The Descent
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 11
"You're just full of surprises aren't you?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by this news. "A brother? Is he really, or is it just a mutual regard?"
He gave a nod. "He's my blood, sugar. Was just a tiny thing when I left for the war. After I was changed, I watched over him. Watched him grow up and become a man. I did all I could to keep him safe but he'd gone on a hunt alone one day and by the time I'd found him he was damn near dead. A wild boar had got to 'im. Tore him up pretty bad…"
"So you changed him," I said with a nod and he smiled sadly, probably at the memories.
"I did and I've never regretted it," he said as his smile brightened.
"Well, I can't wait to meet him," I said as I watched a side of him I hadn't seen yet, come to life. He looked genuinely happy speaking about his brother and it made him look almost carefree—younger even, if that was possible. "You know," I said as I angled my body toward him, "…you never told me what age you were when you were turned."
"Huh," he murmured. "I reckon I didn't."
I raised both brows at him and waited until he glanced at me and answered with a smirk.
"Nineteen sugar…I'd just turned nineteen when I was changed."
My mouth dropped open. "But…no way!" I spluttered. "You seem so much older! I mean, I know you pulled off being a high school student—kind-of—but, now that I've gotten to know you, you seem much too old to be a teen!"
He chuckled. "Darlin', bein' a teen back then meant bein' a man much earlier than it does these days. Back then, we didn't have the luxury of bein' immature much past the age of twelve. Growin' up and takin' on responsibilities was expected, especially durin' a time of unrest and war."
Once again, I was struck by the vast amount of years that separated me from those I now associated with. Honestly, it was a bit intimidating. Would I ever catch up to them in knowledge or life experience? I doubted it and the thought was a bit discouraging. To be forever the novice…not an admirable distinction, at least from my perspective.
Shaking myself from these less than happy thoughts, I decided to redirect the conversation. "So, how old was your brother when you changed him?"
"He was twenty-six," he stated flatly while staring down the road.
A grin bloomed on my face and only widened as he shot me a dark look. "So, technically," I drawled, "…he's older than you."
"Not you too," he grumbled with a scowl. "And no, he ain't. I'm his big brother and always will be. I took care 'a him when he was still wettin' his breeches and nursin' at our Mama's breast." He looked over as I grinned at him. "I'm the older brother, damn it."
"Do I detect a bit of contention there Major?"
He narrowed his eyes at me. "There's no contention whatsoever Isabella. I can still whoop his ass if need be. That's the way it's always been and will always be."
I held up both hands even as I continued to grin. "Okay Major, you win. I'll leave it alone…for now." His narrowed gaze caught me again and I stifled the urge to laugh. Seems I'd stumbled upon a sore spot… "So, tell me more about Pete…"
During the remainder of our drive, I learned that Pete still lived on the Whitlock family property which was now a vast working cattle ranch located in Texas hill country. The brothers had purchased it with funds they'd made from their true business of training newborns for the ranks of the Volturi; a business they'd started after they'd been summoned to Italy to answer for their coven's part in the southern vampire wars. It had turned out to be a lucrative and mutually beneficial arrangement that was still in force to this very day. I also learned that Pete was mated to a female named Charlotte whom he'd met as a newborn during their stint in the wars.
"She's a live wire," Jasper said with a fond smile. "I think you'll like her."
"Yeah?" I questioned, a little worried to be honest. After all, there hadn't been many people I'd called friends in my life…just look at how my relationships with the Cullens had turned out, especially my so-called best friend, Alice. Needless to say, I wasn't eager to open myself up to new people any time soon.
He must have felt my apprehension because he took my hand. "It'll be fine Bella. She's warm and genuine—nothing like Alice." He smirked. "As a matter of fact, she and Alice couldn't stand each other."
"That definitely recommends her," I murmured, still feeling unsure. I guess I'd just have to wait and see.
The slowing of the car drew my attention from my thoughts and I took a moment to look around at the gently rolling hills and oak and scrub dotted landscape as Jasper turned down a long and winding dirt road.
"Is this the place?" I asked and he nodded with one hand draped over the wheel as dust billowed behind us. "Yeah, it is, but we still have a ways to go before we get to the first gate."
My brows inched up. "The first gate?"
"Yes. With what we do here, the security is necessary. Wouldn't be a good thing for unexpected humans to find their way onto the main ranch." He glanced over. "They wouldn't survive it, not that I really give a shit, but the secrecy has to be maintained and if folks started disappearin' after headin' this way…"
"Got it," I conceded with a nod.
