Another Fate
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 4
“Where are we going?” He kept a wary gaze on her as she flipped through a magazine, the many rings on her fingers flashing in the overhead lights of the private jet they’d boarded in Italy.
They’d been in the air for hours already, and Jasper could no longer stand the lack of information. She smirked, her dark eyes darting up from the page to pin him where he sat directly across from her. “Alaska,” she said, immediately going back to her reading.
He frowned. Alaska? This was certainly unexpected and was just one more monumental difference he noticed in his Sire; the first and most prominent being her apparent wealth. From the clothes she wore, to the jewels that adorned her body, to the private jet he now found himself in, it was obvious she had done something drastically different to what she had been when he’d been with her. And she wasn’t talking.
“You live in Alaska?”
She snorted a laugh. “No, Major.” Her gaze rose to his. “But you will.”
He scowled. “Explain.”
A hiss left her lips as she shot forward in her seat, her clawed fingers clutching his chin as he froze in his seat. “You will watch your words and tone with me or you will be punished!”
His gaze dropped as he muttered, “Yes Mistress” all the while hating himself for this purely instinctual submission to the vile female. She shoved him back in his seat, his head snapping to one side as she released his chin.
“Remember Jasper, I am your Sire. You submit to and obey me without question, but since I am feeling generous, I will explain to you what is happening.”
His eyes tentatively rose, locking with hers as she smirked at him. “You will be placed with a coven in Alaska. Their leader and his wife like to play house for some reason, therefore, you will be joining them as their newest foster son. Their pseudo daughter, Alice, came to me many years ago with an offer that was too good to pass up. You see, she’s a seer and she saw and wanted you. I agreed to help her, and in return, she made me a very wealthy woman.”
Jasper’s jaw tightened as he realized he’d effectively been sold into bondage to this Alice person. “What makes you or this Alice person think I will stay where I’m put? I have a mate and a home…”
Maria began chuckling. “Ever the rebel aren’t you, Major?”
He curled his lip and growled lowly, garnering the attention of one of her lackeys who rose from his seat. Maria waved him off absently without removing her cold gaze from her progeny. “You will stay put and follow my orders to the letter, Major, or you will not like the consequences, especially should I have to make a special trip to…correct you.”
His heart sank and she continued. “You will not try to escape their coven. You will not go near a phone, cell, landline, computer, email, private messenger, or otherwise. You will not try to communicate in any way—even in writing—with anyone but those who reside in their—now your—coven.”
His heart twisted with every word she spoke, the virtual bars to his prison closing in tighter and tighter with every order she imposed, because he knew, no matter how much he wanted to disobey—to escape—his vampire, his instincts would not allow him to.
Without a shred of warmth, she smiled and leaned forward, one hand propped over her crossed legs. “Do you recall what happens when you try to defy me, Major?”
He shuddered. He couldn’t help it, as the memories played in his head like a horror film—his own personal horror film. “Yes, Mistress.”
Her grin widened, her sharp fangs glittering in the overhead lights. “One last thing Major…”
He nodded sharply in acknowledgement and she continued, “You are not to even utter the name Caius Volturi for any reason, ever. Not even if he or his brothers are brought up in conversation. As a matter of fact, you are not to mention the Volturi—at all.”
Pain lanced through him at the thought of his mate and how desperately he missed him, and he swallowed heavily. “Yes, Mistress,” he said in little more than a whisper.
She laughed, took up her magazine, and left him to his thoughts for the rest of the flight.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
“If you could all join me for a family meeting?” Carlisle called out, just a tone above a normal speaking voice. Esme squeezed his hand and he smiled before taking his seat at the head of the table. His gaze then cut to his daughter, Alice who was barely able to contain her excitement as she practically vibrated in her seat, a wide smile on her face.
Edward was the next to join them, a frown on his face as he slid into his seat at Carlisle’s immediate right. Rose and Emmett filled out their little family as they joined a minute later. “What’s this about, Carlisle?” Rose asked, her tone wary. “It’s not time to move yet…”
He held up a hand. “Nothing to worry about, Rose,” he assured her, steadfastly ignoring Edward’s quiet scoff. “I just wanted to inform you all that we’ll be adding a new member to the family. Alice’s mate, to be specific.”
Alice squeaked and bounced, her eyes alight with excitement as Rose quirked a brow at her. “Your mate? I haven’t seen you meet anyone lately, so how…”
“Oh, I haven’t met him yet,” she explained, “but I’ve been seeing him in visions for years and today, he’ll finally be here!”
Rose sat back and crossed her arms, her look skeptical. “He’s just gonna show up at the door and knock?” Then her eyes narrowed. “He is a vampire, right? You’re not gonna be changing some fucking UPS delivery guy or something, are you?” she growled as Alice’s eyes went wide.
Carlisle raised a hand. “He’s one of us, Rose, don’t worry. I’ve already had this discussion with Alice and she assures me he’s been a vampire for quite some time now.”
Alice nodded. “He has, and he’s beautiful,” she breathed, her eyes going glazed and distant as Rose’s brows inched up.
“Okay, Alice, I believe you,” she said dryly, exchanging a smirk with her mate at the agitated state of their ‘sister’. In all the years they’d known her, they’d never seen her go breathless over a male—until now. High fashion, sure—males—never.
Carlisle cleared his throat. “Yes, well, Alice tells me he’ll be arriving soon, so I want you all to be welcoming. I’m sure it’ll be quite the adjustment.”
“Is he a human drinker?” Edward grumbled and Carlisle nodded slowly.
“He is,” their leader hedged, “but I’m sure it’s something we can all help him with. I’m confident once he meets and bonds with Alice, he’ll be motivated to try. It’s a male’s natural instinct to want to please his mate.”
Edward didn’t look convinced, but moved on to another question. “Where will he be staying?”
Esme piped up, “Well, I thought the guest room for now…”
“No!” Alice cut in, looking alarmed. “He’ll be staying with me. I’ve already arranged our closet and everything, and he can add to the decor and bookshelves as he settles in. He’ll be just fine with me.”
“Is that what all the recent deliveries and shopping trips have been about?” Rose asked and Alice grinned.
“Yep,” she chirped. “I wanted him to have everything when he arrived. I want him to be comfortable and settle with us as easily as possible.”
Edward’s lip curled. “He’s a human drinker. Just how easy do you think this transition is going to be? Because I think it’s going to be a train wreck.” He turned to pin his father with a look. “I can’t believe you waited until the day of this…this…vampire’s arrival to spring this on us. This is going to cause a major upset in our family and we all should’ve had a say in it.”
Rose weighed in then, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree. We should’ve been told earlier, at least. I mean, I know we can’t exactly deny Alice her mate, and we’re not gonna kick her out of the family, so this new vampire’s presence is a given. But it would’ve been nice to know ahead of time and get used to the idea before he shows up knocking.”
Carlisle sighed and Esme patted his hand in sympathy as he gazed around the table. “I understand your feelings and while I agree…”
“Wait Dad, let me explain,” Alice cut in before meeting her siblings eyes. “This is my fault. I didn’t share anything with Dad until I was sure, which wasn’t until this morning. I’m sorry about not giving you more of a warning.” She looked down and Esme patted her shoulder.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. Everything will be fine. He’ll get here, we’ll all get to know each other and before you know it, he’ll just be another part of us. I’m sure we’ll come to love him.”
Alice shot Esme a grateful smile just as the sound of tires turning off the main road reached their ears. “Oh god,” she whispered, her eyes going wide. “He’s almost here.”
Carlisle smiled at his petite daughter and rose from his seat. “Shall we go greet him, then?”
They all exited the front, assembling themselves slightly behind Carlisle and Esme as a huge, black Hummer pulled up to the front of the house. Carlisle’s brows inched up as a wealthy looking Hispanic female got out first, followed by a subdued looking blond male dressed all in black, his red eyes quickly darting over them as Alice grinned and bounced. “That’s him…that’s him!” she whispered, her hands wringing together nervously as the two from the vehicle paused.
Maria stopped Jasper with a hand on his arm. “Remember your manners, Major,” she muttered as quietly as possible. “I do not want to have to come back here, understand?”
He nodded sharply and she released him, smiling brightly at the vampires assembled to greet them as she approached. “I am Maria, and this,” she gestured to Jasper, “is my progeny, Jasper Whitlock.”
Carlisle stepped forward, shaking her hand politely. “I am Carlisle Cullen, the leader of this coven, or family as we consider ourselves, and this is my lovely wife, Esme.”
Maria inclined her head. “Pleased to meet you.”
“The rest are our children, Edward, Alice, Rose and her mate, Emmett.”
Maria nodded to them while Jasper stood stiff and stoic just a step behind her, his eyes cast to the middle distance. Maria glanced at him. “Jasper, will you not greet your new family?”
His eyes darted to Carlisle and he nodded stiffly. “A…pleasure,” he muttered, just barely keeping the sneer out of his tone.
Carlisle smiled, despite the lack of warmth in Jasper’s voice. “Welcome to our family, Jasper.” He urged Alice forward with a hand on her back as she openly stared at the honey-blond vampire. “Alice will show you around the house and then to your room where you can freshen up or rest if you care to.” He looked at Maria. “Would you care to join us inside for a bit?”
She smiled. “Regretfully, I must decline. I have a plane to catch.”
“All right, then, perhaps another time. As Jasper’s Sire, you are most welcomed to visit.”
“Thank you,” she said, before ducking into the back of the SUV. It pulled out a minute later and the Cullens filtered back into the house, just in time to catch what sounded like an argument up stairs.
“You’re crazy if you think I’m sharing a room with you. I don’t even know you, and I’m not sure I wanna get to know you, so just let my fucking arm go and point me to another room I can use while I’m stuck here, got it?”
