A/N: Sorry for the late update. My computer was out of commission because my cousin was working on it and this chapter just didn't feel complete so I really hope this super long update makes up for it! I will try my hardest to get the next update within the next week. I hope you enjoy and please read the trigger warnings for this one!
Trigger Warnings!
Talks about abuse
domestic violence
attempted SA
Implied Rape
Chapter Six
Bella and Jasper made their way downstairs, hand in hand, and went outside to where Peter and Charlotte were. "Peter, what are you doing?" Bella asked as they came up to him poking at the charcoal with a stick.
"Just makin' sure it was gettin' hot for ya, Little Lady." Peter said, smiling at her. Bella shook her head and let go of Jasper's hand reluctantly and walked up to the grill and checked the charcoal.
"It needs lighter fluid. Once they are all gray and ashy then they are ready to start cooking." Bella explained and grabbed the bottle that was sitting on the grass unused.
"Oh, I didn't know that. I thought ya just threw the bricks in there with a match. Sorry Suga'." Charlotte apologized.
"It's fine, Char. You don't normally have to deal with human food like this. I can do it." Bella said as she moved to stand completely in front of the grill and looked back at the three vampires peering over her shoulders; she shook her head and doosed the charcoal in the lighter fluid and grabbed the lighter that was sitting to the side. "You guys might wanna move back. The fire is going to shoot up." Bella explained and giggled as the three took a large step back so they were safely away from the coming flames; Bella lowered her hand and lit the charcoal in three different spots as the flames rose. She felt herself being pulled into a hard mass and looked back as Jasper pulled hand away from the flames that almost burned her.
"Woah there." Jasper said, taking away the lighter fluid from her hand and turning her around inspecting her other hand. "Ya good?"
"All good. Thank you." Bella nodded and smiled.
"Trying to light yourself on fire there, Bells?" Charlie asked from the back door. Bella's face flushed red and shook her head. "Also, the potatoes and noodles started overboiling so I turned them off. I'm going to get changed, Billy and Jake should be here in like ten minutes." Charlie said, looking down at his watch.
"Oh shit!" Bella cursed and ran to the house, squeezing past Charlie as Peter and Charlotte started laughing at Bella cursing. Bella quickly grabbed the pots and drained the water from them, careful to not lose any of the noodles or potatoes into the sink. She set them back on the stove and pulled out bowls from the cupboard and set them on the counter. She rushed to the fridge and pulled out the eggs she boiled a couple days ago, celery, mayonnaise, and mustard. She set them on the counter beside the bowls.
"Do ya need any help? The Major sent me in to help ya." Charlotte asked, popping up behind her and startling her.
"Sure, start with cutting up the celery please." Bella said, grabbing two cutting boards out of the drawer with two knives, handing one each to Charlotte. "Make sure to rinse off the celery first." Bella instructed as she opened the Ziploc bag and pulled out a couple of the eggs and started chopping them up.
"Jasper is watching the grill and making sure that the bricks are ready and keeping Peter away from it, hopefully. I have a feeling he will get too trigger happy with the lighter fluid and all I'm going to see is my grill in flames." Charlie chuckled as he came back into the house. Charlotte and Bella laughed as Charlie walked over and gave Bella a kiss on the head. "I'm going to get changed before Billy and the rest of them get here." Charlie said and left the kitchen.
Bella continued to cut up the rest of the eggs as Charlotte was slowly trying to cut up the celery. Bella divided the eggs into two of the large bowls and turned to Charlotte. "Do you want some help?" Bella asked, nodding to the uncut celery.
"If ya don't mind Suga'." Charlotte nodded and stepped to the side. Bella took the knife Charlotte abandoned and started cutting the celery into even pieces. "What can I do while ya finish this?" Charlotte asked.
"Will you put the noodles in one of the big bowls and potatoes in the other big bowl? The smaller one will be for baked beans." Bella instructed and pulled off three more stalks of celery and started cutting them at the same time. Bella watched as Charlotte did as she instructed and then turned towards the front door. "Billy and Jake here?" Bella asked as Peter and Jasper came into the kitchen.
"Yeah. I think Sue is with them too." Jasper said, handing Bella a hand towel as there was a knock at the front door. Bella took it and wiped her hands off and headed towards the front door.
"Bella can you grab that?" Charlie called from upstairs.
"Already at the door Dad." Bella called back with a shake of her head. She opened the door and smiled at the person at her door. "Hey Sue! I'm so glad you're here. Please come in. Are Jake and Billy still in the truck?" Bella asked, stepping back as the older female smiled at her and walked in holding a pan in her hands.
"Here let me take that for ya ma'am." Charlotte offered, holding out her hands towards Sue. Bella could feel the unease radiating off of Charlotte and Sue. She knew this may be a little awkward or difficult with the color of Charlotte and Peter's eyes and being strangers to the pack. Sue took a deep breath and nodded as calmness flowed through the house. Bella's eyes shot to Jasper and sent him a wave of gratitude as Sue handed the pan to Charlotte.
"Thank you hon." Sue smiled and turned to Bella and nodded. "Yeah, Jake is helping Billy into the chair and we brought a few tables and chairs since there are so many of us. We passed the pack as we left the rez and the mates were loading up the cars so they should be here soon to help."
"Okay good. We are just finishing the side dishes and I'll put the food on the grill when they all get here." Bella turned towards the door. "I'll go help them, make yourself at home, Dad just got home from work so he is changing and should be down in a second."
Bella trotted down the stairs of her front steps towards the truck parked outside her house. "Hey Bella. Charlie just got home, I take it?" Billy asked as Jake set his chair down for him to slide into.
"Yeah Billy. He's getting changed and will be down any second. Sue said you brought chairs and tables. I came to help take them to the backyard." Bella smiled as the two men shared a look. "What I can help." Bella huffed as Jake started laughing and Billy chuckled.
"Bells, we don't need you trying to carry a chair and fall and break something." Jake laughed as he nodded behind her. "Hey Jasper. I take this is one of the vamps that Charlie said would be here to help with whatever Bells got herself into?" Bella whirled around and saw Jasper and Peter standing behind her with matching smiles on their faces.
"Yeah, we came out to help with the tables and chairs. It's good to see ya Jake, Mr. Black. This is my brother, Peter Whitlock." Jasper introduced, nodding towards Peter.
"Brother? Whitlock? I thought your last name was Hale? Nice to meet you Peter. If Jasper trusts you we do too." Jake said offering out a hand and Peter looked shocked for a millisecond and quickly took his hand and shook it. Bella smiled proudly at Jake being so accepting of the new vampires and knowing he will be leading the tribe and pack into a new and accepting direction.
"Yeah. Alice made me go by the name Hale. My real name is Jasper Whitlock, that is what I go by now." Jasper said proudly as Jake grabbed two six packs of beer from the floorboard and set them in Billy's lap.
"Well, it's good you're coming into your own. It's good to see you Jasper and good to meet you Peter." Billy said, shaking Peter's hand after Jake. Bella smiled at the older man's friendly demeanor. Bella walked around the truck and peered into the bed and saw a large party speaker sitting against the side.
"You brought the speaker with you. This is going to be a real pack meeting now." Bella laughed, grabbing the speaker and setting it on the ground. She pulled the handle up so she could wheel it towards the backyard.
"Hey Billy. Sue and Char are getting along like fish to water in there. Hey Jake, good to see you." Charlie said, walking down to the stairs to meet the group. "I got beer in the fridge with our names on them Billy." Charlie said as he grabbed the back of Billy's chair.
