spiraling and sent Charlotte to make sure she was okay. Bella grabbed her conditioner and quickly lathered her hair in it as her mind wandered to the three vampires downstairs waiting for her.
Her mind first went to Charlotte and a small smile came to her lips at the thought of the sweet southern belle. She felt the genuine love and concern coming from the vampire from their bonding time watching Vampire Diaries. Her mind drifted toward Charlotte's mate and husband, Peter and the fact that she may not know him very well she could tell he was trustworthy and protective of Jasper. Her heart swelled at the thought of these two vampires that don't even know her and don't owe her any protection, are so willing to put themselves in danger to make sure a deranged vampire doesn't kill her. She rinsed her hair and her mind finally floated towards the thought of the reason these two were even here. Jasper. Her smile grew slightly, unconsciously, as her mind filled with the last couple days with Jasper. Her smile faltered slightly at the thought of always being kept away from him by the whole family, like they were just waiting for him to slip up and attack her for no reason. She shook her head to rid the thought of the untrusting family and quickly rinsed her hair out. She grabbed her loofah and lathered it in cheap strawberry body wash and started to scrub at her skin. Her mind started to wander but quickly brought back to reality as she scrubbed too hard on her hip, forgetting the bruises on her side and hips. She finished in the shower, turned off the water and grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her body before carefully stepping out of the shower.
Bella walked over to the sink and quickly brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth out. She dried her body off, careful of her side this time, and dressed into a pair of simple black panties and matching bra. She turned to the mirror and looked at her thin frame. The bruises from the seat belt stretched across her chest and stomach were a bright purple shade in contrast to her pale skin. Her hand lightly glided over the bruises and felt little to no pain, as her hand glided across her stomach her eyes were drawn to the angry deep purple, blue, and yellow handprint bruises on her side and upper hips. Her hands softly touched the bruises and felt the sharp pain radiating from the spots. She shook her head to clear the oncoming tears. She turned from her reflection in shame. She slipped into a pair of black leggings and a light gray hoodie that fell mid-thigh. She turned back to the mirror once she was dressed and ran her fingers through her hair to detangle it quickly. Content with her appearance she turned and exited the bathroom.
The scent of warm cinnamon, bacon, and fresh coffee engulfed her as she descended the stairs. She made her way to the kitchen to see the three vampires sitting at the table having an impossibly fast conversation that ended as soon as she was fully in the kitchen. She smiled at three sitting at the table and took a seat next to Jasper where a plate full of food waited for her. "Thank you so much for breakfast, you really didn't have to go through all the trouble." Bella said, picking up the fork and knife and cutting into the stack of french toast sitting in the middle of the plate. She took a bite and let out a small groan as the flavors burst in her mouth. "This is so good! Who made this?" Bella asked as she took a bite of the bacon that was sitting on a smaller plate to the side.
"That would be the Major, Little Lady." Peter said with a smirk on his face. Bella turned to Jasper with wide, shocked eyes. Jasper quickly glared at Peter and turned to Bella feeling her eyes on him. His features relaxed and nodded in confirmation to her silent question.
"This is amazing! Where did you learn how to cook like this?" Bella asked as she dove back into the food in front of her.
"When ya became part of the family I took it upon myself to learn how to make a variety of things for ya. I didn't want Esme to be the only one able to feed ya in case she was out huntin' or somethin' when ya were over. Emmett tried once or twice, but even I could tell that it wasn't edible." Jasper chuckled as he watched Bella continue to eat the breakfast.
"I helped with the coffee and bacon!" Charlotte chimed in happily, earning a giggle from Bella and amused chuckles from Jasper and Peter.
"Well thank you both. This is the best food I've had in a while." Bella sighed happily as she slowly continued to eat the food in front of her. "So what are the plans for today? I got to go to the store and get food for the cook out later today. Are you all wanting to come with me or hang out here?" Bella asked as she started feeling full.
"Of course we are comin' with ya Suga'!" Charlotte cheered as she started clearing the plates away from the table as Bella focused more on her coffee than eating.
"I can do that Char. Please." Bella said as she downed more of her coffee. Charlotte shook her head and grabbed the rest of the plates from the table and took them to the sink and started washing them. "What time do you want to go to the store?" Charlotte asked, looking over her shoulder at Bella and the two guys at the table.
"Why not after the Little Lady goes and puts on her shoes?" Peter suggested and Bella nodded enthusiastically.
"Go ahead and finish gettin' ready, I'll go ahead and get the truck ready for ya." Jasper said as he got up from the table and went outside before Bella could say anything.
"I'll be right back." Bella excused herself from the table and rushed up the stairs to her bedroom. She sat on her bed and pulled out the black hightop converses and quickly slipped them on and tied them. She quickly rushed down the stairs and saw Charlotte, Peter, and Jasper waiting at the front door for her. "Ready?" Bella asked and the three nodded.