Esme exchanged a glance with Carlisle just as Alice spoke up, “But Jazz, I’m sure if you just give me a chance…” Her voice trailed as they heard footsteps approaching the stairs, and a moment later, there stood their new ‘son’, his eyes dark and nostrils flared as a muscle ticked in his jaw. “Is there an open room I may use for the time being, Mr. Cullen? I’d like to rest for a bit, and figure this situation out, if you don’t mind.”
Carlisle frowned and glanced at Esme who patted his arm before stepping forward. “Of course, dear. Come with me and I’ll show you.”
She began climbing the stairs and Jasper followed her with a muttered, “Thank you.”
Carlisle walked into the living room where the rest of his family had gathered, taking a seat in a chair as Rose cocked a brow. “Well, that went over like a lead balloon.” Emmett snorted and Edward nodded while Carlisle heaved out a slow sigh.
“Yes, Rose, I think we all heard.”
Moments later, Esme joined them, perching herself on the arm of Carlisle’s chair as he kissed her hand. “How’d it go?” he asked.
She smiled softly. “He was very polite to me, if a little quiet. I showed him to the guest room, he thanked me and closed the door. I really think he just needs to settle himself before getting to know us.”
Edward glanced at the ceiling, a look of concentration on his face. “His mind is…very quiet at the moment. If I had to guess, it’s some form of meditation, that’s how clear and quiet it is…”
Carlisle looked surprised. “Meditation…” he mused. “Interesting. There aren’t many vampires who practice it, at least in my experience. I know there are a few in the Volturi who do, mainly the fighters. They do it to center themselves before training and battle; Caius Volturi being renowned for the practice.”
Edward crossed his arms while staring into the distance. “His mind is…misty…is the only way I can describe it now. There aren’t really thoughts or words, just…intense feelings…love…desperation…a need…” he shook his head and shot a frown at his father. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Rose sneered at him. “You know, I’m all for protecting the family, but if I was the new member and I found out you were doing your best to pick my brain, I think I’d be tempted to kick your ass.”
“Rose, language please,” Carlisle admonished before looking at his first son. “However, I have to agree, Edward. Show a little courtesy, please. He doesn’t even have the luxury of knowing of your gift…”
Edward shot to his feet to pace, throwing a hostile look at Rose before speaking. “That may be true, but we know nothing about him! Where he came from, how old he is, what he’s done in the past…” He stopped and pinned his Sire with a glare. “You didn’t even ask any pertinent questions! How do we know we’re safe with him here? We don’t!” he continued before Carlisle could get a word out. “You just show him in and assign him a room, then you all act offended when I try to make sure he’s not up there plotting against us!”
He gaped when Esme began chuckling, her hand over her mouth. She held up a hand as she tried to control the giggles. “I’m sorry honey…really. But don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit? Plotting against us? Really, Edward?” She shook her head. “He may be upset for whatever reason, but he’s a nice boy. I say we give him a chance, despite his misgivings about Alice.”
Said vampire moped into the room just then, pausing to give everyone a cursory look before slumping into a chair. “He’s not a danger to us,” she said offhandedly. “He is a skilled fighter, but his Sire forbid him to fight any of us for any reason.” She held up a finger. “I take that back. She did tell him he can defend himself, so don’t go attacking him and you’ll be fine.”
“Did she tell you anything else about him, Alice?” Carlisle asked.
She shrugged. “Not really, but through my visions, I’ve seen things about him. He spent his first couple of years as a vampire in the southern wars…after that, his life has been fairly peaceful.”
Edward narrowed his eyes at her. “You’re blocking me.”
She narrowed hers right back. “So?”
“So, how old is he?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “He was a Major in the Confederacy when Maria found him and turned him.”
Rose crossed her arms and leveled a look at her ‘sister’. “So, what happened?”
Alice blinked. “What do you mean?”
Rose’s eyes turned to slits. “That was hardly the meeting of two fated to be mates, Alice, so what’s going on?”
“He’s a bit upset? I guess?” She turned her head to stare out the window. “He’ll get used to it here and then things will change, you’ll see.”
“Well,” Esme spoke up, smiling softly, “we’ll just have to give him time and do our best to make him feel welcome.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Caius peered around the thicket of woods they’d been fighting in, satisfied at their results. They had finally managed to root out and destroy every last werewolf that had been infesting the area and now, their diseased bodies were nothing more than smoking embers in the center of this clearing deep in the forest.
It had been disgusting work, and he couldn’t wait to get home and wash the stench off. Then he would seek out his mate.
He missed Jasper terribly. It had always been so since they’d bonded, but for some reason, this mission had felt…different. From the outset, there’d been an ominous undercurrent that he just could not shake, but now it was over, his whole contingent uninjured and minutes from returning home; a very satisfying outcome.
“My Lord,” Jane said with a bow. “The burning is complete and we’ve buried the evidence.”
He smirked. “Good, prepare to depart.”
She bowed and left to inform the rest of their group as Caius donned his cloak, lifted the deep cowl over his head and took the lead back to the waiting vehicles.
He slid into the back seat and waited as Felix got behind the wheel and Jane into the front passenger seat.
As they pulled out, she turned to him. “Straight to the jet, my Lord?”
“Yes,” he said while resting his head back against the soft leather seat. As the car smoothly accelerated, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drop into a light meditation. He hadn’t done it since before leaving Volterra, and he missed the relaxation and deep connection he always found there with his mate.
Today, however, he tensed almost immediately at the feelings flowing to him—love, which was normal, but also longing and…distress, the latter so prominent it overshadowed everything else. His eyes snapped open and he growled, low and deep. Something was very wrong with his mate.
“My Lord?” Felix’s wary gaze met his King’s in the rear-view mirror.
“My phone,” he snapped, snatching it when Jane held it out from where it had been stored in the glove box.
He glanced at it and hissed. “Eighty seven missed calls,” he muttered before placing a call to Aro.
“Caius,” the raven haired King answered on the first ring. “I will not mince words. Your Prince Consort is missing and has been since he went hunting just under thirty six hours ago.”
Caius hissed. “Did anyone accompany him?”
“Yes, Demetri, who is also missing. We have been searching, but there are no signs of them in Volterra or any of the nearby cities or towns.”
“Pisa,” Jane said, not caring that she’d been eavesdropping on the call. “Check Pisa. It’s his favorite place to hunt.”
“Aro, did you hear?” Caius asked.
“Yes, brother and I’ve just sent someone. We’ll find him.”
Caius ended the call and tucked the phone away. “Felix, find a place to abandon these vehicles. We’ll be faster on foot.”
“Yes, my Lord,” he answered as Jane turned back to meet the blond King’s blackened gaze. She knew he was enraged, but she cared for Jasper and had to know… “You were able to feel him, my Lord? Through your connection?”
Those rage filled eyes narrowed at her, but he deigned to answer. “Yes, he is alive, although distressed.”
She breathed out in relief before allowing her anger to take over. “Whoever did this will pay dearly, my Lord.”
He growled. “They will.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The main doors to the throne room crashed open and a very disheveled Caius strode through, taking his throne next to his brothers who were awaiting the arrival of the guard they’d sent to Pisa. “Welcome home, brother,” Aro greeted gravely, receiving a low growl.
“This is no kind of home without my mate.”
“I understand.”
Caius cast his black gaze at his brother. “Impossible,” he spat before catching a look from his other brother. Pain lanced through him and he clenched his jaw, the grip he had on the arms of his throne cracking the ancient wood as he contemplated such a loss being permanent. He would walk into a pyre, he knew without doubt. If not for the connection he had with his precious Tesorino, he would probably go mad.
The doors swung open admitting the guard Aro had sent, along with Jane and Alec who had split off from the mission group to search Pisa for themselves.
Caius’s rage skyrocketed at the look on the blonde female’s face. He knew, from that alone, their news was not good.
They bowed and Jane stepped forward. “We found this in a pile of ash in an alley where the Prince hunts when he’s in a hurry. It’s Demetri’s,” she said, holding a charred Volturi Guard pendant out by the blackened chain. “There were no other scents as it’s been raining off and on for the last four days and we found no other signs. No other vampires in the area recall seeing anything out of the ordinary.” She bowed deeply and held it. “I’m sorry, my Lords.”
She cringed as Caius roared, the rage and pain behind it obvious to all as he picked up his throne and launched it at the wall. It crashed into a hundred pieces, the ancient wood and jewels fairly exploding upon impact as the distraught King flashed to the doors.
The unfortunate guard posted there didn’t move fast enough and soon found himself dismembered and twitching as Caius disappeared from the room, his growls and snarls still clearly heard by those left in the stunned silence of the throne room.
Once the sounds of Caius’s enraged passage quieted, Aro addressed Jane. “I want you in charge of finding our beloved Prince Consort, my dear. Leave no stone unturned.”
She inclined her head. “Yes, my Lord. I would like to put together a group and go speak to my Prince’s Sire in America. I believe she would be a logical starting point.”
“You have full consent to use whatever resources you deem necessary, Jane.”
“Thank you, Master.” She turned to leave and Aro stopped her.
“Dear one?”
She turned back and cocked a brow.
“Whatever you do, make haste.”
She nodded. “I will, my Lord. He is dear to me; as dear as my own brother. I will not rest until he’s found.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Caius stood, his chest heaving and growls leaving him as he surveyed the wreckage that was now his and Jasper’s rooms. One thing that hadn’t been touched was Jasper’s officer’s saber that still hung proudly over the mantle, just under Caius’s own sword from his days as a warrior, both blades gleaming and winking as they caught the flickering light of the fire. He stared at the proud, pristine blade, feeling as though it was piercing his heart instead of hanging there innocently. “Tesorino,” he rasped, falling to his knees as his head hung, a deep sob tearing from his chest as the void of his missing mate consumed him.
Tipping his head back, his fists clenched as he roared out in pain and rage, the occupants of the castle pausing in breathless empathy and not a little bit of fear at the sound reverberating through the cavernous stone halls.
