The Descent
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 2
He grasped my hand gently and helped me to my feet and I must admit, his tender manner shocked me. I was just a meal, after all. My puzzlement must have shown plainly as he smiled and caressed my cheek once more as he spoke. "My dear Bella, did you expect that I would ravage you?"
My brow pinched as I nodded and he laughed lightly. "No sweet Bella. You see, during my long life, I have always had to terrorize and take that which you now freely offer, do you understand? I view this as a gift; a very rare and precious gift. Why would I abuse the giver?"
I met his eyes and we studied each other for moments. It was in these moments that I realized a new respect for the vampire in front of me. "I believe I do understand, Laurent."
He smiled. "Yes, I can see it in your eyes sweet Bella. You are an old soul; wise beyond your years. You would make an exceptional immortal. It's a shame you seek the final death…"
My heart lurched, my breath hitching with it and he glanced at me sharply, curiosity plain in his expression.
"What's this? Your heart is racing sweet one. Does this mean you do desire immortality?"
I looked down and watched as blood slowly dripped from the tips of my fingers. This is what I wanted. I had schemed to get it. There was only one problem; Jake. What I had planned to be my salvation could now become a huge complication. Making up my mind in an instant, I raised my head and nodded. "Yes Laurent, I do. Are you offering?"
"Hell will freeze over solid before I allow another vampire to change ya."
Laurent spun around with a hiss and it was then I noticed Jasper, casually leaning against a nearby tree, his lethal black eyes glittering like faceted obsidian as he stared.
He stood straight and walked slowly toward us, deadly smirk in place. He carried himself gracefully, powerfully, exuding danger in every lithely muscled line of his body; my only thought as I watched him being, he was lethally beautiful, and my body reacted instantly. It felt like a charge in the air around me, my every nerve alive to his presence.
Where the hell had this vampire been hiding during my time with the Cullen's? This vampire was a stranger; the absolute antithesis of the stressed and quiet mate of Alice Cullen. The only time I'd ever seen a peek at this creature was when he had been about to kill me for my blood and that memory should have chilled me… but it didn't. No indeed; it only served to increase my interest as I felt something foreign stir deep within.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Laurent back away as Jasper drew near and I wondered at that briefly. Was he afraid? It seemed so, though his expression remained neutral and he remained quiet; definitely not an alpha then, I concluded.
I turned my full attention back to Jasper as he came to a stop in front of me, his voice smooth like spiced dark chocolate when he spoke. "Ya play a dangerous game here today little human."
He reached out, gently taking my bloody hand and my breath hitched as he held my gaze and sucked the blood off my fingers, looking supremely satisfied as he did so.
Almost before I could register, his muscles locked and he cut his gaze toward Laurent, a low growl sounding from his chest. "I suggest ya leave vampire, if you care at all for your continued existence. Find another toy to play with." His gaze locked with mine once again as he continued. "This one's mine."
After a quick glance at me, Laurent vanished without a word and I looked back at Jasper, wondering what he meant by what he'd said. Of course, he sensed my curiosity.
"I'm claimin' ya little human. I'll be the one partaking of your sweetness today, but first, we need a better location. I can hear the mutts chargin' in to save the day, and I don't particularly feel like killin' a bunch of kids; not today."
My heart lurched at the thought and he smirked at me, speaking lowly. "Ya shoulda thought that through when ya decided to lure 'em out here to save ya sugar. Trust me when I say, if it comes down to a fight, it won't be me losin'."
My heart pounded. "How did you know that?"
He turned and tugged me along as he picked up my bag. "Been watchin' ya for a couple'a weeks now… Your emotions and the things I could overhear—it wasn't hard to figure out your little plan."
I glanced at him. "So, I was right then? Jake's some sort of wolf?"
He chuckled darkly. "You could say that darlin'."
I didn't have a chance to say anything more as he picked me up and took off, not sparing any speed in deference to my human senses, so I closed my eyes tightly and tucked into his hold. This was a much different experience than riding on Edward's back and it quickly became clear that Edward had either held back or simply didn't measure up to this powerful creature I now clung to. Perhaps it was a combination of both.
