Disclaimer – I do not own Twilight. All recognizable plot and characters belong to the talented Stephanie Meyer.

I had a good response to Big Bad Wolf so I thought I'd post the other few stories I have lying around in my writing folder that I was unsure of. Hope you all enjoy.

This one is a bit different than my normal focus on the wolves. It picks up at the hotel with Jasper and Alice just before James calls.

Please review!

"Alice?" I looked worriedly over at my best friend.

"You need to leave." She said turning to me.

"What? Alice what's going on? What did you see?"

"Alice?" Jasper asked coming into the room.

"You need to take her Jazz. Take her to Peter. Leave everything and go now."

"Alice what's going on?" I was starting to get frantic. "Has James found us?"

"Yes."

Jasper growled and they began talking to low and quickly for me to understand or even hear more than a low buzz.

"Alice?" he sighed.

"I know Jazz. Please trust me. It has to be like this."

He pulled her into his arms and they embraced. Alice kissed him and then he was gone.

"Jazz is gone to get an SUV. Come on I'll walk you to the front."

"What's going on Alice? James found us? Are you sure? Are the others alright?"

"Everyone is fine Bella. Jazz is going to take you somewhere safe. I need you to trust him ok."

"Of course I trust him, I trust both of you. If you say we need to go, I'll put my things in a bag. Should we call Edward?"

"No. Jazz will get you all you need when you get there."

"When we get there you mean."

"No Bella. I'm not coming with you."

"You have to Alice. We can't just leave you behind."

Suddenly I was in her cold embrace, "I love you so much Bella. You know that."

I nodded, "Of course, I love you to Alice."

"I need you to trust me. Go away with Jazz. Stay with him."

"I do. I will. But what about you?"

"I can't come with you now." She held me a little tighter, "You take care of Jazz for me ok Bella."

"We'll see you soon though right? You and Edward and the others?"

"You'll see us again. I promise. But its not going to be for a long time."

"Alice?"

"I need to tell you something. I know its going to be hard and I should have told you a long time ago but I couldn't I was selfish."

"Alice?"

"Edward isn't your mate."

"Alice, what are you talking about?"

"I saw you Bella. I saw you a long time ago. Long before we ever met you and I knew you would be a part of our lives and we would all love you. Things changed though, over time, decisions were made and so much happened but you were always meant to be with us Bella."

"Alice…"

"I love him Bella, I loved him for over half a century, it was harder than I thought, when the end came but I should have told you, told him, told Edward and I didn't."

"Alice?" I couldn't understand what she was saying, I was always meant for their family but Edward wasn't my mate.

"Jasper is your mate."

"Alice no. He's"

"He's not my mate Bella. He never was. We love each other but it's time to let go. I should have let him go before you ever came into our lives but I was selfish and then you and Edward and I thought why can't I keep him, just a little longer, but I can't, you belong together and one way or another it was going to happen. I knew that. I just wanted him a little longer. And I knew, I knew we would be best friends Bella, I swear that I love you; I want what's best for you. I love you. I love you both so you have to listen to me. You have to go. He'll keep you safe. Trust him Bella, trust him and love him."

"Alice this is crazy." Tears were streaming down my face now and I could see the venom welling in hers, "I love Edward and Jasper loves you."

"Yes but he will love you so much more and you will you love him. Its amazing Bella, your future together, but if you don't go with him now it wont happen, things will be bad Bella, real bad. People will die." She was sobbing now, "I should have seen this, I should have known this was a possibility and never allowed you and Edward. I'm so sorry Bella. One day you will forgive me."

"Alice,"

"Listen to me, ok, we only have a few more minutes before you need to go down and meet Jazz. I love you. I love you so much and I need you to trust me ok?"

I nodded and she continued, "Jazz doesn't know but he will, he'll recognize you as his mate soon, it was going to be soon anyway, your eighteenth birthday actually, it would take you longer but not much, but that's changed now. I had to tell you and Jazz will find out for himself, we can't tell him Bella, it will change things, let him tell you, understand?"

