Breaking Free
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 06
Marcus made his way over to the three Cullen's, one of whom he now knew to be his mate. Outwardly he may have been calm, but inside, his mind was still reeling with the knowledge. Another mate in this existence! What a blessing after all these many years.
Now that he was standing before her, he held out his hand and she took it with a shy smile as he bowed, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "Please grant me the pleasure of your company during the flight?"
She nodded and replied quietly. "I would love that, thank you."
He offered his arm and she took it with a shy smile as he escorted her into the jet while Emmett and Rosalie exchanged surprised looks.
"Well I'll be damned."
Rose rolled her eyes, tugging on Emmett's hand as she replied. "Not a good expression for a vampire to use Em."
He grinned. "I see what you did there."
The flight was a long one and Bella only awoke once to feed which Jasper was thankful for. Due to all the activity and excitement, he hadn't been able to feed and supporting his mate was now taking a toll on him. He wasn't so weak that he couldn't defend himself or his mate, but he wasn't in top form either and that bothered him. He would have to feed as soon as possible once they arrived at the castle.
They had landed minutes ago and he now waited for Pete to give him the all clear so that he could leave the plane and get into a vehicle.
Finally Pete knocked on the door and he came out slowly, all of his senses on high alert. It was because of this that he picked up waves of hatred just as he placed his mate in the back seat of the SUV they were assigned.
Once he had her in the truck, he closed the door and spun toward the malevolent feelings, pinpointing the guilty party instantly.
"Captain, my mate."
Pete had seen the Major pin the vampire with his black gaze and knew something was up.
"We'll protect her Major."
Jasper flew at the vampire causing gasps and cries of surprise from all who were gathered on the tarmac. The vampire in question fought as well as he could but he was no match for the Major, who took him apart piece by piece until all that was left intact was a torso and head.
Aro approached when the fight was over. "Major? What happened?"
"He was filled with hatred and he was boring holes in my back as I put my mate in the truck. My experience tells me that a vampire that feels that way is gonna try to do something about it sooner or later. I decided he wasn't gettin' that chance. I won't be fucked with ever again Aro. That's all there is to it."
Aro nodded. "Well, he's a relatively new guard to us, and I had yet to read him." He gestured to the moaning torso. "With your permission Major?"
Jasper stepped aside. "Of course. I'll be interested to hear what you discover, after I get my mate in the castle and settled. I need to feed soon also."
Aro nodded. "Of course Major Whitlock. Perfectly understandable. I'll have the guards clean this up and we'll meet you back at the castle. Alec and Jane know where your quarters are and will show you to them."
"Thank you my King. That's very kind of you." Jasper inclined his head and went back to the SUV.
When they arrived at the castle, Jane and Alec escorted them through the royal entrance. Pete let out a low whistle when he noticed that Jasper's quarters were in the royal wing itself. Alec grinned at him. "I see that you're impressed by the Major's quarters Captain Whitlock. You are justified to be so. These are the fourth King's quarters you see."
Pete's brows rose as Jasper moved into the main bedroom to settle his mate, Charlotte following. "Fourth King?"
Jane turned to him, her expression flat. "Yes. The Kings have been watching and assessing certain vampires for years, looking for a fourth King. It seems that they have found him, that is, if he'll accept."
Pete shook his head, stunned at this development. His Major, a King? He certainly had the abilities for the appointment, but would he desire it? That remained to be seen.
Jasper came from the bedroom, addressing the twins. "I would like to feed before doing anything else."
They bowed to him. "Of course Major. This way please."
After feeding, Pete rejoined him and they made their way to the throne room to hear what Aro had discovered from the hostile vampire.
"Ah! Major, just in time!" He gestured at a guard. "Bring the torso please."
When it was placed on the floor in front of him, Aro reached down and touched it with a finger, staring off into the distance for moments. He straightened with a look of disgust on his face.
