The Descent
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 14
“You ready to go face the music, darlin’?”
I sighed and looked up at him as he stared down at me, his arms still securely wrapped around me, holding me close. “I guess we have to, huh?”
He gave me a sad smile. “Yeah baby doll, we do. Much as I hate doin’ it, Peter and I have to conclude business. The sooner we do that, the sooner they leave.”
Pain shot through my chest at that and I frowned. Leave…Caius would be leaving soon and to me, that was a double edged sword. My head wanted him gone.
My vampire, however…
Jasper’s hand smoothed back the hair from my face, bringing me back to the present; back from the drowning pain. “I know,” he said before leaning down to place a soft kiss on my lips. “I know sweetheart, and I’m sorry.”
If I could have cried, I would have because I now knew that he did know—that he understood exactly—and that was something no one should ever have to deal with…but the two of us…we did. At least we had each other. At least he wasn’t all alone in it anymore…
Lightly, I traced the side of his face with my fingertips as my eyes searched his. “I’m here for you, Jay and you’re here for me, right?” I asked, feeling the need for reassurance.
He smiled and kissed me again, this time with more passion before resting his head against mine. “Yeah sweet girl, we have each other.”
I felt his hand grasp mine then and he stepped back and gave a light tug. “Show time.” He led me to the door and opened it but I stopped him with a tug.
“Jay?”
He cocked a brow and looked down at me. “Yeah?”
“Thank you…you know…for telling me…for sharing…I know it wasn’t easy.”
He studied me for moments, his expression relaxed, his eyes soft and full of affection as he gently squeezed my hand. “No, it wasn’t…but I’m glad I did.” With that, he turned and led me out of his rooms and back downstairs to the living room where everyone else was still gathered.
He chose an open loveseat and pulled me down next to him as I tried like hell to ignore Caius’s heavy stare. It wasn’t working so I tucked myself closer to Jasper’s side and he placed a protective arm around me while ignoring Caius’s low growl. “Welcome back you two,” Peter said with his ever-present smirk. Jasper merely nodded to him before looking to Aro.
“Pardon my temporary absence.”
Aro inclined his head, looking very relaxed with one hand draped over his knee and a wine glass in the other atop the upholstered chair arm. “Quite all right, Major Whitlock. I was just catching up with my old friend Carlisle.” His lips curved into a predatory smile. “He leads such an…interesting life.” He looked over at the blond coven leader, and his grin widened. “Just fascinating, really. Doctor, husband, father to two very gifted vampire children…” His forehead creased and he looked apologetic. “Not that your other two children are any less…valuable.” Rosalie rolled her eyes and looked out the window with a scowl as he took a delicate sip of his wine and waved a hand. “No offense, old friend.”
A very tense looking Carlisle inclined his head. “None taken.”
“Good…very good. Of course, you must mourn the loss of having one such as Major Whitlock in your little family. Why, I would imagine your life with him in your…ranks was very peaceful indeed, for who would ever challenge the God of War or anyone associated with him?”
Aro’s smile was now shark-like while Carlisle looked as though he’d sucked a lemon. It was then that Aro went in for the kill, and I tried very hard to stifle a laugh. “And now! To realize you let sweet little Isabella slip through your fingers too! Such an exquisite gift! A shield. Untrained, certainly, but destined for greatness, surely. To think she’d manifested such a gift before turning too! What were you thinking?!” He pinned Carlisle with a sudden steely look, his former amusement gone completely and Carlisle shuddered visibly. “That was not a rhetorical question, old friend. What were you thinking? To leave a human with knowledge of our existence…”
All chatter throughout the room ceased totally as everyone focused on Carlisle who finally cleared his throat. “To be honest, Aro, that was our primary reason for being here—to make sure that Isabella had been turned and if she hadn’t been, to take care of the problem.”