When he finally stopped running, I opened my eyes to the familiar sight of the Cullen mansion as he climbed the stairs to the front entrance. He set me down and opened the door. "Come inside Isabella. The wolves may descend soon and you're too fragile to be caught in the middle if it comes to a fight," he said as I followed him through the foyer.
I bristled at the inference and he turned and smirked. "Use your head girl. This ain't personal so don't go makin' it so. You get in the middle of a fight like that, you'll be nothin' more than a stain on the ground at the end of it."
I nodded reluctantly at his sound logic and he grinned. "I'm pleased ya possess such spirit though. Makes me look forward to teachin' ya to fight—among other things."
He tossed my bag on the couch and draped himself in a chair as he gestured to another. "Have a seat."
I took the seat and cocked a brow at him. "Among other things?"
He smirked. "I'm a man of action Isabella. I'd rather show ya than tell ya, but I need to get your furry friends outta the way first." He cocked his head and rose from the chair. "Stay in the house," he said as he left the room.
Of course, I followed but stopped at the open front door with a gasp. There was Jasper at the top of the deck stairs, facing four giant wolves and Jake dressed in nothing but a pair of cut-off sweats.
Jasper looked at ease as he faced them, his feet shoulder width apart, his arms crossed over his chest and a neutral expression on his face. He looked sedate—until you saw his intense black gaze and slightly flared nostrils. In the face of that, I wondered how Jake wasn't pissing himself in fright as Jasper spoke, his voice laced with authority. "Why are you here? You are violating your treaty."
I watched as Jake tensed, his face darkening as his fists clenched at his sides. "You took Bella. She was bleeding, I can smell it, so you'd better let her go now or we'll tear you to shreds leech."
"You smelled her blood did you?", Jasper questioned casually.
"Yes," Jake spat.
Jasper slowly nodded. "Did you manage to sniff out the blade with which she cut herself, mutt?
I felt a stab of anger as he so casually mentioned my secret and my jaw tightened as Jake responded.
"What the fuck are you talking about leech? Bella would never do such a freaky thing!"
Now that just served to fan the flames of my already smoldering emotions and I walked forward and stood next to Jasper. "Freaky? Just because your mind is too shallow to understand doesn't make what I feel and do freaky. Now, you can plainly see that I'm not only fine, but here of my own free will, so please, leave and don't come back."
I could see instant hurt in Jake's eyes but I ignored it. It wouldn't do to have him interfering now, so I had to be harsh to save his life and the lives of his friends'. I was smart enough to know Jasper wasn't merely boasting when he spoke of a fight and the eventual outcome. He was beyond confident when he mentioned it and I somehow knew there was way more to this vampire than I'd ever been told.
Jake looked to be struggling with himself for a moment as he looked away from me and two of the wolves behind him yipped and growled as if they were speaking to him.
"Fine," he said as he turned back to look at me. "We'll go, but I sure as hell hope you know what your doing Bella because we won't be back. If this is the life you choose, then I give up. I'm done. I leave you to it. Don't contact me again."
I stared into his dark eyes for a moment and saw that he was serious. I would never see him again, but I had accepted such a consequence back when I devised my plan. This was how it had to be.
"You're right Jake, I've made my choice. I'm glad you accept it. I wish you a good life, although I do have one last request."
He cocked a brow and I continued. "Don't get Charlie involved in any of this. If he asks, you haven't seen me…"
He cut me off with a scoff. "Yeah Bella, despite what you may think, I'm not stupid. I care for Charlie and don't wanna see him killed which is what would happen if he gets mixed up in your shit."
He turned and ran into the woods with the others following and I walked back into the house with Jasper. As soon as the door closed, I found myself pinned to it and my breath caught as I stared into red eyes. "What—what are you doing?" He had both my hands pinned to the wall as he leaned down, his answer murmured out between light kisses. "What does it look like I'm doin' Isabella?"
My heart sped at the feel of his body tight against mine, his growing arousal now very evident and I squeezed my eyes shut, searching for control as I responded. "What about Alice?"
He chuckled darkly and lightly nipped my skin drawing a gasp from me. "What about her?" He drew back and met my eyes with a smirk. "I'm not mated sugar and I ain't lookin' to be either."
"What about the Cullen's? Why are you here? Where are they?"
