A Soul Darkened
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 10:
So here I sit on the Volturi jet once again, bound for El Paso, TX. I'm currently trying to think of a way to talk Demetri into letting me approach Jasper on my own before our whole group descends on them. I can't help but think that would be the best and least confrontational way to do it. At least then, Jasper might be more receptive to what I have to say.
I look over to where Demetri is seated, reading a book. He's been very quiet. We all have been. I think everyone realizes that this part of the mission has the potential to go very bad very quickly if we screw up in any way. Jane's words were not lost on me. I take a breath, let it out and decide to just get this over with.
I approach Demetri and he glances up at me before returning his attention to the book in his lap."Yes Bella? What is it you need?"
I sit in the empty seat next to him. "I need to speak with you. Can we take this in the meeting room in the back though?"
He casts his gaze to me, studying me a moment before nodding and closing his book. We both get up and I follow him to the back. Once in the room with the door closed, we take seats at the table and face each other. He pins me with his gaze, his expression perfectly neutral. "Alright, talk Bella. You have my full attention."
I nod. "Thank you." I look off into the distance for a couple of beats before locking my gaze with his. "I realize that we have unresolved issues that are mostly my fault Demetri, and I wanted to acknowledge that prior to this part of the mission. I don't want anything to jeopardize the success of our task, or the safety of our members."
He dips his in acknowledgement and laces his fingers together in his lap as he leans back in his chair, elbows propped on the armrests. He prompts me with one hand. "Please continue."
I study him for a few moments. God he's gorgeous even when he's pissed at me. Or, gods help me, maybe because he's pissed at me. All regal and sprawled nonchalantly in his chair, eying me with an arrogant air of detachment. I find myself just wanting to straddle him and go for a ride. Just the thought is making me wet and I have to give myself a mental shake to get back to a professional mindset.
I take a big breath while running my hand through my hair. I let it out. "In the hopes of a successful mission with minimal difficulties, I'd like to make a request."
He raises one brow, but otherwise remains unmoved, waiting.
"I want to approach the Whitlock coven on my own, with no back up or interference. I would like a day or two to talk to Jasper Whitlock and explain what's going on and my thoughts and feelings on the issues, especially where his involvement is concerned. I think if I do that, he will be more receptive to accompanying us peacefully back to Italy. He is an empath, and will feel whether I'm being honest with him, which I will be." I cross my legs and sit back in my chair. "So what do you say? Will you grant me that?"
He studies me for a few minutes, saying nothing. He finally looks away and then back at me .
"Against all of my training and personal feelings, I will grant you two days."
I smiled at him but his arrogant mask didn't slip at all. I did, however, see a flicker of something in his eyes. My Demetri was still there, and it gave me hope that once this mission was over, we could get back to each other.
"Thank you for this opportunity. I think it will work out best for all involved."
He got up, headed to the door and stopped before exiting.
"I hope for all our sakes that you're right Isabella. It could be one hell of a mess if you're wrong."
I sagged in my chair after he left. I was all too aware of what a mess it could be, but I was willing to risk myself first before our entire group. But my gut told me that Jasper was reasonable. He would listen and judge rightly. I was banking on it.
We landed in the early evening and got an extra vehicle for me. Demetri put the GPS coordinates into the onboard system, and I was ready to go. Jane was watching us curiously, but made no comment. Demetri was standing at my open car door.
"We will see you in the evening two days from now Isabella. Call if there are any complications. Stay out of Mexico for feeding. There is a coven there that will not hesitate to destroy you even though you are Volturi. You are alone and thus vulnerable."
I nodded. "I will. See you in two days." I smiled and he nodded and closed my door.
I pulled out on the road and felt my heart clench a bit. I was looking forward to this being over. I rolled down the windows as I drove to let in the warm evening desert air. I reached over and turned up the music. 'I Am The Highway' by Audioslave was on. I smiled. One of my favorite songs. I love the lyrics. I tapped the wheel and sang the words.
Before I knew it, the bitch in the box was telling me to turn left onto a very long dirt road. It was pitch black out now. No moon, and no city lights. Jesus, this place was way out. Soon enough though I found myself catching sight of a sprawling desert ranch house with lights twinkling from the windows. On final approach, I could see two tall blond men standing on the front porch waiting.
I pulled up and parked behind a huge four wheel drive pickup, got out of the car, walked a few feet toward the porch and stopped.
I smiled. Believe it or not, I was genuinely glad to see him. While we had not been friends, he had been kind to me during the whole James debacle and my instincts told me that he was an honest, no bullshit kind of man. I liked him, and could easily see us being friends.
"Hello Jasper. Do you remember me?"
I could see his narrowed eyes studying me, probably cataloging my emotions while he was at it. I made sure my shield was down so that he could do just that.
"Bella Swan?"
I could see the moment recognition registered. His eyes widened just a bit, otherwise giving nothing away. His companion glanced quickly at him and then back at me.