When the fearsome sound had finally faded, his head slumped forward, his bright hair hanging in his face, his normally proud shoulders rounded as he whispered, “Jasper, where are you? Where are you?”
The silence of the room and in his heart spoke volumes and so, despite his body seeming to feel every one of his years, he arranged himself where he was, crossing his legs and straightening his back. Tipping his chin up, he closed his eyes and began to breathe, taking in slow deep breaths, letting them out just the same as he fell into a deep trance with the ease of centuries of practice.
He felt him almost immediately—the love first, always the love, followed by a deep longing and the new, and now ever-present, current of distress.
Jasper…
Doing his best to stifle his own pain and distress, he focused and sent all the love and longing he could gather, his instincts demanding he comfort his mate, even at distance.
‘I love you, Tesorino… I miss you…’ he repeated like a mantra, finally allowing himself a tiny smile when his mate’s answering joy trickled through.
He’d felt him…
It was nothing like what he was used to, this connection. It was much weaker than usual, and it made him wonder just how far away his beloved Prince was.
With a last deep breath, he sent regret and slowly rose from his trance, blinking his eyes open when full consciousness returned, along with the full force of the pain.
“I will find you, Dolcezza, even if I have to tear the world apart,” he promised, before rising to his feet to shower, a renewed determination powering every step he took.
Caius Volturi had a world to search and nothing—nothing—would stand in his way.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Jasper breathed a shuddering breath as he rose to full consciousness, his heart aching from the obvious pain he felt from Caius, despite his mate doing his best to bury it with more comforting emotions. This was sheer hell, and he had no clue how to fix it—outside of outright rebellion—something he was slowly gathering the will to try.
It was a fight though; for a vampire to go against their Sire was almost impossible—almost.
He knew, with enough of his own will behind it, he probably could, but it would take a lot out of him and he knew he would probably have only one chance. He’d have to make it good.
He had been here two days now and—outside one clothes shopping trip with Esme—had done his best to keep to himself, here in this room. He refused to call it his or make any changes to suit. Such a thing would be like admitting defeat, and he wasn’t willing to do that, even if Esme Cullen was just about the sweetest, most genuine person he’d ever met in all his years.
She was truly a breath of fresh air and he loved being around her for her positive, loving emotions. Another plus was her almost immediate protectiveness over him, something which greatly amused him at first. Then he gave it real thought, and quickly came to realize he could markedly benefit from it by using it as leverage against all the others in the house.
Because when Esme Cullen wanted something, Esme Cullen got it, no questions asked. That was power, something he was very short on at the moment, so he would take it wherever he could find it, even if it was second hand.
Hearing light footfalls, he reached out with his gift and relaxed when he recognized Esme’s emotional signature. A moment later, she knocked lightly. “Jasper, honey? It’s Esme, may I come in?”
“Yeah, sure, go ahead.”
The door opened and she peeked in and smiled. “How are you, sweetheart?” She entered and closed the door, taking a seat at the desk as he shrugged before leaning back against the headboard.
“I’m okay.”
“Good,” she said before peering around the untouched room. “We need to do something in here. You just don’t seem like a floral type of person.” She shot him a tiny smirk and he couldn’t help but smile back at her.
“No, I’m really not,” he agreed, skimming the somewhat frilly decor quickly before looking back at her. “But then again, it’s not really my room. I’m just using it for the time being.”
He felt her sadness and almost regretted saying such a thing. He knew she wanted him to genuinely join their family, but there was just no way—he had a home and a mate…
“I wish you didn’t feel that way, sweetheart, but I know it will take time.”
He scoffed. “Time…” he muttered.
“Alice is a sweet girl and she cares deeply for you…”
His anger spiked but he stifled it before Esme could feel it. “She doesn’t even know me,” he snapped.
She nodded, her gaze fixed to her hands in her lap. “True, but perhaps if you joined us more often? Spent time with the family…?”
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He knew Esme meant well, he could feel that, but she would never understand what was really going on and he could never tell her. He was stuck, and if there was one thing Jasper hated, it was feeling stuck—cornered, with no way out. “Yeah, maybe,” he muttered, rather than argue fruitlessly, or worse yet, risk seeming like a stubborn ass thereby alienating the one person in the house who was somewhat on his side.
“Oh, Jasper, I’m so glad to hear you say that!” He eyed her warily over the spike of excitement he felt rolling off her. She was planning something. He could feel it.
“Why?”
“Because, we’re going to have visitors today, and I really would like you to come down and meet them. They’re lovely people. We consider them cousins not only because they’re very old friends of Carlisle’s but also because they follow the same diet.”
He had to force down a sneer at the mention of their diet. He had tried it the day before and had spent the next hour retching into a bush before Carlisle gave up and gave him a bag of human blood. He vowed to never try it again, much to the coven leader’s chagrin. Worse yet, Jasper could feel that the blond male had taken his vow as something of a challenge, as waves of quiet determination rolled off him when Jasper spoke the words.
“So will you join us?”
He snapped out of his little reverie and shrugged. “I guess so, Esme. I may as well. I have nothing better to do.”
She smiled brightly, and Jasper could tell she was barely stopping herself from hugging him. “Oh, I’m so glad! You won’t regret it, sweetheart and I’m sure they’ll love you.”
He raised a brow and smirked at the mischief coloring her emotions, wondering just what that could be about as she rose and went to the door. “They’ll be here in about an hour dear, just in case you’d like to freshen up and change clothes.”
He grinned. “Sure. What do you think? Should I wear the black, or the black?”
She shot him a smirk he never would’ve guessed sweet Esme was capable of. “I like the black, dear. It brings out your eyes.” With that, she winked and disappeared out the door.
After a hot shower and a change of clothes, all black of course, Jasper made his way down the stairs and into the living room where the Cullens and their ‘cousins’ were gathered, speaking. When he entered, Esme rose and took his hand, leading him over to the new vampires to make introductions. He was just learning the name of the Hispanic couple when he was hit with a wave of lust from three separate females; only his years of experience and control allowing him to block the barrage while looking completely unaffected. “Eleazar, Carmen, this is our newest family member, Jasper Whitlock.”
He shook the male’s hand and gave the female a polite nod. “Pleased to meet you.”
Carlisle then went on to the three females who looked like sisters. Turns out, it was an apt assumption on his part. “Jasper, this is Tanya, Irina, and Kate Denali.”
He gave a regal little bow. “Ladies, a pleasure,” he greeted, feeling an immediate spike of jealousy and anger from Alice seated in an adjacent chair.
“The pleasure’s all ours, I’m sure,” the first—Tanya—purred, her eyes traveling the length of his body before meeting his gaze with a wink.
He smirked. This was nothing new to Jasper, the only difference being the immediate fear flirtatious females always felt when Caius would step forward possessively. His heart clenched at the memories but he smiled politely before taking an open seat to engage one of his favorite past-times—observing.
He was just becoming bored with the small talk when Edward finally entered the room, muttering polite greetings to them all before also seating himself.
The lust now pouring off Tanya was too good to ignore, especially as she continuously eyed the bronze haired male. Said male, meanwhile, was looking like he’d just sucked down a three-day dead squirrel, his wary gaze darting to and from the lascivious female, his distaste for her quite plain.
Jasper fought down his glee at the situation. This was a golden opportunity to screw with the dour vampire and besides, he was bored as fuck, so why not?
With an absent glance out the window, he began to pump lust at the male, subtly at first, then heavier and heavier, until the male was shifting in his seat, his fingers digging into the finely upholstered arms of the chair while his rapidly darkening eyes pinned the pleased looking female. “Edward?” she murmured as her own eyes darkened a shade.
Said male growled lowly and shot from his seat to grab her hand. “Come,” he hissed, stalling the room’s many side conversations at this most unlikely development, as he fairly dragged her from the room and up the stairs.
Jasper, still apparently lost in thought while gazing out the window, shot one last heavy dose of lust at the two and the male quickened his pace to a run, drawing a squeak of surprise from Tanya as she struggled to keep up. Seconds later, a distant door slammed and the sounds of near feral love making filtered down to the stunned gathering.
“Go Tanya,” the one named Kate muttered as her sister, Irina smirked.
“What the hell just happened?!” Rose’s less than tactful mate questioned in the silence, drawing a scoff from his blonde mate.
“I’d think you of all people would know the answer to that, Em, but I’ll clear it up for you just in case. Our prude of a brother just had his century old cherry popped.”
“Rose,” Esme admonished while stifling a giggle behind her hand. “Please, dear, not so coarse on the language.”
Rose shrugged. “I thought it was pretty mild, considering the sounds coming outta that room at the moment.”
“But…but he hates Tanya!”
“Emmett!” Carlisle growled, causing Rose’s mate to cringe and stammer an apology.
“I mean…you know…he hates how she always comes on to him, likes she wants to eat him…shit like that…not that he really hates her personally…or anything…”
“Emmett?”
“Yeah, Rosie?”
“Shut up.”
“No problem.”
Carlisle pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed before looking back at his dear friends. “Please accept my sincere apologies for Emmett’s less than cordial comments. And also for Edward’s out of character behavior. I just don’t know what’s come over him.”
The two sisters waved off his concern but Eleazar looked at him with a frown. “I believe I may have an answer for you about Edward’s sudden lusty condition, Carlisle.”
Carlisle’s brows shot up. “Oh?”
“Yes. It seems your newest member neglected to mention being a powerful empath—the most powerful I’ve ever felt, as a matter of fact, and apparently very skilled at wielding his gift.”
Esme gasped as Carlisle looked at Jasper. “Is this true?”
Jasper shrugged. “I’m an empath, yeah… Not sure I’m the great and powerful Oz your friend is making me out to be, though. I do know I can make a prude horny enough to hump a lamp post, much less a smoking hot blonde.”