"Alice, I…" I just nodded, wiping at the tears on my face.

"Jazz is going to take you away, keep you safe. You'll be gone for a few years. But I will see you again. Trust him ok, listen to him and this is really important ok, I need you to promise me this one thing ok Bella?"

Her eyes were burning into me as I nodded again, "You are leaving everything here. Including your cell phone. I am going to go after this and stage an accident. From this day, Bella Swan is dead. You can never contact your family again."

The tears started harder again, "I'm sorry Bella. You were supposed to have another year with them but it needs to happen this way now. Ok?"

I nodded into her shoulder, "You can also not call any of the Cullen's."

I stood back looking at her in confusion.

"They'll know you are alive and that Jazz has you. Edward will be furious at first but Bella he can't know where you are. You cannot contact him. I promise he will be safe. Happy even."

She seemed to hesitate, "Alice?"

"He'll meet his true mate Bella."

I stepped back stunned, pain shooting into my heart.

"I'm sorry Bella, but you have to understand. He loves you, he does, so much but you aren't meant for each other, you are meant for Jazz."

"What about you?"

"My mate is out there. One day I'll meet him."

"The others?"

"I'm sorry Bella. Jazz will contact Carlisle a couple times, he and Esme will want to speak with you and Emmett will do his best to speak with you as well, you have to say no. You especially cannot talk to Edward. You will speak with Carlisle once, just tell him you are safe and you want to stay with Jazz, nothing else, ok?" I nod starting to feel numb.

"I love you Bella. Remember that." She pulled me to her again, "I'll see you again sister."

"I love you to Alice." I told her, my mind unable to process all she had said.

"We have to go now, Jazz will have the SUV parked under the awning." I heard my cell phone ring as she ushered me out of the room.

We hugged again in the lobby before she led me out to where Jazz waited in a black range rover. She opened the door and helped me into the seat, talking to Jazz in the same, to fast and low for human ears way, while I buckled.

"I'll be in touch. I love you both." She said slamming the door.

Jasper shifted gears and we drove away in silence. I felt mostly numb still but couldn't stop the tears and I silently cried. Eventually I fell into a fitful sleep.

When I woke, we were parked at a gas station and I was alone in the car. I looked around for Jasper, had he just left me here? No, Alice said we would be together, for years" I bit my lip trying not to cry again as the confusion of our conversation came back, I fought back the words and decided I would ignore them and think of something else.

"You're awake." Jasper said opening the door. He had a bag that he handed to me; "We'll get you something proper to eat after we've made a few more miles."

I nodded and took the bag, "thank you Jasper." I whispered.

Inside was a bottle of water, a bottle of coke, a sandwich, chips and a dime novel, the last one made me smile a little as I pulled it out.

"Didn't think you were much for the magazines Alice and Rose favor, they didn't have much selection but thought that one might at least make you smile."

I looked down at it again; it was one of those cheesy vampire romance novels. I let out a weak watery laugh, "thanks Jazz."

I set it in the door and pulled out my snack. I wasn't really hungry but I ate half the sandwich anyway so not to worry Jazz.

"What about you?" I asked quietly as I chewed.

"Not much for sandwiches Darlin'" he laughed. It was low and sexy; I had never heard him laugh before. Wait sexy? That must be Alice planting ideas in my head.

I blushed, "I meant…"

He shot me an odd look before smiling, "I know what you meant," he smiled before turning back to the road "I caught a deer in the woods over there before I went in to buy your food." I did notice his eyes were brighter when they met mine.

I continued to slowly eat in silence. I put the rest back in the bag and drank some of the soda before picking up the book and curling as much as I could into a comfortable position.

I tried to focus on the words instead of what Alice had said but I couldn't.

"What's gong on in that head of yours Bella? Your emotions are all over the place."

I put the book down and sat up, looking over at him, "Where are we going Jazz?"

"New Orleans."

"Why?"

"My brother and his wife are there."

"For how long?"

Jasper sighed, "Honestly I don't know Bella. Alice ain't sayin a whole lot. Then she never does. Just that I need to take you and keep you safe, not let ya outta my sight fer a while, said it'd be wise to take ya to Peter and Char and move from there."

