The Inauspicious Beginnings Of A Prince
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 19
Jasper made his way through the Cullen house and to the formal library where he knew the Kings to be.
He thought about how he was feeling about this meeting and had to admit that this was a new feeling entirely when it came to meeting with his father; apprehension.
He knew why he felt this way though and it was because of Bella and the fact that he didn't know what his father was going to say about her.
Oh he knew Volturi law inside and out. He had been studying the law since his arrival as a small boy after all.
No, he was apprehensive because he was unsure of how Bella would take all of this and if she didn't take it well, if she rejected what he is…
He clenched his eyes shut for just a moment, pushed the emotions down deep and knocked.
Upon being bid entry, he hastened to his father and knelt, his right hand over his heart, head bowed in respect.
"My King."
Caius reached out, touching his shoulder. "Rise my son. I would see you fully when we speak."
Jasper did as instructed and met his fathers eyes before turning to each of his uncles to greet them with a bow.
Aro sighed. "Ah Jasper, our regal Prince. What a delight you are and how we have missed you!"
"Uncles, it is good to see you also. I have missed you all very much."
He turned back to his father and Caius narrowed his eyes a bit, gesturing at a chair.
"Be seated son. We must speak and I won't waste any time with niceties at this point. Who is the human girl and why is she here? You know the law as well as any of us my son. You know very well that she has witnessed, this day, more than she should have. I have never had cause to be disappointed in you my son. Do not give me reason to be so now."
Jasper looked up sharply at that, pain lancing through his being at just the thought of disappointing his father, one of the only beings on this planet that he truly loved.
He was kneeling at his fathers feet, head bowed in submission, before anyone could blink.
"Father, no please, I beg you, give me a chance to explain!"
Caius laid his hand on the back of Jasper's head, wanting to comfort him, when they all heard Marcus speak.
"If I may interject?" They all looked to him and Caius nodded.
"Please do brother, especially if it will address my concerns with why my son is bothering with a human girl instead of draining her like the meal she is." He finished with a sneer and Jasper hung his head, profoundly feeling his father's disappointment.
"Like you Caius I seek to be concise. The girl is his true mate."
Jasper's head whipped around to stare in shock at his uncle, just as his father sat back with a chuckle.
"Well my son, it would seem that your wilder days are short lived indeed. It's a good thing that you enjoyed the freedom you had to the fullest. But I must say that it's a wonderful thing to find your mate so early in your young life."
Aro couldn't contain his enthusiasm any longer and fairly hopped from his seat.
"Wonderful indeed my young nephew! Oh, we shall have such a bonding ceremony! The castle hasn't seen such a lavish affair as this will be! A Prince of Volterra, bonding with his mate and bringing to us a Princess! Oh, I must speak with your Mother and your Aunt Sulpicia! The planning must begin at once! Such affairs take much time and planning you know."
He began to pace, and Jasper chanced a look at his father, relieved to see mirth shining in his eyes and a wicked smirk in place.
Caius once again gestured toward the chair Jasper had been in.
"Please retake your seat son. We must discuss her turning."
Jasper nodded and sat.
"Father, I haven't even had a chance to speak to her about all that she witnessed today. I did not want to disrespect you by making you wait for me to do so. I'm not sure how she will take everything. I must admit that I am worried. What if she rejects me when she learns what I am?"
Marcus spoke then.
"I do not believe that you need worry over a rejection from her nephew. The bond I saw is a strong one, although I must tell you that she could have formed one equally as strong with your twin had she been given the chance, due to your sharing a soul with him."
Jasper was shocked at this. "Could such a thing still happen Uncle? Could she bond with Peter even now?"
Marcus shook his head.
"Worry not nephew. Bonds such as you share with her can only be formed between two souls; yours and hers. It cannot be broken or overshadowed by anything less than death. If you died, only then could a bond form between the two of them."
Caius scowled at the mere thought of losing his son and swept his hand elegantly through the air.
"Then let us not speak of such things. It will never happen. I'll never allow such a thing. Athenadora would have my head."
He smiled at his son and Jasper felt relief and warmth sweep through him at the genuine love he felt radiating from his father.
He wasn't sure what he would do if he ever lost the love and respect of his father. It meant more to him than anything in this world.
"I shall speak to her this evening Father. I pray that she takes it well."
Marcus sat forward. "Her reaction matters little Nephew. She has no choice in the matter. I say the most we concede to is leeway in the time frame of her turning. I can understand giving some time for her to mature a bit more, but she will be turned."