He ground himself against me and I just barely held in an embarrassing moan. "Fine," he said lowly, "ya want answers, I'll give ya answers, but then we're done talkin' ya hear?" I nodded and he continued.
"Turns out, after my little display on your birthday, they all got together and decided I was never gonna be tamed to their satisfaction, so they voted my ass right off the island. Sunshine boy was especially instrumental in that, by the way. Seems if he couldn't have his little human toy, he was gonna make damn sure no one else in the," his lip curled, "…family was happy either. It's fine with me though. Was gettin' tired of playin' school boy anyway."
He grinned and I focused on his deadly fangs for a beat before meeting his eyes again. "Now, as to why I'm here?" I nodded. "It's simple sugar. You were a loose end. One that I'm not willing to give up my existence for."
I nodded because I understood what he referred to. "I know the secret."
He smirked. "Exactly, and they may be willin' to have that just waitin' to catch up with 'em, but I'm not. I haven't survived all the shit I have through the years by leavin' shit to chance baby doll and it ain't gonna happen this time either. So I came here a couple'a weeks back, watched, listened, and here we are."
"Won't Alice see this? Has she contacted you?"
He went back to kissing my neck but he managed an answer. "Who gives a shit if she does? I haven't exactly been a saint through the years Isabella. Nothin' I do shocks her anymore."
I tilted my head, my voice breathless as I asked, "But what about Edward? Won't he see what she sees?"
He tensed and growled lowly, raising his head to look at me. "You think I'm worried about that infant?" He chuckled but there was no humor in it. "No, I would welcome a chance to whip his ass, but he ain't even with them. Now," he shredded my shirt and bra with a smirk, "…we're done talkin'.”
With that said, he had me stripped in seconds. I know my eyes were wide with shock but then his hands were slowly skimming up my sides to cup my breasts as he leaned in and kissed me and I'm not sure why, but I was… lost. Lost to the feel of him pressed close against me. Lost to the taste of him as he kissed me in a way I'd never been kissed before; his lips and tongue bold yet gentle, drawing me in to meet him in what soon became a frenzied give and take. It was electrifying and I buried my hands in his honey-blond hair and pulled him closer.
He was like nothing I'd ever experienced, not that I'd had much experience… Still, compared to Edward's tentative kisses and touches… well, there was no comparison.
Slowly, he trailed his kisses from my mouth to my jaw and on to my neck and I moaned and let my head fall back as he finally made his way down to my breast where he sucked firmly on the taut peak. "Oh jesus," I moaned as I clung to him and he let go with a low, dirty chuckle.
"Name's Jasper, sugar but thanks for the compliment," he mumbled as he trailed kisses over to my other breast.
He reached down and lifted me and I wrapped my legs around his waist while I clawed at his shirt.
"You have too many clothes on," I complained breathlessly as I tugged.
"And you talk too much," he mumbled as he tore off the shirt and kissed me, stealing my breath in the process.
I ran my hands over his smooth, muscled chest as I sucked and nipped his bottom lip, the sound of a zipper registering vaguely as his talented tongue played against mine.
Pain, quick and sharp, burst through my center as he entered me without warning and I cried out before I could stifle the response as my hands gripped his shoulders. He hardly noticed though as he began thrusting slowly, his only acknowledgement murmured against my neck. "A virgin then… fucking exquisite."
He must have influenced me with his gift then, replacing the considerable pain with almost blinding pleasure and I cried out once more, this time however, for a very different reason. This time, my cries were due to the indescribable orgasm that spiraled out from my core, momentarily taking conscious thought with it as he continued stroking into me relentlessly. "That's it beautiful," he mumbled against my panting mouth, "just hang on and enjoy the ride."
And enjoy it, I did—the feel of his hardness stretching me, stroking me, eliciting feelings I never knew were possible—the whole experience was like nothing I had imagined sex to be and I kissed him deeply, thoroughly, as he chased his own completion.
He finally came with a low growl, my head resting against his shoulder as I tried to regain my breath and my senses, but before I could, I felt him whisper against my skin, "The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity." His fangs, sharp and sure, sank into my neck then, and I gasped as the burn began.
I would die this day…
…only to be re-born, another.