Emmett snickered and Rose smirked while Esme covered yet another giggle. Carlisle was less than amused. “Something like this can be likened to rape, son. It can certainly be termed non-consensual.”
Esme gasped at the implication. “Carlisle, no!”
Jasper frowned. “I guarantee he’s enjoying every moment—genuinely. I just gave him a nudge.”
Rose crossed her arms, one brow raised. “He’ll probably be pissed that his precious virtue is gone, that’s true…”
“Virtue…” Emmett scoffed. “I’m surprised he still has a knob to polish the way he and his right hand have gone after it all these years. The boy needed to get laid. It’s way past time.”
“Emmett, please…” Esme muttered.
He shrugged.
“Still,” Carlisle said, his tone displeased, “we’ll be discussing this later, along with the details of your gift and any other surprises you may be hiding.”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah? I don’t think so.”
Just then, a bedraggled Edward entered the room, a murderous look in his eyes as he zeroed in on Jasper. “You…outside, now.”
“Edward, no,” Esme said, shooting to her feet to get between the two males as Jasper rose from his seat, a tiny smile quirking his lips and eyes alight with excitement.
“I heard what’s been said down here,” Edward growled. “He used his gift on me! He made me…he made me…”
Emmett rolled his eyes. “Bang a hot chick? Oh, the horror…”
Rose scoffed. “Look who’s crying about someone unfairly using a gift.” She glanced at Jasper. “He’s a mind reader, by the way, so watch your thoughts because he’ll be in your head constantly.”
Jasper’s brows rose. “Why are you telling me this?”
She shrugged. “It’s only fair. I just thought you should know.”
He nodded. “Thanks.”
“Outside! Now!” Edward roared, apparently out of patience.
Esme grabbed Carlisle’s arm. “Talk to him, please Carlisle…” she begged as Edward strode out the front door closely followed by a straight faced Jasper, hands shoved in his jeans pockets.
Carlisle shook his head. “I’ll step in if it gets out of hand, sweetheart. They’re two young males who haven’t yet tested each other. This was bound to happen. Remember when Emmett joined us?”
She heaved a sigh and nodded as they followed everyone out, only now noticing how curiously silent Alice had been. As she watched, her petite daughter stood off by herself, her eyes riveted on the male she’d claimed as her own, not seeming to be nervous at all as he squared off with her lightning fast brother whom even Emmett had yet to best in a fight.
“You’d better stop this if Edward gets carried away, Carlisle,” she pleaded. He smiled and pulled her close.
“Let them get their aggression out, love, then I’ll stop it.” He kissed her temple. “I know you’re worried for Jasper. I won’t let anything happen to him.”
Meanwhile, Eleazar came to stand next to his old friend, watching with interest as the newest Cullen member seemed to take a moment to clear his mind, his breathing slow, deep, and even for a few beats before his eyes snapped open just as Edward lost patience and attacked.
His brows shot up at first, then drew into a frown as the young empath was struck, the blow snapping his head back as his body flew and landed a few feet away. Edward was on him instantly, kicking him in the midsection twice before the blond rolled away with a grunt, an arm holding his ribs as he prepared for the next volley.
It came within seconds as Edward landed an uppercut, knocking Jasper back as Esme cried out, “Carlisle, stop this!”
Eleazar couldn’t help but agree as it seemed the empath was outclassed, not only in speed but skill. This was a one-sided fight if he’d ever seen one.
It was almost as though…
Before he could finish the thought, the empath seemed to morph right before his eyes, his stance now strangely familiar as a grin curved his lips, highlighting a deep dimple in his right cheek.
It was like he’d seen this fighter before, long ago, but he couldn’t place exactly when or where…
Now, with every pass the mind reader made, he took a hit without landing one, no matter how fast he was or how hard he tried. Soon, he was looking much worse for wear and growling in frustration. “Not so easy now, is it, mind reader?” the empath taunted as he spun and twisted, dodging every blow while landing his own strikes with surgical precision—a kidney punch here, an uppercut and a broken nose there—eventually doing significant damage to the slowing Edward.
With one more pass, the mind reader went flying into a tree from a well placed, artfully executed spinning back kick. When he slumped, groaned in pain, and failed to rise immediately, Carlisle stepped up with a raised hand. “All right, you two. This has gone on long enough. Now, shake hands and be done with it.”
Jasper walked to Edward, hand extended to help him rise but Edward ignored it, scowling as he climbed to his feet, with an arm over his own ribs. Jasper cocked a brow, giving the mind reader a pointed look as he waited.
With narrowed eyes, Edward finally shook his hand before wordlessly limping into the house.
“Dude, that was awesome! Can you teach me that spinning kick thing you did?” Emmett enthused with a grin.
Jasper cocked a brow. “Maybe…I don’t know. I’m hoping to not be around that long.”
“I would love to learn it. Maybe I could finally kick Edward’s ass.”
Jasper smirked. “You’d be better off learning to meditate.”
Carlisle exchanged a look with Eleazar before addressing his newest ‘son’. “You took some hard kicks to those ribs. Would you let me look you over?”
Jasper waved off the concern. “Some blood and I’ll be fine.”
Esme stepped forward, no longer able to resist the urge to touch him as she cupped his cheek. “Please, Jasper? At least let him bind them until the blood does its job? I’m sure he’ll be doing the same for Edward.”
He sighed deciding not to be stubborn for the moment. He had to pick his battles because he was certain there would be plenty in the future if he didn’t get out of here soon. “All right, you win.”
She smiled brightly. “Thank you. I’m sure you’ll feel better afterward. Those were some vicious kicks you took,” she chattered while leading him into the house and up the stairs to Carlisle’s office.
Once he was seated on the sofa, she ran her fingers through his hair, trying to tidy the loose curls. “I’ll go get you some blood, dear,” she said before zipping from the room as Carlisle set out the supplies he would need.
“All right. You need to remove your shirt so I can take a look at you.”
Jasper nodded before peeling the tight T over his head. He heard a sharp intake of breath and looked up to find the blond doctor’s eyes locked on his Volturi pendant. “Is that yours, son, or did you perhaps find it somewhere?”
Jasper frowned. “It’s mine,” he said, reaching up to grasp the pendant he hadn’t removed since Caius had placed it on him so long ago. He wished he could blurt out all the details behind that pendant, but he couldn’t, and he looked away, his jaw tight as he once again fought a battle with his emotions.
“How did you come to have it? They don’t make it a habit of giving them to just anyone.”
He pinned Carlisle with an intense look, willing him to see beyond what he couldn’t say. “No, they don’t. It was given to me, and that’s all I can tell you.”
“That’s all you can share? Or all you will share?”
“It’s all I’m able to share,” he clarified.
“I see,” the doctor muttered. “Well then, raise your arms a bit and we’ll get started.”
Jasper’s heart sank at the doctor’s apathetic response, and with a sigh, he complied, staring into the distance as the doctor bound his injured ribs.
He found the whole thing a bit ridiculous, really, especially since he would’ve healed by now if he’d been on fresh human blood. The bagged stuff just wasn’t the same, and he could already see a difference in his healing and strength. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this weak, but knew it would be ten times worse if he ever caved to their animal diet; the main reason—beside the horrid taste—for him to avoid doing so. He also knew his mate wouldn’t be pleased if he found him in such a weakened state.
“All right, I’m done. Once you’ve had some blood, you should heal quickly and be able to remove the binding by this evening.”
Esme knocked and entered then, carrying a large, thermal cup which she handed to him. “Here honey, I heated it for you.”
He cocked a brow and smirked. “Thanks, Esme,” he said before raising it to his lips. He cringed a bit at the chemical taste to it, but downed it anyway. He knew draining any of the local population was an impossibility, especially with how closely they seemed to watch him.
“He’ll probably need one more, love,” Carlisle commented and Jasper nodded as he handed the cup back to her.
“Yes, please.”
She patted his cheek with a smile and he barely avoided rolling his eyes. She was such a…mother, and seemed to want to ‘mother’ him especially for some reason, but again, it served his best interests for the time being, so he tolerated it.
Carlisle smiled. “Well, I’m off to tend to Edward.” He cocked a brow. “I do believe you left him in worse shape than he left you.”
Jasper shrugged. “He started it.”
“Hmm, that’s debatable,” the doctor said while exiting the room. He left the door ajar, and Jasper eyed the quietly humming computer with longing. Just as he was about to approach the desk, Alice walked in and he froze.
“What do you want?”
She shrugged. “Oh, nothing,” she said, her musical voice grating on him for some reason. It wasn’t that it was unpleasant, because it wasn’t. He thought it may be that it was so very unique to her, and her he could not stand, for what she had done and was doing to him. She pinned him with a knowing look. “You weren’t about to email someone, were you Jazzy?”
His lip curled. “No, and don’t call me that.”
“Oh, I think I’ll call you whatever I like.” She met his gaze. “And stay away from the Denali sisters. You’re mine. I won’t share you.” Her eyes ran over his bare torso, lingering on the Volturi pendant. “Why do you still wear that? You should take it off,” she said, her eyes finally flitting back up to his, “especially if you want to keep it.”
She walked to the desk then, picking up a small box which she extended to him. “Carlisle was waiting until the right moment to give you this, but I don’t think he’ll mind.” She waggled it and he took it. “Go ahead, open it.”
With a frown, he opened the hinged box and stared at the heavy, leather wrist band inside. It had a silver crest in the center. “It’s the Cullen crest,” she said as he stared.
He closed the box and tried to hand it back. “I won’t wear another crest. I have a family and it’s their crest I wear. That will never change.”
She smirked. “Oh, I think it will…with time.”
He snarled and tossed the box on the desk. “You underestimate me, seer, and one day, it will be your downfall.” He stepped closer, staring down into her face. “It may not be today, but one day, you’re going to regret having ever seen my face.” He leaned closer, pleased with the fear now leaking from her usually smug emotions. “I look forward to that day.”
