Finding You Finding Me
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 03
"I watched you burn…" Edward muttered in disbelief and Bella shook her head.
"We watched Jasper from our time burn. This Jasper was brought here from the past."
Edward scoffed and reached for Bella's arm, never taking his eyes off of Jasper. "Come on love," he said as he yanked her off the footrest.
Bella cried out and shoved against Edward's chest. "Let go of my arm Edward! You're hurting me!"
Edward looked startled and let her go. "I'm sorry love but whoever he is, he's dangerous. Just look at his eyes! You shouldn't even be in the same room with him!" he said as Jasper growled. "Have you forgotten Jasper tried to kill you?!"
Jasper's brows shot up at that and Bella rounded on Edward. "Of course I haven't forgotten that night! It seems you have though. It wasn't Jasper's fault. I cut myself and then you made it worse! All that bloodlust put him over the edge!" She glanced back at Jasper nervously and he cocked a brow at her before giving a nod.
"I can see how that would happen darlin'. Ya smell delicious," he said with a fang-filled grin, "even with that boy's stench all over ya."
"There!" Edward pointed accusingly at Jasper. "That right there! Do you see now Bella?! He's nothing more than a murderous animal!"
The sound of a stinging slap rang through the room. "Shit!" she hissed while holding her smarting hand before scowling up at Edward who stared at her with wide eyes as he rubbed his cheek. "I won't have you or anyone else talking about him like that, you hear me?!" she seethed.
Jasper chuckled darkly. "Girl's got fire in her, don't she boy? Just wish she wasn't so fragile." He eyed Bella, a wicked sparkle in his eyes. "Come over here darlin'. I could take care a' that little problem right quick."
Edward grabbed her and pulled her close. "You won't touch her! I'll kill you first you disgusting monster!"
Bella shoved her way out of Edward's hold again, placing herself in front of Jasper before pinning Edward with a glare. "You're not killing anyone! And just because he's offered to change me, he's a monster?!" She looked back at Jasper, one fine brow arched. "That was an offer to change me, right?"
Jasper smiled and inclined his head. "Sure enough was sugar, and I don't speak lightly. You'd make a hell of a vampire." He eyed her speculatively. "I'd love to see that."
"Never!" Edward shouted just as the rest of the family crowded around the open door.
Carlisle shouldered his way into the room, a shocked look on his face. "What's going on here?" He looked at Jasper. "And who… who are you?!"
Bella moved back to sit by Jasper and laid her hurting hand on his thigh, her expression daring anyone to say anything about it. Jasper narrowed his eyes at Carlisle, sizing him up in an instant, not only with experience, but with his gift. "I take it you're the leader of this coven?" he drawled.
Carlisle nodded. "I am."
"Well, I'm Major Jasper Whitlock."
It seemed at that point, everyone had something to say and Jasper and Bella shared a look as Carlisle tried to get control. Jasper finally let out a piercing whistle through his teeth and the noise died immediately. "If y'all'ed care to shut up?" He stared around the group before nodding. "Good. Now based on what sweet little Bell here told me, I'm sure you're all quite shocked by my presence here. Allow me to explain, and I'll thank ya not to interrupt with any bullshit 'till I'm through." He peered around at them again and they all nodded.
"Very good. All right, I came to be here by an angel—whose name's Haiel, by the way—who took me from my place and time—that would be San Antonio, TX, year 18 and 83—and brought my not so willin' ass here, earlier today.
"It's my understandin' from little Bell here that my future self lived here with you all until he—I—whatever, ended it all a few months back in some disgusting fiery display," he said with his lip curled in distaste. "Just what the fuck was I thinkin' to do such a thing…" he grumbled and Bella covered her mouth and looked down as she stifled a grin.
He looked around at each of them. "Just don't be expectin' that to happen again. Ain't no way I'll ever lay down and die voluntarily," he pinned Edward with a glare, "so don't go gettin' your hopes up there pretty boy."
