Isla de Cascadas Hermosas
by Wizardtho
Chapter 06:
JPOV
“Jasper!” Rose was rushin’ outta the house, an excited smile lightin’ up her face. It was hard to think she could have anythin’ to do with this betrayal. She was my twin in all ways but blood and venom.
I caught her as she threw herself at me, unable to stop from holdin’ her tight while kissin’ the top of her head. “It’s so good to see you. Did you come with Alice? Is she still here? How long are you staying?”
I held back the growl wantin’ to escape, though Emmett helped only marginally by offerin’, “It’s not what it looks like, Rosie. None of this is, apparently. Jazz came here so we could figure it out. If I’m right by his reaction in the woods, there never was a deal… no agreement.”
Rose gasped loudly as she backed up to look in my eyes. Horror, disbelief, and anger practically rolled from her in waves when she searched my eyes for the truth. Her hand covered her mouth as she shook her head, then venom filled her eyes before she let out a jumbled mess of, “Jas-... Oh, God… This nev-... Jesus, come in the house, please. We’ll figure this out.”
Once we were all sittin’ in their livin’ room, I ran my fingers through my hair while lettin’ out an exhausted sigh. All I could think was, “How? Why? How long?”
Emmett started tellin’ me his whole side of this mess, from the beginnin’, with Rose fillin’ in bits from her side along the way. Come to find out, Alice had not only been havin’ sex with Em, but with Carlisle, too. The thing was, they thought I was a mate willin’ to please Alice, but not wantin’ to see or hear about her trysts at all. Esme, bein’ the submissive person she is, automatically went along with Carlisle’s decision, while Rose was more reluctant.
She explained sadly at one point, “I really didn’t feel comfortable with it… but then I figured that if you could be okay with not seeing or hearing about it, then I could, too. I want Em happy, Jasper. I saw how happy you seemed with Alice still, once things started with Carlisle. You didn’t seem to treat either of them any differently, so I tried to be strong, like you. It’s been difficult, though. Em and I thought that this time away from the family, even in crisis, might help us get back on track. Then she called…”
I shook my head, knowin’ that I needed to explain a few things to them. “Listen… put this whole fucked up mess aside for a minute. It doesn’t seem like ya know how companions are supposed to work. With a mated pair, a companion is there for both of the mates, the companion bein’ both unmated and unattached 99.9% of the time. In the times where the added party is mated, it becomes more of a poly situation, but still, everythin’ is out in the open. There’s never a jealousy issue, as all involved parties are present. Yes, there may be times when the companion is with one or the other of the mated pair alone, but it’s never gone about how this whole situation went down.”
I tried to get my point across clearly, “Rose, ya need to understand that most mated males will go about talkin’ to their partner of addin’ a companion, solely for the reason of needin’ to make sure she’ll be cared for, should somethin’ happen to him. With our world bein’ what it is… havin’ the dangers it does for females… males have an ingrained need to keep our mates safe. Knowin’ a companion would step into that role, should somethin’ happen, is a huge weight off a male’s mind.”
Both of them looked at me with a mix of understandin’ and shock, but it was Emmett that offered sheepishly, “It was never explained to us like that, Jazz. I can see the point, though. I hate the thought that something horrible could happen to my Rosie if I died.”
I nodded, then offered, “Just work on the two of you for now. Get back to a good place, then visit the topic again with the right mindset. If someone is brought in, it needs to be someone ya trust to care for her, but also to love her as you would. That person would essentially step up to fill the role of bein’ her mate, if ya ever met a pyre, Em. Ya both need to be able to trust and love that person, because they will hopefully be with ya both for a very long time before their role changes.”
All the fight had left the Major, where Em was concerned. He and Rose didn’t know what was truly goin’ on. Alice was cheatin’, plain and simple. The most hurtful part of it all, was findin’ out I was lied to.
Why did she make up this elaborate plan, though, because it wasn’t just about sex. There was somethin’ more to it. I needed more information.