“Where are we going?” He kept a wary gaze on her as she flipped through a magazine, the many rings on her fingers flashing in the overhead lights of the private jet they’d boarded in Italy.
They’d been in the air for hours already, and Jasper could no longer stand the lack of information. She smirked, her dark eyes darting up from the page to pin him where he sat directly across from her. “Alaska,” she said, immediately going back to her reading.
He frowned. Alaska? This was certainly unexpected and was just one more monumental difference he noticed in his Sire; the first and most prominent being her apparent wealth. From the clothes she wore, to the jewels that adorned her body, to the private jet he now found himself in, it was obvious she had done something drastically different to what she had been when he’d been with her. And she wasn’t talking.
“You live in Alaska?”
She snorted a laugh. “No, Major.” Her gaze rose to his. “But you will.”
He scowled. “Explain.”
A hiss left her lips as she shot forward in her seat, her clawed fingers clutching his chin as he froze in his seat. “You will watch your words and tone with me or you will be punished!”
His gaze dropped as he muttered, “Yes Mistress” all the while hating himself for this purely instinctual submission to the vile female. She shoved him back in his seat, his head snapping to one side as she released his chin.
“Remember Jasper, I am your Sire. You submit to and obey me without question, but since I am feeling generous, I will explain to you what is happening.”
His eyes tentatively rose, locking with hers as she smirked at him. “You will be placed with a coven in Alaska. Their leader and his wife like to play house for some reason, therefore, you will be joining them as their newest foster son. Their pseudo daughter, Alice, came to me many years ago with an offer that was too good to pass up. You see, she’s a seer and she saw and wanted you. I agreed to help her, and in return, she made me a very wealthy woman.”
Jasper’s jaw tightened as he realized he’d effectively been sold into bondage to this Alice person. “What makes you or this Alice person think I will stay where I’m put? I have a mate and a home…”
Maria began chuckling. “Ever the rebel aren’t you, Major?”
He curled his lip and growled lowly, garnering the attention of one of her lackeys who rose from his seat. Maria waved him off absently without removing her cold gaze from her progeny. “You will stay put and follow my orders to the letter, Major, or you will not like the consequences, especially should I have to make a special trip to…correct you.”
His heart sank and she continued. “You will not try to escape their coven. You will not go near a phone, cell, landline, computer, email, private messenger, or otherwise. You will not try to communicate in any way—even in writing—with anyone but those who reside in their—now your—coven.”
His heart twisted with every word she spoke, the virtual bars to his prison closing in tighter and tighter with every order she imposed, because he knew, no matter how much he wanted to disobey—to escape—his vampire, his instincts would not allow him to.
Without a shred of warmth, she smiled and leaned forward, one hand propped over her crossed legs. “Do you recall what happens when you try to defy me, Major?”
He shuddered. He couldn’t help it, as the memories played in his head like a horror film—his own personal horror film. “Yes, Mistress.”
Her grin widened, her sharp fangs glittering in the overhead lights. “One last thing Major…”
He nodded sharply in acknowledgement and she continued, “You are not to even utter the name Caius Volturi for any reason, ever. Not even if he or his brothers are brought up in conversation. As a matter of fact, you are not to mention the Volturi—at all.”
Pain lanced through him at the thought of his mate and how desperately he missed him, and he swallowed heavily. “Yes, Mistress,” he said in little more than a whisper.
She laughed, took up her magazine, and left him to his thoughts for the rest of the flight.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
“If you could all join me for a family meeting?” Carlisle called out, just a tone above a normal speaking voice. Esme squeezed his hand and he smiled before taking his seat at the head of the table. His gaze then cut to his daughter, Alice who was barely able to contain her excitement as she practically vibrated in her seat, a wide smile on her face.
Edward was the next to join them, a frown on his face as he slid into his seat at Carlisle’s immediate right. Rose and Emmett filled out their little family as they joined a minute later. “What’s this about, Carlisle?” Rose asked, her tone wary. “It’s not time to move yet…”
He held up a hand. “Nothing to worry about, Rose,” he assured her, steadfastly ignoring Edward’s quiet scoff. “I just wanted to inform you all that we’ll be adding a new member to the family. Alice’s mate, to be specific.”
Alice squeaked and bounced, her eyes alight with excitement as Rose quirked a brow at her. “Your mate? I haven’t seen you meet anyone lately, so how…”
“Oh, I haven’t met him yet,” she explained, “but I’ve been seeing him in visions for years and today, he’ll finally be here!”
Rose sat back and crossed her arms, her look skeptical. “He’s just gonna show up at the door and knock?” Then her eyes narrowed. “He is a vampire, right? You’re not gonna be changing some fucking UPS delivery guy or something, are you?” she growled as Alice’s eyes went wide.
Carlisle raised a hand. “He’s one of us, Rose, don’t worry. I’ve already had this discussion with Alice and she assures me he’s been a vampire for quite some time now.”
Alice nodded. “He has, and he’s beautiful,” she breathed, her eyes going glazed and distant as Rose’s brows inched up.
“Okay, Alice, I believe you,” she said dryly, exchanging a smirk with her mate at the agitated state of their ‘sister’. In all the years they’d known her, they’d never seen her go breathless over a male—until now. High fashion, sure—males—never.
Carlisle cleared his throat. “Yes, well, Alice tells me he’ll be arriving soon, so I want you all to be welcoming. I’m sure it’ll be quite the adjustment.”
“Is he a human drinker?” Edward grumbled and Carlisle nodded slowly.
“He is,” their leader hedged, “but I’m sure it’s something we can all help him with. I’m confident once he meets and bonds with Alice, he’ll be motivated to try. It’s a male’s natural instinct to want to please his mate.”
Edward didn’t look convinced, but moved on to another question. “Where will he be staying?”
Esme piped up, “Well, I thought the guest room for now…”
“No!” Alice cut in, looking alarmed. “He’ll be staying with me. I’ve already arranged our closet and everything, and he can add to the decor and bookshelves as he settles in. He’ll be just fine with me.”
“Is that what all the recent deliveries and shopping trips have been about?” Rose asked and Alice grinned.
“Yep,” she chirped. “I wanted him to have everything when he arrived. I want him to be comfortable and settle with us as easily as possible.”
Edward’s lip curled. “He’s a human drinker. Just how easy do you think this transition is going to be? Because I think it’s going to be a train wreck.” He turned to pin his father with a look. “I can’t believe you waited until the day of this…this…vampire’s arrival to spring this on us. This is going to cause a major upset in our family and we all should’ve had a say in it.”
Rose weighed in then, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree. We should’ve been told earlier, at least. I mean, I know we can’t exactly deny Alice her mate, and we’re not gonna kick her out of the family, so this new vampire’s presence is a given. But it would’ve been nice to know ahead of time and get used to the idea before he shows up knocking.”
Carlisle sighed and Esme patted his hand in sympathy as he gazed around the table. “I understand your feelings and while I agree…”
“Wait Dad, let me explain,” Alice cut in before meeting her siblings eyes. “This is my fault. I didn’t share anything with Dad until I was sure, which wasn’t until this morning. I’m sorry about not giving you more of a warning.” She looked down and Esme patted her shoulder.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. Everything will be fine. He’ll get here, we’ll all get to know each other and before you know it, he’ll just be another part of us. I’m sure we’ll come to love him.”
Alice shot Esme a grateful smile just as the sound of tires turning off the main road reached their ears. “Oh god,” she whispered, her eyes going wide. “He’s almost here.”
Carlisle smiled at his petite daughter and rose from his seat. “Shall we go greet him, then?”
They all exited the front, assembling themselves slightly behind Carlisle and Esme as a huge, black Hummer pulled up to the front of the house. Carlisle’s brows inched up as a wealthy looking Hispanic female got out first, followed by a subdued looking blond male dressed all in black, his red eyes quickly darting over them as Alice grinned and bounced. “That’s him…that’s him!” she whispered, her hands wringing together nervously as the two from the vehicle paused.
Maria stopped Jasper with a hand on his arm. “Remember your manners, Major,” she muttered as quietly as possible. “I do not want to have to come back here, understand?”
He nodded sharply and she released him, smiling brightly at the vampires assembled to greet them as she approached. “I am Maria, and this,” she gestured to Jasper, “is my progeny, Jasper Whitlock.”
Carlisle stepped forward, shaking her hand politely. “I am Carlisle Cullen, the leader of this coven, or family as we consider ourselves, and this is my lovely wife, Esme.”
Maria inclined her head. “Pleased to meet you.”
“The rest are our children, Edward, Alice, Rose and her mate, Emmett.”
Maria nodded to them while Jasper stood stiff and stoic just a step behind her, his eyes cast to the middle distance. Maria glanced at him. “Jasper, will you not greet your new family?”
His eyes darted to Carlisle and he nodded stiffly. “A…pleasure,” he muttered, just barely keeping the sneer out of his tone.
Carlisle smiled, despite the lack of warmth in Jasper’s voice. “Welcome to our family, Jasper.” He urged Alice forward with a hand on her back as she openly stared at the honey-blond vampire. “Alice will show you around the house and then to your room where you can freshen up or rest if you care to.” He looked at Maria. “Would you care to join us inside for a bit?”
She smiled. “Regretfully, I must decline. I have a plane to catch.”
“All right, then, perhaps another time. As Jasper’s Sire, you are most welcomed to visit.”
“Thank you,” she said, before ducking into the back of the SUV. It pulled out a minute later and the Cullens filtered back into the house, just in time to catch what sounded like an argument up stairs.
“You’re crazy if you think I’m sharing a room with you. I don’t even know you, and I’m not sure I wanna get to know you, so just let my fucking arm go and point me to another room I can use while I’m stuck here, got it?”
