My Path To You
by Wizardtho
Chapter 7:
Carlisle pulled out his phone before I finished my sentence, then pressed a few buttons on it. Not two full minutes later, his cell phone rang. He smiled, showing me the display. It was Jasper, so once Carlisle put it on speakerphone, he said, “Sweet Angel.”
Jasper responded with, “Kitten.”
After Carlisle smiled at me and nodded, I giggled. Jasper chuckled in response, “My God, that is the most beautiful sound I've heard in what feels like forever. Update me.”
I smiled, “Get your ass to the Black Hills, Jay. I don't want you out there without backup, and Victoria isn’t done with her games. Be safe, please. Text us before you reach the 100 foot mark to the perimeter wall, or the alarm will sound. Both my scent and Carlisle's should be heavy at around that spot near the gate, since I had to put him back together before I could move him. I've got 670 acres of safety and plentiful hunting for you, once you get here.”
Carlisle beamed at me, kissed my forehead, then pulled me gently into his side. Jasper sighed, “God, it's good to hear your voice, Bella. I'm not far, so I should be to you in less than an hour. I need to side-wind a bit to make sure the psycho bitch can't get my scent. Carlisle, how's the pain?”
Carlisle smiled softly, then said, “I'm doing well right now. Bella has the bar stocked, plus her being close is comforting. I'll feel even better once I know you're safely here with us. We'll go over it once you can see for yourself, but Bella's got tight security measures. The property and house are both safe.”
Jasper sounded relieved as he stated, “Alright, I'm on the way. I'll text when I get close. Stay safe, and I'll see you soon.”
After Carlisle said his goodbyes, I smiled at him. He smiled in return, so I said, “We'll need to shop online to get you and Jay some comfortable clothing. Though Phil's clothes look good on you, I know you'd rather have something of your own to wear.”
Carlisle nodded, then furrowed his eyebrows before asking, “Bella? You never said how the trial turned out.”
I shook my head, “No, I guess I didn't. It wasn't about the money. It was the fact that if it had been a human killer, Renee and Phil would still be alive right now, had they just gone and checked. If they had just done their job, like Charlie instilled in all of his men, Renee and Phil would have been saved from a human killer.”
He nodded in understanding as he cupped my cheek, so I continued, “The trial was extremely long and emotionally draining. I ended up flying back and forth too many times to count. I even invested in a private jet because I was flying back and forth so much in uncomfortable commercial airplanes. The deciding factor, though, was the media suddenly boarding my flights and hounding me for info or tabloid-worthy gossip. It's at my call 24/7 if we need it. Anyway, in the end, the judge sided with me to the tune of 54 million. I didn't need it. Hell, the three of them combined left me almost triple that amount in insurance and investments, but it was the principle of the whole thing. The purpose was to get them to really look at their procedures. The state of Florida's law enforcement is now undergoing strict policy changes, along with the settlement.”
Carlisle nodded in finality, then hugged me to him. “Good. Hopefully some good will come from all of this, and the proper changes will be enforced. I wish I could have been there for you, Bella. You are so strong… it's a wonderful rarity for you to still have such a caring soul, after what you've been through. It shouldn't surprise me, though, because you have always been extraordinary.”
I played with his fingers on my knee for several minutes before I sighed and sat up. “I need to go get a few things ready for Jasper. He'll probably want to freshen up, and I have a ton more of Phil's and Charlie's lounge clothes that I kept for when I miss them.”
Carlisle shook his head, “You shouldn't let us use them if you keep them for scent, Bella. Our scents will take over on the clothing.”
I smiled as I patted his hand, “It's not for scent. It's just clothing that they wore a lot and reminds me of them... and truly, they look a lot better on you than on me.”
Carlisle chuckled, then stood while holding his hand out to me. We took the elevator back up as we carried our drinks, but Carlisle smiled widely as he heard my stomach growl. “I have honestly missed that sound. Would you mind if I fixed you something to eat while you gather the items for Jasper?”
I shook my head, “Not at all. Only a snack, though, please. I had dinner while I was out. The kitchen's just on the other side of the bar right there. Make yourself at home, and I'll be out in a few minutes.”