After a few miles, we came to the first gate which was preceded by a large turn-around. The gate itself was no simple gate either. It was a massive, wrought iron, automatic gate, accessed by a security panel complete with a video camera. Jasper pulled up, rolled down the window, punched in a code and drove through as they swung open.
"Wow," I breathed as I took in the high fences and the layout of the place. The further we drove, the more apparent their wealth was. "Those signs…" I began and he nodded.
"The fencing from here to the main ranch are all electrically charged. Had to do that to keep people from cuttin' the fences to cross the property."
I smirked. "Why? Seems like stifling convenience food to me."
"You'd think so, but the cut fences on a working cattle ranch become a real pain in the ass after a while."
"That's right," I murmured as I looked around. "You actually have cows and shit."
"Yep, cows and shit," he repeated dryly as he pulled up and stopped at yet another gate, this one just as ornate and imposing as the last.
When he drove through this one, there was a horrible vibration under the car and I looked at him questioningly. He smirked. "Cattle guard. They'll be on all the gates from here on in. The idea is that cattle hate to cross them."
"Huh," I muttered. "How much further to the house?"
"About three miles or so," he answered while hitting the button to close the window.
"So, I'm guessing from all the technology, they know it's you that's coming."
"They do," he nodded. "With that last code I entered, the rest of the gates will open automatically when we approach."
"How long has it been since you've been home?"
"About five years," he answered as he steered the car around a sharp bend in the road and through another gate. The rattle of the cattle guard wasn't as startling this time at least and I stared around at the landscape as the sun began to rise.
"You know, for all this talk of cattle, I've yet to see one," I commented and he chuckled.
"This time of year, they're out on the range with the exception of the few that are kept near the barn for various reasons. Trust me sugar, with the way they smell, you don't want 'em close to the house."
"Ah, okay," I muttered, feeling like an idiot. "The closest I've ever come to a cow is the meat department in the grocery store, so…"
"Yeah, I figured," he said with a smirk. "Don't worry, once we get settled, I'll take you out and show you around the place."
I smiled. "I'd like that."
He drove through one more gate and the landscape changed drastically. Here, the trees were towering and lined the road, making it obvious they'd been planted and tended with care decades ago. I was so busy taking them in, I almost missed the house. I gasped. It was massive and beautiful and looked like one of those old southern plantation homes. "Jasper, it's gorgeous," I breathed and he smiled as he pulled up and parked.
It was then I noticed the vampires stationed at various points around the house. They were dressed in what resembled military camouflage, and they straightened smartly when Jasper stepped from the car. "Major Whitlock," the closest male greeted crisply. "Welcome home sir."
Jasper merely nodded as he helped me from the car and led me up the stairs of the massive porch and to the front entrance. Before he could open the door though, it opened to the grinning face of a blond male who embraced him tightly the next second. "'Bout damn time you got your ass home, brother," he said with a wide grin as he backed away. "And who's this?" he asked while wrapping an arm around the blonde female who'd joined him.
"Pete, Char, this is Bella—Bella, this is my brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock."
I stuck out my hand to shake but Charlotte pulled me in for a brief, warm hug. "It's nice to meet ya Bella," she greeted with a bright smile despite my discomfort. Pete then took my hand and placed a light kiss on the back, all the while with a wicked smirk quirking his lips. "Welcome Miss Bella. It's about time my brother brought home a decent woman."
My brows inched up and I glanced at Jasper. "I told ya they hated Alice, darlin'," he said in explanation and I nodded as the two I'd just met scowled.
"Hate is a very strong word brother," Pete said seriously before his smirk made another appearance. "…but not nearly strong enough when referring to that thing ya been livin' with the past few years. But enough of that," he dismissed as he stepped through the door. "Y'all come in and we can catch up before I proceed to hand ya your ass for not visitin' more often."
As we walked through the foyer that seemed larger than Charlie's entire house, I stuck close to Jasper's side and he took my hand as a wave of comfort washed over me. "The place looks great," he commented and Pete shrugged.
"It's easy with enough help. The last batch we trained weren't needed right away, so we've had a double crew working the place lately until they're ready for 'em. Gotta keep 'em busy doin' somethin'."
"Yeah, we just came from Italy," Jasper replied with a falsely nonchalant tone and Pete looked at him sharply.
"What the fuck were ya doin' there?" he questioned and Jasper's eyes darkened as his grip on my hand tightened.