Aro’s brows shot up. “Do you forget my gift, Carlisle Cullen? I know the truth of things. You’re here in a desperate bid to—how do they say these days—cover your ass.” He chuckled and shook his head. “No, you are most fortunate that Major Whitlock and to a lesser extent, your daughter Rosalie had the good sense to clean up after your messes, but I warn you—old friend or not, leniency will not be extended again. Am I clear?”
“Yes, very clear, and you have my gratitude.”
Aro sipped his wine and gestured toward Jasper. “Thank Major Whitlock. He’s the one who saved your ass, not me.”
Carlisle looked over at Jasper. “Thank you Jasper. You did us a great service and it won’t be forgotten.”
Jasper pulled me closer and grinned as I stifled the urge to roll my eyes. “The pleasure was all mine, Carlisle, I assure you. She was exceptionally…sweet.”
Edward growled and Carlisle shot him a glare, shutting the mind reader up instantly. “Yes, well, if there’s ever anything we can do for you…”
Jasper’s brows inched up. “Thanks, but I seriously doubt it,” he said dryly.
It was then I noticed Aro’s focus on me and I met his steady gaze as he smiled. “Isabella,” he held out his hand. “Could I prevail upon you, my dear?”
I blinked and widened my eyes as I looked up at Jasper who nodded. “Go on sugar. It’s all right.”
Rising from my seat, I approached the raven haired King shyly and placed my hand in his, watching as his eyes stared into the middle distance for a moment before a smile curved his lips. “Remarkable. I see nothing. What talent.” He gaze cut to the guard named Jane and he muttered, “I wonder…” but a growl cut him off.
“Absolutely not,” Caius hissed as Athenadora looked at him quizzically. “I won’t allow it, Aro, so forget it.”
“Isabella, come here sugar,” Jasper called me back and I retook my place next to him, tucking myself in close as Caius’s jaw tightened. He held his silence though and for that, I was grateful.
Aro sighed, but nodded. “Very well, brother.” He looked at Jasper. “Is it true Major, that she remembers nothing from her human life?”
Jasper gave a nod. “She remembers the day I turned her, but that’s it.”
“Perhaps if she had more contact with my family, she would begin to remember us. She was very close with us, particularly Edward and we’d be more than willing to take her. It’s where she belongs.”
It was all I could do to keep from hissing at the Cullen patriarch. What fucking nerve he had!
Jasper obviously felt the spike in my anger because he leaned down and nuzzled my neck just over his mark and I tilted my head as I relaxed and closed my eyes. “Stay calm baby doll. Wouldn’t wanna have to take ya over my knee in front of all these guests.”
I whimpered. I tried not to, but I know I did. Something about being over the Major’s lap as he doled out such a punishment struck a chord in me and the next thing I knew I was instantly wet and wanting. He chuckled and I wanted to punch him. The ass…
I hissed at him then and he nipped my mark, instantly bringing me to submission as a growl sounded from Caius. I glanced over to him just in time to see Athenadora staring at him with a calculating gleam in her eyes. Looks like the bitch was wasting no time putting the pieces together.
Aro chose that moment to speak again. “Interesting dynamic you have with your little newborn, Major. Tell me, are you mates?”
“They are not.”
Seemed as though Marcus startled everyone by speaking because every eye was now on him as he smirked. Aro held out his hand toward him and he complied and within seconds, Aro’s brows shot up as a wicked grin appeared on his face. “I do so love your gift at times, brother,” he said while not looking at any of us in particular. Clever bastard. “Interesting,” he muttered as he drew his hand back. “Very interesting, indeed.”
Alice chose that moment to pipe up, looking rather smug as she did so. “I told you so. She’s Edward’s mate.”
Tucking my face into Jasper’s side, I watched from the corner of my eye as Caius fought down any response, his jaw so tense he could’ve bitten through steel. I wasn’t sure why he didn’t speak up though and the fact that he didn’t hurt more than I cared to admit.