No sooner had I taken care of my own necessities, gathered the clothing for Jasper, and sat down at the kitchen island bar, than Carlisle got the text on his phone. He smiled as he read it, telling me Jasper was out at the gate, so I went to the button on the wall to reveal the security panel. When I saw that Jasper was just coming into view, I pressed the call button, “Make sure the gate closes fully behind you please, then follow the road to the house. Come right in, we'll be in the kitchen.”
Jasper smiled, waved at the camera, then texted Carlisle's phone while on camera as I pressed the code to open the gate.
Carlisle chuckled at whatever Jasper texted him, then said, “Time for your snack, Sweet Angel.”
I grinned, then said, “That was your clear code with Jay.”
He nodded with a bashful smile, then explained, “We had both been thinking about you often. While at Peter's, we were reminiscing after a hunt. I had called you a sweet angel, but Jasper...”
That's when I heard Jasper say, “I shook my head and said, 'That sweet angel, as you call her, has a hot streak in her a mile long. She's a damn feisty kitten if you ask me.' When Peter told us to go under the radar later that night, we just thought it was fitting that our safe codes be those nicknames for you.”
He swooped me up in his arms, inhaled my scent, then whispered into my shoulder, “Hey, Kitten. It's so damn good to see you. How much catching up have I missed?”
Jasper kissed my temple before setting me gently back in my seat. I said as I picked up a piece of fruit, “Oh, you know... just the standard 'I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours' scenario. You'll have to let Carlisle do the recap of my side, though. There's no way I can tell that story twice in one night.”
Jasper looked at me worriedly, so I shook my head while saying seriously, “It's not pretty, Jay. My emotions would rock the shit out of you if I had to go through it again tonight. Carlisle will fill you in, but please just wait to hear it until after I'm asleep.”
Jasper nodded, then said as he sat next to me, “Alright, Bella. I won't make you go through it again tonight. Can I at least ask about how you found this little piece of heaven?”
Carlisle and I both chuckled at that, then I smirked as I popped a cherry in my mouth, waving my hand at Carlisle. He chuckled and kissed the palm of my hand before saying proudly, “This little, amazing creature actually designed this home from the foundation up, then contracted a company to build it to her specifications after she bought the property. The plans are downstairs in her office.”
Jasper looked at me in awe, but Carlisle continued, “She has her Master’s degree in architecture.”
At that, Jasper grinned widely as he sent me a small wave of pride, “Wow, Bella, that's incredible. Will you give me a tour once you're done with your snack?”
I blushed slightly while nodding, “Sure. Carlisle hasn't had the tour yet, either. As soon as I'm finished, we can get that and the security details out of the way. Do you want to freshen up while I eat? I got a few things for you to change into from my stash, until we can get online to order for you and Carlisle.”
He smiled widely, kissed my cheek, then nodded, “That would be great, Sug, if you don't mind.”
I smiled, shook my head, then swallowed what was in my mouth before saying, “Don't mind at all. The clothes are on the other side of me, along with toiletries. You have your pick of rooms. You can have any of the rooms upstairs, the one next to mine on this floor, or the one next to Carlisle's downstairs.”
He looked at Carlisle for a long second. After they both nodded, Jasper asked, “Would you mind me taking the one close to you? It would make both of us feel better to know someone is close, in case something should happen.”
I grinned, “Have at it. The shower and room are nowhere near as big, but you're welcome to them. Seriously, make yourself at home, Jasper.”
He kissed my forehead, then temple, whispering, “Thanks, Kitten. It really is good to see you. I'll be out in a jiffy.”
Carlisle and Jasper both loved the house immensely, even commending me on my planning with two entrances into the safe room. I showed them both how the titanium plates came down to lock down the windows and doors on the inside, how they were all made from triple-thick shatterproof glass, as well as how the security panel in the safe room made all of the others useless when we were locked up tight in there.
They both calmed considerably after seeing that, then Jasper nodded as he hugged me tight to him, “You did an excellent job thinking of all of this, Bella. I couldn't have done better myself. I'll explain my history to you soon, but just know that now, since we know who we're up against, you could be in no better hands. I won't let her hurt you, and neither will Carlisle.”
I could tell Jasper was sad about something, but I didn't want to pry, so I just hugged him tightly while saying, “I know, Jay. I've missed you two so much, and I'm glad you're here now.”