Esme exchanged a glance with Carlisle just as Alice spoke up, “But Jazz, I’m sure if you just give me a chance…” Her voice trailed as they heard footsteps approaching the stairs, and a moment later, there stood their new ‘son’, his eyes dark and nostrils flared as a muscle ticked in his jaw. “Is there an open room I may use for the time being, Mr. Cullen? I’d like to rest for a bit, and figure this situation out, if you don’t mind.”
Carlisle frowned and glanced at Esme who patted his arm before stepping forward. “Of course, dear. Come with me and I’ll show you.”
She began climbing the stairs and Jasper followed her with a muttered, “Thank you.”
Carlisle walked into the living room where the rest of his family had gathered, taking a seat in a chair as Rose cocked a brow. “Well, that went over like a lead balloon.” Emmett snorted and Edward nodded while Carlisle heaved out a slow sigh.
“Yes, Rose, I think we all heard.”
Moments later, Esme joined them, perching herself on the arm of Carlisle’s chair as he kissed her hand. “How’d it go?” he asked.
She smiled softly. “He was very polite to me, if a little quiet. I showed him to the guest room, he thanked me and closed the door. I really think he just needs to settle himself before getting to know us.”
Edward glanced at the ceiling, a look of concentration on his face. “His mind is…very quiet at the moment. If I had to guess, it’s some form of meditation, that’s how clear and quiet it is…”
Carlisle looked surprised. “Meditation…” he mused. “Interesting. There aren’t many vampires who practice it, at least in my experience. I know there are a few in the Volturi who do, mainly the fighters. They do it to center themselves before training and battle; Caius Volturi being renowned for the practice.”
Edward crossed his arms while staring into the distance. “His mind is…misty…is the only way I can describe it now. There aren’t really thoughts or words, just…intense feelings…love…desperation…a need…” he shook his head and shot a frown at his father. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Rose sneered at him. “You know, I’m all for protecting the family, but if I was the new member and I found out you were doing your best to pick my brain, I think I’d be tempted to kick your ass.”
“Rose, language please,” Carlisle admonished before looking at his first son. “However, I have to agree, Edward. Show a little courtesy, please. He doesn’t even have the luxury of knowing of your gift…”
Edward shot to his feet to pace, throwing a hostile look at Rose before speaking. “That may be true, but we know nothing about him! Where he came from, how old he is, what he’s done in the past…” He stopped and pinned his Sire with a glare. “You didn’t even ask any pertinent questions! How do we know we’re safe with him here? We don’t!” he continued before Carlisle could get a word out. “You just show him in and assign him a room, then you all act offended when I try to make sure he’s not up there plotting against us!”
He gaped when Esme began chuckling, her hand over her mouth. She held up a hand as she tried to control the giggles. “I’m sorry honey…really. But don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit? Plotting against us? Really, Edward?” She shook her head. “He may be upset for whatever reason, but he’s a nice boy. I say we give him a chance, despite his misgivings about Alice.”
Said vampire moped into the room just then, pausing to give everyone a cursory look before slumping into a chair. “He’s not a danger to us,” she said offhandedly. “He is a skilled fighter, but his Sire forbid him to fight any of us for any reason.” She held up a finger. “I take that back. She did tell him he can defend himself, so don’t go attacking him and you’ll be fine.”
“Did she tell you anything else about him, Alice?” Carlisle asked.
She shrugged. “Not really, but through my visions, I’ve seen things about him. He spent his first couple of years as a vampire in the southern wars…after that, his life has been fairly peaceful.”
Edward narrowed his eyes at her. “You’re blocking me.”
She narrowed hers right back. “So?”
“So, how old is he?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “He was a Major in the Confederacy when Maria found him and turned him.”
Rose crossed her arms and leveled a look at her ‘sister’. “So, what happened?”
Alice blinked. “What do you mean?”
Rose’s eyes turned to slits. “That was hardly the meeting of two fated to be mates, Alice, so what’s going on?”
“He’s a bit upset? I guess?” She turned her head to stare out the window. “He’ll get used to it here and then things will change, you’ll see.”
“Well,” Esme spoke up, smiling softly, “we’ll just have to give him time and do our best to make him feel welcome.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Caius peered around the thicket of woods they’d been fighting in, satisfied at their results. They had finally managed to root out and destroy every last werewolf that had been infesting the area and now, their diseased bodies were nothing more than smoking embers in the center of this clearing deep in the forest.
It had been disgusting work, and he couldn’t wait to get home and wash the stench off. Then he would seek out his mate.
He missed Jasper terribly. It had always been so since they’d bonded, but for some reason, this mission had felt…different. From the outset, there’d been an ominous undercurrent that he just could not shake, but now it was over, his whole contingent uninjured and minutes from returning home; a very satisfying outcome.
“My Lord,” Jane said with a bow. “The burning is complete and we’ve buried the evidence.”
He smirked. “Good, prepare to depart.”
She bowed and left to inform the rest of their group as Caius donned his cloak, lifted the deep cowl over his head and took the lead back to the waiting vehicles.
He slid into the back seat and waited as Felix got behind the wheel and Jane into the front passenger seat.
As they pulled out, she turned to him. “Straight to the jet, my Lord?”
“Yes,” he said while resting his head back against the soft leather seat. As the car smoothly accelerated, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drop into a light meditation. He hadn’t done it since before leaving Volterra, and he missed the relaxation and deep connection he always found there with his mate.
Today, however, he tensed almost immediately at the feelings flowing to him—love, which was normal, but also longing and…distress, the latter so prominent it overshadowed everything else. His eyes snapped open and he growled, low and deep. Something was very wrong with his mate.
“My Lord?” Felix’s wary gaze met his King’s in the rear-view mirror.
“My phone,” he snapped, snatching it when Jane held it out from where it had been stored in the glove box.
He glanced at it and hissed. “Eighty seven missed calls,” he muttered before placing a call to Aro.
“Caius,” the raven haired King answered on the first ring. “I will not mince words. Your Prince Consort is missing and has been since he went hunting just under thirty six hours ago.”
Caius hissed. “Did anyone accompany him?”
“Yes, Demetri, who is also missing. We have been searching, but there are no signs of them in Volterra or any of the nearby cities or towns.”
“Pisa,” Jane said, not caring that she’d been eavesdropping on the call. “Check Pisa. It’s his favorite place to hunt.”
“Aro, did you hear?” Caius asked.
“Yes, brother and I’ve just sent someone. We’ll find him.”
Caius ended the call and tucked the phone away. “Felix, find a place to abandon these vehicles. We’ll be faster on foot.”
“Yes, my Lord,” he answered as Jane turned back to meet the blond King’s blackened gaze. She knew he was enraged, but she cared for Jasper and had to know… “You were able to feel him, my Lord? Through your connection?”
Those rage filled eyes narrowed at her, but he deigned to answer. “Yes, he is alive, although distressed.”
She breathed out in relief before allowing her anger to take over. “Whoever did this will pay dearly, my Lord.”
He growled. “They will.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The main doors to the throne room crashed open and a very disheveled Caius strode through, taking his throne next to his brothers who were awaiting the arrival of the guard they’d sent to Pisa. “Welcome home, brother,” Aro greeted gravely, receiving a low growl.
“This is no kind of home without my mate.”
“I understand.”
Caius cast his black gaze at his brother. “Impossible,” he spat before catching a look from his other brother. Pain lanced through him and he clenched his jaw, the grip he had on the arms of his throne cracking the ancient wood as he contemplated such a loss being permanent. He would walk into a pyre, he knew without doubt. If not for the connection he had with his precious Tesorino, he would probably go mad.
The doors swung open admitting the guard Aro had sent, along with Jane and Alec who had split off from the mission group to search Pisa for themselves.
Caius’s rage skyrocketed at the look on the blonde female’s face. He knew, from that alone, their news was not good.
They bowed and Jane stepped forward. “We found this in a pile of ash in an alley where the Prince hunts when he’s in a hurry. It’s Demetri’s,” she said, holding a charred Volturi Guard pendant out by the blackened chain. “There were no other scents as it’s been raining off and on for the last four days and we found no other signs. No other vampires in the area recall seeing anything out of the ordinary.” She bowed deeply and held it. “I’m sorry, my Lords.”
She cringed as Caius roared, the rage and pain behind it obvious to all as he picked up his throne and launched it at the wall. It crashed into a hundred pieces, the ancient wood and jewels fairly exploding upon impact as the distraught King flashed to the doors.
The unfortunate guard posted there didn’t move fast enough and soon found himself dismembered and twitching as Caius disappeared from the room, his growls and snarls still clearly heard by those left in the stunned silence of the throne room.
Once the sounds of Caius’s enraged passage quieted, Aro addressed Jane. “I want you in charge of finding our beloved Prince Consort, my dear. Leave no stone unturned.”
She inclined her head. “Yes, my Lord. I would like to put together a group and go speak to my Prince’s Sire in America. I believe she would be a logical starting point.”
“You have full consent to use whatever resources you deem necessary, Jane.”
“Thank you, Master.” She turned to leave and Aro stopped her.
“Dear one?”
She turned back and cocked a brow.
“Whatever you do, make haste.”
She nodded. “I will, my Lord. He is dear to me; as dear as my own brother. I will not rest until he’s found.”
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Caius stood, his chest heaving and growls leaving him as he surveyed the wreckage that was now his and Jasper’s rooms. One thing that hadn’t been touched was Jasper’s officer’s saber that still hung proudly over the mantle, just under Caius’s own sword from his days as a warrior, both blades gleaming and winking as they caught the flickering light of the fire. He stared at the proud, pristine blade, feeling as though it was piercing his heart instead of hanging there innocently. “Tesorino,” he rasped, falling to his knees as his head hung, a deep sob tearing from his chest as the void of his missing mate consumed him.
Tipping his head back, his fists clenched as he roared out in pain and rage, the occupants of the castle pausing in breathless empathy and not a little bit of fear at the sound reverberating through the cavernous stone halls.