“You all right, baby doll?” Jasper muttered lowly and I nodded against him. I knew that he could feel my emotions. I wasn’t bothering to block him, but neither did I want to admit my pain aloud. He sent me a wave of understanding and I did my best to send him gratitude.
“Jay?”
“Yeah, sugar?”
“It’s getting boring in here. I think I’m gonna take a walk. Is that okay?” I looked up at him, my eyes wide and innocent since I was still trying to keep up the act I’d started for the Cullen’s benefit. He smiled and nodded.
“Sure, baby doll. Just stay close to the house.”
“All right.” I got up and walked out at a human pace and heard Jasper suggest that they retire to their office to conclude business just as the door closed behind me.
Jogging down the steps, I made my way around the house toward the back yard, never going over the speed of a human. I wasn’t in any hurry after all and I really did just want to get some air and some solitude after being cooped up for a while.
As I walked through the manicured grounds, I spied the barn and made my way toward it. I knew Jasper, Pete and Char would all be busy dealing with the Volturi for a while, and I really found being around the horses relaxing. There was just something about them; their calm manner and trusting nature that helped put me at ease.
Sliding the big barn door open, I went to the second stall on the left. This was where Artemis lived. He was a huge bay gelding and he was my favorite. Turns out, he belonged to Jasper but I hadn't known that when I’d first made friends with the eighteen hand tall equine.
As soon as I arrived at the door, his head poked out and he blew out gently before nudging me. “Hey big guy,” I muttered as I rubbed the star in his forehead. “How ya doing today, huh?”
He nodded and I laughed while reaching into the ever-present bag of carrots. “I bet you want one of these, don’t ya?” He nodded again and I fed it to him a chuck at a time, enjoying the quiet time, with only the sounds of swishing tails, blown out breaths and heavy heart beats accompanying his munching.
When he’d finished, I asked him if he wanted another, but before I could get him one, his eyes rolled back and he spun on his haunches and took off just as all the other horses did the same, vacating their indoor stalls for the paddock runs. “What the…”
“Isabella?”
I closed my eyes and suppressed a groan before turning to see Edward standing there. When was I gonna get to a point where others couldn’t sneak up on me?!
“Yes?” I said, my facade back in place as I looked at him.
“You really don’t remember me, or anything about me?” he asked while taking a few steps closer.
“No, I really don’t. I’m sorry,” I said while eyeing him warily.
He smiled sweetly, one side of his lips curled a little higher than the other as he slowly closed the distance between us. “I’m so sorry about that love,” he said while reaching out to take my hand.
I jerked it back and took a step back and he frowned. “It’s okay, love. You can trust me. I would never hurt you.”
My insides were seething with pent up anger and resentment, but I kept my cool as I stared at him in feigned confusion. “Why would I want to?” I asked and he smiled again, sweetly. It twisted my stomach.
“Because I love you. You see, before Jasper got to you, you and I were together. I was about to ask you to marry me. We were very happy together; very much in love.” He reached up and cupped my cheek and I stared at him, this time my confusion and disbelief genuine. Was he fucking kidding me?!
“Really?” I said and he nodded, taking my hand again, this time more securely.
“Yes, love. You see, you’re mine. I met you in our high school biology class and we’ve been together since, until Jasper got to you and changed you. He took you away from me, and my heart’s been broken since then.” He suddenly drew me into his arms and I pushed against him, but he wouldn’t let me go. “We belong together, love. Alice has seen it and through her visions, I’ve seen it too.” He leaned down and kissed just under my ear as I pushed against his chest. “Don’t fight me, love. You’re mine and I mean to take you back home with me.”
“What?! You can’t just do that. I don’t want to go with you!” I shoved harder and he lost his hold and stumbled back. I turned and began to run but he was faster and tackled me to the hay-strewn floor, pinning my arms by the wrists in one of his large hands as he hissed in my ear, “Lie still damn it!”
“No!” I yelled as well as I could with my cheek pressed against the floor.