Em brought me from my thoughts when he asked, “Jazz? Man, are we good? I swear we never-”
I nodded, “Yeah, Em, we’re good. I still need more info, because it’s not addin’ up. This wasn’t just about sex to her, because she got more than enough between me and my gift. There’s more to it. Just be cautious… don’t let her know I know anythin’ yet. I need to put all the puzzle pieces in the right spots before I confront her. If she calls for another hookup, make an excuse.”
With the promise of keepin’ in touch, we said our goodbyes. I gave them each a heartfelt hug before I walked out the door, determined to have more of the story. I ran back to the tree where I found Alice and Emmett, climbed to the top, then pulled out my cell. I disabled my GPS before callin’ the other man in question. Carlisle.
“Carlisle, I need to know about you and Alice.” My openin’ statement caused his breath to hitch, but whether it was my tone or my words, I couldn’t be sure.
“Jasper? Are you sure? I thought you wanted to know nothing at all, once the terms of the agreement were set.”
I let out an incredulous laugh, offerin’, “That’s funny, because until about 2 hours ago, I didn’t know my supposed mate was steppin’ out on me. She must have planned this out well, to be fuckin’ just about every male in your coven without me knowin’. Just what were the terms of your agreement, by the way?”
I could hear the shock in the man’s voice, but without actually bein’ there, I couldn’t feel his emotions. “My. Lord. Jasper, I swear to you that I did not know this wasn’t consensual. If I had seen one inkling of her deceit, I would have come straight to you, no matter that it would violate the agreement. Dear God… I… I must ask your forgiveness, as well as my mate’s.”
He let out a heavy breath, seemin’ at a loss for words. I asked him to explain the agreement, and he replied in a hoarse tone, “Alice came to me, no more than 5 years after your acceptance into our family as a mated pair. She explained that with your background, you were fearful of Maria coming for you, which was understandable. You had come to trust the males of our family, but you couldn’t choose a protector among us for Alice, should an ill fate befall you.”
He made a disgusted sound, then continued. “She seemed so distraught, Jasper. When I asked her why you would not choose your brother, Peter, she made it sound like they did not care for her in even a friendship sense, let alone what would be required in a protector situation. She also mentioned having visions of feeding from humans, should her care fall to them. Either way, I spoke to Esme at length before Alice came to me again regarding the subject.”
I scoffed, but couldn’t keep the anger from my tone, “Wonderful… just fuckin’ perfect. I suppose one of the stipulations of the arrangement was not to speak to any of the other males in the house of what went on, correct? She went about it all-together backwards, when approachin’ Emmett. He knew nothin’ of what a companion was, and thought it was just for pleasure. It was ruinin’ his relationship with Rosalie, Carlisle. She only went along with it because she thought I knew… thought if I could still be comfortable around everyone with what was goin’ on, she should be strong enough to handle it, too.”
After a gasp from him, I let him in on my thoughts. “It just doesn’t add up, though… doesn’t make sense. Why would she step out on me in the first place? Why go through all the trouble, when our sex life was so pleasin’ for her? It couldn’t have been just about that… no, there’s somethin’ more.”
Carlisle cleared his throat, then groaned, “Jasper, one of the points of the agreement was monetarily related. While the trial was taking place, to see which of us would end up being chosen, an allowance of $100,000 was to be placed in her account each month. I thought nothing of it, as you know how well we have all done in the stock markets because of her tips. That amount barely scratches the surface of a single overflow account. Do you think… maybe… I never spoke to her about just how well her tips paid off.”
That was it! It had to be! “Carlisle, she never brought up the subject of money with me, either. The little witch always just spent… and she hated life before arrivin’ at your house, even though we’d already started huntin’ animals. Havin’ to lay low lately has been torture, since she’s been horrible about not bein’ able to shop. Alice can’t stand the house, either. It might have outdated furniture, but it’s a beautiful home. She threw a fit when I told her she wasn’t allowed to remodel it from ground up.”