Everyone was shocked silent until Alice grumbled, "Oh god, that atrocious accent. Years it took me to break him of it and now it's back…"
Bella glared at her and stuck out her chin. "I love it. It fits him, so you leave him the hell alone."
"Bella!" Edward admonished while Alice's eyes widened in shock.
Jasper chuckled. "Well, thank ya little Bell. Glad ya like it darlin'."
She smiled and rubbed his leg and Edward glared at the action. "You're welcome Jasper, but it's just the truth," she said with a shrug.
Carlisle hadn't missed the interaction either and his brow furrowed as he cleared his throat. "That's an…interesting story Major Whitlock, but how can we be sure it's the truth? You look remarkably like our Jasper, but stranger things have happened. You'll understand if we keep a close eye on you while you're here."
Jasper cocked a brow. "I've noticed y'all are strange with your gold eyes and whatnot, but there's no mistakin' that you're vampires. As such, I'm sure ya got a sense a' smell. Use it. I'm sure you'll find my scent and the dearly departed Jasper's scent matches up?"
Carlisle looked chastised but nodded. "It does," he conceded.
Bella glanced between Carlisle and Jasper and nodded. "Good, that settles it," she said. "Now, introductions haven't been made and I'm sure Jasper would appreciate knowing your names?"
He inclined his head. "I would at that, darlin', thank you."
She grinned at him. "You're welcome."
Carlisle cleared his throat again. "Yes, well, I'm Carlisle Cullen," he pulled Esme close, "and this is my wife, Esme. The one you were speaking to earlier is Edward, my son and Bella is his mate…"
At this, a low growl rumbled in Jasper's chest and he shot a cold glare at a smug looking Edward. "That remains to be seen," he growled before nodding toward Carlisle. "Continue," he instructed.
Carlisle glanced nervously from Jasper to Edward before gesturing to the others. "That is my son Emmett and his mate Rosalie, and next to them are my daughter Alice and her mate Riley."
"Precious and all tied up with a pretty ribbon," Jasper drawled before looking at Bella. "How can ya stand it little Bell?"
She shrugged. "It's…nice to have a family," she murmured.
"Is it?" he questioned. "I wouldn't know. Can't hardly remember my own from my human life and ain't had one since."
"That's because animals don't have families," Edward sneered and Bella stood up to glare in his face.
"I think you need to leave Edward." His mouth dropped open and she continued, pointing back at Jasper. "This is Jasper, your brother, the one we lost so tragically months ago and now we have a second chance with him and guess what?" She stared around at all of them as they listened. "I'm not gonna let any of you spoil it! So, if you don't have anything civil or welcoming to say, there's the door. Use it."
Edward frowned. "Bella…" he began and she cut him off.
"No Edward, I meant what I said. You need to leave. I'll talk to you later."
Carlisle stepped forward and put a hand on Edward's shoulder. "Son, let's go. Give Bella and Jasper some time to talk. He hasn't moved a muscle since we've been in here. I think she'll be fine and we'll keep a close watch, but she wants time with him and I think it best you give her that."
Edward sagged and nodded his head before looking at Bella. "I'll see you later?"
She nodded and he followed the rest of the family out the door before closing it.
When they were gone, Bella blew out a breath and seated herself on the footrest again.
Jasper grinned at her. "My fierce protector," he said as one brow rose and she shrugged and glanced at him, then chuckled while shaking her head. She couldn't help it. He was just so damn…cute…in a hot bad-boy vampy kind of way.
"Quit giving me a hard time, Whitlock," she mock grumbled and he laughed and eyed her wickedly.
"Oh you ain't seen a hard time yet sugar." His voice smoothed into a purr as he continued. "But that can be remedied, right quick. Be all kinds a' fun too, I promise."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Bad Jasper," she scolded before grinning and he nodded, his eyes alight with mirth.
"Yeah I can be. Matter a' fact, I can be anythin' ya want me to be. Just say the word darlin'."