Charlotte skipped out the front door with Peter chuckling following behind her. They slipped into the backseat of a black Ford Raptor. Bella looked at the truck and back to Jasper, who was closing the door and locking it behind them and handed Bella her purse. "Is that yours?" Bella asked, looking back excited at the truck.
"Yes, ma'am. That's mine, well one of them." Jasper smirked and rested his hand lightly on Bella's lower back and guided her to the passenger side door and held it open for her.
"Why thank you sir." Bella giggled and climbed into the truck with the helping hand from Jasper. Bella buckled herself in as Jasper was already in the driver's seat and backing out of the driveway. "May I?" Bella asked as she gestured to the radio. Jasper nodded and she quickly hit the play button as music started flowing through the cab of the truck.
"I have other CDs if ya want to change it." Jasper said, nodding to the glove department.
"This is a good CD. I didn't know you listened to Thirty Seconds To Mars." Bella smiled, snuggling back into the seat.
"Oh yeah, The Major has a very diverse taste in music." Peter said, leaning forward between the front seats. Jasper rolled his eyes and pushed him back into the backseat.
"Sit back. We're almost to the store. What all do ya need Darlin'?" Jasper said as they turned into town.
"Well, first what did you mean by one of them when I asked if the truck was yours?" Bella asked.
"I have two bikes back at the old house." Jasper shrugged. Bella's eyes grew slightly and nodded.
"Okay, I'll have to get enough food for the pack and my dad and I. Also, with it being a cookout I'll have to get charcoal for the grill and probably should get some paper plates and plastic silverware to save some cleaning up afterwards." Bella said, listing off the stuff needed.
"That would be smart. With how big the pack is it'll be a lot of cleanin' up to do." Jasper said as Bella's phone started ringing. Bella grabbed her phone and answered it quickly.
"Hey." Bella answered.
"Hey Bells. I just got off the phone with Billy and Sam. They said that a cookout would be a good idea at the house to talk about everything. The whole pack will be there with their mates. Including Billy and Sue Clearwater." Charlie said and Bella could hear shuffling of papers in the background. "I'll be getting off around three and everyone should be around the house at about four. Will that be enough time to cook?" Charlie asked.
"Oh yeah. I should be able to make everything in that time." Bella answered as Jasper pulled into the supermarket and parked. "You'll have to pick up beer on your way home. I should be able to have everything done. What do you all want for the cookout?"
"What about grilled veggies, corn on the cob, hamburgers, some salads?" Charlie offered. "Sue and Emily will probably bring some fish fry with them too."
"Okay that works with me. We are at the store now. I'll talk to you when you get home." Bella said as Jasper held open her door as she unbuckled herself.
"See you at home." Charlie said and hung up. Bella pocketed her phone in the hoodie pocket and grabbed her purse as she took Jasper's hand and hopped out of the truck.
"Ready?" Charlotte cheered and Bella nodded and watched Charlotte and Peter rush, at human pace, to grab a cart. "Can I push it?" Charlotte asked.
"Sure." Bella shrugged as they entered the store. Bella stayed close to Jasper as Charlotte and Peter started heading down the aisles. Bella started tossing in different flavors of chips into the cart and a few cases of soda.
The four of them continued through the store as Bella continued to toss in different condiments, plates, silverware, trash bags, and vegetables into the cart. Peter started pushing the cart once they got the fresh produce and Charlotte stood on the front of the cart like a child, earning a giggle from Bella. Peter smirked at his mate and started walking faster than normal and taking corners sharper than he was before causing the cart to come up on two wheels.
"They're really like children aren't they?" Bella whispered to Jasper as Charlotte started to laugh at her mate's antics.
"They're somethin'." Jasper sighed with a small smile on his lips as he watched his friends start throwing snacks for Bella into the cart. "Let's grab the hamburger meat and that should be all right?" Jasper asked, redirecting her towards the meat wall.
"Yeah that should be all that is left. I got stuff for the grilled veggies including corn, stuff to make potato salad, chips and a few other things." Bella said, looking up into his golden irises. Jasper smiled and nodded as he turned to the wall again.
"What kind are we needin'." Jasper asked and picked up a package of ground beef examining it.
"A few of these should work since there will be quite a few people there." Bella said and grabbed the five pound roll of ground beef. "It'll let me cook more burgers and it'll be cheaper." Bella started and grabbed another roll. "Will you grab two more?" She asked as Peter came to a skidding halt behind them with a laughing Charlotte hanging onto the cart with a carefree smile. Bella turned around and deposited the meat into the cart after Jasper did.
"Anything else Little Lady?" Peter asked, leaning over the handle of the cart.
"Nope this should be all of it. We can get ice at the register before leaving." Bella smiled at him.