"Well, it seems that long ago, he was a member of a coven involved in your southern wars Major. A rival coven to yours." He gestured at the torso. "This vampire watched as you slew his newborn mate in a battle. He was hiding in the trees, coward that he is, or was rather." He finished with a smirk. "That's not the most interesting part, however. It seems that he was recruited by our dear friends, the Romanians a few years ago, and he joined our ranks under false pretenses."
Aro looked to Demetri who was Captain of the Guard. "Demetri, it seems it's time that I do a reading of the ranks. Assemble everyone, and I do mean everyone. If I need to read them in shifts, I will, but every soul in this castle will be read. We have too much at stake to allow spies in our midst."
Demetri bowed. "Yes my King."
Jasper turned to the Kings. "I would like to stay and help assess the ranks. It will be a perfect opportunity to see each one and get a feel for them since I have agreed to train them."
Caius spoke. "Of course Major Whitlock. We are delighted at your eagerness to involve yourself in the operations here. We've had a need for someone of your considerable talents for some time now, and we are honored by your presence."
Aro and Marcus both nodded their agreement and Aro waved Felix to him, speaking quietly. Felix bowed and left through a side door just as Aro spoke, a secretive smirk on his face. "I sent him to retrieve a seat for you Major. I hope that's all right?"
"Of course. I appreciate the hospitality."
Again, Caius answered. "It's our pleasure Major."
Jasper's eyes widened as Felix returned, carrying what could only be described as a throne. He was even more shocked and confused when the Aro shifted over and made room between his throne and Caius'.
Aro turned to Jasper with a smile. "I thought that you may enjoy sitting next to Caius as he is our war tactician.
I'm certain that the two of you have much in common."
Jasper stood straight, hands clasped at the small of his back, a serious, if somewhat suspicious expression on his face. "How certain Aro?"
Aro smiled sheepishly. "Well Major, we have been searching for a vampire with certain qualities for a very long time now and I know I speak for the three of us when I say that we have finally found him! That vampire is you Major, and we would be honored if you would consider joining us in the ruling of the vampire world."
Jasper was stunned speechless. He'd thought that the quarters he was placed in was just a courtesy. Now, he knew better.
"You want me to rule with you?" Jasper's brow was furrowed, his gaze intense.
Marcus, seeing the Major's suspicious reluctance, spoke. "This is no trick or trap Major Whitlock, but an honest offer. One which you may freely decline and we will wish you well. We would be greatly disappointed, of course, but the choice is yours and no one here will try to trap or force you. May I also say that your caution is completely understandable due to your past. We do not begrudge you that."
Jasper inclined his head. "You have my thanks for your generous understanding. I will have to take some time to consider your offer. I have a mate and two babies to think about, so it may take some time."
Aro waved a hand lazily. "Take all the time you need Major. We await eagerly but patiently. In the mean time, you may want to come and sit. I hear the guards approaching."
They went through the ranks in three shifts, with the exception of those few who were currently deployed in the field.
Amongst a count of just over three hundred, they found four more spies, who were promptly read and destroyed.
The Major was crucial in the process as he felt the nervousness and deceit before Aro ever touched them, so the process went quickly.
"Major, I want to thank you for your invaluable help today.", Aro said as he rubbed his temples. "I don't get headaches, but processing the reading of so many is a disconcerting undertaking, to say the least."
Jasper nodded. "I can only imagine. Their emotions are difficult to block completely too. When I was on that cursed animal diet, it was impossible to block anything." He snarled.
Caius scoffed. "I am convinced such a diet addles the brain. No offense meant to you Major."
"None taken Caius, as I wasn't on it willingly and you're correct in your assessment. It dulls the instincts too. Which reminds me, we still have the Denali coven to deal with. They came and took Edward Cullen before my Captain could get out there to collect his pieces. It would be interesting to see just what the little prick knows and how involved he is."
Aro nodded. "I agree with you Major and now that we have assessed the ranks, I shall send Demetri and a contingent out to go retrieve all of them. We know that Eleazar was involved, but I doubt he'll run. He knows well the talents of Demetri and that running would be entirely futile."