Aro clasped his hands together over his knee and sat forward.
"I agree brother. That will also give us time to plan the ceremony and send out the invitations! I would say the end of this school year will be plenty."
Jasper looked at his father. "Do I have your blessings Father?"
"Yes my son, you do. It will bring me great joy to see you bond and turn your true mate. Watch over her diligently until then. She is very vulnerable as long as she is human and I would not want you to lose her."
Jasper nodded. "I will."
Caius rose from his seat. "I must go and find your mother. She is most anxious to hear the outcome of our chat.
She was ready to disassemble me should she have heard that I was too harsh with you."
Jasper laughed and then scowled as his father reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Father! I do believe that I am too old for such displays."
Caius smirked at him. "You are but an infant my son."
Aro took in the pouting scowl on Jasper's face and laughed.
"Infant indeed Caius. I do believe that a mate will be very good for your procacious son. He will need to mature very quickly to deal with a female on a daily basis."
Aro left the room then cackling madly, followed closely by a chuckling Marcus.
Jasper shot his father an indignant look and Caius merely laughed.
"Your Uncle is correct Jasper. I look forward to watching this chapter of your life unfold. It should be very interesting to say the least."
Jasper folded his arms over his chest and glared at the floor.
"I am so happy to provide amusement to the three of you. Perhaps I should go and tell mother how much I amuse you?"
He shot a sidelong glance at Caius just in time to see a frown take over the usual smirk.
"I thought you had outgrown such tactics son?"
Jasper shot him a wicked grin as he headed for the door. "Well, apparently not. I am just an infant after all. Mother! Where are you?"
Caius watched his son leave the room before letting a grin bloom on his face. His son was truly the delight of his life and he wouldn't trade him for anything in this world.
With these thoughts in his mind, he too left the room. He needed to find his wife and do some damage control otherwise he wouldn't hear the end of his teasing of their son.
Bella sobbed out her torment amongst the seeming solitude of the trees not knowing that her every move was being closely observed.
Her heart was so torn and conflicted over what had taken place with Peter and also what she had witnessed earlier.
She was still no closer to having answers to the many questions that whirled within her mind like a terrible tornado, but how could she expect to get them now when she couldn't fathom facing Jasper?
Her heart gave a mighty lurch at just the thought of his name and she moaned out her misery, clutching her hands in her hair.
She'd been unfaithful to him and she just knew in her soul that he would not take it well, but she had to tell him.
She saw no other alternative. She had to be truthful and he would get over her in time. After all, he'd made no solid commitments to her, aside from having her move in with him.
That was another problem she had to figure out. She literally had no place to go now. She certainly couldn't go back to Charlie's. He would get out of jail eventually, she was sure, but there was no way in hell she could face him knowing what she knew about Jacob and his gruesome death.
Looking up, she took in some deep breaths, making every effort to get herself under control. She certainly couldn't face him as the wreck she was at the moment. She had to be able to explain herself rationally.
She jumped when she spied someone through the trees. "Who's there?"
Edward moved forward when she spoke. He made his way to her slowly with a small smile on his face.
"I apologize if I frightened you. I heard crying and I thought maybe I could help."
"You're Jasper's step brother, right? Edward?" She dried her eyes on her sleeve and waited for him to answer.
"Yes, that's right." He sat across from her. "Is there anything I can do? I'm a great listener."
She shrugged. "Hell why not. Not much I can lose at this point."
She met his eyes straight on then.
"What are you all? I mean, I can see the resemblance between you and all the other Cullen's in your pale skin and your unusual eye color. And the group that showed up today? Jasper's Father? I can see their skin is similar to yours too, but I could have sworn that their eyes are red. Jasper's skin is not like yours, neither are his eyes, but he was so fast today and so strong when he killed Jacob..."
She shook her head at the sheer absurdity of her wild thoughts and stared back at Edward once again.
"So 'great listener', are you also one for giving great answers, or must I seek those elsewhere? Because if so, then you are wasting my time and I must be going."
She waited a moment while he stared at the ground and it was only as she began to rise that he moved to speak.
Placing a hand on her arm, he began. "You must discount everything you think you know about this world before I answer your questions. Then and only then will you be prepared to really hear what it is I have to tell you." He looked into her eyes. "Can you do that Isabella?"
"Alright then. We are Vampires."
She stared at him for a bit and then nodded, blowing out the breath she never realized she was holding.
"So you drink blood and all of that?"