“Don’t make me do this here and now, Isabella, because I will if I have to…”
Dread filled me and I struggled all the harder as he growled and tore my pants from me. Next I heard the sound of a zipper and went wild, doing everything in my power to get him off me. “Fuck!” he cursed as I nearly escaped and then he hit me with a closed fist on the temple. Sure, vampires can’t really lose consciousness, but after a blow like that, it was a near thing, my vision narrowing and fuzzing to grey noise for moments as he leaned forward, sinking his teeth firmly into my neck.
“Nooo!” I howled as he pumped venom into me, now knowing very well what he’d just done through experience. The fucker had just created a bond between us, and I vowed then and there to kill him when the chance presented itself.
“Isabella!” I heard a very familiar voice call and I screamed in answer as Edward jumped up and ran out the opposite end of the barn.
I slumped, face down, against the hay and concrete beneath me, sobbing in equal parts anger and relief as Jay gathered me into his arms. “Shh, it’s okay baby doll. It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not,” I sobbed. “It’s not, Jay. He bit me.”
Jay hissed and turned to two guards that I hadn’t realized were there. “Go after the bastard. I want him caught.”
“Yes sir, Major,” the two responded before vanishing out the way Edward escaped.
I felt Jasper’s eyes on me then as he looked over the weeping wound on my neck. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel waves of anger coming from him as his arms tightened around me and he carried me into the house through the back entrance. “I’ll kill the little fucker,” he finally muttered as he set me on my feet in his rooms and tilted my chin up to see the fresh mark clearly as a low growl rumbled in his chest.
I glanced in the mirror to see that it was distinct and separate from my sire mark and the mark Caius had placed. I felt my eyes go black as the coldest rage I’d ever felt filled me to my very soul and I turned to Jasper, meeting his gaze squarely. “You will not kill him,” I said, my voice glacial, even to my own ears. “Because that privilege is mine.”
With that, I walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. I was going to have a good long soak, get myself dressed and after that, commence making damn sure that no one would ever dare to fuck with Isabella Swan ever again.
“You ready to go face the music, darlin’?”
I sighed and looked up at him as he stared down at me, his arms still securely wrapped around me, holding me close. “I guess we have to, huh?”
He gave me a sad smile. “Yeah baby doll, we do. Much as I hate doin’ it, Peter and I have to conclude business. The sooner we do that, the sooner they leave.”
Pain shot through my chest at that and I frowned. Leave…Caius would be leaving soon and to me, that was a double edged sword. My head wanted him gone.
My vampire, however…
Jasper’s hand smoothed back the hair from my face, bringing me back to the present; back from the drowning pain. “I know,” he said before leaning down to place a soft kiss on my lips. “I know sweetheart, and I’m sorry.”
If I could have cried, I would have because I now knew that he did know—that he understood exactly—and that was something no one should ever have to deal with…but the two of us…we did. At least we had each other. At least he wasn’t all alone in it anymore…
Lightly, I traced the side of his face with my fingertips as my eyes searched his. “I’m here for you, Jay and you’re here for me, right?” I asked, feeling the need for reassurance.
He smiled and kissed me again, this time with more passion before resting his head against mine. “Yeah sweet girl, we have each other.”
I felt his hand grasp mine then and he stepped back and gave a light tug. “Show time.” He led me to the door and opened it but I stopped him with a tug.
“Jay?”
He cocked a brow and looked down at me. “Yeah?”
“Thank you…you know…for telling me…for sharing…I know it wasn’t easy.”
He studied me for moments, his expression relaxed, his eyes soft and full of affection as he gently squeezed my hand. “No, it wasn’t…but I’m glad I did.” With that, he turned and led me out of his rooms and back downstairs to the living room where everyone else was still gathered.
He chose an open loveseat and pulled me down next to him as I tried like hell to ignore Caius’s heavy stare. It wasn’t working so I tucked myself closer to Jasper’s side and he placed a protective arm around me while ignoring Caius’s low growl. “Welcome back you two,” Peter said with his ever-present smirk. Jasper merely nodded to him before looking to Aro.