"That's me. How are you Jasper?"
I stepped a few feet closer, into the light of the front of the house. I watched his eyes shutter a bit when he took in my Volturi attire and pendant. I wasn't going to hide anything from him. I would have him judge the whole package, not just the easier parts of me to accept. That wouldn't be fair to him.
"You're with the Volturi now Bella?"
I nodded. "I am."
He was looking very cautious now and I could see from the corner of my eye, his companion surveying the surroundings carefully. I was sure they expected more of us, and they were right to, of course. In any other circumstances, the Volturi would never approach a coven such as theirs with less than three of our number; more if Jane or Alec weren't available.
"I am alone, and I'm not here in an aggressive capacity. I just need to talk to you Jasper. I have two days here on my own before the rest of my party joins me. That's the honest truth."
Again he studied me and his companion studied him. After a few moments Jasper spoke.
"You're speaking truth. I feel no deceit. I'll speak with you."
He motioned to the door behind him with one hand. "Won't you come in?"
I smiled and began taking the stairs to the porch. "Thanks for this Jasper."
I made my way into a spacious entryway and stopped to wait on my hosts. Jasper joined me with his companion right behind him.
"Bella Swan, this is my oldest and dearest friend whom I consider my brother, Peter Whitlock. Pete, this is Bella Swan. She used to date Edward when she was human."
Peter was looking at me and now he had a grin on his face that wasn't entirely friendly looking.
"No shit? What the fuck were you thinking sugar?"
I smiled at him maliciously. "Alright, I deserve the shit you can dish over that, but I'll only give you the rest of the evening to get it out of your system. Then we'll take it outside."
I grasped his outstretched hand in a firm shake.
He laughed and turned to Jasper."I think I'm gonna like her." He wandered off down the hall and disappeared.
I smirked and turned back to Jasper who had his brows slightly raised. "Well okay then. Shall we sit?"
I nodded. "Sure. Lead on."
We sat facing each other, him sprawled out in a chair, long legs outstretched and crossed at the ankles, me on the couch. He started.
"So what brings you all the way out here in all your new vampire glory Bella?"
I smiled. "Is it that obvious?"
He nodded. "Yes Ma'am. I can spot a new vampire a mile away. I'd say you're just about a year in."
My brows inched up. "Impressive. You are right of course." I looked down for just a moment, then back at him. "I'm here because of the breach of law committed by the Cullen coven."
I watched as his red eyes darkened a bit along with his expression. "I knew that was gonna be a shit storm eventually."
He looked like he was getting more pissed off by the second so I decided to tell him just why I was here alone for two days. I figured the sooner the better in this case. "Jasper, just give me a minute to explain my solitary presence here before getting too pissed off. Please?
He settled and I saw some of the pent up tension drain from him. "Alright. "I'm listening."
I nodded and began.
"I am here to tell you that I am on your side in this mess Jasper. I know that you wanted to do the right thing all along, and I know that you were out voted and disregarded at every turn. I believe that due to those reasons, Volturi and coven law will protect you. I will do my utmost to see to it. There are no good reasons why you should pay for their stupidity and willful ignorance. Due to coven law, as I'm sure you know, the minute you were outvoted, your hands were tied, even though you wanted to comply with the law."
His brows inched up. "So you're okay with essentially defending the one who would have killed you without a second thought?"
I smiled a cold smile.
"Yes. The law is the law and I understand that. I understood it even when I was human. That's most of my reasoning for literally begging to be turned. The law demanded it. That or death. I knew that with the sheer numbers of individuals that knew of me and their identities, it would only be a matter of time before the Volturi heard of me. I knew that they would come for me and they did."
I grinned evilly and leaned forward. "Guess who finally told them?"
He shrugged. "You were right, it could have been any one of a number of people."
I laughed. "You are gonna love who it was Jasper because it just justifies your wisdom in this whole situation even more."
His eyes got a bit wide before he uttered a name. "Victoria."
I leaned back in my seat and smiled. "Got it in one Mr. Whitlock."
He scowled and ran a hand through his hair. "God Damn it. I told them that bitch shouldn't be left alive, but did they listen? Fuck no. They never did."
I nodded. "I know that Jas, and that's precisely why I am here alone. I am gonna make sure you don't burn for any of this shit, if it's the last thing I do. You don't deserve it."
I grinned maliciously. "We have all the others by the way. They're all occupying the best cells the Volturi dungeons boast."
He looked cautious, as though he was still worried that one of those cells had his name on it. "What about the Denali coven? They knew all about you too."
"Yes, we are aware of them too. Demetri spoke to Eleazar when we were there collecting Alice. He told them to prepare to make the trip to Italy should it come to light that they had knowledge of the breach in the law, and that it would behoove them to make that trip voluntarily. Eleazar said he understood, so we'll just have to wait and see. If they don't show up, it just means more travel for us." I shrugged.
"So basically it's just me that you're waiting on before any trials proceed."