"Ya'll go ahead and head to the back. Peter, Jake and I got the this and can start settin' up." Jasper said and walked up to Bella. "Do you want me to get this darlin'? Ya can spend time with Charlie, Billy, and Sue while we set up." Jasper offered, holding out a hand towards the speaker. Bella shook her head at him.
"No, I got this. Thank you though. I want to help you guys too." Bella beamed up at him and started to head around him towards the backyard. "Hurry up slowpokes." Bella called back to them as Billy and Charlie let out loud boisterous laughs.
"Ya heard the Little Lady. Let's go slowpokes." Peter laughed and Bella turned around to see the guys grabbing the tables and chairs out of the bed of the truck as Charlie pushed Billy towards the house. Bella turned forward and headed around the back of the house. She pulled the speaker up the back porch steps and plugged it into one of the outdoor outlets. Bella turned towards the yard and saw Jasper and Peter setting up the three long fold out tables, two of them pushed flushed together and the other one to the side, as Jake started setting up the chairs.
"This okay Isabella?" Jasper asked and Bella skipped down the steps as Peter disappeared back around the house to grab more chairs and was back in a blink of an eye. Bella twisted her mouth in thought and walked around the tables.
"We can use this table as the food table." Bella said, pointing towards the one they had sitting to the side. "Pull them a part a little so whoever sits at these ends can get up and not have to walk all the way around the tables to get more food." Bella directed and went to grab one of the tables, but was cut off by Jasper and Peter pulling them apart about three feet. "Perfect!" Bella smiled and made her way to the grill. She lifted the lid and saw the charcoal getting ashy and almost ready to use.
"Is it almost ready? Does it need more lighter fluid?" Jasper asked over her shoulder.
"Almost. Yeah. Will you hand me the bottle please?" Bella asked and Jasper shook his head and pulled her back slightly, away from the grill.
"I got it, Isabella. Don't want ya to singe your hair." Jasper said, flipping the lid on the bottle and sprayed the charcoal as the flames raised and covered the bricks. "That enough?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah. It should be ready to start grilling the burgers and veggies in the next five minutes or so." Bella said, leaning against Jasper slightly to get away from the fire. "How is Char and Peter doing? I know things are a little tense right now." Bella asked, worried about her new friends. Jasper wrapped an arm lightly around Bella's shoulders and tugged her a little tighter to his side.
"They're okay. Char and Sue are comfortable with each other already and Peter and Jake seem to be gettin' along as well. Maybe to our worst nightmare." Jasper whispered in Bella's ear, causing Bella to giggle.
"I'm glad they are getting along. I was a little worried about the whole natural enemy thing." Bella sighed, watching the flames tamper down.
"I'll make sure nothing gets too bad tonight. If I think things will head south I will soothe things out and tap your hand three times like this." Jasper said, grabbing her hand and gently tapping two fingers on the back of her hand. "And that will be a sign to cut the evening short. Deal?" Jasper asked and Bella nodded and stared into Jasper's eyes.
"Bella! The pack and their mates are here!" Charlotte called from the back door, causing Bella to jump back from Jasper and cleared her throat.
"Coming! I'll be right back. Make sure the kids behave." Bella smiled as she tilted her head towards Peter and Jake who were being obvious about eavesdropping. Jasper snorted and nodded and Bella ran off towards the house.
As Bella entered the house she smiled at Charlotte and Sue who were laughing as Sue taught Charlotte how to finish the macaroni and potato salads. Billy was at the end of the table watching fondly and drinking a beer as voices from the front door floated towards the kitchen. Bella followed the voices and saw Charlie greeting Emily, Claire, Rachel, Kim, and Piper at the door.
"Hey girls, where's the boys?" Bella asked, giving each girl a hug as they came into the house.
"You know those boys, they ran here. They should be in the back with Jake I'm guessing." Emily smiled as she walked through the house to the kitchen, setting down the cake pan she brought with her.
"We brought desserts if that's okay?" Rachel said, setting down a tray next to Emily's.
"That's perfect. I completely forgot about desserts honestly." Bella blushed.
"We figured. Plus you know us. We gotta help in some way!" Piper teased.
"You're right. Let's all go outside and I can introduce everyone. The kitchen is a little cramped." Bella advised. The newcomers nodded and walked outside with Charlie pushing Billy through the back door, leaving Sue, Charlotte, and Bella in the kitchen. "The grill should be ready. Is the corn ready?" Bella asked, grabbing the cookie sheet with the patties ready to go.
"Yep. We did that after the salads and baked beans. Sue has been teachin' me a lot." Charlotte beamed at Bella causing her to smile fondly at the blonde. "Do ya wanna take all the food out there?" Charlotte asked, nodding towards the salads and beans.
"Yeah. We can start setting up the one table while the veggies and burgers cook." Bella said. "Do you care to grab the bowls Char and Sue? Can you grab the corn and veggies skewers from the fridge? We'll leave the desserts in here for now. Don't need these boys spoiling their appetites." Bella laughed and walked out the back door. She carefully walked down the steps and made her way to the grill. She set the cookie sheet on the stand to the side and grabbed the plate of foil wrapped corn on the cob and veggie skewers from Sue.
"Do you need any help dear?" Sue asked and Bella shook her head.
"No, no. Go relax and get a beer. I got this. You all are my guests." Bella encouraged and gently put the corn on the top rack and the veggies on the bottom rack over the charcoal. Bella turned and watched the scene behind her with a fond smile gracing her lips. She never thought that the vampires in her life would get along with her family of wolves. The female mates and Charlotte were sitting around the tables talking to Charlie and Billy as the guys stood with Peter and Jasper around two bikes next to their shed.
"Bells!" Seth called out once he looked up from the bikes. Bella smiled as the young wolf started running towards her and wrapped her in a hug, spinning her around. Bella smiled to hide the sharp pain radiating from her side bruises being crushed in his arms.
"Seth! It's good to see you. It feels like it's been forever." Bella smiled as she was set on the ground. She felt a comforting warmth wrap around her like a blanket and the pain subsided; she looked over and made eye contact with Jasper and sent a wave of appreciation as she turned back to Seth.
"I know. You don't ever come to the rez anymore. But I guess I can see why." Seth said, wiggling his eyebrows at her, causing her to blush and gently punch his shoulder. "Come on, the food will be fine for a minute, you got introductions to do." Seth laughed and grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards the rest of the group.
Jake and Embry were laughing with Peter as Bella and Seth made their way over to the groups and everyone turned their attention to Bella. She gulped under the stares from her friends and family. "Everyone. I wanna give some proper introductions and also thank you all for coming. It really means a lot to be able to have you all together like this." Bella started and gestured for Charlotte, Jasper, and Peter to come stand next to her. Once the vampires were next to her she turned back to the rest of the family. "You all already know Jasper, and these are his brother and sister-in-law. Peter Whitlock and his wife and mate Charlotte Whitlock. Guys this is my pack family." Bella smiled.
"Hi everyone. It's lovely to meet ya'll." Charlotte smiled and gave a small wave.
"Nice to meet you both as well." Sam said, walking forward with Emily next to him. " I'm Sam and this is my mate Emily." Sam offered his hand and Peter took it.
"Where's the rest of the pack?" Bella asked anxiously.
"Leah, Collin, and Brady stayed back to keep patrolling the rez. Scarlett and Mila stayed back to take care of Adrienne. She's got the flu." Sam explained, easing the tension from Bella.