"We do, but we in the Cullen Coven only drink the blood of animals. We do not hunt humans. I'd like to point out however, that Jasper does not consider himself a part of our Coven, even though Carlisle and Esme are his biological parents. He considers the King, Caius and his wife Athenadora his parents as he has lived with them by choice since the age of eight."
Bella narrowed her eyes at him. "So why make the distinction? What aren't you telling me?"
He looked away from her with a frown on his face and then back again.
"What I'm trying to say is that Jasper hunts humans for his sustenance. Any more than that and you'll have to speak with him. I'm sorry."
Her eyes were a bit wide in shock as she thought about that. Jasper was a vampire. Jasper lived off of killing humans on a regular basis.
Edward caught her attention when he spoke again.
"I'm guessing that Jasper never told you any of this or of what he is?"
She shook her head. "No he didn't. I mean, we were just now getting to know each other a bit, ya know? And then all of this crazy shit happened today with Jacob Black and then he had to speak to his Father..." She trailed off and shrugged. "He said that he would speak to me about it all when he's done speaking with his Father. I'm assuming it won't be too much longer, but I'm not sure I can face him now. Not after what just happened with Pete."
She now had a deep frown on her face as she stared out in the distance.
Edward saw an opportunity to make some points and couldn't pass it up.
"You do know that Peter has no idea what he was doing or that it was wrong in any way, right?"
He dipped his head down to catch her eye.
She shrugged a shoulder and nodded. "Yeah, the thought had occurred to me after I had calmed somewhat. I don't think he would ever hurt me on purpose. He's too naïve."
She looked up sharply at Edward then and narrowed her eyes at him.
"How did you know about that anyway?"
He smiled crookedly and pointed at his head.
"I'm a mind reader. Some vampires are gifted with extra gifts and I happened to wake up to my vampire life hearing the thoughts of everyone around me. It was very terrifying at first and then a terrible nuisance until I learned to block out some of the noise."
"I bet. So you can hear what I'm thinking?"
He laughed. "As a matter of fact, you are the only person I've ever come across that I cannot hear. Not even a whisper. I don't know why that is."
She looked off. "Huh. Well good. I like to have my privacy and that would just be awkward knowing you could hear everything I'm thinking."
Her eyes widened. "What about Jasper? Does he have any super powers?"
Edward laughed. "As a matter of fact, he does. He's an extremely powerful empath meaning he can feel the emotions of all those around him and he can manipulate the emotions of those around him too. He can literally make you feel any emotion he wants you to feel, and I do mean any emotion."
Yes, he knew he was being underhanded by making her think that Jasper had manipulated her, but he was willing to take his chances. He was playing to win after all.
He was gratified to see her take the bait when that information sank in and she gasped, her eyes tearing up.
"You mean that everything I thought I felt for him was fake?"
Edward shrugged. "Only Jasper has the answer to that question, but I can say that it's entirely possible, yes."
She started to get up and Edward stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"I just wanted to tell you that you are welcome to stay at the main house. I know that your situation isn't the best right now, and that your choices are limited this close to school beginning. We'd all be more than happy to have you there. I've already cleared it with my father Carlisle. There is an extra bedroom just waiting for you if you would like it."
She smiled through her tears and nodded. "I may just take you up on that, thanks."
~o0o~
She made it back to the cottage and sighed in relief at finding it empty. She had no desire to run into anyone as she packed up the things she had just unpacked, heart heavy with her task.
If these emotions were manufactured by Jasper, then why was this hurting so damn much? He wasn't nearby. She had learned that she could literally feel him when he was close to her and she felt none of that at the moment.
All she felt was a deep pain where her heart is and she literally choked on the grief her current actions were causing. She was leaving him and it hurt so damn bad it took her breath away.
She began to feel that familiar comfort then and she knew he was close. She panicked then and began to throw various clothes into a small bag. She would come back later and get the rest of her stuff.
She knew though that if she didn't leave now, if she had to face him, that she would most likely wind up staying and she just couldn't do that. Not if what she was feeling was all fake. She couldn't trust what she felt and that was a terrible feeling to have to live with. To constantly question whether she was here willingly or if she was trapped by some kind of sick manipulation.
Jasper walked into the little cottage and was almost brought to his knees by the whirling emotions coming from who he now knew to be his mate.
He wasted no time getting to the bedroom where he knew he would find her and was stopped in his tracks by what she was doing.
"Bella? What's wrong? Where are you going? Was it what happened with Jacob Black?"
He watched on as she frantically threw clothes into a bag while shaking her head, tears tracing a path down her cheeks.