She sent him a sidelong glance before furrowing her brow. "Jasper, you're so…well, you're so different now, or," she sighed in frustration, "what I guess I'm trying to say is the Jasper I knew before was very different from you." She looked up to see him listening carefully. "You were always so quiet and subdued. You barely spoke and you never laughed." She looked at him and he was frowning. "You did smile at me once and it was beautiful. It was when the tracker was chasing me and you spoke to me in the garage before we left." She met his gaze. "You told me I was worth it; worth the risks you were taking and I've never forgotten that."
She reached over and took his hand and he stared down at it while she marveled. "You're warm to me," she whispered before looking back into his eyes. "Is this okay?" she asked while squeezing his hand.
"Yeah darlin', it is," he murmured as he wondered at the feelings that were flowing through him. He'd never felt anything like it and he relished it, drinking it in like a man dying of thirst. "And tracker? Chasing you?" he said. "We're gonna talk more about that sugar, very soon." She nodded, her brow creased in thought once again. He could feel she had more questions, so he waited.
"Jasper?"
"Yeah sugar?"
She looked up from the hand she was holding. "Why haven't you moved? I mean, I haven't even felt your hand move. You didn't even move when Edward busted in. Why is that?"
He scowled and her brows inched up. "The princess did somethin' to me. Made it so I can't move."
She sucked in a breath. "What?! You can't move at all?!"
"Nope, just my head and my mouth, obviously. Everything else? Nothin'."
Her eyes were wide and she gripped his hand. "Is it forever?! How could he do this to you! Can he undo it?!"
"Shh, calm down little Bell. He said I'll be this way until he's sure I won't kill ya."
Her expression darkened and her eyes narrowed. "Where is he?" she ground out looking around the room and up at the ceiling.
He smiled and glanced up where she was glaring and whispered conspiratorially, "I don't think he's up there darlin'."
She glared at his grin. "Yeah well, you have his number or something, 'cause we need to have a chat! How the hell does he expect you to protect yourself?! What's his name again?"
Jasper's brows now reached the curls that hung over his forehead. "His number?" he asked, perplexed. "And his name is Haiel, sugar."
She set his hand back on the chair arm and shot to her feet. "Haiel!" she called out while staring around the room. "I know you're there damn it! Show yourself! We need to talk!"
"How may I help?" a voice intoned behind her and she spun around with a gasp as Jasper growled lowly.
She clutched at her chest while closing her eyes for a second before opening them to scowl at the newcomer. "Haiel?" she questioned and he smiled softly and shook his head.
"No sweet one, I am Mizrael, Haiel's brother."
She turned and stabbed a finger at Jasper. "Can you undo that?" she demanded and he chuckled.
"That?" he questioned and she growled.
"You know what I mean…the…the…mojo, whammy, whatever your brother did to him!"
"Ahhh," Mizrael murmured. "You mean when he took away his ability to move."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Yes," she said. "That."
"Well, he did that so you would be safe, and we have to be sure you'll be safe before we reverse it, I'm afraid. We have to know he won't try to kill you."
She placed her hands on her hips. "And just how are we supposed to prove that? He's a vampire and I'm human! There are never any guarantees! This isn't fair to him! He can't protect himself or anyone else the way he is! It's torture!"
Mizrael's eyes were wide. "Torture?!" he squeaked. "You think we're torturing him?!" He glanced at his brother's charge only to see a smug smirk on his face. He sighed and rubbed at his forehead. "Haiel, I swear, you owe me for this…" he muttered before looking back at his enraged charge. "Isabella, I'm sorry, but we need to see solid evidence that he can control the urge to kill you before we restore his ability to move. It's for your safety, sweet one."
"Solid evidence?" she huffed before turning to look at Jasper, a calculating look in her eye. She studied him for a few beats before squaring her shoulders and turning back to the angel. "All right, you want solid evidence, we'll give you solid evidence." She turned back to Jasper and climbed over his legs to straddle his lap. She stared into his eyes and he cocked a brow. "I trust you," she said while smoothing his hair away from his face.