Carlisle hummed, and I knew he was thinkin’. That gave me an idea. “Ya said the money was insignificant. If she truly doesn’t know the family’s individual financial situations, that would explain goin’ to more than one source… usin’ any means available to get what she was after. Do me a favor, please. I want her to bury herself in the hole she dug so deeply. I’ve already asked Emmett this, but don’t let on that I spoke to ya. Ya know nothin’ about me not consentin’ to an agreement. Everythin’ is as it was before my call… but be wary. Tell your mate what transpired, but neither of ya are to tip Alice off. I, on the other hand will put things in motion as soon as I hang up with ya. Don’t worry. I’ll be with friends that ya trust implicitly, but Alice will be under the impression that I’m missin’. As far as meetin’ her again, Carlisle, make whatever excuses you and Esme come up with. Use the explanation that it’s unsafe, with the threat of the Volturi right now, if ya have to. Nothin’ else changes. Got it?”
Carlisle immediately agreed, then asked, “Jasper? You’ll be safe? Please, tell me that this misguided decision has not cost me your friendship… your trust.”
I let out a breath, then offered truthfully, “Alice is turnin’ out to be a piece of work. I thought we were mates, Carlisle. No, this is on her. Ya still have my friendship, but honestly, the trust will need to be worked on. Ya shoulda come to me, Carlisle. Me. From the first conversation ya had with her about the companion topic. Either way, she had us all on her leash, leadin’ us around by our noses. I’ll be fine, honestly. I’ll be with friends, but don’t search too closely for which, or Alice may find out who. I’ll be in touch soon.”
I dropped from the tree, landin’ with barely a sound, then headed towards Montana. On the way, I needed perspective, and there were only two men who have ever been able to give that to me. I called Eleazar on my run while headin’ to Peter’s. They would help me, I was sure of it.
Eleazar answered the phone with a happy tone, causin’ me to smile instinctively. He must be havin’ a good time with Bella, keepin’ her entertained durin’ her unfortunate exile. “Is this a bad time, my friend?”
I could hear the switch in his tone, as well as him walkin’ from whatever room he was in, as he said, “Not at all. Are you well? Has something happened? You know I always have time for you, Jasper.”
I let out a breath, my decision already made. “Alice isn’t my mate. She’s cheated on me, Eleazar, with at least two males of the Cullen coven. From what I’ve gathered, it seems to be money related, but I can’t be sure yet. It’s too soon.”
My dear friend gasped loudly, then let out more than a few choice words in Spanish. I couldn’t help but chuckle, agreein’ with him completely. “Yeah, I’ve thought much the same since I caught her with Emmett a few hours ago. Listen, I don’t know where I’ll be yet, but I’m goin’ off on my own. I have a plan in place to flush out Alice’s true motives, but ya can’t let on that I’ve spoken to ya.”
He growled, then said, “No, Jasper. No. This is not the time for you to be alone. Come stay with us here. I know Bella would be ecstatic to see you. We were just talking of you earlier today, as a matter of fact.”
I didn’t wanna be under foot… but extra protection for Bella would be a good thing, plus I did miss her terribly. I missed Eleazar almost as much, which was a bit surprising. “Are ya sure, Eleazar? Didn’t ya just start your matin’ season? I don’t wanna intrude.”
He chuckled in reply, “Nonsense, Jasper. You are one of my closest friends, and I would love your company here. You never need ask. Please, join us. I was thinking of taking Bella to the mainland at the end of the week, to explore a bit more of her new surroundings. She loves the island, and has spoken to me about making it our main residence. Meet up with us in Rio two days from now, Jasper. At sundown, be at the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). We will look for you once we reach the top of the steps.”
I couldn’t fight the hope and calm that always accompanied my talks with Eleazar. He never minced words, always knowin’ just what to say. I now had a plan in place, and would soon be with two people I missed more than words. I would go to Brazil.
I let a breath of relief pass my lips before sayin’ thankfully, “Two days, my friend. I will see you and your beautiful little mate at sundown.”