"My business there was my own," he answered in a clipped tone as we entered a huge sitting room where Charlotte took a seat on a sofa while eyeing her mate worriedly.
"Pete baby, maybe this isn't the best time… We should just catch up first…"
"This is catchin' up," he snapped as he stared at Jasper. "Every damn time he comes back from there, we have to…"
I gasped as Jasper pinned his brother to the wall. "Don't you finish that sentence little brother. You know better," he warned lowly as he slowly let him go and moved back to my side.
Charlotte stood while watching her mate who simply glared at Jasper. "Maybe I should show y'all to your room and have your bags brought in so ya can relax and freshen up. Then we'll talk later when cooler heads prevail."
I glanced at a seething Jasper and nodded gratefully. "I think that's a great idea Charlotte, thanks."
She nodded and left the room and I glanced at Jasper. "Jay?" I questioned quietly and he took my hand without looking at me.
"We'll be down later," he said to Pete as he led me from the room and up a sweeping staircase. Palatial came to mind as I took it in while steadily climbing to the second floor. "My rooms are in the east wing," he muttered while tugging me along down a grand hallway to a set of double doors which he opened and stepped through. I followed and had to stop my mouth from falling open. While the decor was different, it easily matched Caius' quarters in the royal wing of the castle in sheer opulence. "You guys certainly didn't rough it as children, did you?" I questioned and turned slowly while taking everything in.
He smirked as he silently directed the vampire who'd brought in our bags. When the vampire exited and closed the door, he went to a sideboard and poured a drink. "No, we didn't Isabella. My grandfather did well for himself and my father was heavily invested in railroad and shippin' interests," he said with a shrug as he took a healthy sip from his glass before sitting down on a plush sofa. He held up the drink with a cocked brow. "Care for one sugar?" he asked and I shook my head while taking the seat beside him.
"No, thank you," I murmured as more questions swirled through my head.
His steady gaze was calculating when I glanced at him but he remained silent. "Jasper?" I questioned tentatively.
He sighed. "Yes Isabella?"
"What the hell happened down there?"
His free hand clenched into a fist as he knocked back the rest of his drink. "Nothin', just an old, tired argument between brothers."
My brows drew together. "I call bullshit. This has something to do with a blonde and Italy…if you hadn't told me differently, I'd guess that you have a mate or a lost love somewhere…"
He shot from his seat. "Leave this alone Bella." He turned and pinned me with a heated, red gaze. "I mean it. This isn't something I'm gonna discuss with you or anyone, ya hear? Just leave it alone."
I was up and in his face in a second. "What if I care too much to leave it alone? It's obviously bothering you…"
"You can't help god damn it! Not with this… She doesn't want me, all right?! She made a choice a long time ago and it wasn't me!"
With his shouted words still ringing in my ears, he threw the glass at the wall and stormed from the room, slamming the door in his wake.
I sat back down and studied my clenched hands for moments until the sound of the opening door caught my attention and I looked up to see Pete entering. He looked apologetic as he came in and sat across from me. "Hey sugar," he said and I smiled wanly at him.
"Hey," I responded meekly. "Will he be okay?" I questioned after a beat of silence and he nodded as he ran a hand through his sandy blond hair and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yeah sugar, he always is…after a fashion anyway. Might take him a day or two to center himself. He's probably out in the pit beating the hell outta some trainees right now, but he'll eventually get it outta his system and come back to himself."
"Has he ever talked about it?"
"No darlin', never. What I heard from him just now is the most he's ever said about it, although I figured it out a long time ago, when he changed so drastically after that first trip to Volterra. He was always a notorious fighter—the best there is—but after that trip… Something changed him and he became an absolute terror on the battle field—the most feared and revered vampire the world over and that's no exaggeration." I watched as Pete's eyes focused in the middle-distance, obviously seeing the past as he continued speaking. "It was during that time he earned the name 'The God of War'." He focused back on me. "He was great…and terrible…a more breathtaking fighter I've never seen…"
I nodded as I held his gaze. "The scars," I said. "He once told me they were his release, in the same way I used to cut myself when I was still human."
Pete smiled but there was no humor in it. "That doesn't surprise me sugar. To see him fight back then, it was pretty obvious he was almost hoping someone would best him, but he's the type that'll never just lay down and take a whoopin' and no one ever could beat him so he just kept goin', rackin' up kill after kill until there was no one left that would fight him. That's when he left and didn't come back here for years."
"The Cullens?" I questioned and he nodded with a sneer.
"Yeah, the Cullens."
"He's been back to Italy over the years though, right?"