A Southern accent was slipping out of Jazz, something I had never heard from him and it was sexy as all, "Um ok."

Jazz shot me a funny look but quickly looked back to the road, "They aren't like the Cullen's though Bella; they are human drinkers."

I felt a shiver of fear run through me.

"They wont touch you. You don't have to worry about that. They don't deny so they don't have control issues."

"Will you?"

He sighed again, "Have control issues with you or drink from humans?"

I shrugged, "either, both?"

"I'm fine here in the car with you and have been for a while. My control is much better than Edward will have let on, since he doesn't believe I have it. Saying I slip too much. I don't, I haven't slipped once, I made the decision to drink from people a few times while living with them. Carlisle was disappointed but he understands and respects my choices, I respect Carlisle and love Alice so I try to maintain their diet. Edward calls them slipups but I chose to go out and hunt, I chose my prey carefully, it was not an accident from loss of control, it was my choice and Alice understood that, the others had a harder time with it. Edward is the worst for it, he believes it is willpower and a choice to be good or not, he sees many things in black and white which I do not. Mostly I stay veggie but I indulge once in a while so yes, I will likely hunt humans on occasion and no you do not need to worry about my control."

"Is it hard, feeling what they do?" I was curious about him now. We had never really had a conversation before and with what Alice said… no, I wouldn't think about that.

"Yes and no." he sighed again, "How much do you know about me Bella? About what I can do?"

"Not much. Edward just said you were newer to the diet so you had problems with it and he said that you are an empath."

"I already explained the diet, but he said nothing of my past?"

I shook my head, "Edward wasn't big on sharing the stories of the rest of the family, he told me some about Carlisle and Esme, and how Rose saved Emmitt after a bear attack but that's it."

"I wont get into it now but did he tell you any more about my ability?"

"Not really, just that you get a sense for what people are feeling and can influence their emotions which I have also experienced."

He laughed dryly, "Yes Bella, you have felt a very small amount of my ability but I don't get a sense of what people are feeling, I can feel every emotion and if I go through them I can find the ones you hide even from yourself. I can do more than influence your emotions, I can drown you in whatever emotion I choose, and I am able to do this to many at once, picking who to influence and who not to in a good sized group."

I nodded my head, a little frightened.

"I would not hurt you Bella."

I nodded again, "I trust you."

"I know," he smiled over at me again, "I just don't know why."

I shrugged my shoulders at him, "because I know you wont hurt me."

He laughed a little and turned back to the road, "Well, having this ability to feel and change emotions, I can influence the emotions of my prey, make them feel what I want them to."

"Do you ever feel bad about it? Killing people?"

I could see his face darken as he kept his eyes on the road in front of him, "I have done many terrible things in my time Bella, things I will have to live with all my existence." His hands tightened on the wheel.

"Jasper, I'm sorry." I should not be asking him these things; it was his business what he did. He was leaving his family to keep me safe.

"Stop that right there." He demanded. "Whatever you are thinking about just stop, I told you at the hotel and I will say it again, you are worth it Bella."

I nodded and looked at my hands in my lap.

"I don't feel bad about the prey I have hunted since changing who I was when I first became a vampire. I, like Peter and Char hunt only those who are dying or who need killing."

"Need killing?" And I had just finished lecturing myself about harassing him with questions.

"Rapists, murders, pedophiles, drug dealers, basically the scum of the earth."

"Oh, well," I thought about it and was surprised that it didn't bother me in the least. I knew Edward had said he had done the same but I had rationalized it that he didn't do it anymore, he felt bad and stopped even though it was his nature. Jasper was doing so in the past and very likely the near future and it didn't bother me in the least, in fact, I couldn't help picturing him with red eyes, an avenging dark angel in the night.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, causing me to blush.

"Nothing." I told him looking out my window.

"Bella?" his voice held a hard note of command.

"I was just thinking about what you would look like with red eyes." I told him blushing brighter.