I gazed at him levelly. "Yes."
He leaned forward and ran both hands through his hair clutching the strands for a few moments. "Fuck! I really don't need this shit right now. There couldn't be a worse time for this to happen." He looked up at me. "There's a lot of shit we're going through right now Bella that makes this all very complicated."
I felt my confusion written on my expression. "What's going on, if you don't mind my asking?"
He looked up at me and then relaxed back in his chair again, hands resting on the arms. "Do you know of my past Bella? How and why I was turned?"
I searched my memory and came up with some bare facts about the Civil War and Vampire wars, but that was all and I told him so.
He nodded. "Well you have the basics so I won't bore you with all of the details. My maker, Maria is still active in Mexico. She has always wanted me back, or at the very least to get revenge for my escape. She has been threatening the Whitlock coven ever since learning that I was back with them. This has been since we left Forks. Lately, she's gotten more bold and has been sending scouts here. We know that we probably haven't caught all of them, although the ones we have caught we've destroyed. Long story short, she now has what she considers sufficient numbers to launch an attack and we think it could be any time now."
I smiled at the thought of some action and then laughed a little. He looked like he didn't know whether to be pissed at me or offended. It made me laugh harder.
"I don't know what could possibly be funny in this situation Bella. What the fuck?"
I got my mirth under some control, and looked at him smiling. "I'm sorry Jasper. I guess I should explain my fucked up glee shouldn't I?"
He scowled at me and leaned back heavily in his chair. "Yeah, that would be good."
I guess the laughter drew the curiosity of Pete because he came in holding the hand of a petite blonde vampire and they took a seat on the loveseat, looking on with confusion.
"Okay" I said. "This situation is pretty cool if you ask me because I love to fight. And I know that Felix has been dying for some action too. This mission has been pretty damn boring so far, well with the exception of tearing the hell outta Rosalie, and I'm ready to kick someone's ass." I shrugged. "So I call the rest of the crew out here and when this Maria bitch gets here we have some fun. Problem solved. I'm sure the way Demetri talked about the Mexican coven, that the Volturi wouldn't shed any tears if we took her out, so yeah."
I looked at them all in turn and then back at Jasper. "So what do you say? Want to let us in on the fun?"
Jasper looked over at Peter and they both shrugged at the same time. I had to smile at that because they looked very much alike at that moment. Jasper looked back at me.
"We'll take all the help we can get Bella, though your definition of fun needs further investigation." He smirked at me.
I laughed a bit at that. "Oh Jasper, you have no idea. I'll let you in on a little piece of my history. After you guys left, I took some of the cash that Edward so generously gave me" He laughed. ".....and spent three years becoming a contract killer."
His brows disappeared into his hair. "You're shitting me?"
I shook my head, grinning at him. "No sir. I would not shit you over such a beloved subject. I was very good at my job too, thank you very much."
He was shaking his head in disbelief. "Little, clumsy Bella Swan, the Police Chiefs daughter no less, a contract killer."
He pinned me with his gaze and there was a different light there though I was at a loss as to how to interpret it. Interest maybe? Curiosity definitely. Whatever it was, I couldn't help but notice that the red eyes suited him. I think I preferred them over the gold. They gave him a dangerous edge. I think I shivered a little, and then I realized that we had been staring at each other for some moments.
I mentally shook myself. "So who's good to eat around here? I'm fucking starving. Anyone up for joining me?" I looked at them all.
Pete answered. "Well, Char and I just went yesterday." He shrugged one shoulder and Char, I guess her name was, just nodded.
I looked back at Jasper and he got up and held out a hand to me. "I'll go with you. Show you the good spots." I took his hand and he led me to the front door. "We'll be back in a couple of hours Pete. Keep an eye out."
I heard Pete answer from the room we just left. "Yep, though I don't feel like anything is gonna go down for a couple of days yet."
Jasper was nodding, though Pete couldn't see him. "Yeah, okay. That's good to hear. See ya in a bit."
We headed out toward the cars and I stopped. "We driving or running the whole way?"
He pulled some keys out of his pocket. "We'll take my truck. I'm not really into running everywhere."
I sighed in relief. "Good. I hate running to tell you the truth. Shit gets all over your clothes and it's hell on the shoes too."
He grinned and opened the door to the truck for me. "Yeah it is, and I like these boots so driving it is."
Once in the truck, I looked around inside it. It was nice and rather new, but it was a truck. No Italian leather to be seen anywhere. It was a regular persons type of vehicle and I found that refreshing. Not pretentious at all.
Jasper got in, started it up and pulled out. I glanced over at him. He looked really good. No sweater vest in sight, not to mention loafers. I grinned at the thought and he noticed.
"What's got you grinning and feeling all that mirth Bella?" He looked at me with a smirk.
"Well I was just thinking that you look really good without a sweater vest and loafers Jas."
He groaned and dropped his head then scowled at me. "You had to bring that up didn't ya?"