I tried to hide my reaction to his scent as I inhaled, but Jasper just hummed before ducking his head into my neck. I chuckled and smacked his arm, so he kissed my shoulder before letting me go. “I think it's time for another drink, don't you, Carlisle? I believe Jasper has some catching up to do. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’d like to break in the pool table.”
Jasper chuckled, tickled my side, then said, “Aren't you getting tired at all, Kitten?”
I shook my head as I bit my lip, then said seriously, “I haven't been able to sleep more than a few hours at a time since it all happened. I've been doing good for a little over 2 years, since I've gone that long without the nightmares, but I still can't sleep a long stretch at once. With Victoria on the prowl again, just don't be surprised if the nightmares retry to wreak their havoc.”
They both nodded to me in response. Since we had made our way to the bar by then, I hopped over it fluidly, asking, “What's your pleasure, Jay?”
He choked a bit, then asked, “What's available, Sug?”
I smirked at Carlisle, who then recited my whole line to Jasper. Jasper chuckled, “Well, then... I guess since I have some catching up to do, you might as well set me up with the Jose.”
I nodded, pulled down a glass, then poured his drink and handed it to him. “Carlisle, are you still on Appleton, or would you like a change-up?”
He smiled, “I think I will join Jasper with a glass of Jose, actually.”
I smiled, poured his glass, then placed the Jose on the tray, saying, “Good, because the Patron's all mine. I chased Paul -who's the one with the shortest temper in the pack- around the yard with a titanium baseball bat, when he snagged that from me the very second I walked in the door with it. I think they all learned pretty quickly that you don't mess with my Patron, unless you want to end up healing broken bones for a few hours.”
They both chuckled as I poured my own drink, then I carried the bottles on the tray over to the billiard area to set it on one of the four small two-person pub tables. My Ipod was already docked in the sound system, so I grabbed the remote, asking, “Any preference for music?”
They both shook their heads, so I grinned as I hit play and heard Evanescence's 'Made of Stone' come on through every speaker on the bottom floor. They grinned at each other as I started singing, but I racked up the balls and chalked my stick. When I raised an eyebrow in question to who was breaking, Carlisle held his hand out with a grin to let me know to go ahead.
I think they were trying to see how good I actually was, but being around a pack of wolves for the last several years had forced me to perfect my game. They didn't need to know that, though. Jasper must have sensed something, because he suddenly said, “I think I'll sit this game out... play this round’s winner.”
I nodded, then made two stripes on the break as I continued to sing. My next shot was tricky, calling for me to practically straddle the corner of the table. I made it cleanly, though, then groaned when I saw my next shot. I looked to Carlisle, asking, “One-foot rule, right?”
He smirked and nodded, then took a sip of his drink as Jasper chuckled.
Flyleaf came on with 'Chasm', so I danced my way around the table to my shot. After hiking my knee up onto the table edge, I checked to make sure I wasn't going to hit anything I shouldn't as I took my shot, then took my shot as I sang out the first part of the chorus, “Please, give me something. I'm so thirsty... I'm so thirsty. Oh, ple-ease...”
I heard Jasper laugh loudly, then suddenly I was wrapped around Carlisle as he chuckled, “You little hustler. Here I was, thinking you would be a crap shot, yet look at you sinking trick shots left and right.”
I had to bite my tongue at the intimate feel of being wrapped around him like I was, then tried to cover it with a chuckle. Jasper knew immediately, of course, so he hummed, “Mm-hmm... more than you know.”
I coughed, then Carlisle whispered in my ear with a silky-smooth voice, “I think I might need to get you drunk if I have any chance of winning this game, Isabella.”
I gasped while smacking Carlisle's chest lightly, then hopped down before smirking, “Why Carlisle Cullen, that would be a very underhanded thing to do. Lucky for you, I think I am a bit thirsty.”
Jasper came up behind me, breathing in my ear when I set my glass back down, “I can tell by your feelings that you haven't heard the whole story yet, Kitten. Don't go trying to stifle it until after you do... then you can make your decision.”
I looked up at him with a question in my eyes, but he just smiled tenderly before kissing my cheek.