With my plan set, I finished makin’ my way to Montana, almost giddy to set off for Rio. Of course, Pete was sittin’ on his porch, waitin’ for me as I entered his front yard. “‘Bout time ya showed up, Major. Been waitin’ here for over an hour, slowpoke. Now I know ya wanna get goin’, but Char would have my hide if ya didn’t at least come in to visit for a bit. No way are ya gonna run all the way here on foot, just to scale the side of the house with nothin’ more than a damn note. Come on, so you can fill us in on the bits I didn’t get. My meter’s not givin’ it all to me yet, but I got some of it just before I came out to wait on ya.”
I laughed, grabbin’ my brother into a tight hug, then noticed Char’s beamin’ smile as she stood in the livin’ room’s front window. “Alright, smart ass. Let’s get in there, before Char breaks the window in her excitement. God, it’s good to see ya. Too much shit has gone on in under 24 hours, and I need to grab a few things from my room. Just tell me one thing. I won’t be imposin’ once I get to Rio, will I?”
Peter busted out laughin’, unable to hold down his mirth as he offered, “Aww, hell, Major. Are ya shittin’ me? No way could ya ever impose on ‘em. They’re gonna need ya there, in more ways than ya can imagine right now. Your path is gonna get set to rights shortly after arrivin’. That’s all I’m sayin’.”
My visit with Peter and Char only lasted a few hours, but on my way out the door, I was more certain about Alice’s motives. I was also now extremely happy to be headin’ to Rio. Pete wouldn’t give up much info about why Eleazar and Bella would need me, but promised it had nothin’ to do with them bein’ newly mated and needin’ vampire/human help. He assured me that Eleazar was pleasin’ Bella quite frequently.
Somethin’ about his eyes when he said that, made me think there was much more on their sex life he wasn’t admittin’… much more involvin’ me that he wasn’t saying.
Shit, that much sex on an island while I was without release? That was a recipe for major power leaks. Aww, fuck. That must be what he’s keepin’ from me.
Either way, I would willingly put up with power leaks, bein’ able to see the two people I missed most right now. With my duffel bag on my shoulder, my boots and hat safely stowed, I began the run south.
Rio, here I come.
JPOV
“Jasper!” Rose was rushin’ outta the house, an excited smile lightin’ up her face. It was hard to think she could have anythin’ to do with this betrayal. She was my twin in all ways but blood and venom.
I caught her as she threw herself at me, unable to stop from holdin’ her tight while kissin’ the top of her head. “It’s so good to see you. Did you come with Alice? Is she still here? How long are you staying?”
I held back the growl wantin’ to escape, though Emmett helped only marginally by offerin’, “It’s not what it looks like, Rosie. None of this is, apparently. Jazz came here so we could figure it out. If I’m right by his reaction in the woods, there never was a deal… no agreement.”
Rose gasped loudly as she backed up to look in my eyes. Horror, disbelief, and anger practically rolled from her in waves when she searched my eyes for the truth. Her hand covered her mouth as she shook her head, then venom filled her eyes before she let out a jumbled mess of, “Jas-... Oh, God… This nev-... Jesus, come in the house, please. We’ll figure this out.”
Once we were all sittin’ in their livin’ room, I ran my fingers through my hair while lettin’ out an exhausted sigh. All I could think was, “How? Why? How long?”
Emmett started tellin’ me his whole side of this mess, from the beginnin’, with Rose fillin’ in bits from her side along the way. Come to find out, Alice had not only been havin’ sex with Em, but with Carlisle, too. The thing was, they thought I was a mate willin’ to please Alice, but not wantin’ to see or hear about her trysts at all. Esme, bein’ the submissive person she is, automatically went along with Carlisle’s decision, while Rose was more reluctant.