He grasped my hand gently and helped me to my feet and I must admit, his tender manner shocked me. I was just a meal, after all. My puzzlement must have shown plainly as he smiled and caressed my cheek once more as he spoke. "My dear Bella, did you expect that I would ravage you?"
My brow pinched as I nodded and he laughed lightly. "No sweet Bella. You see, during my long life, I have always had to terrorize and take that which you now freely offer, do you understand? I view this as a gift; a very rare and precious gift. Why would I abuse the giver?"
I met his eyes and we studied each other for moments. It was in these moments that I realized a new respect for the vampire in front of me. "I believe I do understand, Laurent."
He smiled. "Yes, I can see it in your eyes sweet Bella. You are an old soul; wise beyond your years. You would make an exceptional immortal. It's a shame you seek the final death…"
My heart lurched, my breath hitching with it and he glanced at me sharply, curiosity plain in his expression.
"What's this? Your heart is racing sweet one. Does this mean you do desire immortality?"
I looked down and watched as blood slowly dripped from the tips of my fingers. This is what I wanted. I had schemed to get it. There was only one problem; Jake. What I had planned to be my salvation could now become a huge complication. Making up my mind in an instant, I raised my head and nodded. "Yes Laurent, I do. Are you offering?"
"Hell will freeze over solid before I allow another vampire to change ya."
Laurent spun around with a hiss and it was then I noticed Jasper, casually leaning against a nearby tree, his lethal black eyes glittering like faceted obsidian as he stared.
He stood straight and walked slowly toward us, deadly smirk in place. He carried himself gracefully, powerfully, exuding danger in every lithely muscled line of his body; my only thought as I watched him being, he was lethally beautiful, and my body reacted instantly. It felt like a charge in the air around me, my every nerve alive to his presence.
Where the hell had this vampire been hiding during my time with the Cullen's? This vampire was a stranger; the absolute antithesis of the stressed and quiet mate of Alice Cullen. The only time I'd ever seen a peek at this creature was when he had been about to kill me for my blood and that memory should have chilled me… but it didn't. No indeed; it only served to increase my interest as I felt something foreign stir deep within.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Laurent back away as Jasper drew near and I wondered at that briefly. Was he afraid? It seemed so, though his expression remained neutral and he remained quiet; definitely not an alpha then, I concluded.
I turned my full attention back to Jasper as he came to a stop in front of me, his voice smooth like spiced dark chocolate when he spoke. "Ya play a dangerous game here today little human."
He reached out, gently taking my bloody hand and my breath hitched as he held my gaze and sucked the blood off my fingers, looking supremely satisfied as he did so.
Almost before I could register, his muscles locked and he cut his gaze toward Laurent, a low growl sounding from his chest. "I suggest ya leave vampire, if you care at all for your continued existence. Find another toy to play with." His gaze locked with mine once again as he continued. "This one's mine."
After a quick glance at me, Laurent vanished without a word and I looked back at Jasper, wondering what he meant by what he'd said. Of course, he sensed my curiosity.
"I'm claimin' ya little human. I'll be the one partaking of your sweetness today, but first, we need a better location. I can hear the mutts chargin' in to save the day, and I don't particularly feel like killin' a bunch of kids; not today."
My heart lurched at the thought and he smirked at me, speaking lowly. "Ya shoulda thought that through when ya decided to lure 'em out here to save ya sugar. Trust me when I say, if it comes down to a fight, it won't be me losin'."
My heart pounded. "How did you know that?"
He turned and tugged me along as he picked up my bag. "Been watchin' ya for a couple'a weeks now… Your emotions and the things I could overhear—it wasn't hard to figure out your little plan."
I glanced at him. "So, I was right then? Jake's some sort of wolf?"
He chuckled darkly. "You could say that darlin'."
I didn't have a chance to say anything more as he picked me up and took off, not sparing any speed in deference to my human senses, so I closed my eyes tightly and tucked into his hold. This was a much different experience than riding on Edward's back and it quickly became clear that Edward had either held back or simply didn't measure up to this powerful creature I now clung to. Perhaps it was a combination of both.