I laughed. "Hell yes I did. You brought up my clumsiness! It's only fair, and I'm all about being fair Jasper."
His smirk was back. "I'm sure you are Bella. Okay, I'll make you a deal. You never bring up my old wardrobe and I won't speak a word about you tripping over the color in the carpet."
I pretended to think about it. "I don't know Jasper. That's a lot of material I'd be giving up. So I was clumsy, so what? I was human." I eyed him with an evil smirk. "But you, you were a grown ass vampire traipsing around a school in god awful preppy clothes. Jesus, I'm surprised you didn't commit Zippo-cide Jas."
He laughed hard and it was a beautiful sound. I was grinning stupidly. I think his happy vibes were getting to me.
"Oh god Bella, Zippo-cide? Where the hell did you come up with that?"
"The wonderful and strange place that is my mind Jasper. Random shit just roams through it at all times. Like a channel of non stop weird shit. I catalog and keep what I like and let the rest filter through." I shrugged. "It works for me. Really though, that term popped in with the image of the loafers you used to wear."
He looked pained.
"You know, the ones with the tassels?"
He quickly held up a hand. "Yes, I know the one's Bella. I'd rather not dwell."
I laughed and he shot me a dirty look. I patted his arm. "Okay Jas, I'm sorry to bring back such painful memories. I apologize."
He looked somewhat appeased and nodded then glanced at me. "And you won't bring that up any more?"
I eyed him and sighed. "Oh, alright. I can see that this pains you Jas, so I will refrain." I smirked. "But holy shit Jas, they were awful."
He pointed his finger at me with a stern look on his face. I held up both hands and then made a zipping motion on my lips. He nodded.
I glanced at him in curiosity and he must have felt it. "What is it that you want to know Bella?" He looked over at me, waiting.
"Well, I was just wondering about you and Alice. What happened Jas?"
He shot me a glance and sighed. "Well, I had become sick of their shit for a while by the time you showed up on the scene. I really only stayed for the relative peace and safety. You see, as long as I was with them I knew that Maria would leave me alone, so I had sixty years of not having to worry over her, ya know? I guess I could have gotten some help together and gone after her, but I was just so sick of the fighting."
I nodded. I could understand that. He had been in the thick of it for so long, there was no way it could be considered fun for him. Not the way I regarded it now. He'd had a very different life after all.
He continued. "So when all the shit happened and everyone was leaving, I decided it was time to get myself out of their bullshit." He shrugged. "Maybe a little too late, but that's how I felt. I had had it with them not listening to sound advice and allowing Edward to play with humans."
I nodded. "I can understand that. Carlisle certainly isn't a happy vampire these days. Let's just say he's lamenting many of his past decisions."
Jasper nodded. "Yes, I imagine he would be."
Jasper pulled the truck into a parking lot that was half full of restaurant patrons. He got out and came around, opening my door and holding out his hand to me with a smirk. "Shall we dine Miss Swan?"
I took his hand and slid out of the truck. "Why thank you Mr. Whitlock."
We walked around the side of the restaurant and took off down a series of alley ways until we were behind a group of bars. We didn't have long to wait until a guy came out dragging a woman that was crying and struggling. Jasper looked at me and gestured that I should take him. I nodded, and we moved in. Jasper rescued the woman and helped her out of the alley while I pinned the scum bag up against the wall and drained him. I tossed him into a half full dumpster and we settled in to wait on Jasper's meal.
About thirty minutes later a drunk stumbled out into the alley and Jasper quickly snapped his neck and drained him. We added him to the dumpster and lit the thing up and took off.
Once we got back to the main streets we slowed to a walk and Jasper placed my hand in the crook of his arm. I smiled at him and we walked back to the truck. We got back in the truck and Jasper pulled out.
I took a look around the area. "So, El Paso." I looked over at him. "This place is a shit hole Jas."
He laughed. "Yeah it is Bella. But the meals are plentiful and I'm used to Texas, albeit not this part of Texas. I'm from around Houston. It's a very different climate and landscape there."
"So why don't you live there instead?"
He shrugged. "Well, Pete was already here when I left Forks so we just stayed here. It was easy I guess. But yeah, it's a crappy place to live really. Dirty and nasty as far as cities go. Maybe I'll move once all this shit with Maria is over, not to mention the shit I now have to deal with in Italy."
I placed my hand on his arm. "That's only a minor inconvenience to you Jasper, I promise you."
He pulled the truck over and turned to me. "I want to thank you for being willing to help me Bella. You could have left me to my own devices in all of this and for some reason you're not. I can feel that you're sincere in your offer of help and it means a lot to me. I've lived a long time now, but I'm not ready for it to be over yet."
We stared at each other for a moment and that look was back in his eyes.
And then it happened.
He leaned in and caught my lips in a kiss while his hand slipped in behind my head.
I gasped a bit and then the feel of lips on mine registered and my eyes closed.
I didn't think.