"Does the idea bother you?"

"No." I told him honestly.

"There is no doubt in you." He mused, "Why is that?"

I blushed again, "I suppose because I would have rather my grandmother have died peacefully in her sleep, lulled by whatever sweet dreams the emotions you sent her caused instead of in pain, alone at the hospital. And the criminals, if they are so bad and irredeemable and they aren't getting caught, well then think of the people you are saving, all the people you will have avenged." I blushed again.

Jasper chuckled, "Yes. I am glad you see it so. It is a shade of gray that Edward refuses to acknowledge. Now you should try to sleep more. Lay down in the back if you like."

I nodded, and climbed over the consol into the back, I lay there and watched Jasper as he drove.

"Would you like me to help you?" he asked after a while.

"Yes, but not with your power, can you just talk to me a while?"

He turned to look at me, and gave me a smile, "Sure." He thought for a minute. "Did you know I was the youngest ever to reach the rank of Major in the civil war?"

"You were in the civil war?" I asked him.

He laughed again, "Back before I was turned. I grew up on a ranch in Texas, my parents, my older brother and my baby sister. Pa raised horses and some cattle and we helped him. It was a modest living and hard work but we loved it. Ma, she was an angel, had long blond hair down to her waist and the sweetest laugh. They are hazy in my memory but what I remember was all good things, thinking of them makes me feel warm. My brother William died when I was fourteen; he was a year older and my best friend, he died in a riding accident. My baby sister was only nine when I joined up, I never saw her again. I was only seven and a bit years older than her but I lied on my military forms, sayin I was over eighteen. I moved the ranks quicker than most and became Major at twenty-two which is a huge accomplishment, especially bein as I was barely twenty really. I was turned a year after that. Never did learn what happened to Anna Mae. She was the sweetest kid, had hair like my mothers and eyes bluer than the sky. She'd a been a heart breaker when she grew up. Always followed Will and I everywhere, she'd sneak down the hall at night and crawl in bed with us after a bad dream. When Will died, she slept with me every night. Have me sing her to sleep." His head turned around to glance at me, "I could sing ya to sleep to if you like?"

I smiled and nodded, "Please."

He began to sing, his voice low and soothing. He sang old country songs and I shut my eyes to listen to his low husky tones. He had a beautiful voice and it lulled me into a peaceful sleep.

When I woke up it was bright out and we were still driving.

"Morning Bella." Jasper said as I sat up.

"Morning Jasper." I yawned, "What time is it?"

"Eleven. You hungry?"

I nodded.

"Sun's to much out for me to stop but we'll be at Char and Peter's soon."

"I can just eat the rest of what you got last night."

He nodded, "Alright then."

I climbed back over to the passenger seat and curled my legs under me.

I ate the other half a sandwich and the bag of chips watching the scenery go by.

"Alice said Carlisle will call soon."

"You talked to Alice?"

"About an hour ago, she said not to wake you but to remind you that she loves you and all will be well if you remember what she told you though I am not allowed to ask what that is."

I blushed, "I'm sorry Jazz."

He shook his head, "Don't be Darlin, I learned long ago Alice has her reasons for things."

"She's alright though?"

"She and the others are all fine." I blushed, how had I forgotten the others? "What is it Bella?"

"I was just thinking about the others. I'm glad they are all ok."

"Well we will talk to Carlisle soon and I am sure Edward is anxious to hear from you."

I nodded and looked out the window as the sadness crept in, knowing I was not to talk to him, that I was not his mate, we would never be together; he would find someone else. My heart ached with a pain I had never known.

"Bella? I know you miss him and I'm sure you'd both prefer it be him with you, but Alice is sure this is the best way to keep you safe. Believe me she wouldn't have sent us away otherwise. I'm sure it wont be for to long."

I just nodded and bit back the tears threatening, I knew it would be for longer than he thought but I couldn't think about all this now. It was too much.

We drove in silence a little longer before the phone rang. Jasper picked it up.

"Carlisle? … No, we're fine. … Yes, Alice said … Ok, yeah, here she is."