"No Jasper. It's everything. It's all of the secrets and what you are and what you're capable of and I just can't handle all of it. I'm no one's puppet and that's what you've turned me into and I won't stand for it!"
All of the sudden she felt unaccountably calm and she clenched her jaw, steeling herself for what she was about to do and say.
"You're doing something to me now aren't you? You're making me calm when I don't really feel calm aren't you?"
She pierced him with her gaze and her heart dropped as he nodded.
"Yes, but it's just a natural reaction to you being so upset. I'm not really trying to make you feel anything other than calming you a bit so we can talk. I'll stop if you want me to."
He pulled back the calm he was sending out and focused on what she had said instead.
"What did you mean when you said you're no one's puppet? I've never made you feel anything for me that wasn't there already and I've never manipulated your emotions except to calm you. And what I am? What I'm capable of? What are you trying to say Bella?"
His heart was pounding now as he began to realize just what was going on here. She was leaving him. He could feel her resolve and determination layered under her panic and pain.
"I mean that Edward told me what you are and what you hunt! And he also told me that you can make me feel any emotion that you want me to feel. I'm just so confused Jasper. I need time to figure it all out. Please give me that."
"Bella, I haven't done anything to you. I'm still the same I was this morning. I'm still the same I was yesterday. I'm still the same as I was when we made love for the first time."
She watched him and her heart ached as he balled his fists, his back straight and proud with tears misting his eyes.
"What have I done to you besides love and protect you Bella? Have I been so terrible?"
She looked away. She had to. She'd never seen him look so vulnerable and yet so strong. He was beautiful even in his pain, maybe even more so because of it.
"It's not just you Jasper. I have my own demons to face. Something happened with your brother and I need time to face that and figure out what it is...who it is that I want. After what happened with Peter, perhaps you should rethink your feelings for me. I am so ashamed to say that I enjoyed what he did Jasper." She choked on a sob then and took a moment to compose herself.
He looked at her then and she could see his lip tremble even through his calm façade.
"What did he do?"
"He pinned me to the bed and laid between my legs and ground himself against me as he kissed my neck."
Her head was hanging down now, hair shielding her face as she spoke of her damning moments.
"I enjoyed it Jasper. I fought against it, but I enjoyed it. He made me come right as he released too."
She looked up, her expression haunted. "So you see, it's not just you. It's what I did too. How can I face you and your love when I know that I did that and liked it with your brother?"
He remained silent staring into the distance, his only reaction a single tear that traced a path down his cheek.
She nodded to herself in misery, turning and slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Edward has offered me a place in the main house and I'm going to take it for now. I don't have anywhere else to go after all and school is starting. I'll be around."
~o0o~
Lemon Alert
~o0o~
He moved like lightning then and had her in his arms, kissing her before she knew what was happening.
She gasped and then her eyes fell shut as she decided to give in to her hearts desire one last time. At least for now.
He removed the bag from her shoulder and tossed it carelessly across the room, while moving his other hand down to rid her of her shirt and bra.
He kissed and nuzzled her exposed skin sucking a nipple into his hot mouth even as he dropped to his knees to make quick work of getting rid of her pants.
When he had her bare, he pinned her against the nearest wall, kissing her relentlessly as he unzipped and readied himself to take her.
One quick feel to make sure he wouldn't hurt her, and he was buried to the root, holding her up with the wall and his hands on her ass as he fucked her with all of the passion and anger and pain that he felt inside himself.
Bella was breathless with his fervor as her mind tried to desperately catch up to what was happening.
When it did, she could only moan and scream at some points, the sensations were so overwhelming.
She looked at his face then and was shocked to see the tears that made their way silently down his cheeks, even though his expression was the most fierce she had ever seen it.
"You are mine Isabella. MINE! NEVER FORGET THAT! I will not simply let you go, nor will I let anyone take you from me!"
He continued his punishing strokes into her and she moaned out her ecstasy, her hooded eyes once again focusing on his face or more specifically his mouth where she was a bit startled to see fangs as he curled his top lip back a bit in his single-minded exertion.
Leaning forward, she captured that bottom lip in hers and bit down drawing a bit of blood.
He growled lowly then and covered her mouth fully, delving and stroking with his tongue, stealing her breath away.
He pulled back and growled out "Come now Isabella! Come now my mate!"
And with a scream, she did, her vision narrowing dangerously as the room spun around her with the sheer force of her orgasm.
She vaguely registered the feeling of fangs sinking into her neck then and the pull of him drinking from her briefly before all feeling left her and the room went black.