Marcus made his way over to the three Cullen's, one of whom he now knew to be his mate. Outwardly he may have been calm, but inside, his mind was still reeling with the knowledge. Another mate in this existence! What a blessing after all these many years.
Now that he was standing before her, he held out his hand and she took it with a shy smile as he bowed, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "Please grant me the pleasure of your company during the flight?"
She nodded and replied quietly. "I would love that, thank you."
He offered his arm and she took it with a shy smile as he escorted her into the jet while Emmett and Rosalie exchanged surprised looks.
"Well I'll be damned."
Rose rolled her eyes, tugging on Emmett's hand as she replied. "Not a good expression for a vampire to use Em."
He grinned. "I see what you did there."
The flight was a long one and Bella only awoke once to feed which Jasper was thankful for. Due to all the activity and excitement, he hadn't been able to feed and supporting his mate was now taking a toll on him. He wasn't so weak that he couldn't defend himself or his mate, but he wasn't in top form either and that bothered him. He would have to feed as soon as possible once they arrived at the castle.
They had landed minutes ago and he now waited for Pete to give him the all clear so that he could leave the plane and get into a vehicle.
Finally Pete knocked on the door and he came out slowly, all of his senses on high alert. It was because of this that he picked up waves of hatred just as he placed his mate in the back seat of the SUV they were assigned.
Once he had her in the truck, he closed the door and spun toward the malevolent feelings, pinpointing the guilty party instantly.
"Captain, my mate."
Pete had seen the Major pin the vampire with his black gaze and knew something was up.
"We'll protect her Major."
Jasper flew at the vampire causing gasps and cries of surprise from all who were gathered on the tarmac. The vampire in question fought as well as he could but he was no match for the Major, who took him apart piece by piece until all that was left intact was a torso and head.
Aro approached when the fight was over. "Major? What happened?"
"He was filled with hatred and he was boring holes in my back as I put my mate in the truck. My experience tells me that a vampire that feels that way is gonna try to do something about it sooner or later. I decided he wasn't gettin' that chance. I won't be fucked with ever again Aro. That's all there is to it."
Aro nodded. "Well, he's a relatively new guard to us, and I had yet to read him." He gestured to the moaning torso. "With your permission Major?"
Jasper stepped aside. "Of course. I'll be interested to hear what you discover, after I get my mate in the castle and settled. I need to feed soon also."
Aro nodded. "Of course Major Whitlock. Perfectly understandable. I'll have the guards clean this up and we'll meet you back at the castle. Alec and Jane know where your quarters are and will show you to them."
"Thank you my King. That's very kind of you." Jasper inclined his head and went back to the SUV.
When they arrived at the castle, Jane and Alec escorted them through the royal entrance. Pete let out a low whistle when he noticed that Jasper's quarters were in the royal wing itself. Alec grinned at him. "I see that you're impressed by the Major's quarters Captain Whitlock. You are justified to be so. These are the fourth King's quarters you see."
Pete's brows rose as Jasper moved into the main bedroom to settle his mate, Charlotte following. "Fourth King?"
Jane turned to him, her expression flat. "Yes. The Kings have been watching and assessing certain vampires for years, looking for a fourth King. It seems that they have found him, that is, if he'll accept."
Pete shook his head, stunned at this development. His Major, a King? He certainly had the abilities for the appointment, but would he desire it? That remained to be seen.
Jasper came from the bedroom, addressing the twins. "I would like to feed before doing anything else."
They bowed to him. "Of course Major. This way please."
After feeding, Pete rejoined him and they made their way to the throne room to hear what Aro had discovered from the hostile vampire.
"Ah! Major, just in time!" He gestured at a guard. "Bring the torso please."
When it was placed on the floor in front of him, Aro reached down and touched it with a finger, staring off into the distance for moments. He straightened with a look of disgust on his face.