"Oh, okay. I hope she feels better, I know Leah is probably a wreck over her being sick. Let me introduce you all to everyone else. You already met Jake, this is his mate Embry. His sister, Rachel is mated to Paul." Bella nodded to the four people standing to their left. "This rambunctious young one is Seth and his mate Piper." Seth beamed as he pulled Piper into his arms and kissed her loudly on the cheek causing her to giggle and wiggle against him. Bella smiled and shook her head fondly at them.
"My name is Jared and this is my mate Kim." Jared introduced as he walked up and shook Peter's and Charlotte's hands.
"And the ones at the table with Dad are Billy, Sue, Quill, and Quill's mate Claire." Bella nodded and the group waved at them. "Alright now that introductions are over. Jake, music please! I'm going to finish cooking. Food should be ready in about thirty minutes. Everyone have fun and talk amongst yourselves." Bella nodded and walked back to the grill as upbeat music started blaring from the speaker on the porch.
"Is there anythin' I can do to help?" Jasper asked, leaning over her shoulder as she rotated the skewers carefully.
"Oh, no I got this. Go have fun. I know Seth has been wanting to see you, and the way they are all looking at your bikes earlier he may try to talk you into letting him ride one." Bella laughed, looking over to Seth, Embry, Jake, and Peter all standing around the bikes inspecting them again and glancing at Bella and Jasper. They quickly walk away from the bikes and sit around the table with the rest of the pack and Charlotte and start up a quiet conversation that Bella couldn't hear.
"You're right he probably will try." Jasper chuckled and turned back to her. "Isabella, let me grill so ya can spend time with everyone." Jasper offered again. Bella huffed and felt the determination radiating off of Jasper knowing he wasn't about to give up.
"Fine. Let me at least finish these and you can do the burgers." Bella sighed as the murmurs got louder from the table. "Will you grab me a clean cook sheet from the house so I can put them on here?" Bella asked and Jasper nodded, taking off towards the house. Bella smiled after him and felt eyes on her as she turned to look at the table to see everyone staring at her with knowing looks on their faces. Bella looked at them confused as they quickly turned away after catching them staring at her.
"Here ya go Isabella, will this work?" Jasper asked on her other side, holding onto a larger cookie sheet.
"That's perfect. Thank you Major." Bella beamed up at him, using his nickname playfully. Jasper chuckled as she started loading the skewers and corn on the cookie sheet. "I'll take that. Are you sure? I don't mind finishing." Bella said, nodding to the grill. Jasper rolled his eyes at her and gently guided her to the table everyone was sitting at and set her in the chair between Charlotte and Jake.
"Isabella, I got this. Relax." Jasper ordered and took the sheet out of her hands and set it on the food table and went back to the grill.
"No point in arguin' with the Major, Little Lady." Peter smirked. "If he's made up his mind. That's it."
"So Isabella…" Jake started and quickly got cut off with a smack to the back of the head from Bella.
"Jake, you know I go by Bella." Bella glared at him, earning laughs from the rest of the table as Jake rubbed the back of his head.
"What? But Jasper just called you that?!" Jake protested and gestured wildly towards Jasper.
"That's different." Bella mumbled, sinking down in her chair as everyone stared at her.
"Different how?" Piper asked with a mischievous smile.
"He's Jasper. Like Peter said. Once he's made his mind up there's no changing it." Bella deflected. Peter snorted and everyone glanced at him, earning a smack to the chest from Charlotte.
"I'm sure if you told him you would rather be called Bella he would." Peter said, earning a glare from Bella.
"I don't mind when he calls me Isabella, okay." Bella whispered, her face heating up. Bella watched as a look of recognition registered on all the packs faces as they turned to the Whitlocks and Charlie as if looking for confirmation. "What?" Bella asked, not liking being left out of the conversation. Charlie and Charlotte nodded with giant smiles on their faces, causing Bella to get more confused and aggravated.
"Peter, I don't know what you're doin' but stop. I can feel Isabella's aggravation from here." Jasper called from the grill causing a gasp from Peter and a laugh from everyone else at the table.
"I didn't even do anythin' this time! Tell him Bella." Peter pleaded and Bella just giggled and shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm going to check on him." Charlie said, standing up from the chair with a groan.
"I can do that Dad." Bella offered and moved to get up as Jake and Charlotte wrapped an arm around each shoulder, keeping her in her chair.
"I got it. Hang out with your friends Bella." Charlie chuckled and left the table as Jake turned to his phone and strolled through the music until the song Beggin' by Maneskin caught his eye, a smirk came to his lips and pressed play.
Jasper smiled as the aggravation he felt from Bella dissipated and indignation started to radiate from Peter along with amusement as a familiar song flowed through the speaker. Jasper continued to watch the burgers grill as he flipped them to start cooking on the other side.
"How are you doing son?" Charlie asked as he came up beside him.
"Doin' good Charlie. All the burgers should be done in about fifteen minutes or so." Jasper answered, turning to him.
"That's good." Charlie said as he watched the scene behind Jasper and felt amusement and curiosity coming from Charlie. Jasper looked back and saw all the mates, including Peter and Charlotte, dancing around the backyard with each other to the upbeat song. Jasper smiled to himself as his brother and sister-in-law showed off many dance moves through the decades. His eyes shifted over to Bella for a split second as she let out a giggle as Jake and Embry tried a move they saw Peter and Charlotte do, ending with Embry falling on top of Jake. "Want me to take over so you can join them?" Charlie offered.
"What?" Jasper asked, turning back to the man who was looking between him and Bella who was clapping as the song ended and the song Amazed by Lonestar came on. The mates held each other as they danced and swayed to the music and love radiated from every couple in the yard. He caught Charlotte's eyes who winked at him and nodded towards Bella. Jasper bit his lip and turned back to Charlie and nodded. "Do ya mind?" Charlie shook his head and grabbed the spatula from his hand and pushed him towards the tables.
"Not at all." Charlie said and turned to the grill and took over. Jasper took an unnecessary breath and knew if he was human he would be sweating and he didn't know why. He walked over to Bella and softly cleared his throat. Bella's eyes met his and he felt the curiosity flowing off her burying the feelings of longing and sadness that was previously occupying her.
"Isabella, may I have this dance?" Jasper asked nervously, holding out his hand to her and she smiled brightly up at her.
"Why yes you may Major Whitlock." Bella teased and took his hand, leading him to the group in her yard. Jasper gently wrapped his arms around her waist as hers wound around his neck. Jasper felt his nerves spike as Bella laid her head against his chest as they swayed together to the melody.
"Jasper." Peter and Seth whispered low enough that Bella wouldn't hear them and he glanced up at them.
"You're projectin'." Peter hissed, causing Charlotte to quietly giggle. Jasper quickly reined in his emotions and looked down as Bella projected happiness and contentment towards him, wrapping them in a warm blanket. Jasper smiled to himself and held her tighter as the music continued into the new song, I Hate Love Songs by Kelsea Ballerini. Jasper and Bella stayed wrapped in each other's arms and kept the same pace.
"Dinner!" Charlie called, breaking Jasper and Bella out of their bubble and they pulled away as the rest of the couples made their way towards the food table. Jasper, Charlotte, and Peter all make their way to the table and sit down, waiting for the others.
"What would ya like on your plate Billy?" Charlotte asked.
"Oh, a little of everything is fine. Thank you Charlotte." Billy said, shock evident in his voice. Charlotte smiled at him and jumped in line, chatting happily with Piper. Charlie set his plate down at the end of the table, and handed Billy a fresh beer and turned back to the cooler with the drinks in it.