Jasper made his way through the Cullen house and to the formal library where he knew the Kings to be.
He thought about how he was feeling about this meeting and had to admit that this was a new feeling entirely when it came to meeting with his father; apprehension.
He knew why he felt this way though and it was because of Bella and the fact that he didn't know what his father was going to say about her.
Oh he knew Volturi law inside and out. He had been studying the law since his arrival as a small boy after all.
No, he was apprehensive because he was unsure of how Bella would take all of this and if she didn't take it well, if she rejected what he is…
He clenched his eyes shut for just a moment, pushed the emotions down deep and knocked.
Upon being bid entry, he hastened to his father and knelt, his right hand over his heart, head bowed in respect.
"My King."
Caius reached out, touching his shoulder. "Rise my son. I would see you fully when we speak."
Jasper did as instructed and met his fathers eyes before turning to each of his uncles to greet them with a bow.
Aro sighed. "Ah Jasper, our regal Prince. What a delight you are and how we have missed you!"
"Uncles, it is good to see you also. I have missed you all very much."
He turned back to his father and Caius narrowed his eyes a bit, gesturing at a chair.
"Be seated son. We must speak and I won't waste any time with niceties at this point. Who is the human girl and why is she here? You know the law as well as any of us my son. You know very well that she has witnessed, this day, more than she should have. I have never had cause to be disappointed in you my son. Do not give me reason to be so now."
Jasper looked up sharply at that, pain lancing through his being at just the thought of disappointing his father, one of the only beings on this planet that he truly loved.
He was kneeling at his fathers feet, head bowed in submission, before anyone could blink.
"Father, no please, I beg you, give me a chance to explain!"
Caius laid his hand on the back of Jasper's head, wanting to comfort him, when they all heard Marcus speak.
"If I may interject?" They all looked to him and Caius nodded.
"Please do brother, especially if it will address my concerns with why my son is bothering with a human girl instead of draining her like the meal she is." He finished with a sneer and Jasper hung his head, profoundly feeling his father's disappointment.
"Like you Caius I seek to be concise. The girl is his true mate."
Jasper's head whipped around to stare in shock at his uncle, just as his father sat back with a chuckle.
"Well my son, it would seem that your wilder days are short lived indeed. It's a good thing that you enjoyed the freedom you had to the fullest. But I must say that it's a wonderful thing to find your mate so early in your young life."
Aro couldn't contain his enthusiasm any longer and fairly hopped from his seat.
"Wonderful indeed my young nephew! Oh, we shall have such a bonding ceremony! The castle hasn't seen such a lavish affair as this will be! A Prince of Volterra, bonding with his mate and bringing to us a Princess! Oh, I must speak with your Mother and your Aunt Sulpicia! The planning must begin at once! Such affairs take much time and planning you know."
He began to pace, and Jasper chanced a look at his father, relieved to see mirth shining in his eyes and a wicked smirk in place.
Caius once again gestured toward the chair Jasper had been in.
"Please retake your seat son. We must discuss her turning."
Jasper nodded and sat.
"Father, I haven't even had a chance to speak to her about all that she witnessed today. I did not want to disrespect you by making you wait for me to do so. I'm not sure how she will take everything. I must admit that I am worried. What if she rejects me when she learns what I am?"
Marcus spoke then.
"I do not believe that you need worry over a rejection from her nephew. The bond I saw is a strong one, although I must tell you that she could have formed one equally as strong with your twin had she been given the chance, due to your sharing a soul with him."
Jasper was shocked at this. "Could such a thing still happen Uncle? Could she bond with Peter even now?"
Marcus shook his head.
"Worry not nephew. Bonds such as you share with her can only be formed between two souls; yours and hers. It cannot be broken or overshadowed by anything less than death. If you died, only then could a bond form between the two of them."
Caius scowled at the mere thought of losing his son and swept his hand elegantly through the air.
"Then let us not speak of such things. It will never happen. I'll never allow such a thing. Athenadora would have my head."
He smiled at his son and Jasper felt relief and warmth sweep through him at the genuine love he felt radiating from his father.
He wasn't sure what he would do if he ever lost the love and respect of his father. It meant more to him than anything in this world.
"I shall speak to her this evening Father. I pray that she takes it well."
Marcus sat forward. "Her reaction matters little Nephew. She has no choice in the matter. I say the most we concede to is leeway in the time frame of her turning. I can understand giving some time for her to mature a bit more, but she will be turned."
Aro clasped his hands together over his knee and sat forward.