"Well, it seems that long ago, he was a member of a coven involved in your southern wars Major. A rival coven to yours." He gestured at the torso. "This vampire watched as you slew his newborn mate in a battle. He was hiding in the trees, coward that he is, or was rather." He finished with a smirk. "That's not the most interesting part, however. It seems that he was recruited by our dear friends, the Romanians a few years ago, and he joined our ranks under false pretenses."
Aro looked to Demetri who was Captain of the Guard. "Demetri, it seems it's time that I do a reading of the ranks. Assemble everyone, and I do mean everyone. If I need to read them in shifts, I will, but every soul in this castle will be read. We have too much at stake to allow spies in our midst."
Demetri bowed. "Yes my King."
Jasper turned to the Kings. "I would like to stay and help assess the ranks. It will be a perfect opportunity to see each one and get a feel for them since I have agreed to train them."
Caius spoke. "Of course Major Whitlock. We are delighted at your eagerness to involve yourself in the operations here. We've had a need for someone of your considerable talents for some time now, and we are honored by your presence."
Aro and Marcus both nodded their agreement and Aro waved Felix to him, speaking quietly. Felix bowed and left through a side door just as Aro spoke, a secretive smirk on his face. "I sent him to retrieve a seat for you Major. I hope that's all right?"
"Of course. I appreciate the hospitality."
Again, Caius answered. "It's our pleasure Major."
Jasper's eyes widened as Felix returned, carrying what could only be described as a throne. He was even more shocked and confused when the Aro shifted over and made room between his throne and Caius'.
Aro turned to Jasper with a smile. "I thought that you may enjoy sitting next to Caius as he is our war tactician.
I'm certain that the two of you have much in common."
Jasper stood straight, hands clasped at the small of his back, a serious, if somewhat suspicious expression on his face. "How certain Aro?"
Aro smiled sheepishly. "Well Major, we have been searching for a vampire with certain qualities for a very long time now and I know I speak for the three of us when I say that we have finally found him! That vampire is you Major, and we would be honored if you would consider joining us in the ruling of the vampire world."
Jasper was stunned speechless. He'd thought that the quarters he was placed in was just a courtesy. Now, he knew better.
"You want me to rule with you?" Jasper's brow was furrowed, his gaze intense.
Marcus, seeing the Major's suspicious reluctance, spoke. "This is no trick or trap Major Whitlock, but an honest offer. One which you may freely decline and we will wish you well. We would be greatly disappointed, of course, but the choice is yours and no one here will try to trap or force you. May I also say that your caution is completely understandable due to your past. We do not begrudge you that."
Jasper inclined his head. "You have my thanks for your generous understanding. I will have to take some time to consider your offer. I have a mate and two babies to think about, so it may take some time."
Aro waved a hand lazily. "Take all the time you need Major. We await eagerly but patiently. In the mean time, you may want to come and sit. I hear the guards approaching."
They went through the ranks in three shifts, with the exception of those few who were currently deployed in the field.
Amongst a count of just over three hundred, they found four more spies, who were promptly read and destroyed.
The Major was crucial in the process as he felt the nervousness and deceit before Aro ever touched them, so the process went quickly.
"Major, I want to thank you for your invaluable help today.", Aro said as he rubbed his temples. "I don't get headaches, but processing the reading of so many is a disconcerting undertaking, to say the least."
Jasper nodded. "I can only imagine. Their emotions are difficult to block completely too. When I was on that cursed animal diet, it was impossible to block anything." He snarled.
Caius scoffed. "I am convinced such a diet addles the brain. No offense meant to you Major."
"None taken Caius, as I wasn't on it willingly and you're correct in your assessment. It dulls the instincts too. Which reminds me, we still have the Denali coven to deal with. They came and took Edward Cullen before my Captain could get out there to collect his pieces. It would be interesting to see just what the little prick knows and how involved he is."
Aro nodded. "I agree with you Major and now that we have assessed the ranks, I shall send Demetri and a contingent out to go retrieve all of them. We know that Eleazar was involved, but I doubt he'll run. He knows well the talents of Demetri and that running would be entirely futile."
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