"Can you guys drink?" Charlie asked. Peter nodded as Charlie tossed him two beers before grabbing himself one and sitting down behind his plate. Peter handed Jasper one of the beers and took a swig of his own. Sam and Emily sat down next, Sam at the head of the table, right of Charlie, and Emily to Sam's left and was quickly joined by Sue on her right. Charlotte set Billy's plate down in front of him and skipped over and sat down between Charlie and Peter and popped open a beer of her own. Jasper took a sip of his beer as Jake and Embry sat down beside Billy and Bella sat down next to him. Jasper looked over and studied her plate and frowned internally at the little food that was on the plate.
The rest of the pack sat down at the other table and once everyone sat down they turned to Sam. "I want to thank Charlie and Bella for hosting the cookout, even if it's also a pack meeting, and for preparing most of the food here. Dig in." Sam said and everyone said thank you in unison to Bella and Charlie and started eating. The vampires watched as the pack joked around and stole bits of food off each other's plates and comradery and comfort radiated from everyone at the table.
"So. Can I ask something?" Seth perked up at the end of the second table. Everyone turned to give him their attention and he blushed slightly as everyone stopped eating and focused on him. "I get that Bells got herself into something, but what is it? Why aren't the Cullens here if it's something dangerous? Is that why Peter and Char are here?" Seth asked.
Jasper felt a sharp pain from his right and realized it was coming from Bella. He gently took her hand in his under the table and gave her a quick squeeze before wrapping her in the love everyone at the tables had for her. "The Cullens are gone." Jasper answered, harder than he meant. Everyone's eyes grew in shock, besides Charlie, Charlotte, Peter, Jasper, and Bella.
"What do you mean they're gone?" Jake asked, his alpha side taking over. Jasper glanced at Bella who was watching him and sent him a wave of acceptance for him to tell everyone. Jasper sighed and down the rest of his beer.
"A couple days ago Edward and Alice took off together because they're mates, leavin' Isabella and I behind. The family would've had to move sooner than later due to Carlisle not looking old enough for the age he was supposed to be protrayin'. Rose and Emmett came over and basically gave Isabella the ultimatum of leavin' with the family or death, since they can't have a human knowin' 'bout them." Jasper started as his own anger grew and he heard growls coming from the wolves around him.
"Enough." Sam snapped at his pack and they quieted down. "Continue."
"Jasper." Bella whispered and Jasper looked down at her worried eyes. He knew then he was projecting his protectiveness and anger accidentally. He controlled his emotions and took a deep breath as he felt her lace her fingers with his and ran her thumb in soothing circles.
"I wasn't 'bout to let them do anythin' to Isabella, then Peter and Char over here showed up and stood by my side, just like the old days. Rose and Emmett knew they were no match for these two so they left and said the family was leavin' and wouldn't be back." Jasper recapped.
"Okay, but why didn't you go with the rest of them? I know Bella wants to change so why didn't you go with them as well? I'm not saying I'm not happy that you both stayed, I'm just confused." Jake questioned.
"I still want to change, but I want it on my terms and when I'm ready. Not when someone else deemed it time." Bella sighed and leaned into Jasper instinctually. Jasper moved and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze.
"Alice and I were havin' troubles for a while now, I planned on leavin' the family for a while anyways. She must have seen this and took this as an opportunity to leave first. Either way, they are both gone along with the Cullens. The reason Peter and Char are here is 'cause Peter just knows shit and knew they were needed here. Last year when Isabella took off to Phoenix, it wasn't 'cause of an argument with Edward, it was 'cause there was a vamp chasin' her 'cause the jackass challenged him basically." Jasper grounded out and took another deep breath as Bella squeezed his hand. "James, the vamp after Isabella, was a skilled tracker and he happened upon us when we were playin' baseball and caught a whiff of her and when we went to defend her, Edward kept starin' at James and he took that as a challenge, so he was after Isabella. Alice and I ran her down to Phoenix and she took off from us 'cause she thought he had her mom. Long story short, I killed James and he had a mate, Victoria, who blames Isabella for it and is after her." Jasper finished. The pack stared at him and Bella. Jasper tried pinpointing the emotions each person was feeling and the overall consensus was bloodlust for Victoria, and protectiveness and wonder at Bella.
"Damn Bells." Jake sighed. "You're like a supernatural creature beacon of trouble." Jake joked, alleviating the tension of the tables and a few people chuckled as Bella groaned and buried her face in her hands and Jasper's side.
"So, what's the strategy, Major?" Sam asked Jasper, his voice strong and serious. The tables quieted and focused on Jasper. Jasper's eyes widened at Sam calling him Major and from the emotions rolling off Sam he knew something about Jasper no one else besides Peter and Charlotte knows.
"A new truce. I feel like the treaty is null and void now due to the new buildin' relationship between our groups and the Cullens' no longer bein' here so there should be no hostility." Jasper spoke clearly and with authority, feeling the dynamic shift slightly at the table as Peter and Charlotte straightened up in their seats next to him as they did back during the war. "Obviously we will not trespass on the rez without you or Jake knowin' we are comin' to avoid upsettin' any shifters that haven't matured yet. But I know ya run patrols around the edge of the rez, I want that branch to overlap with my territory here. I assumed ya smelled it when ya entered town?" Jasper asked, the old Major personality coming out stronger as he took control of the meeting. Sam nodded curtly.
"I did notice. How far does it stretch?" Sam asked as the rest of the pack stayed silent.
"From Highway 110 to the edge of the Olympic National Forest. It circles the whole town as my territory from other vamps." Jasper answered. "I want a constant patrol of your pack as well as my coven to make sure Victoria doesn't sneak through. She will be biddin' her time, lookin' for any weaknesses we have. Any gaps in protection. She is elusive. I was hopin' that we could have at least two wolves stationed outside the house at night when my coven goes lookin' for her." Jasper said.
"We can get started tomorrow night after we have a meeting with the rest of the pack and the tribal council, but I don't see any issue in it at all." Sam nodded to Jasper. Jasper felt the curiosity radiating from Bella and the pack at the dynamic happening between the two leaders.
"I also want someone watchin' over Charlie at all times as well when he is not home or on the rez." Jasper ordered, earning a nod from Billy and Sam.
"Hold on. Why me?" Charlie asked.
"She is after Isabella and she is ruthless. She will stop at nothin' to get to her or cause her any type of pain. You're her father and if she gets a hold of ya she could use ya as bait or worse. So ya will have a protection detail with ya at all times." Jasper emphasized, leaving no room for argument.
"Please Dad. It shouldn't be for long. Trust the Major. He knows what he's talking about." Bella pleaded to her dad, looking over to him.
"Alright." Charlie conceded. Jasper sent a small wave of thanks to Bella and felt her squeeze his thigh in response.
"Thank ya Charlie. This is for the best. Once Victoria is dealt with then no more protection detail. Do ya work tomorrow, Charlie?" Jasper asked and Charlie shook his head no. "So startin' tomorrow Peter and I will show ya'll our perimeter and two wolves will be here with Char to keep an eye on Isabella and Charlie. We can develop a rotation that will allow us to go hunt and ya'll to get rest and spend time with ya'll mates as well. The first couple weeks will be the trial runs to see what works best, but hopefully it won't take that long and we will track her down before that." Jasper said.
"Sounds good." Jake confirmed. "Seth and I will take the first round tomorrow morning." Jake affirmed and Seth nodded in agreement.
"Fine, but the first time someone, anyone, gets hurt trying to protect me I'm ending the protection detail for myself and we will make a new plan." Bella attested. Jasper turned and looked down at her with hard eyes.
"No." Jasper said simply. Bella looked up at him and quirked an eyebrow.