"I agree brother. That will also give us time to plan the ceremony and send out the invitations! I would say the end of this school year will be plenty."
Jasper looked at his father. "Do I have your blessings Father?"
"Yes my son, you do. It will bring me great joy to see you bond and turn your true mate. Watch over her diligently until then. She is very vulnerable as long as she is human and I would not want you to lose her."
Jasper nodded. "I will."
Caius rose from his seat. "I must go and find your mother. She is most anxious to hear the outcome of our chat.
She was ready to disassemble me should she have heard that I was too harsh with you."
Jasper laughed and then scowled as his father reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Father! I do believe that I am too old for such displays."
Caius smirked at him. "You are but an infant my son."
Aro took in the pouting scowl on Jasper's face and laughed.
"Infant indeed Caius. I do believe that a mate will be very good for your procacious son. He will need to mature very quickly to deal with a female on a daily basis."
Aro left the room then cackling madly, followed closely by a chuckling Marcus.
Jasper shot his father an indignant look and Caius merely laughed.
"Your Uncle is correct Jasper. I look forward to watching this chapter of your life unfold. It should be very interesting to say the least."
Jasper folded his arms over his chest and glared at the floor.
"I am so happy to provide amusement to the three of you. Perhaps I should go and tell mother how much I amuse you?"
He shot a sidelong glance at Caius just in time to see a frown take over the usual smirk.
"I thought you had outgrown such tactics son?"
Jasper shot him a wicked grin as he headed for the door. "Well, apparently not. I am just an infant after all. Mother! Where are you?"
Caius watched his son leave the room before letting a grin bloom on his face. His son was truly the delight of his life and he wouldn't trade him for anything in this world.
With these thoughts in his mind, he too left the room. He needed to find his wife and do some damage control otherwise he wouldn't hear the end of his teasing of their son.
Bella sobbed out her torment amongst the seeming solitude of the trees not knowing that her every move was being closely observed.
Her heart was so torn and conflicted over what had taken place with Peter and also what she had witnessed earlier.
She was still no closer to having answers to the many questions that whirled within her mind like a terrible tornado, but how could she expect to get them now when she couldn't fathom facing Jasper?
Her heart gave a mighty lurch at just the thought of his name and she moaned out her misery, clutching her hands in her hair.
She'd been unfaithful to him and she just knew in her soul that he would not take it well, but she had to tell him.
She saw no other alternative. She had to be truthful and he would get over her in time. After all, he'd made no solid commitments to her, aside from having her move in with him.
That was another problem she had to figure out. She literally had no place to go now. She certainly couldn't go back to Charlie's. He would get out of jail eventually, she was sure, but there was no way in hell she could face him knowing what she knew about Jacob and his gruesome death.
Looking up, she took in some deep breaths, making every effort to get herself under control. She certainly couldn't face him as the wreck she was at the moment. She had to be able to explain herself rationally.
She jumped when she spied someone through the trees. "Who's there?"
Edward moved forward when she spoke. He made his way to her slowly with a small smile on his face.
"I apologize if I frightened you. I heard crying and I thought maybe I could help."
"You're Jasper's step brother, right? Edward?" She dried her eyes on her sleeve and waited for him to answer.
"Yes, that's right." He sat across from her. "Is there anything I can do? I'm a great listener."
She shrugged. "Hell why not. Not much I can lose at this point."
She met his eyes straight on then.
"What are you all? I mean, I can see the resemblance between you and all the other Cullen's in your pale skin and your unusual eye color. And the group that showed up today? Jasper's Father? I can see their skin is similar to yours too, but I could have sworn that their eyes are red. Jasper's skin is not like yours, neither are his eyes, but he was so fast today and so strong when he killed Jacob..."
She shook her head at the sheer absurdity of her wild thoughts and stared back at Edward once again.
"So 'great listener', are you also one for giving great answers, or must I seek those elsewhere? Because if so, then you are wasting my time and I must be going."
She waited a moment while he stared at the ground and it was only as she began to rise that he moved to speak.
Placing a hand on her arm, he began. "You must discount everything you think you know about this world before I answer your questions. Then and only then will you be prepared to really hear what it is I have to tell you." He looked into her eyes. "Can you do that Isabella?"
"Alright then. We are Vampires."
She stared at him for a bit and then nodded, blowing out the breath she never realized she was holding.
"So you drink blood and all of that?"