I did end up winning the game, but only because I was sure that Carlisle missed his last ball before the 8 on purpose. As Jasper racked up for his game with me, I asked about something that had been bugging me. “Guys? You can tell me to shove it if this is too personal, but something's bugging me. Edward told me that mates were a once-in-eternity type thing. I know he wasn't mine, because he never would have been able to leave, but what about Ali and Esme? I thought they were your mates... how could they just leave?”
I saw them nod to each other, then Carlisle asked, “Why did you think they were our mates, Sweet Angel, when none of us ever said they were?”
I shook my head, “No... Edward and Alice both strictly told me that you were. Alice and Jasper were mates, as were you and Esme, Carlisle. Then Em and Rose were mates. Edward told me that everyone in the house was mated, other than him, until I came along.”
Jasper growled something too low for me to hear, then calmed as he cupped my cheek, “They weren't our mates, Kitten, and everyone in the house knew it. They might have been our companions, but we didn't feel the pull with them when we kissed them. That pull is a kind of guide to let you know. You might feel drawn to the person to begin with, but the pull during the first true kiss is the tell. Neither of us had that with Esme or Alice.”
I shook my head, then plopped down onto the stool, whispering as I played with my fingers, “How many other lies did he tell me? That's got to be why he would never really kiss me... why he always changed the subject when I asked about mates.”
Jasper and Carlisle both came over to pull me up and surround me in an embrace, then Carlisle whispered into the top of my head, “I have no answer for that, Sweetheart, but Jasper and I will tell you anything you would like to know. We can not change the past, but I can promise that we will be honest with you, no matter what you ask.”
Jasper nodded, placing a kiss on the edge of my shoulder, “We'll never lie to you, Sugar, so just be prepared for the truth, no matter how brutal the answer to your question may be.”
I tightened my fingers in Jasper's shirt at his sides, nodded, then seriously tried to douse the thoughts that the two of them surrounding me were giving me. I groaned after a second, noting softly, “I... need to move, and I think the alcohol is finally taking hold.”
As Carlisle released me, Jasper lifted my chin to look deep into my eyes. He cupped my cheek, but the feeling of his fingers brushing the tender spot behind my ear had my eyes fluttering closed within seconds, then me coughing to try to douse my arousal as my brain screamed that he'd never want me like that.
I turned my head away from his hand after a second, whispering as I looked at the ground, “I think I'm ready for a long hot shower and bed. The alarm will go off if anything happens, but I won't lock my door, in case Peter gets one of his moments and you need to reach me.”
Jasper sighed, dropped his hand to rub against mine, then said, “Alright, Bella. Have a good night.”
Carlisle hugged me gently, thanked me again for putting him back together, and wished me a good night with a kiss to my temple.
I hadn't gotten any of my clothing unpacked, but soon after I reached my room and closed the door, I thankfully found my box labeled night clothes. With the pack helping me sleep through my nightmares, there was no way standard pajamas would work, because their heat was stifling. I ended up investing in tons of tank and boyshort sets, because there was no way in hell I was sleeping nude with one of them holding me through nightmares. They were my brothers, so that thought was just... eww.
I ended up picking the first set I pulled out of the box, which was my 'down and dirty boxing' cami and boyshort set, then headed straight into the bathroom without closing the door. Thank God for tankless hot water heaters, because it was only seconds after I turned on the water that I was letting it rain down on me.
Thoughts of Jasper and Carlisle plagued my mind, and soon I was trying to stifle yet more arousal. At first I didn't notice it with the thoughts running through my head, but then I felt a small boost in my arousal level that wasn't my own, causing me to groan, “Jesus H Christ, Jasper! Cut that shit out, or I'm liable to combust. I know you're fueling it.”
I heard a very faint chuckle, then Jasper called out loud enough for me to hear, “Sorry, Sug, but I thought I'd give you a hand... or a boost... to help you along.”
I shook my head as thoughts of Jasper's hands on my curves popped up, but he chuckled in response, “Are you sure you don't want me to help?”
I whimpered at the thought of his hands actually being on me, then threw him all the lust it mustered up while groaning, “Does that feel like I need help? I was trying to douse it, you ass. Your comments aren't helping my thought process, and imagining your hands on my body definitely doesn't help with the thoughts or the dousing.”
Jasper must have had some type of reaction, because Carlisle chuckled loudly before saying, “Goodnight, Bella. I believe Jasper will be a good little vampire for the rest of the evening.”