"Okay," he said with a nod as he felt the truth of her words.
"You ready?" she asked with a smile.
His lips quirked into a smirk. "With the emotions rollin' off ya right now, baby doll? Hell yes I'm ready."
"Good," she breathed with a nod. Leaning forward, she tilted her head and pressed her lips to his as her arms snaked around his neck.
He groaned as she opened to him and he nipped her plump bottom lip with a fang, his lips sucking gently to taste and soothe before his tongue dipped into her mouth to savor and play. She moaned and ran her tongue over a sharp point of his fang, tasting the copper tang of her own blood as she did so. He growled in response and deepened the kiss. Moments later, she broke away to catch her breath while her fingers played in his hair and she whispered in wonder, "Major Whitlock, just what was that?"
"I don't know darlin'," he murmured with a grin. "I really think we need to try again and find out."
She laughed and gently nipped his bottom lip. "You're such a bad boy," she said with a gentle peck to his lips as she tugged his curls.
"That I am darlin', but now may not be the best time for this. I can feel our guest gettin' a mite impatient over there."
She gasped and turned back to the angel she'd completely forgotten, whose arms were crossed over his chest, one brow arched as he stared. She smiled widely. "Uh, sorry about that… Was this enough solid evidence though?"
Jasper snorted. "I got more solid evidence here if ya need it."
Bella slapped his shoulder.
"Quiet you," she said through a laugh while the angel eyed the two of them.
Finally Mizrael rolled his eyes and waved a hand in the air. "Fine, fine, I'll reverse it." Under his breath, he muttered, "Haiel will have my ass if this backfires…" He walked over and laid a hand on Jasper's head, muttering something in a language only he understood. "There, you should be free of the bind now."
Jasper moved his hands to Bella's hips and then hopped up off the chair with her, giving a quiet 'whoop!' as he spun her around. They both watched as the smiling Angel vanished and then looked back at each other. "Now," Jasper murmured as their foreheads rested together.
"Where were we darlin'…"
"I watched you burn…" Edward muttered in disbelief and Bella shook her head.
"We watched Jasper from our time burn. This Jasper was brought here from the past."
Edward scoffed and reached for Bella's arm, never taking his eyes off of Jasper. "Come on love," he said as he yanked her off the footrest.
Bella cried out and shoved against Edward's chest. "Let go of my arm Edward! You're hurting me!"
Edward looked startled and let her go. "I'm sorry love but whoever he is, he's dangerous. Just look at his eyes! You shouldn't even be in the same room with him!" he said as Jasper growled. "Have you forgotten Jasper tried to kill you?!"
Jasper's brows shot up at that and Bella rounded on Edward. "Of course I haven't forgotten that night! It seems you have though. It wasn't Jasper's fault. I cut myself and then you made it worse! All that bloodlust put him over the edge!" She glanced back at Jasper nervously and he cocked a brow at her before giving a nod.
"I can see how that would happen darlin'. Ya smell delicious," he said with a fang-filled grin, "even with that boy's stench all over ya."
"There!" Edward pointed accusingly at Jasper. "That right there! Do you see now Bella?! He's nothing more than a murderous animal!"
The sound of a stinging slap rang through the room. "Shit!" she hissed while holding her smarting hand before scowling up at Edward who stared at her with wide eyes as he rubbed his cheek. "I won't have you or anyone else talking about him like that, you hear me?!" she seethed.
Jasper chuckled darkly. "Girl's got fire in her, don't she boy? Just wish she wasn't so fragile." He eyed Bella, a wicked sparkle in his eyes. "Come over here darlin'. I could take care a' that little problem right quick."
Edward grabbed her and pulled her close. "You won't touch her! I'll kill you first you disgusting monster!"
Bella shoved her way out of Edward's hold again, placing herself in front of Jasper before pinning Edward with a glare. "You're not killing anyone! And just because he's offered to change me, he's a monster?!" She looked back at Jasper, one fine brow arched. "That was an offer to change me, right?"