"We do, but we in the Cullen Coven only drink the blood of animals. We do not hunt humans. I'd like to point out however, that Jasper does not consider himself a part of our Coven, even though Carlisle and Esme are his biological parents. He considers the King, Caius and his wife Athenadora his parents as he has lived with them by choice since the age of eight."
Bella narrowed her eyes at him. "So why make the distinction? What aren't you telling me?"
He looked away from her with a frown on his face and then back again.
"What I'm trying to say is that Jasper hunts humans for his sustenance. Any more than that and you'll have to speak with him. I'm sorry."
Her eyes were a bit wide in shock as she thought about that. Jasper was a vampire. Jasper lived off of killing humans on a regular basis.
Edward caught her attention when he spoke again.
"I'm guessing that Jasper never told you any of this or of what he is?"
She shook her head. "No he didn't. I mean, we were just now getting to know each other a bit, ya know? And then all of this crazy shit happened today with Jacob Black and then he had to speak to his Father..." She trailed off and shrugged. "He said that he would speak to me about it all when he's done speaking with his Father. I'm assuming it won't be too much longer, but I'm not sure I can face him now. Not after what just happened with Pete."
She now had a deep frown on her face as she stared out in the distance.
Edward saw an opportunity to make some points and couldn't pass it up.
"You do know that Peter has no idea what he was doing or that it was wrong in any way, right?"
He dipped his head down to catch her eye.
She shrugged a shoulder and nodded. "Yeah, the thought had occurred to me after I had calmed somewhat. I don't think he would ever hurt me on purpose. He's too naïve."
She looked up sharply at Edward then and narrowed her eyes at him.
"How did you know about that anyway?"
He smiled crookedly and pointed at his head.
"I'm a mind reader. Some vampires are gifted with extra gifts and I happened to wake up to my vampire life hearing the thoughts of everyone around me. It was very terrifying at first and then a terrible nuisance until I learned to block out some of the noise."
"I bet. So you can hear what I'm thinking?"
He laughed. "As a matter of fact, you are the only person I've ever come across that I cannot hear. Not even a whisper. I don't know why that is."
She looked off. "Huh. Well good. I like to have my privacy and that would just be awkward knowing you could hear everything I'm thinking."
Her eyes widened. "What about Jasper? Does he have any super powers?"
Edward laughed. "As a matter of fact, he does. He's an extremely powerful empath meaning he can feel the emotions of all those around him and he can manipulate the emotions of those around him too. He can literally make you feel any emotion he wants you to feel, and I do mean any emotion."
Yes, he knew he was being underhanded by making her think that Jasper had manipulated her, but he was willing to take his chances. He was playing to win after all.
He was gratified to see her take the bait when that information sank in and she gasped, her eyes tearing up.
"You mean that everything I thought I felt for him was fake?"
Edward shrugged. "Only Jasper has the answer to that question, but I can say that it's entirely possible, yes."
She started to get up and Edward stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"I just wanted to tell you that you are welcome to stay at the main house. I know that your situation isn't the best right now, and that your choices are limited this close to school beginning. We'd all be more than happy to have you there. I've already cleared it with my father Carlisle. There is an extra bedroom just waiting for you if you would like it."
She smiled through her tears and nodded. "I may just take you up on that, thanks."
~o0o~
She made it back to the cottage and sighed in relief at finding it empty. She had no desire to run into anyone as she packed up the things she had just unpacked, heart heavy with her task.
If these emotions were manufactured by Jasper, then why was this hurting so damn much? He wasn't nearby. She had learned that she could literally feel him when he was close to her and she felt none of that at the moment.
All she felt was a deep pain where her heart is and she literally choked on the grief her current actions were causing. She was leaving him and it hurt so damn bad it took her breath away.
She began to feel that familiar comfort then and she knew he was close. She panicked then and began to throw various clothes into a small bag. She would come back later and get the rest of her stuff.
She knew though that if she didn't leave now, if she had to face him, that she would most likely wind up staying and she just couldn't do that. Not if what she was feeling was all fake. She couldn't trust what she felt and that was a terrible feeling to have to live with. To constantly question whether she was here willingly or if she was trapped by some kind of sick manipulation.
Jasper walked into the little cottage and was almost brought to his knees by the whirling emotions coming from who he now knew to be his mate.
He wasted no time getting to the bedroom where he knew he would find her and was stopped in his tracks by what she was doing.
"Bella? What's wrong? Where are you going? Was it what happened with Jacob Black?"
He watched on as she frantically threw clothes into a bag while shaking her head, tears tracing a path down her cheeks.