Carlisle pulled out his phone before I finished my sentence, then pressed a few buttons on it. Not two full minutes later, his cell phone rang. He smiled, showing me the display. It was Jasper, so once Carlisle put it on speakerphone, he said, “Sweet Angel.”
Jasper responded with, “Kitten.”
After Carlisle smiled at me and nodded, I giggled. Jasper chuckled in response, “My God, that is the most beautiful sound I've heard in what feels like forever. Update me.”
I smiled, “Get your ass to the Black Hills, Jay. I don't want you out there without backup, and Victoria isn’t done with her games. Be safe, please. Text us before you reach the 100 foot mark to the perimeter wall, or the alarm will sound. Both my scent and Carlisle's should be heavy at around that spot near the gate, since I had to put him back together before I could move him. I've got 670 acres of safety and plentiful hunting for you, once you get here.”
Carlisle beamed at me, kissed my forehead, then pulled me gently into his side. Jasper sighed, “God, it's good to hear your voice, Bella. I'm not far, so I should be to you in less than an hour. I need to side-wind a bit to make sure the psycho bitch can't get my scent. Carlisle, how's the pain?”
Carlisle smiled softly, then said, “I'm doing well right now. Bella has the bar stocked, plus her being close is comforting. I'll feel even better once I know you're safely here with us. We'll go over it once you can see for yourself, but Bella's got tight security measures. The property and house are both safe.”
Jasper sounded relieved as he stated, “Alright, I'm on the way. I'll text when I get close. Stay safe, and I'll see you soon.”
After Carlisle said his goodbyes, I smiled at him. He smiled in return, so I said, “We'll need to shop online to get you and Jay some comfortable clothing. Though Phil's clothes look good on you, I know you'd rather have something of your own to wear.”
Carlisle nodded, then furrowed his eyebrows before asking, “Bella? You never said how the trial turned out.”
I shook my head, “No, I guess I didn't. It wasn't about the money. It was the fact that if it had been a human killer, Renee and Phil would still be alive right now, had they just gone and checked. If they had just done their job, like Charlie instilled in all of his men, Renee and Phil would have been saved from a human killer.”
He nodded in understanding as he cupped my cheek, so I continued, “The trial was extremely long and emotionally draining. I ended up flying back and forth too many times to count. I even invested in a private jet because I was flying back and forth so much in uncomfortable commercial airplanes. The deciding factor, though, was the media suddenly boarding my flights and hounding me for info or tabloid-worthy gossip. It's at my call 24/7 if we need it. Anyway, in the end, the judge sided with me to the tune of 54 million. I didn't need it. Hell, the three of them combined left me almost triple that amount in insurance and investments, but it was the principle of the whole thing. The purpose was to get them to really look at their procedures. The state of Florida's law enforcement is now undergoing strict policy changes, along with the settlement.”
Carlisle nodded in finality, then hugged me to him. “Good. Hopefully some good will come from all of this, and the proper changes will be enforced. I wish I could have been there for you, Bella. You are so strong… it's a wonderful rarity for you to still have such a caring soul, after what you've been through. It shouldn't surprise me, though, because you have always been extraordinary.”
I played with his fingers on my knee for several minutes before I sighed and sat up. “I need to go get a few things ready for Jasper. He'll probably want to freshen up, and I have a ton more of Phil's and Charlie's lounge clothes that I kept for when I miss them.”
Carlisle shook his head, “You shouldn't let us use them if you keep them for scent, Bella. Our scents will take over on the clothing.”
I smiled as I patted his hand, “It's not for scent. It's just clothing that they wore a lot and reminds me of them... and truly, they look a lot better on you than on me.”
Carlisle chuckled, then stood while holding his hand out to me. We took the elevator back up as we carried our drinks, but Carlisle smiled widely as he heard my stomach growl. “I have honestly missed that sound. Would you mind if I fixed you something to eat while you gather the items for Jasper?”
I shook my head, “Not at all. Only a snack, though, please. I had dinner while I was out. The kitchen's just on the other side of the bar right there. Make yourself at home, and I'll be out in a few minutes.”