“Pardon my temporary absence.”
Aro inclined his head, looking very relaxed with one hand draped over his knee and a wine glass in the other atop the upholstered chair arm. “Quite all right, Major Whitlock. I was just catching up with my old friend Carlisle.” His lips curved into a predatory smile. “He leads such an…interesting life.” He looked over at the blond coven leader, and his grin widened. “Just fascinating, really. Doctor, husband, father to two very gifted vampire children…” His forehead creased and he looked apologetic. “Not that your other two children are any less…valuable.” Rosalie rolled her eyes and looked out the window with a scowl as he took a delicate sip of his wine and waved a hand. “No offense, old friend.”
A very tense looking Carlisle inclined his head. “None taken.”
“Good…very good. Of course, you must mourn the loss of having one such as Major Whitlock in your little family. Why, I would imagine your life with him in your…ranks was very peaceful indeed, for who would ever challenge the God of War or anyone associated with him?”
Aro’s smile was now shark-like while Carlisle looked as though he’d sucked a lemon. It was then that Aro went in for the kill, and I tried very hard to stifle a laugh. “And now! To realize you let sweet little Isabella slip through your fingers too! Such an exquisite gift! A shield. Untrained, certainly, but destined for greatness, surely. To think she’d manifested such a gift before turning too! What were you thinking?!” He pinned Carlisle with a sudden steely look, his former amusement gone completely and Carlisle shuddered visibly. “That was not a rhetorical question, old friend. What were you thinking? To leave a human with knowledge of our existence…”
All chatter throughout the room ceased totally as everyone focused on Carlisle who finally cleared his throat. “To be honest, Aro, that was our primary reason for being here—to make sure that Isabella had been turned and if she hadn’t been, to take care of the problem.”
Aro’s brows shot up. “Do you forget my gift, Carlisle Cullen? I know the truth of things. You’re here in a desperate bid to—how do they say these days—cover your ass.” He chuckled and shook his head. “No, you are most fortunate that Major Whitlock and to a lesser extent, your daughter Rosalie had the good sense to clean up after your messes, but I warn you—old friend or not, leniency will not be extended again. Am I clear?”
“Yes, very clear, and you have my gratitude.”
Aro sipped his wine and gestured toward Jasper. “Thank Major Whitlock. He’s the one who saved your ass, not me.”
Carlisle looked over at Jasper. “Thank you Jasper. You did us a great service and it won’t be forgotten.”
Jasper pulled me closer and grinned as I stifled the urge to roll my eyes. “The pleasure was all mine, Carlisle, I assure you. She was exceptionally…sweet.”
Edward growled and Carlisle shot him a glare, shutting the mind reader up instantly. “Yes, well, if there’s ever anything we can do for you…”
Jasper’s brows inched up. “Thanks, but I seriously doubt it,” he said dryly.
It was then I noticed Aro’s focus on me and I met his steady gaze as he smiled. “Isabella,” he held out his hand. “Could I prevail upon you, my dear?”
I blinked and widened my eyes as I looked up at Jasper who nodded. “Go on sugar. It’s all right.”
Rising from my seat, I approached the raven haired King shyly and placed my hand in his, watching as his eyes stared into the middle distance for a moment before a smile curved his lips. “Remarkable. I see nothing. What talent.” He gaze cut to the guard named Jane and he muttered, “I wonder…” but a growl cut him off.
“Absolutely not,” Caius hissed as Athenadora looked at him quizzically. “I won’t allow it, Aro, so forget it.”
“Isabella, come here sugar,” Jasper called me back and I retook my place next to him, tucking myself in close as Caius’s jaw tightened. He held his silence though and for that, I was grateful.
Aro sighed, but nodded. “Very well, brother.” He looked at Jasper. “Is it true Major, that she remembers nothing from her human life?”
Jasper gave a nod. “She remembers the day I turned her, but that’s it.”