"Yes. No one's getting hurt trying to protect me. I won't allow it." Bella challenged and Jasper felt the Major in him stirring at the blatant defiance in front of everyone. He heard Charlotte and Peter beside him inhaling sharply and he sent out a wave of calmness to ease them.
"Isabella. This is all to keep ya protected. We all care and love ya. We will do whatever it takes to do that. If I have to tie ya up I will and that's final." Jasper retorted, keeping constant eye contact with her. He felt the waves of annoyance and defiance radiating off of her.
"Suga'. There is no arguin' about this. He's right. Everyone here loves ya and we are all doin' this willingly. Don't fight us on this. It will make it ten times harder than it needs to be and it'll stress the Major out too much. Then he'll get even grouchier." Charlotte explained, earning a glare from Jasper.
"Fine. For now." Bella said, holding up her hands in surrender. Jasper sighed in frustration.
"Fine. For now." Jasper relented, earning a small nod and smile from Bella.
"Shit." Peter whispered with a surprised look on his face. Everyone turned to him with intrigued looks on their faces. Peter just shook his head and looked at Charlotte who nodded with the same surprised look.
"I need a drink." Jasper mumbled as Peter shot him a wink and reached under his seat and pulled out a brown paper bag. Jasper glared at him as Charlie looked surprised.
"What's in there?" Charlie asked, looking around Charlotte at Peter worried.
"Who likes whiskey?" Peter asked and all the hands around the table shot up. Jasper looked at Bella surprised when she blushed and raised her hand as well.
"Seth! Piper! Put your hands down now!" Sam yelled as the two teens groaned and lowered their hands. Peter laughed and pulled out a brown bottle and several shot glasses.
"Who wants a shot? Now that the serious part is over, time for fun." Peter radiated mischief. Jasper glared but nodded. Charlie, Billy, Sam, Emily, Bella, Charlotte, and Jared raised their hands. Peter quickly set out nine shot glasses and poured double shots and passed them out to the ones who raised their hands. "To friendships and new bonds." Peter toasted, raising his glass. Everyone followed suit and raised their glasses and hit them on the table before downing the shot. Jasper relished in the burn in the back of his throat. Bella started coughing beside him and he took soda in front of her and handed it to her and watched as she took a drink and stopped coughing.
"Not much of a drinker huh Bells?" Jake teased in front of her. Bella glared at him and rolled her eyes.
"So, how did you all meet?" Seth asked at the end of the table.
"We met in the Civil War." Peter answered cautiously.
"Is that when you were turned?" Piper asked.
"Yeah." Jasper said, sliding his shot glass towards Peter who nodded and poured him another double shot.
"You don't have to answer, but can we hear about it? Is that why Peter and Charlotte call you the Major?" Rachel asked.
"I guess it's time to talk about it." Jasper said, downing his shot. "Keep them comin'." Jasper said as he set his glass down. Bella and Charlie slid theirs over and Peter filled up everyone's shot glasses and they all took another shot together.
"You don't have to talk about this if you don't want to Jasper." Bella said softly to him.
"Ya'll deserve to know who you're callin' a friend and who they're workin' with." Jasper said softly. "When I was human, I don't remember much but that my dad was gone and I was the oldest in the household, so when the war broke out I had to go. Plus it meant I could send my wages to my momma so she didn't have to work herself to the bone like she was." Jasper started and everyone listened carefully.
"I was only 16 when I enlisted, I lied about my age easily enough. I didn't have any idea what I was gettin' myself into when I enlisted, let alone the side I fought for. I soon got a reality check when my first battle came about and I barely made it out. Our lieutenant had been shot and died in front of us. We were the youngest platoon that was sent out and we were supposed to just be back up for the one they sent a week ago. When our lieutenant died I seen how frightened my comrades were, so I took charge and ordered for them to attack while the enemy thought we were down. We won that battle, barely. Word got back to the higher ups and they quickly worked me through the ranks til I was a major. I knew I was fightin' for the wrong side early on in the war but I knew my family was dependin' on me at home and if I were to switch sides I was sure to be killed by the Confederates for abandonment or by the Union 'cause I coulda been a spy." Jasper paused, taking another shot and nodded to Peter who quickly filled up the glass again.
"We were evacuatin' Galveston and I went back to double check we had all the women and children gone. That's when I saw them, three women, like I never met before, Maria and her sisters. I was a major, so I offered them my assistance when Maria changed me. She was hopin' my rankin' as a major would help her with her own army of newborns. She used me to control them with my gift once we figured out I had one. We went from territory to territory destroyin' opposin' covens. Then Maria's sisters were goin' to rebel against Maria and she ordered me to destroy them and I did, with no hesitation. She referred to me as The Major in front of her army unless we were in battle, then I was referred to as her God of War. I never lost a battle…" Jasper trailed off and felt a soft squeeze to his thigh. Jasper took his waiting shot and let Peter refill it before downing another one. He started feeling the effects of the alcohol for himself and the others around him. He watched as Bella slid her glass over and held up one finger to Peter. He nodded and poured her a regular shot rather than the doubles he had been.
"That's when I met Peter. Maria had already turned him and a new group of newborns and gave him to me to train. In Maria's army, no newborn lived past a year. I was the exception. So when I was trainin' his group, he was an exceptional fighter so I convinced Maria to let me spare him and he was my Captain. He helped me train and dispose of each batch of newborns. This is the life that we knew. We worshiped Maria and believed that we loved her. That was until durin' a time of peace Maria just turned a group of females without consideration and Char was in that group. Char is a good fighter but nothin' too good to keep her around after the one year mark. I could tell that somethin' was botherin' Peter and when he asked me to spare a few of the newborns knowin' that Maria ordered for their disposal made me suspicious of him. He continued until Char was brought in. He stood by and I felt the pain he was feelin' between the love and loyalty he had for me and the pure, unadulterated love he had for Char, his mate. Mates were forbidden in Maria's army ya see... I knew if I killed her I would be condemnin' my best friend, my brother. So I let him and Char go." Jasper paused, looking over to his brother and sister-in-law and smiled at them. They smiled back sadly and the three of them took a shot. The female mates were sniffling and waves of awe were radiating off of Bella. Jasper looked down and sent her a smile before continuing.
"I knew Maria was goin' to be pissed when she found out, but I decided that my brother's freedom and happiness meant more to me than whatever Maria would do to me. After feelin' what Peter and Char felt for each other I knew I didn't love Maria and she didn't love me. We weren't mates. Maria found me after all the newborns were destroyed and found out about Peter and Char's escape. She ripped into me and starved me for months at a time. She never trusted me again after that. About five years Maria finally set a plan in motion and set some of the more skilled newborns we were trainin' on me and ordered them to kill me. They didn't succeed, obviously. Peter and Char came that night and I escaped with them. At the time we were in the bottom of Mexico so we ran to Texas where my family's old ranch was. We traveled around North America for a few years as I struggled with my depression and battlin' my Major and God of War instincts anytime danger appeared. After a few years Maria found us. If we had stopped trainin' we could've died that night, but we didn't. We destroyed the small army that Maria had left and then destroyed her. We were finally free." Jasper said as Peter clapped him on the shoulder.
"After all that, we traveled around the world again. Jasper still struggled with controllin' his instincts when it came to the God of War but the Major became a part of him. That's when he met the Pixie and he went with her to try to find a new way to life because at the time drainin' even the worst of the worst was hard on him from bein' starved for so long." Peter explained as Jasper nodded, trying to control his emotions so he wasn't projecting the pain of reliving those memories.
"Thank you for sharing your stories with us." Sam said. "I think with that information we are more than glad to call you a friend."