"No Jasper. It's everything. It's all of the secrets and what you are and what you're capable of and I just can't handle all of it. I'm no one's puppet and that's what you've turned me into and I won't stand for it!"
All of the sudden she felt unaccountably calm and she clenched her jaw, steeling herself for what she was about to do and say.
"You're doing something to me now aren't you? You're making me calm when I don't really feel calm aren't you?"
She pierced him with her gaze and her heart dropped as he nodded.
"Yes, but it's just a natural reaction to you being so upset. I'm not really trying to make you feel anything other than calming you a bit so we can talk. I'll stop if you want me to."
He pulled back the calm he was sending out and focused on what she had said instead.
"What did you mean when you said you're no one's puppet? I've never made you feel anything for me that wasn't there already and I've never manipulated your emotions except to calm you. And what I am? What I'm capable of? What are you trying to say Bella?"
His heart was pounding now as he began to realize just what was going on here. She was leaving him. He could feel her resolve and determination layered under her panic and pain.
"I mean that Edward told me what you are and what you hunt! And he also told me that you can make me feel any emotion that you want me to feel. I'm just so confused Jasper. I need time to figure it all out. Please give me that."
"Bella, I haven't done anything to you. I'm still the same I was this morning. I'm still the same I was yesterday. I'm still the same as I was when we made love for the first time."
She watched him and her heart ached as he balled his fists, his back straight and proud with tears misting his eyes.
"What have I done to you besides love and protect you Bella? Have I been so terrible?"
She looked away. She had to. She'd never seen him look so vulnerable and yet so strong. He was beautiful even in his pain, maybe even more so because of it.
"It's not just you Jasper. I have my own demons to face. Something happened with your brother and I need time to face that and figure out what it is...who it is that I want. After what happened with Peter, perhaps you should rethink your feelings for me. I am so ashamed to say that I enjoyed what he did Jasper." She choked on a sob then and took a moment to compose herself.
He looked at her then and she could see his lip tremble even through his calm façade.
"What did he do?"
"He pinned me to the bed and laid between my legs and ground himself against me as he kissed my neck."
Her head was hanging down now, hair shielding her face as she spoke of her damning moments.
"I enjoyed it Jasper. I fought against it, but I enjoyed it. He made me come right as he released too."
She looked up, her expression haunted. "So you see, it's not just you. It's what I did too. How can I face you and your love when I know that I did that and liked it with your brother?"
He remained silent staring into the distance, his only reaction a single tear that traced a path down his cheek.
She nodded to herself in misery, turning and slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Edward has offered me a place in the main house and I'm going to take it for now. I don't have anywhere else to go after all and school is starting. I'll be around."
~o0o~
Lemon Alert
~o0o~
He moved like lightning then and had her in his arms, kissing her before she knew what was happening.
She gasped and then her eyes fell shut as she decided to give in to her hearts desire one last time. At least for now.
He removed the bag from her shoulder and tossed it carelessly across the room, while moving his other hand down to rid her of her shirt and bra.
He kissed and nuzzled her exposed skin sucking a nipple into his hot mouth even as he dropped to his knees to make quick work of getting rid of her pants.
When he had her bare, he pinned her against the nearest wall, kissing her relentlessly as he unzipped and readied himself to take her.
One quick feel to make sure he wouldn't hurt her, and he was buried to the root, holding her up with the wall and his hands on her ass as he fucked her with all of the passion and anger and pain that he felt inside himself.
Bella was breathless with his fervor as her mind tried to desperately catch up to what was happening.
When it did, she could only moan and scream at some points, the sensations were so overwhelming.
She looked at his face then and was shocked to see the tears that made their way silently down his cheeks, even though his expression was the most fierce she had ever seen it.
"You are mine Isabella. MINE! NEVER FORGET THAT! I will not simply let you go, nor will I let anyone take you from me!"
He continued his punishing strokes into her and she moaned out her ecstasy, her hooded eyes once again focusing on his face or more specifically his mouth where she was a bit startled to see fangs as he curled his top lip back a bit in his single-minded exertion.
Leaning forward, she captured that bottom lip in hers and bit down drawing a bit of blood.
He growled lowly then and covered her mouth fully, delving and stroking with his tongue, stealing her breath away.
He pulled back and growled out "Come now Isabella! Come now my mate!"
And with a scream, she did, her vision narrowing dangerously as the room spun around her with the sheer force of her orgasm.
She vaguely registered the feeling of fangs sinking into her neck then and the pull of him drinking from her briefly before all feeling left her and the room went black.
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.