When the fearsome sound had finally faded, his head slumped forward, his bright hair hanging in his face, his normally proud shoulders rounded as he whispered, “Jasper, where are you? Where are you?”
The silence of the room and in his heart spoke volumes and so, despite his body seeming to feel every one of his years, he arranged himself where he was, crossing his legs and straightening his back. Tipping his chin up, he closed his eyes and began to breathe, taking in slow deep breaths, letting them out just the same as he fell into a deep trance with the ease of centuries of practice.
He felt him almost immediately—the love first, always the love, followed by a deep longing and the new, and now ever-present, current of distress.
Jasper…
Doing his best to stifle his own pain and distress, he focused and sent all the love and longing he could gather, his instincts demanding he comfort his mate, even at distance.
‘I love you, Tesorino… I miss you…’ he repeated like a mantra, finally allowing himself a tiny smile when his mate’s answering joy trickled through.
He’d felt him…
It was nothing like what he was used to, this connection. It was much weaker than usual, and it made him wonder just how far away his beloved Prince was.
With a last deep breath, he sent regret and slowly rose from his trance, blinking his eyes open when full consciousness returned, along with the full force of the pain.
“I will find you, Dolcezza, even if I have to tear the world apart,” he promised, before rising to his feet to shower, a renewed determination powering every step he took.
Caius Volturi had a world to search and nothing—nothing—would stand in his way.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Jasper breathed a shuddering breath as he rose to full consciousness, his heart aching from the obvious pain he felt from Caius, despite his mate doing his best to bury it with more comforting emotions. This was sheer hell, and he had no clue how to fix it—outside of outright rebellion—something he was slowly gathering the will to try.
It was a fight though; for a vampire to go against their Sire was almost impossible—almost.
He knew, with enough of his own will behind it, he probably could, but it would take a lot out of him and he knew he would probably have only one chance. He’d have to make it good.
He had been here two days now and—outside one clothes shopping trip with Esme—had done his best to keep to himself, here in this room. He refused to call it his or make any changes to suit. Such a thing would be like admitting defeat, and he wasn’t willing to do that, even if Esme Cullen was just about the sweetest, most genuine person he’d ever met in all his years.
She was truly a breath of fresh air and he loved being around her for her positive, loving emotions. Another plus was her almost immediate protectiveness over him, something which greatly amused him at first. Then he gave it real thought, and quickly came to realize he could markedly benefit from it by using it as leverage against all the others in the house.
Because when Esme Cullen wanted something, Esme Cullen got it, no questions asked. That was power, something he was very short on at the moment, so he would take it wherever he could find it, even if it was second hand.
Hearing light footfalls, he reached out with his gift and relaxed when he recognized Esme’s emotional signature. A moment later, she knocked lightly. “Jasper, honey? It’s Esme, may I come in?”
“Yeah, sure, go ahead.”
The door opened and she peeked in and smiled. “How are you, sweetheart?” She entered and closed the door, taking a seat at the desk as he shrugged before leaning back against the headboard.
“I’m okay.”
“Good,” she said before peering around the untouched room. “We need to do something in here. You just don’t seem like a floral type of person.” She shot him a tiny smirk and he couldn’t help but smile back at her.
“No, I’m really not,” he agreed, skimming the somewhat frilly decor quickly before looking back at her. “But then again, it’s not really my room. I’m just using it for the time being.”
He felt her sadness and almost regretted saying such a thing. He knew she wanted him to genuinely join their family, but there was just no way—he had a home and a mate…
“I wish you didn’t feel that way, sweetheart, but I know it will take time.”
He scoffed. “Time…” he muttered.
“Alice is a sweet girl and she cares deeply for you…”
His anger spiked but he stifled it before Esme could feel it. “She doesn’t even know me,” he snapped.
She nodded, her gaze fixed to her hands in her lap. “True, but perhaps if you joined us more often? Spent time with the family…?”
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He knew Esme meant well, he could feel that, but she would never understand what was really going on and he could never tell her. He was stuck, and if there was one thing Jasper hated, it was feeling stuck—cornered, with no way out. “Yeah, maybe,” he muttered, rather than argue fruitlessly, or worse yet, risk seeming like a stubborn ass thereby alienating the one person in the house who was somewhat on his side.
“Oh, Jasper, I’m so glad to hear you say that!” He eyed her warily over the spike of excitement he felt rolling off her. She was planning something. He could feel it.
“Why?”
“Because, we’re going to have visitors today, and I really would like you to come down and meet them. They’re lovely people. We consider them cousins not only because they’re very old friends of Carlisle’s but also because they follow the same diet.”
He had to force down a sneer at the mention of their diet. He had tried it the day before and had spent the next hour retching into a bush before Carlisle gave up and gave him a bag of human blood. He vowed to never try it again, much to the coven leader’s chagrin. Worse yet, Jasper could feel that the blond male had taken his vow as something of a challenge, as waves of quiet determination rolled off him when Jasper spoke the words.
“So will you join us?”
He snapped out of his little reverie and shrugged. “I guess so, Esme. I may as well. I have nothing better to do.”
She smiled brightly, and Jasper could tell she was barely stopping herself from hugging him. “Oh, I’m so glad! You won’t regret it, sweetheart and I’m sure they’ll love you.”
He raised a brow and smirked at the mischief coloring her emotions, wondering just what that could be about as she rose and went to the door. “They’ll be here in about an hour dear, just in case you’d like to freshen up and change clothes.”
He grinned. “Sure. What do you think? Should I wear the black, or the black?”
She shot him a smirk he never would’ve guessed sweet Esme was capable of. “I like the black, dear. It brings out your eyes.” With that, she winked and disappeared out the door.
After a hot shower and a change of clothes, all black of course, Jasper made his way down the stairs and into the living room where the Cullens and their ‘cousins’ were gathered, speaking. When he entered, Esme rose and took his hand, leading him over to the new vampires to make introductions. He was just learning the name of the Hispanic couple when he was hit with a wave of lust from three separate females; only his years of experience and control allowing him to block the barrage while looking completely unaffected. “Eleazar, Carmen, this is our newest family member, Jasper Whitlock.”
He shook the male’s hand and gave the female a polite nod. “Pleased to meet you.”
Carlisle then went on to the three females who looked like sisters. Turns out, it was an apt assumption on his part. “Jasper, this is Tanya, Irina, and Kate Denali.”
He gave a regal little bow. “Ladies, a pleasure,” he greeted, feeling an immediate spike of jealousy and anger from Alice seated in an adjacent chair.
“The pleasure’s all ours, I’m sure,” the first—Tanya—purred, her eyes traveling the length of his body before meeting his gaze with a wink.
He smirked. This was nothing new to Jasper, the only difference being the immediate fear flirtatious females always felt when Caius would step forward possessively. His heart clenched at the memories but he smiled politely before taking an open seat to engage one of his favorite past-times—observing.
He was just becoming bored with the small talk when Edward finally entered the room, muttering polite greetings to them all before also seating himself.
The lust now pouring off Tanya was too good to ignore, especially as she continuously eyed the bronze haired male. Said male, meanwhile, was looking like he’d just sucked down a three-day dead squirrel, his wary gaze darting to and from the lascivious female, his distaste for her quite plain.
Jasper fought down his glee at the situation. This was a golden opportunity to screw with the dour vampire and besides, he was bored as fuck, so why not?
With an absent glance out the window, he began to pump lust at the male, subtly at first, then heavier and heavier, until the male was shifting in his seat, his fingers digging into the finely upholstered arms of the chair while his rapidly darkening eyes pinned the pleased looking female. “Edward?” she murmured as her own eyes darkened a shade.
Said male growled lowly and shot from his seat to grab her hand. “Come,” he hissed, stalling the room’s many side conversations at this most unlikely development, as he fairly dragged her from the room and up the stairs.
Jasper, still apparently lost in thought while gazing out the window, shot one last heavy dose of lust at the two and the male quickened his pace to a run, drawing a squeak of surprise from Tanya as she struggled to keep up. Seconds later, a distant door slammed and the sounds of near feral love making filtered down to the stunned gathering.
“Go Tanya,” the one named Kate muttered as her sister, Irina smirked.
“What the hell just happened?!” Rose’s less than tactful mate questioned in the silence, drawing a scoff from his blonde mate.
“I’d think you of all people would know the answer to that, Em, but I’ll clear it up for you just in case. Our prude of a brother just had his century old cherry popped.”
“Rose,” Esme admonished while stifling a giggle behind her hand. “Please, dear, not so coarse on the language.”
Rose shrugged. “I thought it was pretty mild, considering the sounds coming outta that room at the moment.”
“But…but he hates Tanya!”
“Emmett!” Carlisle growled, causing Rose’s mate to cringe and stammer an apology.
“I mean…you know…he hates how she always comes on to him, likes she wants to eat him…shit like that…not that he really hates her personally…or anything…”
“Emmett?”
“Yeah, Rosie?”
“Shut up.”
“No problem.”
Carlisle pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed before looking back at his dear friends. “Please accept my sincere apologies for Emmett’s less than cordial comments. And also for Edward’s out of character behavior. I just don’t know what’s come over him.”
The two sisters waved off his concern but Eleazar looked at him with a frown. “I believe I may have an answer for you about Edward’s sudden lusty condition, Carlisle.”
Carlisle’s brows shot up. “Oh?”
“Yes. It seems your newest member neglected to mention being a powerful empath—the most powerful I’ve ever felt, as a matter of fact, and apparently very skilled at wielding his gift.”
Esme gasped as Carlisle looked at Jasper. “Is this true?”
Jasper shrugged. “I’m an empath, yeah… Not sure I’m the great and powerful Oz your friend is making me out to be, though. I do know I can make a prude horny enough to hump a lamp post, much less a smoking hot blonde.”