When he finally stopped running, I opened my eyes to the familiar sight of the Cullen mansion as he climbed the stairs to the front entrance. He set me down and opened the door. "Come inside Isabella. The wolves may descend soon and you're too fragile to be caught in the middle if it comes to a fight," he said as I followed him through the foyer.
I bristled at the inference and he turned and smirked. "Use your head girl. This ain't personal so don't go makin' it so. You get in the middle of a fight like that, you'll be nothin' more than a stain on the ground at the end of it."
I nodded reluctantly at his sound logic and he grinned. "I'm pleased ya possess such spirit though. Makes me look forward to teachin' ya to fight—among other things."
He tossed my bag on the couch and draped himself in a chair as he gestured to another. "Have a seat."
I took the seat and cocked a brow at him. "Among other things?"
He smirked. "I'm a man of action Isabella. I'd rather show ya than tell ya, but I need to get your furry friends outta the way first." He cocked his head and rose from the chair. "Stay in the house," he said as he left the room.
Of course, I followed but stopped at the open front door with a gasp. There was Jasper at the top of the deck stairs, facing four giant wolves and Jake dressed in nothing but a pair of cut-off sweats.
Jasper looked at ease as he faced them, his feet shoulder width apart, his arms crossed over his chest and a neutral expression on his face. He looked sedate—until you saw his intense black gaze and slightly flared nostrils. In the face of that, I wondered how Jake wasn't pissing himself in fright as Jasper spoke, his voice laced with authority. "Why are you here? You are violating your treaty."
I watched as Jake tensed, his face darkening as his fists clenched at his sides. "You took Bella. She was bleeding, I can smell it, so you'd better let her go now or we'll tear you to shreds leech."
"You smelled her blood did you?", Jasper questioned casually.
"Yes," Jake spat.
Jasper slowly nodded. "Did you manage to sniff out the blade with which she cut herself, mutt?
I felt a stab of anger as he so casually mentioned my secret and my jaw tightened as Jake responded.
"What the fuck are you talking about leech? Bella would never do such a freaky thing!"
Now that just served to fan the flames of my already smoldering emotions and I walked forward and stood next to Jasper. "Freaky? Just because your mind is too shallow to understand doesn't make what I feel and do freaky. Now, you can plainly see that I'm not only fine, but here of my own free will, so please, leave and don't come back."
I could see instant hurt in Jake's eyes but I ignored it. It wouldn't do to have him interfering now, so I had to be harsh to save his life and the lives of his friends'. I was smart enough to know Jasper wasn't merely boasting when he spoke of a fight and the eventual outcome. He was beyond confident when he mentioned it and I somehow knew there was way more to this vampire than I'd ever been told.
Jake looked to be struggling with himself for a moment as he looked away from me and two of the wolves behind him yipped and growled as if they were speaking to him.
"Fine," he said as he turned back to look at me. "We'll go, but I sure as hell hope you know what your doing Bella because we won't be back. If this is the life you choose, then I give up. I'm done. I leave you to it. Don't contact me again."
I stared into his dark eyes for a moment and saw that he was serious. I would never see him again, but I had accepted such a consequence back when I devised my plan. This was how it had to be.
"You're right Jake, I've made my choice. I'm glad you accept it. I wish you a good life, although I do have one last request."
He cocked a brow and I continued. "Don't get Charlie involved in any of this. If he asks, you haven't seen me…"
He cut me off with a scoff. "Yeah Bella, despite what you may think, I'm not stupid. I care for Charlie and don't wanna see him killed which is what would happen if he gets mixed up in your shit."
He turned and ran into the woods with the others following and I walked back into the house with Jasper. As soon as the door closed, I found myself pinned to it and my breath caught as I stared into red eyes. "What—what are you doing?" He had both my hands pinned to the wall as he leaned down, his answer murmured out between light kisses. "What does it look like I'm doin' Isabella?"
My heart sped at the feel of his body tight against mine, his growing arousal now very evident and I squeezed my eyes shut, searching for control as I responded. "What about Alice?"
He chuckled darkly and lightly nipped my skin drawing a gasp from me. "What about her?" He drew back and met my eyes with a smirk. "I'm not mated sugar and I ain't lookin' to be either."
"What about the Cullen's? Why are you here? Where are they?"