He nodded. "Yeah, he has. Not frequently though, and he always comes here afterwards where we deal with his mood until he's had time to push it away again, through various means," he finished a bit cryptically.
"Various means…" I muttered as flashes of that alley in Italy played through my mind.
He met my gaze steadily. "Somethin' tells me you know exactly what I mean."
I merely nodded.
Pete rose then and left the room quietly, leaving me to my thoughts which had inevitably turned to Caius, what with all the talk of Italy.
I rubbed at the pain in my chest which was still at a tolerable level, wondering all the while if it would get better or worse with the passage of time. Jasper had said it was possible to leave after completing the bond, for a while at least. I had to wonder just how long I had before I'd be driven back to him because, sitting here, alone and bereft of Jasper's familiar comfort, the pain was only increasing the more I thought about it.
Gritting my teeth, I got up determined to distract myself, so with this thought in mind, I began opening doors in Jasper's rooms. The first was to a library/office and I backed out feeling like a bit of an intruder. With the decidedly masculine, civil war decor, it was obviously his private space and I just didn't feel comfortable being there without an invitation.
The second door was a huge bedroom with a massive four-poster bed as its focus, centered between two floor-to-ceiling windows dressed with heavy, elegant drapes in a rich shade of chocolate brown and sheers of light beige that matched the bedding perfectly.
Just beyond the bed, I spied a door that led to a bathroom fit for royalty with a cavernous shower and deep, multi-person tub that called to me immediately. "Oh hell yes," I muttered aloud as I leaned over and turned on the tap to fill it. It was just what the doctor ordered and I couldn't wait to sink into it.
While it filled, I went out and grabbed my bag, set it on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed and dug out some clean clothes to change into. Taking everything I would need back in with me, I nudged the door shut and quickly stripped before adding some scented oil and stepping into the steaming water.
"Fuck yes," I breathed as I relaxed back while closing my eyes. "You can be a shit all you want Jay, just don't deny me this tub…" I muttered with a chuckle.
"Is that so?" a familiar voice drawled from the direction of the door and I didn't even flinch.
"Yeah, that's so," I stated while running my hands through the fragrant water. I peeked up at him then and my eyes widened at the sight of him. He was a dirt-covered mess and my mouth dropped open. "What the hell happened to you?"
He shrugged and pushed off the door frame to move into the room. "Workin' out some frustrations," he stated flatly while reaching in to turn on the shower. As the water heated, he stripped and I had to bite my lip to keep from making some embarrassing sounds as I stared. As he stepped under the spray, he turned toward me with a wicked smirk and an arched brow. Damned empath.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes even as my thighs clenched together, my center now aching for some action. He chuckled and proceeded to shampoo his hair as I cursed lowly and bathed myself.
When I was done, I relaxed back with my eyes closed and listened to him finish up and turn off the water. What I didn't expect was to feel him moving my body to slide into the tub behind me where he pulled me close to his chest and began kissing my neck. "Hmm," I moaned while tilting my head to the side. "You feel good," I said as I snuggled against him, feeling his lips curve into a smile against my skin.
"You feel pretty good yourself there darlin'," he drawled as I gripped his thighs and turned to capture his lips in a kiss. It was slow and sweet as we savored each other, our tongues tasting and dipping as we nipped and sucked at each other's lips.
Turning in his arms, I moved to straddle him, never breaking our kiss as I sank down on his cock. I had to smile though as he groaned against my parted lips, his hands now gripping my hips as he thrust up into me. "Damn, I could get used to this baby doll," he said, his head rolling back as I rose and fell on him at a slow, measured pace.
"Yeah?" I questioned while circling my hips.
He hissed and met me with a powerful thrust of his own which caused my breath to hitch. He smirked. "Yeah," he answered.
My thoughts turned serious as I drew back and looked in his eyes, the slightly haunted shadows I found there matching mine perfectly, I was sure. Running my hands up his neck to cup his face, I leaned in and kissed him. "I want more than sex Jay," I confessed, my heart aching. "I want love," I continued, my forehead resting against his as my body continued to love his in a slow rhythm. "Can we have that Jay? Is that possible for us?"
I felt his arms tighten around me as his mouth slanted over mine in a kiss that was almost fierce in intensity. Behind it was a longing so great, it nearly took my breath away and I answered it with passion and hope. When the kiss broke and as our bodies continued seeking completion, he looked into my eyes and answered. "I want that Bella," he said while gently holding my face. "I hope it is, because I really want that."