No sooner had I taken care of my own necessities, gathered the clothing for Jasper, and sat down at the kitchen island bar, than Carlisle got the text on his phone. He smiled as he read it, telling me Jasper was out at the gate, so I went to the button on the wall to reveal the security panel. When I saw that Jasper was just coming into view, I pressed the call button, “Make sure the gate closes fully behind you please, then follow the road to the house. Come right in, we'll be in the kitchen.”
Jasper smiled, waved at the camera, then texted Carlisle's phone while on camera as I pressed the code to open the gate.
Carlisle chuckled at whatever Jasper texted him, then said, “Time for your snack, Sweet Angel.”
I grinned, then said, “That was your clear code with Jay.”
He nodded with a bashful smile, then explained, “We had both been thinking about you often. While at Peter's, we were reminiscing after a hunt. I had called you a sweet angel, but Jasper...”
That's when I heard Jasper say, “I shook my head and said, 'That sweet angel, as you call her, has a hot streak in her a mile long. She's a damn feisty kitten if you ask me.' When Peter told us to go under the radar later that night, we just thought it was fitting that our safe codes be those nicknames for you.”
He swooped me up in his arms, inhaled my scent, then whispered into my shoulder, “Hey, Kitten. It's so damn good to see you. How much catching up have I missed?”
Jasper kissed my temple before setting me gently back in my seat. I said as I picked up a piece of fruit, “Oh, you know... just the standard 'I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours' scenario. You'll have to let Carlisle do the recap of my side, though. There's no way I can tell that story twice in one night.”
Jasper looked at me worriedly, so I shook my head while saying seriously, “It's not pretty, Jay. My emotions would rock the shit out of you if I had to go through it again tonight. Carlisle will fill you in, but please just wait to hear it until after I'm asleep.”
Jasper nodded, then said as he sat next to me, “Alright, Bella. I won't make you go through it again tonight. Can I at least ask about how you found this little piece of heaven?”
Carlisle and I both chuckled at that, then I smirked as I popped a cherry in my mouth, waving my hand at Carlisle. He chuckled and kissed the palm of my hand before saying proudly, “This little, amazing creature actually designed this home from the foundation up, then contracted a company to build it to her specifications after she bought the property. The plans are downstairs in her office.”
Jasper looked at me in awe, but Carlisle continued, “She has her Master’s degree in architecture.”
At that, Jasper grinned widely as he sent me a small wave of pride, “Wow, Bella, that's incredible. Will you give me a tour once you're done with your snack?”
I blushed slightly while nodding, “Sure. Carlisle hasn't had the tour yet, either. As soon as I'm finished, we can get that and the security details out of the way. Do you want to freshen up while I eat? I got a few things for you to change into from my stash, until we can get online to order for you and Carlisle.”
He smiled widely, kissed my cheek, then nodded, “That would be great, Sug, if you don't mind.”
I smiled, shook my head, then swallowed what was in my mouth before saying, “Don't mind at all. The clothes are on the other side of me, along with toiletries. You have your pick of rooms. You can have any of the rooms upstairs, the one next to mine on this floor, or the one next to Carlisle's downstairs.”
He looked at Carlisle for a long second. After they both nodded, Jasper asked, “Would you mind me taking the one close to you? It would make both of us feel better to know someone is close, in case something should happen.”
I grinned, “Have at it. The shower and room are nowhere near as big, but you're welcome to them. Seriously, make yourself at home, Jasper.”
He kissed my forehead, then temple, whispering, “Thanks, Kitten. It really is good to see you. I'll be out in a jiffy.”
Carlisle and Jasper both loved the house immensely, even commending me on my planning with two entrances into the safe room. I showed them both how the titanium plates came down to lock down the windows and doors on the inside, how they were all made from triple-thick shatterproof glass, as well as how the security panel in the safe room made all of the others useless when we were locked up tight in there.
They both calmed considerably after seeing that, then Jasper nodded as he hugged me tight to him, “You did an excellent job thinking of all of this, Bella. I couldn't have done better myself. I'll explain my history to you soon, but just know that now, since we know who we're up against, you could be in no better hands. I won't let her hurt you, and neither will Carlisle.”
I could tell Jasper was sad about something, but I didn't want to pry, so I just hugged him tightly while saying, “I know, Jay. I've missed you two so much, and I'm glad you're here now.”