Emmett snickered and Rose smirked while Esme covered yet another giggle. Carlisle was less than amused. “Something like this can be likened to rape, son. It can certainly be termed non-consensual.”
Esme gasped at the implication. “Carlisle, no!”
Jasper frowned. “I guarantee he’s enjoying every moment—genuinely. I just gave him a nudge.”
Rose crossed her arms, one brow raised. “He’ll probably be pissed that his precious virtue is gone, that’s true…”
“Virtue…” Emmett scoffed. “I’m surprised he still has a knob to polish the way he and his right hand have gone after it all these years. The boy needed to get laid. It’s way past time.”
“Emmett, please…” Esme muttered.
He shrugged.
“Still,” Carlisle said, his tone displeased, “we’ll be discussing this later, along with the details of your gift and any other surprises you may be hiding.”
Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah? I don’t think so.”
Just then, a bedraggled Edward entered the room, a murderous look in his eyes as he zeroed in on Jasper. “You…outside, now.”
“Edward, no,” Esme said, shooting to her feet to get between the two males as Jasper rose from his seat, a tiny smile quirking his lips and eyes alight with excitement.
“I heard what’s been said down here,” Edward growled. “He used his gift on me! He made me…he made me…”
Emmett rolled his eyes. “Bang a hot chick? Oh, the horror…”
Rose scoffed. “Look who’s crying about someone unfairly using a gift.” She glanced at Jasper. “He’s a mind reader, by the way, so watch your thoughts because he’ll be in your head constantly.”
Jasper’s brows rose. “Why are you telling me this?”
She shrugged. “It’s only fair. I just thought you should know.”
He nodded. “Thanks.”
“Outside! Now!” Edward roared, apparently out of patience.
Esme grabbed Carlisle’s arm. “Talk to him, please Carlisle…” she begged as Edward strode out the front door closely followed by a straight faced Jasper, hands shoved in his jeans pockets.
Carlisle shook his head. “I’ll step in if it gets out of hand, sweetheart. They’re two young males who haven’t yet tested each other. This was bound to happen. Remember when Emmett joined us?”
She heaved a sigh and nodded as they followed everyone out, only now noticing how curiously silent Alice had been. As she watched, her petite daughter stood off by herself, her eyes riveted on the male she’d claimed as her own, not seeming to be nervous at all as he squared off with her lightning fast brother whom even Emmett had yet to best in a fight.
“You’d better stop this if Edward gets carried away, Carlisle,” she pleaded. He smiled and pulled her close.
“Let them get their aggression out, love, then I’ll stop it.” He kissed her temple. “I know you’re worried for Jasper. I won’t let anything happen to him.”
Meanwhile, Eleazar came to stand next to his old friend, watching with interest as the newest Cullen member seemed to take a moment to clear his mind, his breathing slow, deep, and even for a few beats before his eyes snapped open just as Edward lost patience and attacked.
His brows shot up at first, then drew into a frown as the young empath was struck, the blow snapping his head back as his body flew and landed a few feet away. Edward was on him instantly, kicking him in the midsection twice before the blond rolled away with a grunt, an arm holding his ribs as he prepared for the next volley.
It came within seconds as Edward landed an uppercut, knocking Jasper back as Esme cried out, “Carlisle, stop this!”
Eleazar couldn’t help but agree as it seemed the empath was outclassed, not only in speed but skill. This was a one-sided fight if he’d ever seen one.
It was almost as though…
Before he could finish the thought, the empath seemed to morph right before his eyes, his stance now strangely familiar as a grin curved his lips, highlighting a deep dimple in his right cheek.
It was like he’d seen this fighter before, long ago, but he couldn’t place exactly when or where…
Now, with every pass the mind reader made, he took a hit without landing one, no matter how fast he was or how hard he tried. Soon, he was looking much worse for wear and growling in frustration. “Not so easy now, is it, mind reader?” the empath taunted as he spun and twisted, dodging every blow while landing his own strikes with surgical precision—a kidney punch here, an uppercut and a broken nose there—eventually doing significant damage to the slowing Edward.
With one more pass, the mind reader went flying into a tree from a well placed, artfully executed spinning back kick. When he slumped, groaned in pain, and failed to rise immediately, Carlisle stepped up with a raised hand. “All right, you two. This has gone on long enough. Now, shake hands and be done with it.”
Jasper walked to Edward, hand extended to help him rise but Edward ignored it, scowling as he climbed to his feet, with an arm over his own ribs. Jasper cocked a brow, giving the mind reader a pointed look as he waited.
With narrowed eyes, Edward finally shook his hand before wordlessly limping into the house.
“Dude, that was awesome! Can you teach me that spinning kick thing you did?” Emmett enthused with a grin.
Jasper cocked a brow. “Maybe…I don’t know. I’m hoping to not be around that long.”
“I would love to learn it. Maybe I could finally kick Edward’s ass.”
Jasper smirked. “You’d be better off learning to meditate.”
Carlisle exchanged a look with Eleazar before addressing his newest ‘son’. “You took some hard kicks to those ribs. Would you let me look you over?”
Jasper waved off the concern. “Some blood and I’ll be fine.”
Esme stepped forward, no longer able to resist the urge to touch him as she cupped his cheek. “Please, Jasper? At least let him bind them until the blood does its job? I’m sure he’ll be doing the same for Edward.”
He sighed deciding not to be stubborn for the moment. He had to pick his battles because he was certain there would be plenty in the future if he didn’t get out of here soon. “All right, you win.”
She smiled brightly. “Thank you. I’m sure you’ll feel better afterward. Those were some vicious kicks you took,” she chattered while leading him into the house and up the stairs to Carlisle’s office.
Once he was seated on the sofa, she ran her fingers through his hair, trying to tidy the loose curls. “I’ll go get you some blood, dear,” she said before zipping from the room as Carlisle set out the supplies he would need.
“All right. You need to remove your shirt so I can take a look at you.”
Jasper nodded before peeling the tight T over his head. He heard a sharp intake of breath and looked up to find the blond doctor’s eyes locked on his Volturi pendant. “Is that yours, son, or did you perhaps find it somewhere?”
Jasper frowned. “It’s mine,” he said, reaching up to grasp the pendant he hadn’t removed since Caius had placed it on him so long ago. He wished he could blurt out all the details behind that pendant, but he couldn’t, and he looked away, his jaw tight as he once again fought a battle with his emotions.
“How did you come to have it? They don’t make it a habit of giving them to just anyone.”
He pinned Carlisle with an intense look, willing him to see beyond what he couldn’t say. “No, they don’t. It was given to me, and that’s all I can tell you.”
“That’s all you can share? Or all you will share?”
“It’s all I’m able to share,” he clarified.
“I see,” the doctor muttered. “Well then, raise your arms a bit and we’ll get started.”
Jasper’s heart sank at the doctor’s apathetic response, and with a sigh, he complied, staring into the distance as the doctor bound his injured ribs.
He found the whole thing a bit ridiculous, really, especially since he would’ve healed by now if he’d been on fresh human blood. The bagged stuff just wasn’t the same, and he could already see a difference in his healing and strength. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this weak, but knew it would be ten times worse if he ever caved to their animal diet; the main reason—beside the horrid taste—for him to avoid doing so. He also knew his mate wouldn’t be pleased if he found him in such a weakened state.
“All right, I’m done. Once you’ve had some blood, you should heal quickly and be able to remove the binding by this evening.”
Esme knocked and entered then, carrying a large, thermal cup which she handed to him. “Here honey, I heated it for you.”
He cocked a brow and smirked. “Thanks, Esme,” he said before raising it to his lips. He cringed a bit at the chemical taste to it, but downed it anyway. He knew draining any of the local population was an impossibility, especially with how closely they seemed to watch him.
“He’ll probably need one more, love,” Carlisle commented and Jasper nodded as he handed the cup back to her.
“Yes, please.”
She patted his cheek with a smile and he barely avoided rolling his eyes. She was such a…mother, and seemed to want to ‘mother’ him especially for some reason, but again, it served his best interests for the time being, so he tolerated it.
Carlisle smiled. “Well, I’m off to tend to Edward.” He cocked a brow. “I do believe you left him in worse shape than he left you.”
Jasper shrugged. “He started it.”
“Hmm, that’s debatable,” the doctor said while exiting the room. He left the door ajar, and Jasper eyed the quietly humming computer with longing. Just as he was about to approach the desk, Alice walked in and he froze.
“What do you want?”
She shrugged. “Oh, nothing,” she said, her musical voice grating on him for some reason. It wasn’t that it was unpleasant, because it wasn’t. He thought it may be that it was so very unique to her, and her he could not stand, for what she had done and was doing to him. She pinned him with a knowing look. “You weren’t about to email someone, were you Jazzy?”
His lip curled. “No, and don’t call me that.”
“Oh, I think I’ll call you whatever I like.” She met his gaze. “And stay away from the Denali sisters. You’re mine. I won’t share you.” Her eyes ran over his bare torso, lingering on the Volturi pendant. “Why do you still wear that? You should take it off,” she said, her eyes finally flitting back up to his, “especially if you want to keep it.”
She walked to the desk then, picking up a small box which she extended to him. “Carlisle was waiting until the right moment to give you this, but I don’t think he’ll mind.” She waggled it and he took it. “Go ahead, open it.”
With a frown, he opened the hinged box and stared at the heavy, leather wrist band inside. It had a silver crest in the center. “It’s the Cullen crest,” she said as he stared.
He closed the box and tried to hand it back. “I won’t wear another crest. I have a family and it’s their crest I wear. That will never change.”
She smirked. “Oh, I think it will…with time.”
He snarled and tossed the box on the desk. “You underestimate me, seer, and one day, it will be your downfall.” He stepped closer, staring down into her face. “It may not be today, but one day, you’re going to regret having ever seen my face.” He leaned closer, pleased with the fear now leaking from her usually smug emotions. “I look forward to that day.”
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.