She explained sadly at one point, “I really didn’t feel comfortable with it… but then I figured that if you could be okay with not seeing or hearing about it, then I could, too. I want Em happy, Jasper. I saw how happy you seemed with Alice still, once things started with Carlisle. You didn’t seem to treat either of them any differently, so I tried to be strong, like you. It’s been difficult, though. Em and I thought that this time away from the family, even in crisis, might help us get back on track. Then she called…”
I shook my head, knowin’ that I needed to explain a few things to them. “Listen… put this whole fucked up mess aside for a minute. It doesn’t seem like ya know how companions are supposed to work. With a mated pair, a companion is there for both of the mates, the companion bein’ both unmated and unattached 99.9% of the time. In the times where the added party is mated, it becomes more of a poly situation, but still, everythin’ is out in the open. There’s never a jealousy issue, as all involved parties are present. Yes, there may be times when the companion is with one or the other of the mated pair alone, but it’s never gone about how this whole situation went down.”
I tried to get my point across clearly, “Rose, ya need to understand that most mated males will go about talkin’ to their partner of addin’ a companion, solely for the reason of needin’ to make sure she’ll be cared for, should somethin’ happen to him. With our world bein’ what it is… havin’ the dangers it does for females… males have an ingrained need to keep our mates safe. Knowin’ a companion would step into that role, should somethin’ happen, is a huge weight off a male’s mind.”
Both of them looked at me with a mix of understandin’ and shock, but it was Emmett that offered sheepishly, “It was never explained to us like that, Jazz. I can see the point, though. I hate the thought that something horrible could happen to my Rosie if I died.”
I nodded, then offered, “Just work on the two of you for now. Get back to a good place, then visit the topic again with the right mindset. If someone is brought in, it needs to be someone ya trust to care for her, but also to love her as you would. That person would essentially step up to fill the role of bein’ her mate, if ya ever met a pyre, Em. Ya both need to be able to trust and love that person, because they will hopefully be with ya both for a very long time before their role changes.”
All the fight had left the Major, where Em was concerned. He and Rose didn’t know what was truly goin’ on. Alice was cheatin’, plain and simple. The most hurtful part of it all, was findin’ out I was lied to.
Why did she make up this elaborate plan, though, because it wasn’t just about sex. There was somethin’ more to it. I needed more information.
Em brought me from my thoughts when he asked, “Jazz? Man, are we good? I swear we never-”
I nodded, “Yeah, Em, we’re good. I still need more info, because it’s not addin’ up. This wasn’t just about sex to her, because she got more than enough between me and my gift. There’s more to it. Just be cautious… don’t let her know I know anythin’ yet. I need to put all the puzzle pieces in the right spots before I confront her. If she calls for another hookup, make an excuse.”
With the promise of keepin’ in touch, we said our goodbyes. I gave them each a heartfelt hug before I walked out the door, determined to have more of the story. I ran back to the tree where I found Alice and Emmett, climbed to the top, then pulled out my cell. I disabled my GPS before callin’ the other man in question. Carlisle.
“Carlisle, I need to know about you and Alice.” My openin’ statement caused his breath to hitch, but whether it was my tone or my words, I couldn’t be sure.
“Jasper? Are you sure? I thought you wanted to know nothing at all, once the terms of the agreement were set.”
I let out an incredulous laugh, offerin’, “That’s funny, because until about 2 hours ago, I didn’t know my supposed mate was steppin’ out on me. She must have planned this out well, to be fuckin’ just about every male in your coven without me knowin’. Just what were the terms of your agreement, by the way?”
I could hear the shock in the man’s voice, but without actually bein’ there, I couldn’t feel his emotions. “My. Lord. Jasper, I swear to you that I did not know this wasn’t consensual. If I had seen one inkling of her deceit, I would have come straight to you, no matter that it would violate the agreement. Dear God… I… I must ask your forgiveness, as well as my mate’s.”
He let out a heavy breath, seemin’ at a loss for words. I asked him to explain the agreement, and he replied in a hoarse tone, “Alice came to me, no more than 5 years after your acceptance into our family as a mated pair. She explained that with your background, you were fearful of Maria coming for you, which was understandable. You had come to trust the males of our family, but you couldn’t choose a protector among us for Alice, should an ill fate befall you.”