I could only hear his side of the conversation and he gave me a strange look as he handed me the phone. My palms felt a little wet and my stomach churned, I wanted to cry again; I tried to remember what Alice had told me to say.

"Carlisle?"

"Bella" I heard relief in his voice. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Jasper is keeping me safe."

I heard something on the other line and I assumed Carlisle was listening to someone else, "Sorry Bella. Edward is coming now, he's going to come meet you and take you some where safe for a while."

"No." I bit back tears, "I am safe Carlisle please don't worry, Jasper and I will be fine." Alice said we would be, that we would see them all again, even if it was a few years away.

"Bella?" I handed the phone back to Jasper; he was giving me an odd look.

"Carlisle? Alice told me to stay with Bella, to take her somewhere safe for a while."

He paused while Carlisle said something and then I heard a shout through the phone, Edward.

"NO! LET ME TALK TO HER NOW!" Jasper held the phone out to me, I wiped the tear that had escaped and shook my head at him.

"Sorry brother. I promise I will protect her."

"DAMNIT JASPER YOU PUT HER ON THE PHONE! TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE I AM COMING TO GET HER!"

I heard Jasper growl, "No."

"JASPER! YOU…" Jasper snapped the phone shut and looked over at me.

"This part of what Alice told you?"

I nodded and turned my head away to look out the window.

"She said, a while, that mean…"

I sighed, "A while, Jasper, it means we'll be gone a while."

"And you wont be talking to Eddie I take it?" I shook my head no as fresh tears fell, "And the others?" I shook my head no again and leaned my forehead against the glass.

I felt calm spread over me, "It'll be alright Bella. I'll keep you safe and as soon as she says its safe I'll bring you home."

"She's killing me Jasper, my family will all believe I died."

"Not all your family Bella." I nodded again but I knew, things would never be the same, my place with the Cullen's, the one I had so dreamed of was never to be mine, I wasn't Edwards mate.

After driving in silence for a few minutes, Jasper turned on the radio and we began talking about music. We moved on to movies after that and then books. We had a lot in common, a lot more than I had ever expected.

"We're coming up on Peter and Char's place now."

"Do they know we are coming? Did you call them while I slept?"

Jasper shook his head, "No but Peter will know."

"Does he have visions too?"

"No, he just knows shit. No one knows why or how, he just does."

"What about Charlotte, does she have a gift?"

Jasper laughs, "She puts up with my brother, that's a gift in itself."

I rolled my eyes at him, I really liked this relaxed, open Jasper, I was glad we had this chance to become friends. I swallowed as I remembered Alice saying we would be more than friends but I shook my head a little to banish the thought. I couldn't see Jasper like that. I loved Edward. But he's going to find his own mate. My broken heart reminded me.

"Bella?" Jasper snapped me out of my thoughts, "What ever Alice told you, and I get that you can't tell me because it will change shit or something but remember it is subjective, so don't worry so much about it ok? Everything is going to be fine. The family will be alright and I will keep you safe."

I nodded, "I believe you." But I also wasn't about to bet against Alice, especially since seeing him in this new light. Jasper was kind and good and funny and had a sexy laugh. I just wished he used it more.

We pulled to a stop and got out of the range rover as the front door opened, "Char baby the Major is here and he brought us a snack."

Jasper growled at him but I couldn't help it, I burst out in laughter, it was what James had said when this mess started, the Cullen's had brought a snack.

A beautiful petite blond smacked him upside the head and it reminded me so much of Emmitt and Rosalie that I laughed harder but was also crying now.

"Oh sugar" I felt small cold, stone arms wrap around me and I started to full out sob, "Are you alright?"

I nodded, still sobbing on her.

"Shit honey, I was only teasing."

I nodded again and pulled away from Char giving a watery laugh, "I know, its just the same thing James said when all this started and then she hit you just like Rose would Em and I miss my brother bear so much and he'd of said something like that to." I was gulping in air as I spoke and felt a strong wave of calm.

"It's alright Bella, why don't you let Char take you inside and you can have a hot bath."