"You're just full of surprises aren't you?" I asked, pleasantly surprised by this news. "A brother? Is he really, or is it just a mutual regard?"
He gave a nod. "He's my blood, sugar. Was just a tiny thing when I left for the war. After I was changed, I watched over him. Watched him grow up and become a man. I did all I could to keep him safe but he'd gone on a hunt alone one day and by the time I'd found him he was damn near dead. A wild boar had got to 'im. Tore him up pretty bad…"
"So you changed him," I said with a nod and he smiled sadly, probably at the memories.
"I did and I've never regretted it," he said as his smile brightened.
"Well, I can't wait to meet him," I said as I watched a side of him I hadn't seen yet, come to life. He looked genuinely happy speaking about his brother and it made him look almost carefree—younger even, if that was possible. "You know," I said as I angled my body toward him, "…you never told me what age you were when you were turned."
"Huh," he murmured. "I reckon I didn't."
I raised both brows at him and waited until he glanced at me and answered with a smirk.
"Nineteen sugar…I'd just turned nineteen when I was changed."
My mouth dropped open. "But…no way!" I spluttered. "You seem so much older! I mean, I know you pulled off being a high school student—kind-of—but, now that I've gotten to know you, you seem much too old to be a teen!"
He chuckled. "Darlin', bein' a teen back then meant bein' a man much earlier than it does these days. Back then, we didn't have the luxury of bein' immature much past the age of twelve. Growin' up and takin' on responsibilities was expected, especially durin' a time of unrest and war."
Once again, I was struck by the vast amount of years that separated me from those I now associated with. Honestly, it was a bit intimidating. Would I ever catch up to them in knowledge or life experience? I doubted it and the thought was a bit discouraging. To be forever the novice…not an admirable distinction, at least from my perspective.
Shaking myself from these less than happy thoughts, I decided to redirect the conversation. "So, how old was your brother when you changed him?"
"He was twenty-six," he stated flatly while staring down the road.
A grin bloomed on my face and only widened as he shot me a dark look. "So, technically," I drawled, "…he's older than you."
"Not you too," he grumbled with a scowl. "And no, he ain't. I'm his big brother and always will be. I took care 'a him when he was still wettin' his breeches and nursin' at our Mama's breast." He looked over as I grinned at him. "I'm the older brother, damn it."
"Do I detect a bit of contention there Major?"
He narrowed his eyes at me. "There's no contention whatsoever Isabella. I can still whoop his ass if need be. That's the way it's always been and will always be."
I held up both hands even as I continued to grin. "Okay Major, you win. I'll leave it alone…for now." His narrowed gaze caught me again and I stifled the urge to laugh. Seems I'd stumbled upon a sore spot… "So, tell me more about Pete…"
During the remainder of our drive, I learned that Pete still lived on the Whitlock family property which was now a vast working cattle ranch located in Texas hill country. The brothers had purchased it with funds they'd made from their true business of training newborns for the ranks of the Volturi; a business they'd started after they'd been summoned to Italy to answer for their coven's part in the southern vampire wars. It had turned out to be a lucrative and mutually beneficial arrangement that was still in force to this very day. I also learned that Pete was mated to a female named Charlotte whom he'd met as a newborn during their stint in the wars.
"She's a live wire," Jasper said with a fond smile. "I think you'll like her."
"Yeah?" I questioned, a little worried to be honest. After all, there hadn't been many people I'd called friends in my life…just look at how my relationships with the Cullens had turned out, especially my so-called best friend, Alice. Needless to say, I wasn't eager to open myself up to new people any time soon.
He must have felt my apprehension because he took my hand. "It'll be fine Bella. She's warm and genuine—nothing like Alice." He smirked. "As a matter of fact, she and Alice couldn't stand each other."
"That definitely recommends her," I murmured, still feeling unsure. I guess I'd just have to wait and see.
The slowing of the car drew my attention from my thoughts and I took a moment to look around at the gently rolling hills and oak and scrub dotted landscape as Jasper turned down a long and winding dirt road.
"Is this the place?" I asked and he nodded with one hand draped over the wheel as dust billowed behind us. "Yeah, it is, but we still have a ways to go before we get to the first gate."
My brows inched up. "The first gate?"
"Yes. With what we do here, the security is necessary. Wouldn't be a good thing for unexpected humans to find their way onto the main ranch." He glanced over. "They wouldn't survive it, not that I really give a shit, but the secrecy has to be maintained and if folks started disappearin' after headin' this way…"
"Got it," I conceded with a nod.