I tried to hide my reaction to his scent as I inhaled, but Jasper just hummed before ducking his head into my neck. I chuckled and smacked his arm, so he kissed my shoulder before letting me go. “I think it's time for another drink, don't you, Carlisle? I believe Jasper has some catching up to do. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’d like to break in the pool table.”
Jasper chuckled, tickled my side, then said, “Aren't you getting tired at all, Kitten?”
I shook my head as I bit my lip, then said seriously, “I haven't been able to sleep more than a few hours at a time since it all happened. I've been doing good for a little over 2 years, since I've gone that long without the nightmares, but I still can't sleep a long stretch at once. With Victoria on the prowl again, just don't be surprised if the nightmares retry to wreak their havoc.”
They both nodded to me in response. Since we had made our way to the bar by then, I hopped over it fluidly, asking, “What's your pleasure, Jay?”
He choked a bit, then asked, “What's available, Sug?”
I smirked at Carlisle, who then recited my whole line to Jasper. Jasper chuckled, “Well, then... I guess since I have some catching up to do, you might as well set me up with the Jose.”
I nodded, pulled down a glass, then poured his drink and handed it to him. “Carlisle, are you still on Appleton, or would you like a change-up?”
He smiled, “I think I will join Jasper with a glass of Jose, actually.”
I smiled, poured his glass, then placed the Jose on the tray, saying, “Good, because the Patron's all mine. I chased Paul -who's the one with the shortest temper in the pack- around the yard with a titanium baseball bat, when he snagged that from me the very second I walked in the door with it. I think they all learned pretty quickly that you don't mess with my Patron, unless you want to end up healing broken bones for a few hours.”
They both chuckled as I poured my own drink, then I carried the bottles on the tray over to the billiard area to set it on one of the four small two-person pub tables. My Ipod was already docked in the sound system, so I grabbed the remote, asking, “Any preference for music?”
They both shook their heads, so I grinned as I hit play and heard Evanescence's 'Made of Stone' come on through every speaker on the bottom floor. They grinned at each other as I started singing, but I racked up the balls and chalked my stick. When I raised an eyebrow in question to who was breaking, Carlisle held his hand out with a grin to let me know to go ahead.
I think they were trying to see how good I actually was, but being around a pack of wolves for the last several years had forced me to perfect my game. They didn't need to know that, though. Jasper must have sensed something, because he suddenly said, “I think I'll sit this game out... play this round’s winner.”
I nodded, then made two stripes on the break as I continued to sing. My next shot was tricky, calling for me to practically straddle the corner of the table. I made it cleanly, though, then groaned when I saw my next shot. I looked to Carlisle, asking, “One-foot rule, right?”
He smirked and nodded, then took a sip of his drink as Jasper chuckled.
Flyleaf came on with 'Chasm', so I danced my way around the table to my shot. After hiking my knee up onto the table edge, I checked to make sure I wasn't going to hit anything I shouldn't as I took my shot, then took my shot as I sang out the first part of the chorus, “Please, give me something. I'm so thirsty... I'm so thirsty. Oh, ple-ease...”
I heard Jasper laugh loudly, then suddenly I was wrapped around Carlisle as he chuckled, “You little hustler. Here I was, thinking you would be a crap shot, yet look at you sinking trick shots left and right.”
I had to bite my tongue at the intimate feel of being wrapped around him like I was, then tried to cover it with a chuckle. Jasper knew immediately, of course, so he hummed, “Mm-hmm... more than you know.”
I coughed, then Carlisle whispered in my ear with a silky-smooth voice, “I think I might need to get you drunk if I have any chance of winning this game, Isabella.”
I gasped while smacking Carlisle's chest lightly, then hopped down before smirking, “Why Carlisle Cullen, that would be a very underhanded thing to do. Lucky for you, I think I am a bit thirsty.”
Jasper came up behind me, breathing in my ear when I set my glass back down, “I can tell by your feelings that you haven't heard the whole story yet, Kitten. Don't go trying to stifle it until after you do... then you can make your decision.”
I looked up at him with a question in my eyes, but he just smiled tenderly before kissing my cheek.