"That's a great idea Major, come on sugar, you come with me and we will get you all set."

I followed Char into the house and up to a beautiful room and through to the attached bathroom. Char immediately started the water pouring salts and bubbles into it.

"You get out of those clothes and into the tub and I will get you something clean to wear."

As soon as the bathroom door closed, I did as she said. The water was hot and lavender scented. I immediately felt relaxed.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door and Char came back in, she sat on the edge of the tub and began washing my hair. I moaned at the sensation. There was nothing as relaxing as someone washing your hair, except maybe if they did it while you soaked in a lavender scented bubble bath.

When she finished, she pulled a showerhead from next to the tap and turned it on to rinse. Then she conditioned it. I was in heaven.

She left me alone to soak after, turning on the jets as she went. I let myself soak for a good half hour before I washed and got out.

On the bed was a new tank top and a pair of Capri yoga pants with clean underwear and a sports bra. I pulled it all on and went downstairs.

"Feeling better? Jasper says you didn't bring anything so I got you some of my stuff, I hope it fits ok? We'll get you some new things right away."

"It fits fine, thank you. And yes, I feel much better."

"Good," she smiled at me, "Peter said we'd have a human visitor so I went down before the shop closed last night and got groceries. I wasn't sure what you liked though so I just got a couple things. Jazz wants to head out soon anyways."

"Head out where?"

Jasper spoke up then coming into the room, "New York State. Peter and Char have a place there. It should be safe and the Cullen's don't know about it so Edward wont come to find you there."

I nodded, "Ok Jasper."

"We are going to stop in New York for a couple days to and we will get everything you need."

I blushed, "Um, I ah, don't have my wallet even, Alice wouldn't let me bring my handbag."

"She'll have used it to cover up your death Darlin' we can't have those cards being used anymore."

"Right" I nodded. I had nothing, no money, no identification, no clothes, nothing.

"Don't worry on it, we'll get you new id's and cards honey." Peter told her. "I'll make that call now."

"Um, Peter?"

"Yeah honey?"

"What name will I be given?"

Jasper was the one to speak up, "You can keep Isabella but you should choose a different surname name, can't be your mothers either at least not for a few decades. We can use Cullen if you like or you can use our name, my brother Char and I are Whitlock's, whatever you want really." I saw Peter and Char give him an odd look but I ignored them.

"I thought your name was Hale?"

"No, that's Rose's surname I used it a while with the Cullen's when we played siblings but the name is Whitlock."

"Um, well am passing as your sibling? I mean we don't really look anything alike."

Jasper had an odd look on his face and Peter laughed.

"Sugar, he just meant that you're welcome to our family for however long you are with us and are more than welcome to use our name though you don't need to by any means." Charlotte said putting a hand on the small of my back.

"I imagine you'll want to use Cullen and I believe Carlisle has already looked into getting those identifications for you in preparation of the future." Jasper added.

"Um, no, if it's not to much bother I'd rather not."

Jasper shot me a surprised look, "You'd want to be a Whitlock?"

I blushed, refusing to think about that or the warm feeling the suggestion gave me in the pit of my stomach, "If it's ok maybe I could use McCarty? If you don't think Emmett would mind."

"Not at all Darlin, he'd be very pleased, he's felt such a strong familial love for you from the first time you came over."

I blushed again, I loved my brother bear too, he was the older brother I had never thought to want.

"He'll be mighty touched Darlin, so it will be Isabella McCarty, any middle name?"

"Um, my middle name is Marie."

"Alright, Isabella Marie McCarty, I will have Jenks draw up your new identification, birth certificate and bank account, it should all be here in a couple days and then we will head out to New York." Peter said before disappearing.

"Um Jasper," I blushed again, "What about money?"

"Don't worry about that, it's nothing to us and we need to focus on keeping you safe." Char told me reassuringly, "Now lets get you fed."

I wanted to argue with her but what could I say, even if I had my bank cards Bella Swan was dead, her cards couldn't be used. I would just have to find a way to pay them all back when this was over.