I simply felt.
So here I sit on the Volturi jet once again, bound for El Paso, TX. I'm currently trying to think of a way to talk Demetri into letting me approach Jasper on my own before our whole group descends on them. I can't help but think that would be the best and least confrontational way to do it. At least then, Jasper might be more receptive to what I have to say.
I look over to where Demetri is seated, reading a book. He's been very quiet. We all have been. I think everyone realizes that this part of the mission has the potential to go very bad very quickly if we screw up in any way. Jane's words were not lost on me. I take a breath, let it out and decide to just get this over with.
I approach Demetri and he glances up at me before returning his attention to the book in his lap."Yes Bella? What is it you need?"
I sit in the empty seat next to him. "I need to speak with you. Can we take this in the meeting room in the back though?"
He casts his gaze to me, studying me a moment before nodding and closing his book. We both get up and I follow him to the back. Once in the room with the door closed, we take seats at the table and face each other. He pins me with his gaze, his expression perfectly neutral. "Alright, talk Bella. You have my full attention."
I nod. "Thank you." I look off into the distance for a couple of beats before locking my gaze with his. "I realize that we have unresolved issues that are mostly my fault Demetri, and I wanted to acknowledge that prior to this part of the mission. I don't want anything to jeopardize the success of our task, or the safety of our members."
He dips his in acknowledgement and laces his fingers together in his lap as he leans back in his chair, elbows propped on the armrests. He prompts me with one hand. "Please continue."
I study him for a few moments. God he's gorgeous even when he's pissed at me. Or, gods help me, maybe because he's pissed at me. All regal and sprawled nonchalantly in his chair, eying me with an arrogant air of detachment. I find myself just wanting to straddle him and go for a ride. Just the thought is making me wet and I have to give myself a mental shake to get back to a professional mindset.
I take a big breath while running my hand through my hair. I let it out. "In the hopes of a successful mission with minimal difficulties, I'd like to make a request."
He raises one brow, but otherwise remains unmoved, waiting.
"I want to approach the Whitlock coven on my own, with no back up or interference. I would like a day or two to talk to Jasper Whitlock and explain what's going on and my thoughts and feelings on the issues, especially where his involvement is concerned. I think if I do that, he will be more receptive to accompanying us peacefully back to Italy. He is an empath, and will feel whether I'm being honest with him, which I will be." I cross my legs and sit back in my chair. "So what do you say? Will you grant me that?"
He studies me for a few minutes, saying nothing. He finally looks away and then back at me .
"Against all of my training and personal feelings, I will grant you two days."
I smiled at him but his arrogant mask didn't slip at all. I did, however, see a flicker of something in his eyes. My Demetri was still there, and it gave me hope that once this mission was over, we could get back to each other.
"Thank you for this opportunity. I think it will work out best for all involved."
He got up, headed to the door and stopped before exiting.
"I hope for all our sakes that you're right Isabella. It could be one hell of a mess if you're wrong."
I sagged in my chair after he left. I was all too aware of what a mess it could be, but I was willing to risk myself first before our entire group. But my gut told me that Jasper was reasonable. He would listen and judge rightly. I was banking on it.
We landed in the early evening and got an extra vehicle for me. Demetri put the GPS coordinates into the onboard system, and I was ready to go. Jane was watching us curiously, but made no comment. Demetri was standing at my open car door.
"We will see you in the evening two days from now Isabella. Call if there are any complications. Stay out of Mexico for feeding. There is a coven there that will not hesitate to destroy you even though you are Volturi. You are alone and thus vulnerable."
I nodded. "I will. See you in two days." I smiled and he nodded and closed my door.
I pulled out on the road and felt my heart clench a bit. I was looking forward to this being over. I rolled down the windows as I drove to let in the warm evening desert air. I reached over and turned up the music. 'I Am The Highway' by Audioslave was on. I smiled. One of my favorite songs. I love the lyrics. I tapped the wheel and sang the words.
Before I knew it, the bitch in the box was telling me to turn left onto a very long dirt road. It was pitch black out now. No moon, and no city lights. Jesus, this place was way out. Soon enough though I found myself catching sight of a sprawling desert ranch house with lights twinkling from the windows. On final approach, I could see two tall blond men standing on the front porch waiting.
I pulled up and parked behind a huge four wheel drive pickup, got out of the car, walked a few feet toward the porch and stopped.
I smiled. Believe it or not, I was genuinely glad to see him. While we had not been friends, he had been kind to me during the whole James debacle and my instincts told me that he was an honest, no bullshit kind of man. I liked him, and could easily see us being friends.
"Hello Jasper. Do you remember me?"
I could see his narrowed eyes studying me, probably cataloging my emotions while he was at it. I made sure my shield was down so that he could do just that.
"Bella Swan?"
I could see the moment recognition registered. His eyes widened just a bit, otherwise giving nothing away. His companion glanced quickly at him and then back at me.
"That's me. How are you Jasper?"