Jasper smiled and inclined his head. "Sure enough was sugar, and I don't speak lightly. You'd make a hell of a vampire." He eyed her speculatively. "I'd love to see that."
"Never!" Edward shouted just as the rest of the family crowded around the open door.
Carlisle shouldered his way into the room, a shocked look on his face. "What's going on here?" He looked at Jasper. "And who… who are you?!"
Bella moved back to sit by Jasper and laid her hurting hand on his thigh, her expression daring anyone to say anything about it. Jasper narrowed his eyes at Carlisle, sizing him up in an instant, not only with experience, but with his gift. "I take it you're the leader of this coven?" he drawled.
Carlisle nodded. "I am."
"Well, I'm Major Jasper Whitlock."
It seemed at that point, everyone had something to say and Jasper and Bella shared a look as Carlisle tried to get control. Jasper finally let out a piercing whistle through his teeth and the noise died immediately. "If y'all'ed care to shut up?" He stared around the group before nodding. "Good. Now based on what sweet little Bell here told me, I'm sure you're all quite shocked by my presence here. Allow me to explain, and I'll thank ya not to interrupt with any bullshit 'till I'm through." He peered around at them again and they all nodded.
"Very good. All right, I came to be here by an angel—whose name's Haiel, by the way—who took me from my place and time—that would be San Antonio, TX, year 18 and 83—and brought my not so willin' ass here, earlier today.
"It's my understandin' from little Bell here that my future self lived here with you all until he—I—whatever, ended it all a few months back in some disgusting fiery display," he said with his lip curled in distaste. "Just what the fuck was I thinkin' to do such a thing…" he grumbled and Bella covered her mouth and looked down as she stifled a grin.
He looked around at each of them. "Just don't be expectin' that to happen again. Ain't no way I'll ever lay down and die voluntarily," he pinned Edward with a glare, "so don't go gettin' your hopes up there pretty boy."
Everyone was shocked silent until Alice grumbled, "Oh god, that atrocious accent. Years it took me to break him of it and now it's back…"
Bella glared at her and stuck out her chin. "I love it. It fits him, so you leave him the hell alone."
"Bella!" Edward admonished while Alice's eyes widened in shock.
Jasper chuckled. "Well, thank ya little Bell. Glad ya like it darlin'."
She smiled and rubbed his leg and Edward glared at the action. "You're welcome Jasper, but it's just the truth," she said with a shrug.
Carlisle hadn't missed the interaction either and his brow furrowed as he cleared his throat. "That's an…interesting story Major Whitlock, but how can we be sure it's the truth? You look remarkably like our Jasper, but stranger things have happened. You'll understand if we keep a close eye on you while you're here."
Jasper cocked a brow. "I've noticed y'all are strange with your gold eyes and whatnot, but there's no mistakin' that you're vampires. As such, I'm sure ya got a sense a' smell. Use it. I'm sure you'll find my scent and the dearly departed Jasper's scent matches up?"
Carlisle looked chastised but nodded. "It does," he conceded.
Bella glanced between Carlisle and Jasper and nodded. "Good, that settles it," she said. "Now, introductions haven't been made and I'm sure Jasper would appreciate knowing your names?"
He inclined his head. "I would at that, darlin', thank you."
She grinned at him. "You're welcome."
Carlisle cleared his throat again. "Yes, well, I'm Carlisle Cullen," he pulled Esme close, "and this is my wife, Esme. The one you were speaking to earlier is Edward, my son and Bella is his mate…"
At this, a low growl rumbled in Jasper's chest and he shot a cold glare at a smug looking Edward. "That remains to be seen," he growled before nodding toward Carlisle. "Continue," he instructed.
Carlisle glanced nervously from Jasper to Edward before gesturing to the others. "That is my son Emmett and his mate Rosalie, and next to them are my daughter Alice and her mate Riley."
"Precious and all tied up with a pretty ribbon," Jasper drawled before looking at Bella. "How can ya stand it little Bell?"