We stayed in New Orleans for three days before driving to New York. Peter was a laugh and Charlotte was so sweet, I loved them both. I worried about the family but Jasper assured me they were fine. I knew they were asking to talk to me, I had even heard Edward shouting through his phone one day but Jasper would just hang up on him. He refused to put me on the phone with any of them. I felt bad for causing trouble for him with them, he always looked so stressed when they called but I had faith in Alice.

I spent most of my time with Char or reading and chatting with Jasper in his den. It was a good few days. The drive to New York was actually fun, Peter thought of games to play while we drove and Char and I would go through magazines looking at clothes to buy in New York. Normally this would not be very enjoyable. Alice always went a little over board and our tastes were different, surprisingly though Char and I liked similar things.

We checked into a nice hotel, I had a nap, and something to eat, then the boys followed us around as we shopped. Surprisingly it was a lot of fun. I needed everything so we had a lot to buy, because of this Char decided it was time for a new wardrobe as well, and only packed two changes of clothes for us both.

We found several pairs of jeans, tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies, and I even let her talk me into a couple of really cute skirts and dresses. Every store we went into the boys waited patently outside until we came out and then they took our bags as we moved on to the next store.

Oh no, Victoria Secret.

I followed Char inside and went straight to the plain cotton bras and panties.

"Oh sugar those do nothing for you and they are so plain, come on." She dragged me over to a display of lace.

"Char its not like anyone will see my under things."

"One day they might and besides its for you sugar, it always makes you feel sexier and more confident when you have sexy panties on, cause you know you look hot under whatever you are wearing and because if you talk to a man you know something he doesn't but wished he does. Trust me."

I blushed but took the panties she handed me, I was grateful when I saw they were all lace boy shorts and not the string thongs I saw at another table. Next, we moved onto bras and she was right, the ones she picked out fit better and my clothes looked nicer over them.

We also bought some cotton boy shorts, tank tops and sleep pants. While we paid I looked to Char, "I think we have mostly everything maybe we should shop for the guys now, Jasper needs all new stuff to."

"Right, good thinking, lets hit up Saks." She nodded.

"You guys put this lot in the truck and we'll meet you at Saks." She said handing our latest bags to the already full hands of Peter and Jasper.

"Stay vigilant, don't let her outta your sight." Jasper growled at her.

"I will Major" she nodded.

"Why do you call him that Char?" I asked as we walked, "I mean I know he was the youngest major in the civil war and all but that was when he was human."

"He's the youngest to rank major in military history sugar but that's not why we call him the Major."

"So why?"

"Shug, Jazz did a lot more than just fight in the civil war but that's a story for him to tell."

I was curious but I could respect that she didn't feel comfortable telling his stories.

We went straight to the men's department and began looking at clothes for the guys. It wasn't long before they joined us.

"What are you looking for over here?" Peter asked, looking around us.

"Jasper needs clothes to so Charlotte didn't pack you any either." I told him.

"Here baby, try these on." She told him, handing him a small pile.

Jasper looked around him with a small frown, "Everything alright Jasper?" I asked him concerned. Was there trouble, had James found us?

"Alice has done my shopping since we met." He told me.

"Well what do you like?"

He shrugged, "Don't know much about fashion Darlin. Before I was with Alice I stuck to Wranglers and cowboy boots but she didn't much approve"

I rolled my eyes and looked at his outfit, a white button down shirt with a pair of loose fitting jeans he'd gotten from Peter. Hmm, he looked hot in jeans. No, do not want to go there. Usually at home he wore slacks, picture him all preppied up, there that slightly curbs the lust.

"Well, have a look around and see what you like." I told him. Hoping he hadn't felt anything in my emotions, "Get what you'll be comfortable in."

He looked around a little lost so I picked up a few pairs of jeans and sent him to the change room, "Come out when you have something on, so we can see the fit."

He came out a minute later and yup; the man could seriously wear a pair of jeans. "How do they feel?"

"Great," he smiled at me and my heart skipped a beat.