He ground himself against me and I just barely held in an embarrassing moan. "Fine," he said lowly, "ya want answers, I'll give ya answers, but then we're done talkin' ya hear?" I nodded and he continued.
"Turns out, after my little display on your birthday, they all got together and decided I was never gonna be tamed to their satisfaction, so they voted my ass right off the island. Sunshine boy was especially instrumental in that, by the way. Seems if he couldn't have his little human toy, he was gonna make damn sure no one else in the," his lip curled, "…family was happy either. It's fine with me though. Was gettin' tired of playin' school boy anyway."
He grinned and I focused on his deadly fangs for a beat before meeting his eyes again. "Now, as to why I'm here?" I nodded. "It's simple sugar. You were a loose end. One that I'm not willing to give up my existence for."
I nodded because I understood what he referred to. "I know the secret."
He smirked. "Exactly, and they may be willin' to have that just waitin' to catch up with 'em, but I'm not. I haven't survived all the shit I have through the years by leavin' shit to chance baby doll and it ain't gonna happen this time either. So I came here a couple'a weeks back, watched, listened, and here we are."
"Won't Alice see this? Has she contacted you?"
He went back to kissing my neck but he managed an answer. "Who gives a shit if she does? I haven't exactly been a saint through the years Isabella. Nothin' I do shocks her anymore."
I tilted my head, my voice breathless as I asked, "But what about Edward? Won't he see what she sees?"
He tensed and growled lowly, raising his head to look at me. "You think I'm worried about that infant?" He chuckled but there was no humor in it. "No, I would welcome a chance to whip his ass, but he ain't even with them. Now," he shredded my shirt and bra with a smirk, "…we're done talkin'.”
With that said, he had me stripped in seconds. I know my eyes were wide with shock but then his hands were slowly skimming up my sides to cup my breasts as he leaned in and kissed me and I'm not sure why, but I was… lost. Lost to the feel of him pressed close against me. Lost to the taste of him as he kissed me in a way I'd never been kissed before; his lips and tongue bold yet gentle, drawing me in to meet him in what soon became a frenzied give and take. It was electrifying and I buried my hands in his honey-blond hair and pulled him closer.
He was like nothing I'd ever experienced, not that I'd had much experience… Still, compared to Edward's tentative kisses and touches… well, there was no comparison.
Slowly, he trailed his kisses from my mouth to my jaw and on to my neck and I moaned and let my head fall back as he finally made his way down to my breast where he sucked firmly on the taut peak. "Oh jesus," I moaned as I clung to him and he let go with a low, dirty chuckle.
"Name's Jasper, sugar but thanks for the compliment," he mumbled as he trailed kisses over to my other breast.
He reached down and lifted me and I wrapped my legs around his waist while I clawed at his shirt.
"You have too many clothes on," I complained breathlessly as I tugged.
"And you talk too much," he mumbled as he tore off the shirt and kissed me, stealing my breath in the process.
I ran my hands over his smooth, muscled chest as I sucked and nipped his bottom lip, the sound of a zipper registering vaguely as his talented tongue played against mine.
Pain, quick and sharp, burst through my center as he entered me without warning and I cried out before I could stifle the response as my hands gripped his shoulders. He hardly noticed though as he began thrusting slowly, his only acknowledgement murmured against my neck. "A virgin then… fucking exquisite."
He must have influenced me with his gift then, replacing the considerable pain with almost blinding pleasure and I cried out once more, this time however, for a very different reason. This time, my cries were due to the indescribable orgasm that spiraled out from my core, momentarily taking conscious thought with it as he continued stroking into me relentlessly. "That's it beautiful," he mumbled against my panting mouth, "just hang on and enjoy the ride."
And enjoy it, I did—the feel of his hardness stretching me, stroking me, eliciting feelings I never knew were possible—the whole experience was like nothing I had imagined sex to be and I kissed him deeply, thoroughly, as he chased his own completion.
He finally came with a low growl, my head resting against his shoulder as I tried to regain my breath and my senses, but before I could, I felt him whisper against my skin, "The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity." His fangs, sharp and sure, sank into my neck then, and I gasped as the burn began.
I would die this day…
…only to be re-born, another.
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.