I did end up winning the game, but only because I was sure that Carlisle missed his last ball before the 8 on purpose. As Jasper racked up for his game with me, I asked about something that had been bugging me. “Guys? You can tell me to shove it if this is too personal, but something's bugging me. Edward told me that mates were a once-in-eternity type thing. I know he wasn't mine, because he never would have been able to leave, but what about Ali and Esme? I thought they were your mates... how could they just leave?”
I saw them nod to each other, then Carlisle asked, “Why did you think they were our mates, Sweet Angel, when none of us ever said they were?”
I shook my head, “No... Edward and Alice both strictly told me that you were. Alice and Jasper were mates, as were you and Esme, Carlisle. Then Em and Rose were mates. Edward told me that everyone in the house was mated, other than him, until I came along.”
Jasper growled something too low for me to hear, then calmed as he cupped my cheek, “They weren't our mates, Kitten, and everyone in the house knew it. They might have been our companions, but we didn't feel the pull with them when we kissed them. That pull is a kind of guide to let you know. You might feel drawn to the person to begin with, but the pull during the first true kiss is the tell. Neither of us had that with Esme or Alice.”
I shook my head, then plopped down onto the stool, whispering as I played with my fingers, “How many other lies did he tell me? That's got to be why he would never really kiss me... why he always changed the subject when I asked about mates.”
Jasper and Carlisle both came over to pull me up and surround me in an embrace, then Carlisle whispered into the top of my head, “I have no answer for that, Sweetheart, but Jasper and I will tell you anything you would like to know. We can not change the past, but I can promise that we will be honest with you, no matter what you ask.”
Jasper nodded, placing a kiss on the edge of my shoulder, “We'll never lie to you, Sugar, so just be prepared for the truth, no matter how brutal the answer to your question may be.”
I tightened my fingers in Jasper's shirt at his sides, nodded, then seriously tried to douse the thoughts that the two of them surrounding me were giving me. I groaned after a second, noting softly, “I... need to move, and I think the alcohol is finally taking hold.”
As Carlisle released me, Jasper lifted my chin to look deep into my eyes. He cupped my cheek, but the feeling of his fingers brushing the tender spot behind my ear had my eyes fluttering closed within seconds, then me coughing to try to douse my arousal as my brain screamed that he'd never want me like that.
I turned my head away from his hand after a second, whispering as I looked at the ground, “I think I'm ready for a long hot shower and bed. The alarm will go off if anything happens, but I won't lock my door, in case Peter gets one of his moments and you need to reach me.”
Jasper sighed, dropped his hand to rub against mine, then said, “Alright, Bella. Have a good night.”
Carlisle hugged me gently, thanked me again for putting him back together, and wished me a good night with a kiss to my temple.
I hadn't gotten any of my clothing unpacked, but soon after I reached my room and closed the door, I thankfully found my box labeled night clothes. With the pack helping me sleep through my nightmares, there was no way standard pajamas would work, because their heat was stifling. I ended up investing in tons of tank and boyshort sets, because there was no way in hell I was sleeping nude with one of them holding me through nightmares. They were my brothers, so that thought was just... eww.
I ended up picking the first set I pulled out of the box, which was my 'down and dirty boxing' cami and boyshort set, then headed straight into the bathroom without closing the door. Thank God for tankless hot water heaters, because it was only seconds after I turned on the water that I was letting it rain down on me.
Thoughts of Jasper and Carlisle plagued my mind, and soon I was trying to stifle yet more arousal. At first I didn't notice it with the thoughts running through my head, but then I felt a small boost in my arousal level that wasn't my own, causing me to groan, “Jesus H Christ, Jasper! Cut that shit out, or I'm liable to combust. I know you're fueling it.”
I heard a very faint chuckle, then Jasper called out loud enough for me to hear, “Sorry, Sug, but I thought I'd give you a hand... or a boost... to help you along.”
I shook my head as thoughts of Jasper's hands on my curves popped up, but he chuckled in response, “Are you sure you don't want me to help?”
I whimpered at the thought of his hands actually being on me, then threw him all the lust it mustered up while groaning, “Does that feel like I need help? I was trying to douse it, you ass. Your comments aren't helping my thought process, and imagining your hands on my body definitely doesn't help with the thoughts or the dousing.”
Jasper must have had some type of reaction, because Carlisle chuckled loudly before saying, “Goodnight, Bella. I believe Jasper will be a good little vampire for the rest of the evening.”