"You went through so much at such a young age, I don't think any of us could have done anything different than what you did. You did what you had to do to survive." Billy chimed in as comfort was radiating off him. Jasper was surprised at this due to the Cullens hearing the story of his past, judgment and disgust was what he was met with.
"Thank ya." Jasper said softly. A cool breeze made its way through the backyard causing the humans to shiver slightly.
"Why don't we build a bonfire and roast some marshmallows?" Seth quietly offered. The group agreed and the wolves took off towards the woods to gather wood for kindling and to build the fire. Bella stood up and started clearing the tables as Sue and Emily started covering the food and clearing the table. Charlie and Billy disappeared into the house to collect blankets and to use the restroom. Jasper watched in amazement as no one expressed any disgust towards him and his coven.
"You good Major?" Peter asked from one side as Charlotte slid into Bella's abandoned seat. "That took a lot out of ya didn't it?" Peter asked.
"Yeah." Jasper sighed and pushed away the empty shot glass.
"How are ya feelin'?" Charlotte asked softly.
"Tired. Surprised." Jasper answered, leaning back in his chair so his head was resting against the back of it. He looked up at the dark navy and purple sky, not realizing he had ended up talking for so long. He sighed and closed his eyes as he felt Peter and Charlotte's eyes on him.
"Surprised?" Peter prompted.
"They weren't disgusted with me. With any of us. They didn't judge me for fightin' for the wrong side. They felt understandin' as much as they could. They are supposed to be our enemies yet they are workin' with us, buildin' friendships with us, and aren't judgin' us. The Cullens heard that story and all I could feel from them was judgment and disgust. Like I get it. I'm no angel like Carlisle but I never thought they would act like I was some monster that couldn't be controlled. Like I would lose control at the thought of a human. It got to the point where I even started to believe them and I lost any confidence I used to have and I simply melted into the background until they needed me. They didn't consider anythin' I had to contribute to the family unless it was to protect them or use my gift to fix somethin' one of them did. Now that I think 'bout it, it was no better than bein' with Maria at points." Jasper explained and felt a spike of anger causing him to snap his eyes open to meet the anger molten chocolate eyes stared down at him. "Isabella?" Jasper asked as he slowly slid back up in his chair and turned to face her. Charlotte evacuated the chair she was in, giving Bella space to get in front of Jasper. She moved the chair out of the way and stood between his knees and he felt the determination radiating off her.
"Major Jasper Whitlock, I need you to listen to me carefully. Do you hear me?" Bella demanded as she rested her hands against each of his cheeks making sure he looked at her.
"Let's give them some space." Sue whispered and the female mates scurried into the kitchen and told Billy and Charlie to wait to go outside to give Jasper and Bella some time. Peter and Charlotte rushed off to the woods where the wolves were heading back and were in earshot to stop them from exiting the woods. Once they were the only ones in the backyard Jasper nodded to her.
"I don't want to ever hear you say that you are a monster ever again. You are anything but that. You are the most compassionate person I have ever met, vampire, human, wolf, anyone. You care so much, and not just because of your gift either. You could have easily left me in the protection of the pack after the Cullens left, but you didn't. You're right here. With me. Protecting me and my dad. People who you could easily cut any loyalty to. You don't owe us anything, but you're sitting here working with the pack to make sure we are safe and working to end the threat to my life." Bella breathed as she projected trust, love, safety around them. "The Cullens were idiots for ever thinking you are anything but amazing. They had no right to pass any judgment on you. None of them are saints. They are fools for never getting to know you like I have in the last few days. I hate that they kept me from ever getting to know you three years ago, because I wouldn't have let them treat you like this. I would make sure you knew how amazing and worthy you are. You are so much better than what they deserved.
"I'm so glad the Cullens left now that you can be free of them. You are a leader, Jasper. I can see it, Sam sees it, Dad sees it, everyone sees it. You are a leader and have always been one. You are the leader of the Whitlock Coven. You are the Major. You are Jasper Whitlock. Not Jasper Hale, or Jazz or anything they tried to smother your identity out with. It's the Cullens' loss but the world's gain. Please never feel like that again and if you do, come to me. I will remind you how important and worthy you are of all this." Bella finished as a tear slipped from her eyes. Jasper knew if his cold dead heart could still beat it would have stopped at her speech. He felt the sincerity that she projected at him. He gently reached forward and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his lap.
"Thank ya Isabella. I needed this." Jasper whispered in her ear as he whipped away the tear that escaped. Bella gave him a watery smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying herself into his neck as he did the same and tightened his hold on her. They sat like that for a few minutes before Jasper felt Peter send him a strong wave of happiness as a warning that the wolves and them are coming out of the woods. Jasper pulled back and smiled at Bella. "Ready for some smores?" Jasper asked.
Bella beamed and nodded, climbing out of his lap and grabbed his hand as they made their way to the house. "I gotta grab the stuff from here and need a human minute." Bella said as they entered the kitchen. Jasper felt all the sympathy and acceptance radiating off of the people inside and he knew they witnessed what happened with him and Bella. Bella dropped his hand and hurried up the stairs, leaving Jasper in the kitchen as the female mates started filing out of the house with the calls of their mates. Jasper watched as Peter and Charlotte moved giant logs around the fire that Jake and Embry were making as the rest of the pack finished cleaning up and whispering among themselves.
"You okay son?" Billy asked as Jasper took a seat at the table.
"Yeah, sorry if I ended up projectin' anythin'. I used to have so much control over my gift, but ever since I went on the vegetarian diet it seems like my extreme emotions slip past my barrier." Jasper apologized.
"No need to apologize to us. We just want to make sure you're okay. From what we got from your past and how the Cullens treated you I'm surprised you're this collected." Charlie said as Jasper gave him a quizzical look since he was in the house when he was talking to Peter and Charlotte about it. "Sue and Emily told us what you said. Plus it's hard to not hear Bells when she's that upset. Always know you have a place with my family. We will see you both outside." Charlie said as he wheeled Billy outside to join the pack.
"Tell Bella not to worry about getting the smores stuff. I already grabbed them." Sue said as she slipped out of the door and turned off the speaker on her way down the steps and yelled at Jake to pack it up back into the truck.
Jasper took a moment to himself alone in the kitchen and rested his elbows on the table and let his face fall in his hands. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. His mind raced with everything that just happened and the acceptance the pack gave him and his coven. Jasper heard the telltale sound of Bella rushing down the stairs and looked up at her as she entered the kitchen.
"You okay?" Bella asked softly. Jasper nodded and took the outstretched hand she was offering. "Let me get the s'mores ingredients and we can head out."
"No need, Sue grabbed them already." Jasper said, standing up, letting go of her hand and wrapping his arm around her. "Come on. Let's go enjoy some tribe stories." Bella smiled and he led her from the kitchen to the log Peter and Charlotte were sitting at. Jasper sat down and Bella sat down between him and Charlotte, snuggling closer to Jasper as she wrapped her arm with his. Everyone settled down on the logs and Billy cleared his throat and started telling the legends passed down from previous generations.
The fire in the bonfire started dying down as the air got chillier. Bella felt the stiffness in her shoulders and neck from sitting on the log for hours listening to Billy tell stories about the tribe and then stories about Bella and Jake growing up on the rez, much to Bella's horror and the Whitlock's amusements.