I stepped a few feet closer, into the light of the front of the house. I watched his eyes shutter a bit when he took in my Volturi attire and pendant. I wasn't going to hide anything from him. I would have him judge the whole package, not just the easier parts of me to accept. That wouldn't be fair to him.
"You're with the Volturi now Bella?"
I nodded. "I am."
He was looking very cautious now and I could see from the corner of my eye, his companion surveying the surroundings carefully. I was sure they expected more of us, and they were right to, of course. In any other circumstances, the Volturi would never approach a coven such as theirs with less than three of our number; more if Jane or Alec weren't available.
"I am alone, and I'm not here in an aggressive capacity. I just need to talk to you Jasper. I have two days here on my own before the rest of my party joins me. That's the honest truth."
Again he studied me and his companion studied him. After a few moments Jasper spoke.
"You're speaking truth. I feel no deceit. I'll speak with you."
He motioned to the door behind him with one hand. "Won't you come in?"
I smiled and began taking the stairs to the porch. "Thanks for this Jasper."
I made my way into a spacious entryway and stopped to wait on my hosts. Jasper joined me with his companion right behind him.
"Bella Swan, this is my oldest and dearest friend whom I consider my brother, Peter Whitlock. Pete, this is Bella Swan. She used to date Edward when she was human."
Peter was looking at me and now he had a grin on his face that wasn't entirely friendly looking.
"No shit? What the fuck were you thinking sugar?"
I smiled at him maliciously. "Alright, I deserve the shit you can dish over that, but I'll only give you the rest of the evening to get it out of your system. Then we'll take it outside."
I grasped his outstretched hand in a firm shake.
He laughed and turned to Jasper."I think I'm gonna like her." He wandered off down the hall and disappeared.
I smirked and turned back to Jasper who had his brows slightly raised. "Well okay then. Shall we sit?"
I nodded. "Sure. Lead on."
We sat facing each other, him sprawled out in a chair, long legs outstretched and crossed at the ankles, me on the couch. He started.
"So what brings you all the way out here in all your new vampire glory Bella?"
I smiled. "Is it that obvious?"
He nodded. "Yes Ma'am. I can spot a new vampire a mile away. I'd say you're just about a year in."
My brows inched up. "Impressive. You are right of course." I looked down for just a moment, then back at him. "I'm here because of the breach of law committed by the Cullen coven."
I watched as his red eyes darkened a bit along with his expression. "I knew that was gonna be a shit storm eventually."
He looked like he was getting more pissed off by the second so I decided to tell him just why I was here alone for two days. I figured the sooner the better in this case. "Jasper, just give me a minute to explain my solitary presence here before getting too pissed off. Please?
He settled and I saw some of the pent up tension drain from him. "Alright. "I'm listening."
I nodded and began.
"I am here to tell you that I am on your side in this mess Jasper. I know that you wanted to do the right thing all along, and I know that you were out voted and disregarded at every turn. I believe that due to those reasons, Volturi and coven law will protect you. I will do my utmost to see to it. There are no good reasons why you should pay for their stupidity and willful ignorance. Due to coven law, as I'm sure you know, the minute you were outvoted, your hands were tied, even though you wanted to comply with the law."
His brows inched up. "So you're okay with essentially defending the one who would have killed you without a second thought?"
I smiled a cold smile.
"Yes. The law is the law and I understand that. I understood it even when I was human. That's most of my reasoning for literally begging to be turned. The law demanded it. That or death. I knew that with the sheer numbers of individuals that knew of me and their identities, it would only be a matter of time before the Volturi heard of me. I knew that they would come for me and they did."
I grinned evilly and leaned forward. "Guess who finally told them?"
He shrugged. "You were right, it could have been any one of a number of people."
I laughed. "You are gonna love who it was Jasper because it just justifies your wisdom in this whole situation even more."
His eyes got a bit wide before he uttered a name. "Victoria."
I leaned back in my seat and smiled. "Got it in one Mr. Whitlock."
He scowled and ran a hand through his hair. "God Damn it. I told them that bitch shouldn't be left alive, but did they listen? Fuck no. They never did."
I nodded. "I know that Jas, and that's precisely why I am here alone. I am gonna make sure you don't burn for any of this shit, if it's the last thing I do. You don't deserve it."
I grinned maliciously. "We have all the others by the way. They're all occupying the best cells the Volturi dungeons boast."
He looked cautious, as though he was still worried that one of those cells had his name on it. "What about the Denali coven? They knew all about you too."
"Yes, we are aware of them too. Demetri spoke to Eleazar when we were there collecting Alice. He told them to prepare to make the trip to Italy should it come to light that they had knowledge of the breach in the law, and that it would behoove them to make that trip voluntarily. Eleazar said he understood, so we'll just have to wait and see. If they don't show up, it just means more travel for us." I shrugged.
"So basically it's just me that you're waiting on before any trials proceed."