She shrugged. "It's…nice to have a family," she murmured.
"Is it?" he questioned. "I wouldn't know. Can't hardly remember my own from my human life and ain't had one since."
"That's because animals don't have families," Edward sneered and Bella stood up to glare in his face.
"I think you need to leave Edward." His mouth dropped open and she continued, pointing back at Jasper. "This is Jasper, your brother, the one we lost so tragically months ago and now we have a second chance with him and guess what?" She stared around at all of them as they listened. "I'm not gonna let any of you spoil it! So, if you don't have anything civil or welcoming to say, there's the door. Use it."
Edward frowned. "Bella…" he began and she cut him off.
"No Edward, I meant what I said. You need to leave. I'll talk to you later."
Carlisle stepped forward and put a hand on Edward's shoulder. "Son, let's go. Give Bella and Jasper some time to talk. He hasn't moved a muscle since we've been in here. I think she'll be fine and we'll keep a close watch, but she wants time with him and I think it best you give her that."
Edward sagged and nodded his head before looking at Bella. "I'll see you later?"
She nodded and he followed the rest of the family out the door before closing it.
When they were gone, Bella blew out a breath and seated herself on the footrest again.
Jasper grinned at her. "My fierce protector," he said as one brow rose and she shrugged and glanced at him, then chuckled while shaking her head. She couldn't help it. He was just so damn…cute…in a hot bad-boy vampy kind of way.
"Quit giving me a hard time, Whitlock," she mock grumbled and he laughed and eyed her wickedly.
"Oh you ain't seen a hard time yet sugar." His voice smoothed into a purr as he continued. "But that can be remedied, right quick. Be all kinds a' fun too, I promise."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Bad Jasper," she scolded before grinning and he nodded, his eyes alight with mirth.
"Yeah I can be. Matter a' fact, I can be anythin' ya want me to be. Just say the word darlin'."
She sent him a sidelong glance before furrowing her brow. "Jasper, you're so…well, you're so different now, or," she sighed in frustration, "what I guess I'm trying to say is the Jasper I knew before was very different from you." She looked up to see him listening carefully. "You were always so quiet and subdued. You barely spoke and you never laughed." She looked at him and he was frowning. "You did smile at me once and it was beautiful. It was when the tracker was chasing me and you spoke to me in the garage before we left." She met his gaze. "You told me I was worth it; worth the risks you were taking and I've never forgotten that."
She reached over and took his hand and he stared down at it while she marveled. "You're warm to me," she whispered before looking back into his eyes. "Is this okay?" she asked while squeezing his hand.
"Yeah darlin', it is," he murmured as he wondered at the feelings that were flowing through him. He'd never felt anything like it and he relished it, drinking it in like a man dying of thirst. "And tracker? Chasing you?" he said. "We're gonna talk more about that sugar, very soon." She nodded, her brow creased in thought once again. He could feel she had more questions, so he waited.
"Jasper?"
"Yeah sugar?"
She looked up from the hand she was holding. "Why haven't you moved? I mean, I haven't even felt your hand move. You didn't even move when Edward busted in. Why is that?"
He scowled and her brows inched up. "The princess did somethin' to me. Made it so I can't move."
She sucked in a breath. "What?! You can't move at all?!"
"Nope, just my head and my mouth, obviously. Everything else? Nothin'."
Her eyes were wide and she gripped his hand. "Is it forever?! How could he do this to you! Can he undo it?!"
"Shh, calm down little Bell. He said I'll be this way until he's sure I won't kill ya."
Her expression darkened and her eyes narrowed. "Where is he?" she ground out looking around the room and up at the ceiling.
He smiled and glanced up where she was glaring and whispered conspiratorially, "I don't think he's up there darlin'."
She glared at his grin. "Yeah well, you have his number or something, 'cause we need to have a chat! How the hell does he expect you to protect yourself?! What's his name again?"
Jasper's brows now reached the curls that hung over his forehead. "His number?" he asked, perplexed. "And his name is Haiel, sugar."