"Alright, you heard the lady. Let's get this show on the road!" Charlotte exclaimed and hopped off the front of the cart and nudged Peter forwards to the checkout lane. Bella followed behind them, smiling contently as Jasper fell in step with her.
"Ya okay?" Jasper whispered as Peter and Charlotte started loading up the conveyor belt with the groceries.
"Huh? Oh yeah. I'm good. Really. I'm actually really happy right now." Bella smiled up at Jasper and sent a wave of contentment and happiness towards him.
"Okay. Just checkin'." Jasper smiled and sent a wave of happiness back to her.
"Is that cash or card?" The cashier asked and Bella stepped forward and was blocked by Jasper quickly in front of her.
"Card." Jasper said politely and quickly swiped a black card through the machine. Bella glared at his back. She sent a wave of irritation towards him causing him to chuckle softly.
"Here's your receipt." The cashier handed Jasper the long paper and he nodded as Peter and Charlotte continued to play around and rush out of the store towards the truck and started loading the bags into the bed as Jasper directed Bella outside.
"I could've paid for that." Bella grumbled as Jasper held open the door of the truck and his hand for her.
"I know. And so can I. So I did." Jasper said with a mischievous smile.
"What about-" Bella started as the backseat doors slammed shut and Peter's face popped up next to hers interrupting her.
"Already got two bags of ice in the back, Little Lady." Peter smirked, earning a glare from Bella and Jasper.
"Don't slam my doors." Jasper warned as he gently shut Bella's door and made his way to the driver's seat.
"Ya know better than that honey." Charlotte giggled and shook her head. Bella giggled and settled into the seat and put her seatbelt on. Jasper climbed gracefully into the truck and started it. The music started again softly where they left off and a peaceful silence settled into the cab of the truck on the short ride back to the house.
Jasper pulled into the driveway and blurred to Bella's side and opened her door and held out his hand and Bella smiled at him as she unbuckled herself and jumped out of the cab with his help. She rounded the truck and helped grab some of the bags with one hand and pulled out her keys with the other. She headed towards the house as the others grabbed the rest of the groceries and unlocked the front door, leaving it open for the others to come in with their arms full of groceries. She rushed to the kitchen table and dropped the heavy bags into it with a sigh of relief.
"Where do ya want everythin'?" Jasper asked with his arms and hands full. Bella pushed off the table and moved out of his way.
"The table is fine. Is there more out there?" Bella asked as Peter and Charlotte came in with their arms and hands full as well. Charlotte elbowed the door closed and shook her head.
"Nope, this is the last of it Suga'." Charlotte smiled at her. Bella nodded and started going through the bags and removing the contents and setting them on the table. Bella looked at her phone and noted the time was already two and her eyes widened. "Everythin' okay Suga'?" Charlotte asked nervously.
"Yeah, it's just later than I thought it was. I need to get the grill started and the burgers formed." Bella sighed as she started putting the bags of chips away in the pantry.
"I can start the grill." Charlotte said, smiling and quickly rushing out of the back door with the bag of charcoal. Bella shook her head affectionately and rolled her eyes.
"We will be right back okay?" Jasper said, coming up to stand next to Bella.
"Okay, is everything okay?" Bella asked softly.
"Yeah, I just wanna go get my bikes from the house. I rather they be here and not there where anyone can get to them. I would just leave them in the backyard, if that's okay?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah, I was going to mention that later tonight about getting them here." Bella nodded. "You boys go have fun. Say bye to Char before you head out and be careful!" Bella called after them as they walked to the back door. Jasper turned back to her and nodded with a smirk. Bella rolled her eyes fondly at him and shook her head.
Bella finished putting the food away and kept the hamburger meat and bar-b-que sauce out. She grabbed a cookie sheet out, being the largest portable dish she has, and started forming the patties. "Hey Suga', do you have a lighter in here?" Charlotte asked, walking through the backdoor.
"Yeah. First door next to the fridge." Bella said, nodding towards the drawer. Charlotte nodded and quickly rummaged through the drawer and pulled out a lighter and quickly ran back outside to start the grill. Bella turned back to the hamburger meat in front of her and continued making the patties. Once all the patties were made Bella washed her hands and started boiling the potatoes for potato salad and noodles for macaroni salad. Once the water was boiling and the ingredients were in their separate containers to boil she started skewering the peppers, onions, and mushrooms for the grilled veggies she knew Sue probably insisted on. Bella turned back to the hamburger patties and grabbed the bar-b-que sauce and started trying to peel off the top of it.
"What can I do to help? The boys should be back in a few minutes." Charlotte asked, popping up behind Bella, startling her to squeeze the bottle and some of the sauce to squirt out the open side and land on her hoodie. "Sorry Suga. Go take that off quickly and I'll start a load of laundry so that it doesn't stain." Charlotte said with an apologetic look.