He made a disgusted sound, then continued. “She seemed so distraught, Jasper. When I asked her why you would not choose your brother, Peter, she made it sound like they did not care for her in even a friendship sense, let alone what would be required in a protector situation. She also mentioned having visions of feeding from humans, should her care fall to them. Either way, I spoke to Esme at length before Alice came to me again regarding the subject.”
I scoffed, but couldn’t keep the anger from my tone, “Wonderful… just fuckin’ perfect. I suppose one of the stipulations of the arrangement was not to speak to any of the other males in the house of what went on, correct? She went about it all-together backwards, when approachin’ Emmett. He knew nothin’ of what a companion was, and thought it was just for pleasure. It was ruinin’ his relationship with Rosalie, Carlisle. She only went along with it because she thought I knew… thought if I could still be comfortable around everyone with what was goin’ on, she should be strong enough to handle it, too.”
After a gasp from him, I let him in on my thoughts. “It just doesn’t add up, though… doesn’t make sense. Why would she step out on me in the first place? Why go through all the trouble, when our sex life was so pleasin’ for her? It couldn’t have been just about that… no, there’s somethin’ more.”
Carlisle cleared his throat, then groaned, “Jasper, one of the points of the agreement was monetarily related. While the trial was taking place, to see which of us would end up being chosen, an allowance of $100,000 was to be placed in her account each month. I thought nothing of it, as you know how well we have all done in the stock markets because of her tips. That amount barely scratches the surface of a single overflow account. Do you think… maybe… I never spoke to her about just how well her tips paid off.”
That was it! It had to be! “Carlisle, she never brought up the subject of money with me, either. The little witch always just spent… and she hated life before arrivin’ at your house, even though we’d already started huntin’ animals. Havin’ to lay low lately has been torture, since she’s been horrible about not bein’ able to shop. Alice can’t stand the house, either. It might have outdated furniture, but it’s a beautiful home. She threw a fit when I told her she wasn’t allowed to remodel it from ground up.”
Carlisle hummed, and I knew he was thinkin’. That gave me an idea. “Ya said the money was insignificant. If she truly doesn’t know the family’s individual financial situations, that would explain goin’ to more than one source… usin’ any means available to get what she was after. Do me a favor, please. I want her to bury herself in the hole she dug so deeply. I’ve already asked Emmett this, but don’t let on that I spoke to ya. Ya know nothin’ about me not consentin’ to an agreement. Everythin’ is as it was before my call… but be wary. Tell your mate what transpired, but neither of ya are to tip Alice off. I, on the other hand will put things in motion as soon as I hang up with ya. Don’t worry. I’ll be with friends that ya trust implicitly, but Alice will be under the impression that I’m missin’. As far as meetin’ her again, Carlisle, make whatever excuses you and Esme come up with. Use the explanation that it’s unsafe, with the threat of the Volturi right now, if ya have to. Nothin’ else changes. Got it?”
Carlisle immediately agreed, then asked, “Jasper? You’ll be safe? Please, tell me that this misguided decision has not cost me your friendship… your trust.”
I let out a breath, then offered truthfully, “Alice is turnin’ out to be a piece of work. I thought we were mates, Carlisle. No, this is on her. Ya still have my friendship, but honestly, the trust will need to be worked on. Ya shoulda come to me, Carlisle. Me. From the first conversation ya had with her about the companion topic. Either way, she had us all on her leash, leadin’ us around by our noses. I’ll be fine, honestly. I’ll be with friends, but don’t search too closely for which, or Alice may find out who. I’ll be in touch soon.”
I dropped from the tree, landin’ with barely a sound, then headed towards Montana. On the way, I needed perspective, and there were only two men who have ever been able to give that to me. I called Eleazar on my run while headin’ to Peter’s. They would help me, I was sure of it.
Eleazar answered the phone with a happy tone, causin’ me to smile instinctively. He must be havin’ a good time with Bella, keepin’ her entertained durin’ her unfortunate exile. “Is this a bad time, my friend?”
I could hear the switch in his tone, as well as him walkin’ from whatever room he was in, as he said, “Not at all. Are you well? Has something happened? You know I always have time for you, Jasper.”