She set his hand back on the chair arm and shot to her feet. "Haiel!" she called out while staring around the room. "I know you're there damn it! Show yourself! We need to talk!"
"How may I help?" a voice intoned behind her and she spun around with a gasp as Jasper growled lowly.
She clutched at her chest while closing her eyes for a second before opening them to scowl at the newcomer. "Haiel?" she questioned and he smiled softly and shook his head.
"No sweet one, I am Mizrael, Haiel's brother."
She turned and stabbed a finger at Jasper. "Can you undo that?" she demanded and he chuckled.
"That?" he questioned and she growled.
"You know what I mean…the…the…mojo, whammy, whatever your brother did to him!"
"Ahhh," Mizrael murmured. "You mean when he took away his ability to move."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "Yes," she said. "That."
"Well, he did that so you would be safe, and we have to be sure you'll be safe before we reverse it, I'm afraid. We have to know he won't try to kill you."
She placed her hands on her hips. "And just how are we supposed to prove that? He's a vampire and I'm human! There are never any guarantees! This isn't fair to him! He can't protect himself or anyone else the way he is! It's torture!"
Mizrael's eyes were wide. "Torture?!" he squeaked. "You think we're torturing him?!" He glanced at his brother's charge only to see a smug smirk on his face. He sighed and rubbed at his forehead. "Haiel, I swear, you owe me for this…" he muttered before looking back at his enraged charge. "Isabella, I'm sorry, but we need to see solid evidence that he can control the urge to kill you before we restore his ability to move. It's for your safety, sweet one."
"Solid evidence?" she huffed before turning to look at Jasper, a calculating look in her eye. She studied him for a few beats before squaring her shoulders and turning back to the angel. "All right, you want solid evidence, we'll give you solid evidence." She turned back to Jasper and climbed over his legs to straddle his lap. She stared into his eyes and he cocked a brow. "I trust you," she said while smoothing his hair away from his face.
"Okay," he said with a nod as he felt the truth of her words.
"You ready?" she asked with a smile.
His lips quirked into a smirk. "With the emotions rollin' off ya right now, baby doll? Hell yes I'm ready."
"Good," she breathed with a nod. Leaning forward, she tilted her head and pressed her lips to his as her arms snaked around his neck.
He groaned as she opened to him and he nipped her plump bottom lip with a fang, his lips sucking gently to taste and soothe before his tongue dipped into her mouth to savor and play. She moaned and ran her tongue over a sharp point of his fang, tasting the copper tang of her own blood as she did so. He growled in response and deepened the kiss. Moments later, she broke away to catch her breath while her fingers played in his hair and she whispered in wonder, "Major Whitlock, just what was that?"
"I don't know darlin'," he murmured with a grin. "I really think we need to try again and find out."
She laughed and gently nipped his bottom lip. "You're such a bad boy," she said with a gentle peck to his lips as she tugged his curls.
"That I am darlin', but now may not be the best time for this. I can feel our guest gettin' a mite impatient over there."
She gasped and turned back to the angel she'd completely forgotten, whose arms were crossed over his chest, one brow arched as he stared. She smiled widely. "Uh, sorry about that… Was this enough solid evidence though?"
Jasper snorted. "I got more solid evidence here if ya need it."
Bella slapped his shoulder.
"Quiet you," she said through a laugh while the angel eyed the two of them.
Finally Mizrael rolled his eyes and waved a hand in the air. "Fine, fine, I'll reverse it." Under his breath, he muttered, "Haiel will have my ass if this backfires…" He walked over and laid a hand on Jasper's head, muttering something in a language only he understood. "There, you should be free of the bind now."
Jasper moved his hands to Bella's hips and then hopped up off the chair with her, giving a quiet 'whoop!' as he spun her around. They both watched as the smiling Angel vanished and then looked back at each other. "Now," Jasper murmured as their foreheads rested together.
"Where were we darlin'…"
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.