"Okay. Just give me a second." Bella said, rushing up the stairs to her room. She quickly stripped out of the hoodie and laid it on the computer chair. She looked down and groaned seeing she got some of the sauce on her tank top as well when she took off the hoodie. Bella stripped out of the tank top and walked to her dresser to pull out a new one when she heard a gasp at the door. She covered her chest and looked over to the open door.
"Bella…" Charlotte breathed out, her eyes trained on the side exposed to her. Bella gulped and pulled on her tank top and pulled it down further than she needed to to cover the bruises she knew her friend just saw.
"Char… Please don't say anything. It's nothing really." Bella pleaded, turning to Charlotte fully.
"Bella. Is that what I think it was?" Charlotte asked softly.
"It's not as bad as it looks. I'm just super pale so it makes everything look worse…" Bella whispered, her anxiety and fear spiking.
"Bella, did he do that to you?" Charlotte whispered, barely above a whisper.
"Yes…" Bella replied softly, her eyes looking down at her hands as they played with the hem of the tank top.
"Are ya okay?" Charlotte asked, now in front of her, softly tipping her head up to meet her face to face.
"I'm fine… They don't even hurt anymore…" Bella replied with a fake smile as tears stung her eyes.
"What doesn't hurt anymore?" Jasper's deep commanding voice startled both girls as they jumped and Charlotte pulled Bella behind her.
"No-nothing…" Bella stuttered, gripping Charlotte's hand and trying to reign in her emotions.
"Isabella…" Jasper said softly and stepped towards her. "I can feel the fear and anxiety radiating off ya."
"Suga' ya need to tell him." Charlotte whispered, gently squeezing her hand. Bella's eyes widened and shook her head rapidly.
"Ya can't say it can ya?" Peter asked from the doorway. Bella's eyes snapped to him and she nodded softly. "If ya can't say it, then show us. And we all promise not to lose our cool, right Major?" Peter asked as he walked into the room and grabbed Jasper's shoulder. Jasper nodded, his eyes never leaving Bella.
"Suga', we all care and love ya. We just want to help, and this is the first step in lettin' us." Charlotte said softly with a sad smile.
Bella nodded and took a half step from behind Charlotte and lifted her tank top above her hip to see a few finger shaped bruises littering her skin. Her anxiety radiated off her as Jasper stepped closer to her and his hand lifted, his fingers centimeters from one of the bruises.
"Bella…" Jasper's voice broke on her name. His eyes trained to her side as her eyes were trained on him. "Can I… Can I hold ya?" His hand dropping and his eyes meeting hers. She could see the pain in them. Her heart clenched and nodded as she dropped her tank top and collapsed into his arms. He held her tightly to him and Bella buried her face into his chest, her hands gripping his jacket. "I'm so sorry I didn't notice before. You're safe now." Jasper whispered into her hair. Bella nodded as she gripped his jacket tighter, squeezing her eyes shut to push out the memories that were flooding her brain.
"Guys, I hate to bring this up but Charlie is at the end of the road and I don't think the Little Lady wants her dad to be askin' questions. Why don't we talk 'bout this after the meeting?" Peter offered softly. Bella pulled back slightly and nodded. "Only if ya are ready to talk 'bout it I mean." Bella nodded again.
"Yeah. I, uh, need to get something on so I can finish making the food." Bella said, her throat feeling thick. She leaned back from Jasper slightly, instantly regretting not being in the safety of his arms as she just was.
"I'll throw these in the wash real quick." Charlotte said and grabbed the tank top and hoodie and rushed out the room with Peter right behind her, leaving Bella and Jasper alone.
"Here, put on one of these, it'll be long enough and secure enough to not show anythin'." Jasper said, stepping back and letting his arms fall from around her and turning to squat in front of his bag that she didn't notice was in the corner of the room. She watched as he riffled through the bag and pulled out two bundles of fabric. He stood up and held out the two options in each hand. In one hand was a black and white flannel shirt and in the other was a solid black hoodie.
"Are you sure?" Bella asked as her hands reached out and instinctively wrapped around the black hoodie. Jasper nodded and let go of the hoodie and tossed the flannel back into his duffle bag. "Thank you, Jasper." Bella said as she slipped into the hoodie that swallowed her. The sleeves came past her hands and the bottom of the hoodie almost touched her knees.
"Come on Darlin'. Charlie is 'bout to be here and the pack not too far behind. We will talk tonight if you're up to it. Okay, it's all up to ya." Jasper said softly, holding out his hand for her. Bella nodded and grabbed his hand quickly.
"Okay..." Bella smiled softly at him.
"Come on, before Peter gets the bright idea that he knows how to grill and blows this place right up." Jasper smirked and Bella let out a laugh as an indigent shout from downstairs sounded through the house. Bella smiled and followed Jasper downstairs, feeling safe with her hand wrapped protectively in his.