“Perhaps if she had more contact with my family, she would begin to remember us. She was very close with us, particularly Edward and we’d be more than willing to take her. It’s where she belongs.”
It was all I could do to keep from hissing at the Cullen patriarch. What fucking nerve he had!
Jasper obviously felt the spike in my anger because he leaned down and nuzzled my neck just over his mark and I tilted my head as I relaxed and closed my eyes. “Stay calm baby doll. Wouldn’t wanna have to take ya over my knee in front of all these guests.”
I whimpered. I tried not to, but I know I did. Something about being over the Major’s lap as he doled out such a punishment struck a chord in me and the next thing I knew I was instantly wet and wanting. He chuckled and I wanted to punch him. The ass…
I hissed at him then and he nipped my mark, instantly bringing me to submission as a growl sounded from Caius. I glanced over to him just in time to see Athenadora staring at him with a calculating gleam in her eyes. Looks like the bitch was wasting no time putting the pieces together.
Aro chose that moment to speak again. “Interesting dynamic you have with your little newborn, Major. Tell me, are you mates?”
“They are not.”
Seemed as though Marcus startled everyone by speaking because every eye was now on him as he smirked. Aro held out his hand toward him and he complied and within seconds, Aro’s brows shot up as a wicked grin appeared on his face. “I do so love your gift at times, brother,” he said while not looking at any of us in particular. Clever bastard. “Interesting,” he muttered as he drew his hand back. “Very interesting, indeed.”
Alice chose that moment to pipe up, looking rather smug as she did so. “I told you so. She’s Edward’s mate.”
Tucking my face into Jasper’s side, I watched from the corner of my eye as Caius fought down any response, his jaw so tense he could’ve bitten through steel. I wasn’t sure why he didn’t speak up though and the fact that he didn’t hurt more than I cared to admit.
“You all right, baby doll?” Jasper muttered lowly and I nodded against him. I knew that he could feel my emotions. I wasn’t bothering to block him, but neither did I want to admit my pain aloud. He sent me a wave of understanding and I did my best to send him gratitude.
“Jay?”
“Yeah, sugar?”
“It’s getting boring in here. I think I’m gonna take a walk. Is that okay?” I looked up at him, my eyes wide and innocent since I was still trying to keep up the act I’d started for the Cullen’s benefit. He smiled and nodded.
“Sure, baby doll. Just stay close to the house.”
“All right.” I got up and walked out at a human pace and heard Jasper suggest that they retire to their office to conclude business just as the door closed behind me.
Jogging down the steps, I made my way around the house toward the back yard, never going over the speed of a human. I wasn’t in any hurry after all and I really did just want to get some air and some solitude after being cooped up for a while.
As I walked through the manicured grounds, I spied the barn and made my way toward it. I knew Jasper, Pete and Char would all be busy dealing with the Volturi for a while, and I really found being around the horses relaxing. There was just something about them; their calm manner and trusting nature that helped put me at ease.
Sliding the big barn door open, I went to the second stall on the left. This was where Artemis lived. He was a huge bay gelding and he was my favorite. Turns out, he belonged to Jasper but I hadn't known that when I’d first made friends with the eighteen hand tall equine.
As soon as I arrived at the door, his head poked out and he blew out gently before nudging me. “Hey big guy,” I muttered as I rubbed the star in his forehead. “How ya doing today, huh?”
He nodded and I laughed while reaching into the ever-present bag of carrots. “I bet you want one of these, don’t ya?” He nodded again and I fed it to him a chuck at a time, enjoying the quiet time, with only the sounds of swishing tails, blown out breaths and heavy heart beats accompanying his munching.
When he’d finished, I asked him if he wanted another, but before I could get him one, his eyes rolled back and he spun on his haunches and took off just as all the other horses did the same, vacating their indoor stalls for the paddock runs. “What the…”
“Isabella?”
I closed my eyes and suppressed a groan before turning to see Edward standing there. When was I gonna get to a point where others couldn’t sneak up on me?!