I gazed at him levelly. "Yes."
He leaned forward and ran both hands through his hair clutching the strands for a few moments. "Fuck! I really don't need this shit right now. There couldn't be a worse time for this to happen." He looked up at me. "There's a lot of shit we're going through right now Bella that makes this all very complicated."
I felt my confusion written on my expression. "What's going on, if you don't mind my asking?"
He looked up at me and then relaxed back in his chair again, hands resting on the arms. "Do you know of my past Bella? How and why I was turned?"
I searched my memory and came up with some bare facts about the Civil War and Vampire wars, but that was all and I told him so.
He nodded. "Well you have the basics so I won't bore you with all of the details. My maker, Maria is still active in Mexico. She has always wanted me back, or at the very least to get revenge for my escape. She has been threatening the Whitlock coven ever since learning that I was back with them. This has been since we left Forks. Lately, she's gotten more bold and has been sending scouts here. We know that we probably haven't caught all of them, although the ones we have caught we've destroyed. Long story short, she now has what she considers sufficient numbers to launch an attack and we think it could be any time now."
I smiled at the thought of some action and then laughed a little. He looked like he didn't know whether to be pissed at me or offended. It made me laugh harder.
"I don't know what could possibly be funny in this situation Bella. What the fuck?"
I got my mirth under some control, and looked at him smiling. "I'm sorry Jasper. I guess I should explain my fucked up glee shouldn't I?"
He scowled at me and leaned back heavily in his chair. "Yeah, that would be good."
I guess the laughter drew the curiosity of Pete because he came in holding the hand of a petite blonde vampire and they took a seat on the loveseat, looking on with confusion.
"Okay" I said. "This situation is pretty cool if you ask me because I love to fight. And I know that Felix has been dying for some action too. This mission has been pretty damn boring so far, well with the exception of tearing the hell outta Rosalie, and I'm ready to kick someone's ass." I shrugged. "So I call the rest of the crew out here and when this Maria bitch gets here we have some fun. Problem solved. I'm sure the way Demetri talked about the Mexican coven, that the Volturi wouldn't shed any tears if we took her out, so yeah."
I looked at them all in turn and then back at Jasper. "So what do you say? Want to let us in on the fun?"
Jasper looked over at Peter and they both shrugged at the same time. I had to smile at that because they looked very much alike at that moment. Jasper looked back at me.
"We'll take all the help we can get Bella, though your definition of fun needs further investigation." He smirked at me.
I laughed a bit at that. "Oh Jasper, you have no idea. I'll let you in on a little piece of my history. After you guys left, I took some of the cash that Edward so generously gave me" He laughed. ".....and spent three years becoming a contract killer."
His brows disappeared into his hair. "You're shitting me?"
I shook my head, grinning at him. "No sir. I would not shit you over such a beloved subject. I was very good at my job too, thank you very much."
He was shaking his head in disbelief. "Little, clumsy Bella Swan, the Police Chiefs daughter no less, a contract killer."
He pinned me with his gaze and there was a different light there though I was at a loss as to how to interpret it. Interest maybe? Curiosity definitely. Whatever it was, I couldn't help but notice that the red eyes suited him. I think I preferred them over the gold. They gave him a dangerous edge. I think I shivered a little, and then I realized that we had been staring at each other for some moments.
I mentally shook myself. "So who's good to eat around here? I'm fucking starving. Anyone up for joining me?" I looked at them all.
Pete answered. "Well, Char and I just went yesterday." He shrugged one shoulder and Char, I guess her name was, just nodded.
I looked back at Jasper and he got up and held out a hand to me. "I'll go with you. Show you the good spots." I took his hand and he led me to the front door. "We'll be back in a couple of hours Pete. Keep an eye out."
I heard Pete answer from the room we just left. "Yep, though I don't feel like anything is gonna go down for a couple of days yet."
Jasper was nodding, though Pete couldn't see him. "Yeah, okay. That's good to hear. See ya in a bit."
We headed out toward the cars and I stopped. "We driving or running the whole way?"
He pulled some keys out of his pocket. "We'll take my truck. I'm not really into running everywhere."
I sighed in relief. "Good. I hate running to tell you the truth. Shit gets all over your clothes and it's hell on the shoes too."
He grinned and opened the door to the truck for me. "Yeah it is, and I like these boots so driving it is."
Once in the truck, I looked around inside it. It was nice and rather new, but it was a truck. No Italian leather to be seen anywhere. It was a regular persons type of vehicle and I found that refreshing. Not pretentious at all.
Jasper got in, started it up and pulled out. I glanced over at him. He looked really good. No sweater vest in sight, not to mention loafers. I grinned at the thought and he noticed.
"What's got you grinning and feeling all that mirth Bella?" He looked at me with a smirk.
"Well I was just thinking that you look really good without a sweater vest and loafers Jas."
He groaned and dropped his head then scowled at me. "You had to bring that up didn't ya?"