"Alright guys. I hate to do this but I'm an old man now and I need to hit the hay." Charlie yawned and stretched. The group let out a laugh at Charlie and a sounding agreement that it was time to head home as a snore echoed around the backyard. Bella looked over and saw Seth and Piper were leaning against each other completely asleep as another snore passed Seth's lips. Jake laughed as Embry shared a wicked smile with him. They moved over to the sleeping duo and gently woke up Piper and moved her out of the way as Jake shifted into his wolf form. The group watched in amusement as he stalked closer to Seth and let out a loud bark, causing Seth to jump awake with a scream. The group laughed as Seth looked around wildly until he realized what happened and glared at Jake who ran off into the woods with a shifting Seth right behind him.
"That's our cue to leave and make sure Seth doesn't get hurt playing." Sam said and gave Emily a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you at home. Jasper, Peter, we will see you in the morning." Sam said to him and nodded to the pack and the wolves took off into the woods, shifting as they ran.
Bella shook her head fondly at her pack family and turned to the mates who all shared various expressions of love and fondness in their features. Bella stood and felt her neck and back pop.
"Thank you again so much Bella for having us." Emily said, coming up to hug her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Bella smiled and nodded.
"Any time. We are always bombarding you at your place. We should do this more often." Bella offered as several yawns were heard around the backyard.
"We will." Emily said and turned to the girls and Billy. "Alright let's go so Charlie and Bella can get some sleep." The girls all came up and gave Charlotte and Bella hugs and waved to Jasper, Peter, and Charlie as they walked around the house towards their various vehicles.
"Come on Billy. Sue, you have the keys right?" Charlie asked as he grabbed the back of Billy's wheelchair and started pushing him around the house as Sue dangled the keys and shook them. "I'll see you in the house guys." Charlie called as they disappeared around the house.
"Let me make sure the fire is completely out before we head in." Bella said and walked towards the hose and turned it on. She struggled pulling the hose towards the smoldering wood as the rain started out of nowhere. "Come on! Are you kidding me?" Bella sighed, annoyed. Jasper chuckled and took the hose from and turned it off.
"The rain got it from here. Let's get ya inside and dry." Jasper said, lifting her in his arms and ran inside where Peter and Charlotte were standing in the kitchen, dry compared to Bella and Jasper who were dripping wet. Charlie came in through the front door and locked it behind him, shaking the water off him.
"That was perfect timing if I do say so myself." Charlie laughed. "I'm going to head up and go to bed. I'll see you all in the morning." Charlie said as he gave Bella a hug and a kiss on the head. He turned to Charlotte and gave her a brief hug and nodded to Peter and Jasper. Bella watched with wide eyes as Charlie went up the stairs.
"Wow." Bella said, shocked.
"What?" Peter asked, looking between Bella and the stairs where Charlie disappeared.
"Dad. He doesn't give anyone hugs outside of family. Like he loved Alice but she never was hug worthy and he hugged Char. I'm just shocked." Bella shrugged as Charlotte giggled.
"What can I say? I'm amazin'." Charlotte gloated causing Bella to laugh and the boys to chuckle.
"Come on. Upstairs. Get changed and dried off. Call us when you're done." Jasper ordered, lightly pushing her up the stairs. Bella rolled her eyes but let him direct her.
"Alright, alright. Hold your horses Major." Bella called as she walked up the stairs.
Bella walked into her room, closing the door behind her and took a deep breath knowing what would be coming next. She quickly stripped from the wet clothes and pulled on a pair of soft, gray sleep shorts and tried to find a shirt to put on. She looked around the room and she felt uncomfortable and very exposed in any of the hoodies, sweaters, or shirts she had. She groaned, feeling the irritation and anxiety rolling off her. "Char, can you come here…" Bella whimpered. As soon as she said that there was a soft knock at the door. Bella opened the door and Charlotte quickly slid in and closed it behind her.
"What's wrong Suga'? Jasper said ya emotions were everywhere." Charlotte said softly as Bella fell back into her bed.
"I can't find a shirt to wear." Bella groaned and felt the bed dip slightly as Charlotte sat next to her.
"I'm sorry what? I'm not followin'." Charlotte asked, confusion evident.
"I'm sorry. I mean I don't feel comfortable in anything I have. Nothing. Everything I tried on I feel like my skin is crawling, and I need to wear something. I can't just sit here in a pair of shorts and a bra when I have a serious conversation with you all." Bella pulled a pillow over her face and groaned. Charlotte set out a giggle and earned a glare from Bella.
"Sorry Suga' somethin' Peter said and Jasper hit him for it." Charlotte said and then perked up. "Peter said to try on one of Jasper's shirts." Bella tossed the pillow aside and gave Charlotte a disbelieving look.
"What? I'm sure Jasper doesn't want me to go rifling through his bag and keep wearing all his clothes." Bella asked.
"Just try it. Jasper agreed to it." Charlotte offered and Bella groaned but willing to try anything as she was getting tired.
"Okay." Bella said and got up from the bed and moved to Jasper's duffle bag. She opened it and reached in, shuffling through some of the clothes til she found his t-shirts and wrapped her hand around a black one and pulled it out. She shook out the wrinkles and slipped it on and instantly felt her nerves settle as the scents of dry summer breeze, leather, and whiskey wrapped around her. She lifted the collar of the shirt to her nose and took a deep breath as she settled down. She released the collar and looked down at the shirt and noticed it was an old band t-shirt. She studied the worn shirt closer as Charlotte giggled.
"Better?" Charlotte asked and Bella nodded. "That's a shirt from the last concerts that we all three went to. George Strait, 1993. It was one of his favorite artists back then." Charlotte smiled fondly. Bella smiled at her and wrapped her arms around herself. Bella made her way over to the bed and sat at the head near the pillows. "Are ya ready for them to come up?" Charlotte whispered and Bella nodded.
"Yeah, will you stay right here with me?" Bella asked softly and Charlotte nodded and held out her hand for Bella, who took it eagerly as Peter and Jasper made their way into the room and closed the door behind them.
"I'm gonna change real quick first." Jasper said as he grabbed a pair of jeans and a white long sleeve shirt. He disappeared out the bedroom door and returned moments later changed out of his wet clothes into dryer ones.
Jasper sat in the computer chair as Peter took the window seat, everyone settling as Bella started to feel her panic whelming up inside her. Charlotte gently squeezed her hand and gave her an encouraging nod.
"What about my dad?" Bella asked and Jasper shook his head.
"He's out. I knew ya would be worried 'bout that. He won't wake up til mornin'." Jasper answered.
"Where do you want me to start?" Bella asked softly, her other hand playing with the edge of her blankets.
"Wherever you feel comfortable to." Peter said lightly. Bella looked around the room, anxiety causing her to shake.
"I take it everyone knows how I came about with the Cullens?" Bella asked and Peter and Charlotte shook their heads no. "Okay, long story short, three years ago I moved to Forks to live with my dad so that my mom could travel with my stepdad. I met Edward and at first I thought he hated me. He disappeared for a week after my first day and he would be nice for a couple days then rude the next time I seen him. Then I almost got crushed by a van that slipped on some black ice and he saved me, but it should've been impossible for him to do so since he was across the parking lot. He kept trying to get me to believe he was right next to me the whole time, but I knew he wasn't. So I knew he wasn't human, I didn't know what he was but I just knew he wasn't human. So then I talked to Jake one day and he told me the story of the Cold Ones and I kinda put two and two together.
"Edward kept saying that he couldn't stay away from me because he couldn't read my mind and I guess that made me a puzzle to him. I just remember every time after we started dating I would ask him something about his past or about vampires and he would either brush it off, give a vague answer, or just change the subject. I remember wanting to argue and fight him about it but then he would look at me, dazzle me, and I would lose the will to argue, or rather I would drop it to please him…" Bella mumbled.
"So he glamoured you?" Peter asked. Bella's eyes shot to his with a questioning look.