“Yes?” I said, my facade back in place as I looked at him.
“You really don’t remember me, or anything about me?” he asked while taking a few steps closer.
“No, I really don’t. I’m sorry,” I said while eyeing him warily.
He smiled sweetly, one side of his lips curled a little higher than the other as he slowly closed the distance between us. “I’m so sorry about that love,” he said while reaching out to take my hand.
I jerked it back and took a step back and he frowned. “It’s okay, love. You can trust me. I would never hurt you.”
My insides were seething with pent up anger and resentment, but I kept my cool as I stared at him in feigned confusion. “Why would I want to?” I asked and he smiled again, sweetly. It twisted my stomach.
“Because I love you. You see, before Jasper got to you, you and I were together. I was about to ask you to marry me. We were very happy together; very much in love.” He reached up and cupped my cheek and I stared at him, this time my confusion and disbelief genuine. Was he fucking kidding me?!
“Really?” I said and he nodded, taking my hand again, this time more securely.
“Yes, love. You see, you’re mine. I met you in our high school biology class and we’ve been together since, until Jasper got to you and changed you. He took you away from me, and my heart’s been broken since then.” He suddenly drew me into his arms and I pushed against him, but he wouldn’t let me go. “We belong together, love. Alice has seen it and through her visions, I’ve seen it too.” He leaned down and kissed just under my ear as I pushed against his chest. “Don’t fight me, love. You’re mine and I mean to take you back home with me.”
“What?! You can’t just do that. I don’t want to go with you!” I shoved harder and he lost his hold and stumbled back. I turned and began to run but he was faster and tackled me to the hay-strewn floor, pinning my arms by the wrists in one of his large hands as he hissed in my ear, “Lie still damn it!”
“No!” I yelled as well as I could with my cheek pressed against the floor.
“Don’t make me do this here and now, Isabella, because I will if I have to…”
Dread filled me and I struggled all the harder as he growled and tore my pants from me. Next I heard the sound of a zipper and went wild, doing everything in my power to get him off me. “Fuck!” he cursed as I nearly escaped and then he hit me with a closed fist on the temple. Sure, vampires can’t really lose consciousness, but after a blow like that, it was a near thing, my vision narrowing and fuzzing to grey noise for moments as he leaned forward, sinking his teeth firmly into my neck.
“Nooo!” I howled as he pumped venom into me, now knowing very well what he’d just done through experience. The fucker had just created a bond between us, and I vowed then and there to kill him when the chance presented itself.
“Isabella!” I heard a very familiar voice call and I screamed in answer as Edward jumped up and ran out the opposite end of the barn.
I slumped, face down, against the hay and concrete beneath me, sobbing in equal parts anger and relief as Jay gathered me into his arms. “Shh, it’s okay baby doll. It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not,” I sobbed. “It’s not, Jay. He bit me.”
Jay hissed and turned to two guards that I hadn’t realized were there. “Go after the bastard. I want him caught.”
“Yes sir, Major,” the two responded before vanishing out the way Edward escaped.
I felt Jasper’s eyes on me then as he looked over the weeping wound on my neck. He didn’t say a word, but I could feel waves of anger coming from him as his arms tightened around me and he carried me into the house through the back entrance. “I’ll kill the little fucker,” he finally muttered as he set me on my feet in his rooms and tilted my chin up to see the fresh mark clearly as a low growl rumbled in his chest.
I glanced in the mirror to see that it was distinct and separate from my sire mark and the mark Caius had placed. I felt my eyes go black as the coldest rage I’d ever felt filled me to my very soul and I turned to Jasper, meeting his gaze squarely. “You will not kill him,” I said, my voice glacial, even to my own ears. “Because that privilege is mine.”
With that, I walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind me. I was going to have a good long soak, get myself dressed and after that, commence making damn sure that no one would ever dare to fuck with Isabella Swan ever again.
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.