After a few miles, we came to the first gate which was preceded by a large turn-around. The gate itself was no simple gate either. It was a massive, wrought iron, automatic gate, accessed by a security panel complete with a video camera. Jasper pulled up, rolled down the window, punched in a code and drove through as they swung open.
"Wow," I breathed as I took in the high fences and the layout of the place. The further we drove, the more apparent their wealth was. "Those signs…" I began and he nodded.
"The fencing from here to the main ranch are all electrically charged. Had to do that to keep people from cuttin' the fences to cross the property."
I smirked. "Why? Seems like stifling convenience food to me."
"You'd think so, but the cut fences on a working cattle ranch become a real pain in the ass after a while."
"That's right," I murmured as I looked around. "You actually have cows and shit."
"Yep, cows and shit," he repeated dryly as he pulled up and stopped at yet another gate, this one just as ornate and imposing as the last.
When he drove through this one, there was a horrible vibration under the car and I looked at him questioningly. He smirked. "Cattle guard. They'll be on all the gates from here on in. The idea is that cattle hate to cross them."
"Huh," I muttered. "How much further to the house?"
"About three miles or so," he answered while hitting the button to close the window.
"So, I'm guessing from all the technology, they know it's you that's coming."
"They do," he nodded. "With that last code I entered, the rest of the gates will open automatically when we approach."
"How long has it been since you've been home?"
"About five years," he answered as he steered the car around a sharp bend in the road and through another gate. The rattle of the cattle guard wasn't as startling this time at least and I stared around at the landscape as the sun began to rise.
"You know, for all this talk of cattle, I've yet to see one," I commented and he chuckled.
"This time of year, they're out on the range with the exception of the few that are kept near the barn for various reasons. Trust me sugar, with the way they smell, you don't want 'em close to the house."
"Ah, okay," I muttered, feeling like an idiot. "The closest I've ever come to a cow is the meat department in the grocery store, so…"
"Yeah, I figured," he said with a smirk. "Don't worry, once we get settled, I'll take you out and show you around the place."
I smiled. "I'd like that."
He drove through one more gate and the landscape changed drastically. Here, the trees were towering and lined the road, making it obvious they'd been planted and tended with care decades ago. I was so busy taking them in, I almost missed the house. I gasped. It was massive and beautiful and looked like one of those old southern plantation homes. "Jasper, it's gorgeous," I breathed and he smiled as he pulled up and parked.
It was then I noticed the vampires stationed at various points around the house. They were dressed in what resembled military camouflage, and they straightened smartly when Jasper stepped from the car. "Major Whitlock," the closest male greeted crisply. "Welcome home sir."
Jasper merely nodded as he helped me from the car and led me up the stairs of the massive porch and to the front entrance. Before he could open the door though, it opened to the grinning face of a blond male who embraced him tightly the next second. "'Bout damn time you got your ass home, brother," he said with a wide grin as he backed away. "And who's this?" he asked while wrapping an arm around the blonde female who'd joined him.
"Pete, Char, this is Bella—Bella, this is my brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Charlotte Whitlock."
I stuck out my hand to shake but Charlotte pulled me in for a brief, warm hug. "It's nice to meet ya Bella," she greeted with a bright smile despite my discomfort. Pete then took my hand and placed a light kiss on the back, all the while with a wicked smirk quirking his lips. "Welcome Miss Bella. It's about time my brother brought home a decent woman."
My brows inched up and I glanced at Jasper. "I told ya they hated Alice, darlin'," he said in explanation and I nodded as the two I'd just met scowled.
"Hate is a very strong word brother," Pete said seriously before his smirk made another appearance. "…but not nearly strong enough when referring to that thing ya been livin' with the past few years. But enough of that," he dismissed as he stepped through the door. "Y'all come in and we can catch up before I proceed to hand ya your ass for not visitin' more often."
As we walked through the foyer that seemed larger than Charlie's entire house, I stuck close to Jasper's side and he took my hand as a wave of comfort washed over me. "The place looks great," he commented and Pete shrugged.
"It's easy with enough help. The last batch we trained weren't needed right away, so we've had a double crew working the place lately until they're ready for 'em. Gotta keep 'em busy doin' somethin'."
"Yeah, we just came from Italy," Jasper replied with a falsely nonchalant tone and Pete looked at him sharply.
"What the fuck were ya doin' there?" he questioned and Jasper's eyes darkened as his grip on my hand tightened.