"Glamour. It's what you called dazzling you. It's something that vamps can do to make their prey more susceptible to our suggestions or the need to please us. Most vamps use it to calm down or lure their prey so they can drain them easier." Charlotte explained. Bella looked between them as everything started clicking into place.
"Yeah. Over the three years every time I would suggest something Edward or Alice didn't like he would do that and I wouldn't fight… While dating, Edward always mentioned how hard it was to control himself around me. That I was tempting him every second being around him, I asked when I changed if I would still be that tempting to him and he got extremely angry at me and he grabbed my hand and broke it. He said it was an accident and I believed him." Bella said as Jasper sat up straighter.
"I thought ya broke ya hand on the rez?" Jasper asked, anger laced in his voice.
"No. It was Edward. I didn't want anyone mad at him and he said it was an accident. So I said I broke it on the rez and Carlisle bandaged it up before the bruises of his hand could form. After that things were good for a few weeks then he got mad when Seth and Jake were at my house after school one day and I didn't tell him because I didn't know and he accused me of cheating. That night he came into my room and apologized and started kissing me even though I was still mad at him for accusing me of that and I wanted to break up with him right then. But then I guess he glamoured me and I dropped it. After a year of dating he tried to take our relationship to the next level and I wasn't ready for that. He said that everyone else's relationship would be past that after a year. I reminded him not everyone is human and dating a vampire that could easily kill me and reminded him of how he was quick to lose control. That was the first time he left bruises on my legs. I decided then I was going to break up with him, but I guess Alice saw that and told him and he said that if I did he would kill Charlie or Seth or anyone I cared about. He knew the right amount of strength to cause pain and bruising but not break anything." Bella said as tears started to sting her eyes and her voice got thick. She felt an overwhelming, oppressive air around her and heard a growl coming from Jasper. She looked up at him and saw the pitch black eyes and bared teeth. Bella gasped as terror shot through her as images of Edward the same way when she denied his advances the first time. She quickly squeezed Charlotte's hand and scrambled behind her.
"Major! Enough!" Peter said, jumping up from the window seat and stationed himself between Charlotte, who was holding a shaking Bella, and the raging Jasper. "You're scarin' Bella! Is that what ya want?" Peter growled at him.
"It's okay Bella. Shh.. Calm down, it's okay." Charlotte cooed, pulling Bella into her lap and tucked her head against Charlotte's neck. Charlotte looked up at her mate with worried eyes. "Get him out of here. Go calm down now Major." Charlotte commanded and rubbed soothing circles on Bella's back as tears rolled down her cheek, soaking Charlotte's shirt.
"Let's go now." Peter said, pushing a calming down Jasper towards the window seat. He popped open the window, thankful the rain had stopped, and pushed Jasper through it before walking back at his mate and Bella. "We will be back once he calms down. I'm sorry Little Lady." Peter mumbled giving Charlotte a kiss on the lips and Bella a soft peck on the top of her head.
Bella continued to silently cry as Charlotte rocked them back and forth and hummed softly to her. After several minutes Charlotte spoke up. "Before the war, when I was human, I remember I was married to this awful man. My daddy was the one who agreed to marry me to him. He was twice my age. I was only 15 when I was married off. I didn't want to marry this man but I didn't have a choice. I was to provide a male for him and everytime he forced himself upon me I never produced any babies. After the first two years it was evident I would never have children." Charlotte took a deep breath and felt Bella follow suit, trying to match her breathing to Charlotte's. "After that I was just a punchin' bag for him. He cheated and had children with his mistresses. I was just there for him to take out his anger and frustrations when people upset him or if he got let go at a job. The best thing to happen to me was the war and bein' found by Maria. She killed my husband and turned me." Charlotte told her, trying to comfort her with her own story. "You're not alone, and you're safe now Bella."
Bella pulled back and Charlotte gave her a soft, comforting smile. "Do ya want to continue?" Charlotte asked. Bella nodded and looked at the open window. "Jasper has calmed down. Peter and him are in the backyard, do ya want them to leave and it's just us or let them listen from out there?"
"Out there… I'm sorry Jasper. I didn't mean to make you mad…" Bella choked out.
"He said ya have nothin' to apologize for. Ya did nothin' wrong. He let his emotions get out of hand and he was upset that ya went through that. He said he will apologize later to ya." Charlotte relayed to her. Bella nodded and took a deep breath, feeling a calming effect wrap around her and she let out a teary laugh and smiled slightly. Charlotte smiled at her and nodded for Bella to continue.
"So after that he would continue to push my boundaries and would leave bruises on me when I would shut it down and he only stopped because I threatened to tell someone in the family like Carlisle or Esme. One night I was at the house and it was supposed to be Alice and I hanging out while everyone else was out hunting. Then Edward showed up and Alice left with a wink. He was on top of me instantly and I started fighting him, even though I knew it was pointless. I was screaming for help as he ripped my shirt and bra off and then he was thrown from me. I looked and Rose was in front of me, yelling and berating Edward as she threw a blanket around me. After I was covered she carried me to her and Emmett's room. That's when I heard about Rose's past and we became close that night. After that Emmett and Rose refused to leave me alone with him. She assured me that Emmett didn't know why she refused to leave me alone with Edward but he never questioned it. Then the night of my party happened and he tried again. The same thing happened. He tried to force himself on me when Charlie came home early and I was screaming so he stopped and disappeared. Charlie thought I was just having a bad dream… Jasper, Peter you can come back and see them." Bella whispered as she stood up and moved the shirt and shorts out of the way to see the deep purple hand shaped bruises littering her sides and hips, disappearing under the back of her shorts.
Peter and Jasper appeared back in the bedroom with wide eyes at Bella's bruises. Bella felt a weight fall from her shoulders as her truth was out there. "I know they probably look bad because of how pale I am…" Bella trailed off when Jasper stepped up to her. She stiffened and dropped the shirt, looking up, meeting his eyes. His eyes reflected the feelings she knew he was holding back from her. The pain she felt, the anger he held, the regret for not noticing. His hands slowly came up to cup her cheeks and stopped centimeters from her skin, his eyes now asking permission. Bella nodded and his hands made contact with her cheeks and the remaining tears fled from her eyes. Jasper shushed her and pulled her to his chest.
"I'm so sorry Isabella. I wish I would've noticed before. You're safe. I'll never let anyone hurt ya. Shhh." Jasper's soothing voice wrapped around her.
"I know I'm safe now. Talking about it just makes it real." Bella whimpered into his chest, her hands fisting his shirt.
"I know. Come on. Let's get ya in bed. Ya had a long day and need to rest. Now ya never have to talk 'bout this ever again." Jasper said softly, lifting her up and laying her in the bed. Bella kept her hands wrapped in his shirt and refused to let go.
"I think she wants ya to lay down with her Major." Peter's soft voice broke the silence and Bella nodded, looking up at him pleading silently. Jasper nodded and slid under the blankets with her and Bella attached herself to his side. Peter and Charlotte moved to leave and Bella looked over to them with the same look. "Ya want us to stay too?" Peter asked, surprised. Bella nodded and glanced at the computer chair and the foot of the bed. Peter moved the computer chair next to the bed and Charlotte sat in his lap and took Bella's free hand in hers over Jasper's stomach.
"Sleep Suga'. We won't go anywhere tonight." Charlotte assured her. Bella nodded, turning into Jasper's side more and closed her eyes as a yawn escaped. She felt the pull of sleep on her and another yawn was released as she fought pointlessly to stay awake.
"Thank you guys. I love you." Bella whispered as she finally fell into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.