I laughed. "Hell yes I did. You brought up my clumsiness! It's only fair, and I'm all about being fair Jasper."
His smirk was back. "I'm sure you are Bella. Okay, I'll make you a deal. You never bring up my old wardrobe and I won't speak a word about you tripping over the color in the carpet."
I pretended to think about it. "I don't know Jasper. That's a lot of material I'd be giving up. So I was clumsy, so what? I was human." I eyed him with an evil smirk. "But you, you were a grown ass vampire traipsing around a school in god awful preppy clothes. Jesus, I'm surprised you didn't commit Zippo-cide Jas."
He laughed hard and it was a beautiful sound. I was grinning stupidly. I think his happy vibes were getting to me.
"Oh god Bella, Zippo-cide? Where the hell did you come up with that?"
"The wonderful and strange place that is my mind Jasper. Random shit just roams through it at all times. Like a channel of non stop weird shit. I catalog and keep what I like and let the rest filter through." I shrugged. "It works for me. Really though, that term popped in with the image of the loafers you used to wear."
He looked pained.
"You know, the ones with the tassels?"
He quickly held up a hand. "Yes, I know the one's Bella. I'd rather not dwell."
I laughed and he shot me a dirty look. I patted his arm. "Okay Jas, I'm sorry to bring back such painful memories. I apologize."
He looked somewhat appeased and nodded then glanced at me. "And you won't bring that up any more?"
I eyed him and sighed. "Oh, alright. I can see that this pains you Jas, so I will refrain." I smirked. "But holy shit Jas, they were awful."
He pointed his finger at me with a stern look on his face. I held up both hands and then made a zipping motion on my lips. He nodded.
I glanced at him in curiosity and he must have felt it. "What is it that you want to know Bella?" He looked over at me, waiting.
"Well, I was just wondering about you and Alice. What happened Jas?"
He shot me a glance and sighed. "Well, I had become sick of their shit for a while by the time you showed up on the scene. I really only stayed for the relative peace and safety. You see, as long as I was with them I knew that Maria would leave me alone, so I had sixty years of not having to worry over her, ya know? I guess I could have gotten some help together and gone after her, but I was just so sick of the fighting."
I nodded. I could understand that. He had been in the thick of it for so long, there was no way it could be considered fun for him. Not the way I regarded it now. He'd had a very different life after all.
He continued. "So when all the shit happened and everyone was leaving, I decided it was time to get myself out of their bullshit." He shrugged. "Maybe a little too late, but that's how I felt. I had had it with them not listening to sound advice and allowing Edward to play with humans."
I nodded. "I can understand that. Carlisle certainly isn't a happy vampire these days. Let's just say he's lamenting many of his past decisions."
Jasper nodded. "Yes, I imagine he would be."
Jasper pulled the truck into a parking lot that was half full of restaurant patrons. He got out and came around, opening my door and holding out his hand to me with a smirk. "Shall we dine Miss Swan?"
I took his hand and slid out of the truck. "Why thank you Mr. Whitlock."
We walked around the side of the restaurant and took off down a series of alley ways until we were behind a group of bars. We didn't have long to wait until a guy came out dragging a woman that was crying and struggling. Jasper looked at me and gestured that I should take him. I nodded, and we moved in. Jasper rescued the woman and helped her out of the alley while I pinned the scum bag up against the wall and drained him. I tossed him into a half full dumpster and we settled in to wait on Jasper's meal.
About thirty minutes later a drunk stumbled out into the alley and Jasper quickly snapped his neck and drained him. We added him to the dumpster and lit the thing up and took off.
Once we got back to the main streets we slowed to a walk and Jasper placed my hand in the crook of his arm. I smiled at him and we walked back to the truck. We got back in the truck and Jasper pulled out.
I took a look around the area. "So, El Paso." I looked over at him. "This place is a shit hole Jas."
He laughed. "Yeah it is Bella. But the meals are plentiful and I'm used to Texas, albeit not this part of Texas. I'm from around Houston. It's a very different climate and landscape there."
"So why don't you live there instead?"
He shrugged. "Well, Pete was already here when I left Forks so we just stayed here. It was easy I guess. But yeah, it's a crappy place to live really. Dirty and nasty as far as cities go. Maybe I'll move once all this shit with Maria is over, not to mention the shit I now have to deal with in Italy."
I placed my hand on his arm. "That's only a minor inconvenience to you Jasper, I promise you."
He pulled the truck over and turned to me. "I want to thank you for being willing to help me Bella. You could have left me to my own devices in all of this and for some reason you're not. I can feel that you're sincere in your offer of help and it means a lot to me. I've lived a long time now, but I'm not ready for it to be over yet."
We stared at each other for a moment and that look was back in his eyes.
And then it happened.
He leaned in and caught my lips in a kiss while his hand slipped in behind my head.
I gasped a bit and then the feel of lips on mine registered and my eyes closed.
I didn't think.
I simply felt.
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