I let out a breath, my decision already made. “Alice isn’t my mate. She’s cheated on me, Eleazar, with at least two males of the Cullen coven. From what I’ve gathered, it seems to be money related, but I can’t be sure yet. It’s too soon.”
My dear friend gasped loudly, then let out more than a few choice words in Spanish. I couldn’t help but chuckle, agreein’ with him completely. “Yeah, I’ve thought much the same since I caught her with Emmett a few hours ago. Listen, I don’t know where I’ll be yet, but I’m goin’ off on my own. I have a plan in place to flush out Alice’s true motives, but ya can’t let on that I’ve spoken to ya.”
He growled, then said, “No, Jasper. No. This is not the time for you to be alone. Come stay with us here. I know Bella would be ecstatic to see you. We were just talking of you earlier today, as a matter of fact.”
I didn’t wanna be under foot… but extra protection for Bella would be a good thing, plus I did miss her terribly. I missed Eleazar almost as much, which was a bit surprising. “Are ya sure, Eleazar? Didn’t ya just start your matin’ season? I don’t wanna intrude.”
He chuckled in reply, “Nonsense, Jasper. You are one of my closest friends, and I would love your company here. You never need ask. Please, join us. I was thinking of taking Bella to the mainland at the end of the week, to explore a bit more of her new surroundings. She loves the island, and has spoken to me about making it our main residence. Meet up with us in Rio two days from now, Jasper. At sundown, be at the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). We will look for you once we reach the top of the steps.”
I couldn’t fight the hope and calm that always accompanied my talks with Eleazar. He never minced words, always knowin’ just what to say. I now had a plan in place, and would soon be with two people I missed more than words. I would go to Brazil.
I let a breath of relief pass my lips before sayin’ thankfully, “Two days, my friend. I will see you and your beautiful little mate at sundown.”
With my plan set, I finished makin’ my way to Montana, almost giddy to set off for Rio. Of course, Pete was sittin’ on his porch, waitin’ for me as I entered his front yard. “‘Bout time ya showed up, Major. Been waitin’ here for over an hour, slowpoke. Now I know ya wanna get goin’, but Char would have my hide if ya didn’t at least come in to visit for a bit. No way are ya gonna run all the way here on foot, just to scale the side of the house with nothin’ more than a damn note. Come on, so you can fill us in on the bits I didn’t get. My meter’s not givin’ it all to me yet, but I got some of it just before I came out to wait on ya.”
I laughed, grabbin’ my brother into a tight hug, then noticed Char’s beamin’ smile as she stood in the livin’ room’s front window. “Alright, smart ass. Let’s get in there, before Char breaks the window in her excitement. God, it’s good to see ya. Too much shit has gone on in under 24 hours, and I need to grab a few things from my room. Just tell me one thing. I won’t be imposin’ once I get to Rio, will I?”
Peter busted out laughin’, unable to hold down his mirth as he offered, “Aww, hell, Major. Are ya shittin’ me? No way could ya ever impose on ‘em. They’re gonna need ya there, in more ways than ya can imagine right now. Your path is gonna get set to rights shortly after arrivin’. That’s all I’m sayin’.”
My visit with Peter and Char only lasted a few hours, but on my way out the door, I was more certain about Alice’s motives. I was also now extremely happy to be headin’ to Rio. Pete wouldn’t give up much info about why Eleazar and Bella would need me, but promised it had nothin’ to do with them bein’ newly mated and needin’ vampire/human help. He assured me that Eleazar was pleasin’ Bella quite frequently.
Somethin’ about his eyes when he said that, made me think there was much more on their sex life he wasn’t admittin’… much more involvin’ me that he wasn’t saying.
Shit, that much sex on an island while I was without release? That was a recipe for major power leaks. Aww, fuck. That must be what he’s keepin’ from me.
Either way, I would willingly put up with power leaks, bein’ able to see the two people I missed most right now. With my duffel bag on my shoulder, my boots and hat safely stowed, I began the run south.
Rio, here I come.