"My business there was my own," he answered in a clipped tone as we entered a huge sitting room where Charlotte took a seat on a sofa while eyeing her mate worriedly.
"Pete baby, maybe this isn't the best time… We should just catch up first…"
"This is catchin' up," he snapped as he stared at Jasper. "Every damn time he comes back from there, we have to…"
I gasped as Jasper pinned his brother to the wall. "Don't you finish that sentence little brother. You know better," he warned lowly as he slowly let him go and moved back to my side.
Charlotte stood while watching her mate who simply glared at Jasper. "Maybe I should show y'all to your room and have your bags brought in so ya can relax and freshen up. Then we'll talk later when cooler heads prevail."
I glanced at a seething Jasper and nodded gratefully. "I think that's a great idea Charlotte, thanks."
She nodded and left the room and I glanced at Jasper. "Jay?" I questioned quietly and he took my hand without looking at me.
"We'll be down later," he said to Pete as he led me from the room and up a sweeping staircase. Palatial came to mind as I took it in while steadily climbing to the second floor. "My rooms are in the east wing," he muttered while tugging me along down a grand hallway to a set of double doors which he opened and stepped through. I followed and had to stop my mouth from falling open. While the decor was different, it easily matched Caius' quarters in the royal wing of the castle in sheer opulence. "You guys certainly didn't rough it as children, did you?" I questioned and turned slowly while taking everything in.
He smirked as he silently directed the vampire who'd brought in our bags. When the vampire exited and closed the door, he went to a sideboard and poured a drink. "No, we didn't Isabella. My grandfather did well for himself and my father was heavily invested in railroad and shippin' interests," he said with a shrug as he took a healthy sip from his glass before sitting down on a plush sofa. He held up the drink with a cocked brow. "Care for one sugar?" he asked and I shook my head while taking the seat beside him.
"No, thank you," I murmured as more questions swirled through my head.
His steady gaze was calculating when I glanced at him but he remained silent. "Jasper?" I questioned tentatively.
He sighed. "Yes Isabella?"
"What the hell happened down there?"
His free hand clenched into a fist as he knocked back the rest of his drink. "Nothin', just an old, tired argument between brothers."
My brows drew together. "I call bullshit. This has something to do with a blonde and Italy…if you hadn't told me differently, I'd guess that you have a mate or a lost love somewhere…"
He shot from his seat. "Leave this alone Bella." He turned and pinned me with a heated, red gaze. "I mean it. This isn't something I'm gonna discuss with you or anyone, ya hear? Just leave it alone."
I was up and in his face in a second. "What if I care too much to leave it alone? It's obviously bothering you…"
"You can't help god damn it! Not with this… She doesn't want me, all right?! She made a choice a long time ago and it wasn't me!"
With his shouted words still ringing in my ears, he threw the glass at the wall and stormed from the room, slamming the door in his wake.
I sat back down and studied my clenched hands for moments until the sound of the opening door caught my attention and I looked up to see Pete entering. He looked apologetic as he came in and sat across from me. "Hey sugar," he said and I smiled wanly at him.
"Hey," I responded meekly. "Will he be okay?" I questioned after a beat of silence and he nodded as he ran a hand through his sandy blond hair and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yeah sugar, he always is…after a fashion anyway. Might take him a day or two to center himself. He's probably out in the pit beating the hell outta some trainees right now, but he'll eventually get it outta his system and come back to himself."
"Has he ever talked about it?"
"No darlin', never. What I heard from him just now is the most he's ever said about it, although I figured it out a long time ago, when he changed so drastically after that first trip to Volterra. He was always a notorious fighter—the best there is—but after that trip… Something changed him and he became an absolute terror on the battle field—the most feared and revered vampire the world over and that's no exaggeration." I watched as Pete's eyes focused in the middle-distance, obviously seeing the past as he continued speaking. "It was during that time he earned the name 'The God of War'." He focused back on me. "He was great…and terrible…a more breathtaking fighter I've never seen…"
I nodded as I held his gaze. "The scars," I said. "He once told me they were his release, in the same way I used to cut myself when I was still human."
Pete smiled but there was no humor in it. "That doesn't surprise me sugar. To see him fight back then, it was pretty obvious he was almost hoping someone would best him, but he's the type that'll never just lay down and take a whoopin' and no one ever could beat him so he just kept goin', rackin' up kill after kill until there was no one left that would fight him. That's when he left and didn't come back here for years."
"The Cullens?" I questioned and he nodded with a sneer.
"Yeah, the Cullens."
"He's been back to Italy over the years though, right?"
He nodded. "Yeah, he has. Not frequently though, and he always comes here afterwards where we deal with his mood until he's had time to push it away again, through various means," he finished a bit cryptically.
"Various means…" I muttered as flashes of that alley in Italy played through my mind.
He met my gaze steadily. "Somethin' tells me you know exactly what I mean."
I merely nodded.
Pete rose then and left the room quietly, leaving me to my thoughts which had inevitably turned to Caius, what with all the talk of Italy.
I rubbed at the pain in my chest which was still at a tolerable level, wondering all the while if it would get better or worse with the passage of time. Jasper had said it was possible to leave after completing the bond, for a while at least. I had to wonder just how long I had before I'd be driven back to him because, sitting here, alone and bereft of Jasper's familiar comfort, the pain was only increasing the more I thought about it.
Gritting my teeth, I got up determined to distract myself, so with this thought in mind, I began opening doors in Jasper's rooms. The first was to a library/office and I backed out feeling like a bit of an intruder. With the decidedly masculine, civil war decor, it was obviously his private space and I just didn't feel comfortable being there without an invitation.
The second door was a huge bedroom with a massive four-poster bed as its focus, centered between two floor-to-ceiling windows dressed with heavy, elegant drapes in a rich shade of chocolate brown and sheers of light beige that matched the bedding perfectly.
Just beyond the bed, I spied a door that led to a bathroom fit for royalty with a cavernous shower and deep, multi-person tub that called to me immediately. "Oh hell yes," I muttered aloud as I leaned over and turned on the tap to fill it. It was just what the doctor ordered and I couldn't wait to sink into it.
While it filled, I went out and grabbed my bag, set it on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed and dug out some clean clothes to change into. Taking everything I would need back in with me, I nudged the door shut and quickly stripped before adding some scented oil and stepping into the steaming water.
"Fuck yes," I breathed as I relaxed back while closing my eyes. "You can be a shit all you want Jay, just don't deny me this tub…" I muttered with a chuckle.
"Is that so?" a familiar voice drawled from the direction of the door and I didn't even flinch.
"Yeah, that's so," I stated while running my hands through the fragrant water. I peeked up at him then and my eyes widened at the sight of him. He was a dirt-covered mess and my mouth dropped open. "What the hell happened to you?"
He shrugged and pushed off the door frame to move into the room. "Workin' out some frustrations," he stated flatly while reaching in to turn on the shower. As the water heated, he stripped and I had to bite my lip to keep from making some embarrassing sounds as I stared. As he stepped under the spray, he turned toward me with a wicked smirk and an arched brow. Damned empath.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes even as my thighs clenched together, my center now aching for some action. He chuckled and proceeded to shampoo his hair as I cursed lowly and bathed myself.
When I was done, I relaxed back with my eyes closed and listened to him finish up and turn off the water. What I didn't expect was to feel him moving my body to slide into the tub behind me where he pulled me close to his chest and began kissing my neck. "Hmm," I moaned while tilting my head to the side. "You feel good," I said as I snuggled against him, feeling his lips curve into a smile against my skin.
"You feel pretty good yourself there darlin'," he drawled as I gripped his thighs and turned to capture his lips in a kiss. It was slow and sweet as we savored each other, our tongues tasting and dipping as we nipped and sucked at each other's lips.
Turning in his arms, I moved to straddle him, never breaking our kiss as I sank down on his cock. I had to smile though as he groaned against my parted lips, his hands now gripping my hips as he thrust up into me. "Damn, I could get used to this baby doll," he said, his head rolling back as I rose and fell on him at a slow, measured pace.
"Yeah?" I questioned while circling my hips.
He hissed and met me with a powerful thrust of his own which caused my breath to hitch. He smirked. "Yeah," he answered.
My thoughts turned serious as I drew back and looked in his eyes, the slightly haunted shadows I found there matching mine perfectly, I was sure. Running my hands up his neck to cup his face, I leaned in and kissed him. "I want more than sex Jay," I confessed, my heart aching. "I want love," I continued, my forehead resting against his as my body continued to love his in a slow rhythm. "Can we have that Jay? Is that possible for us?"
I felt his arms tighten around me as his mouth slanted over mine in a kiss that was almost fierce in intensity. Behind it was a longing so great, it nearly took my breath away and I answered it with passion and hope. When the kiss broke and as our bodies continued seeking completion, he looked into my eyes and answered. "I want that Bella," he said while gently holding my face. "I hope it is, because I really want that."
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.