I tried to hide my blush as he raised an eyebrow at me, shit empath, "Um here, try these and I'll get you more jeans or do you prefer slacks?" I had after all only ever seen him in them before.

"No, I like these jeans." He said looking down at the shirts that I had handed him. I nodded and left him there.

When I came back with several more pairs of jeans he was still standing there, "Did the shirts not fit? Or do you not like them?"

"They don't have sleeves." He said quietly.

"Sorry?" I asked him confused.

Charlotte came over, "come on Bella, I'll help you while the Major finishes trying on those jeans." She pulled me out of the change area and I saw Peter going over to Jasper.

I followed Charlotte as she began looking at some long sleeved shirts, "Sugar, Jasper don't wear t-shirts?" she told me in a low voice.

"Why?"

"He just don't" She said, venom pooling in her eyes as she looked through the rack of shirts.

I turned around and went back to the change room, "Jasper?" I guess he felt my distress because he stepped out of the change room instantly.

"What's wrong Bella? What happened?" he asked scouting the area behind me. I just stood there and stared at him. He was barefoot and had on a pair of dark wash jeans that were not done up and no shirt. I stared at his naked torso. Scars marred his pale skin, but as I stared at him all I could focus on was his pale skin stretched over the steel of his flat stomach. His arms were well defined and muscular, not bulky at all but strong and toned. They and his broad shoulders were also littered with scars. He was a fucking warrior, a dangerous predator and he was fucking hot.

"Um, uh, Bella?" Jasper shifted on his feet and I finally broke out of my lustful stupor. I forced myself to look away from his body and up to his face, he looked a little uncomfortable and quirked his eyebrow at me.

"I, ah, just came to see how you were doing with sizes."

"Fine."

I couldn't help my eyes wandering back over his body. "Ok, um, I'll just help Charlotte find you more shirts." My mouth felt dry, I wanted to lick and kiss every one of the scars and along every groove between his muscles. I backed away blushing, forcing my eyes off him, I turned and practically ran out of the dressing area. I sent Char in with all the clothes we found them. Once they had deemed they had all they needed we paid for it all and headed into the girls department for a quick look. I was still recovering from the embarrassment, not only had I been caught ogling him but he could also feel all the lust pouring off me, fucking empath.

Next we went for shoes, Char insisted on me trying some heals despite my balance problems, I was surprised a couple pairs were actually comfortable so I let her talk me into them but also bought two pairs of ballet flats, all-stars and a really cute pair of caramel color cowboy boots.

Finally, Charlotte declared we were done. I was relieved. I didn't mind shopping with Char, it was even kind of fun but after so many hours, I was tired and hungry. We went back to the hotel and Jasper ordered me room service. I fell asleep right after I ate. The next morning we went shopping again, urg, though this time we went and got some luggage, and Char and I got new handbags and wallets. Then we went and bought some kitchen items.

After I ate lunch we went back to the hotel and quickly packed everything up, Jasper came in just as we finished.

"Bella, Alice called."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, she and the family are fine. She says to stay on the path we are on and that things are going the way they are meant to. She also said we would be staying one more night and to turn the TV on channel six at five."

"Ok, well, what shall we do then?"

"I think we should lay low to be safe. Alice says we are ok here but I don't want to go out and invite trouble."

"Alright." I nodded.

"We can maybe go to the bookstore across the street if you want to get a few books."

I smiled brightly at him, "That would be great."

We spent a couple hours going through all the books, I selected six and Jasper also bought a civil war book he hadn't read and a book on strategy in modern warfare."

We went back to the hotel just in time to pack away the books in our luggage and got settled before turning on the TV. It was the news. After a few stories, we heard my name.

I watched the report of my untimely death, and lay in Jasper's lap crying. It was over; Bella Swan was well and truly gone. I would never see my loving, erratic mother again or my quiet, caring father. I cried and Jasper stroked my hair. He didn't try to take the pain away, he knew I needed to grieve so he just sat with me and let me cry. After a while, I heard him singing softly. I lay there listening to his soothing voice his hand running over my head and drifted into sleep.

When I woke, Jasper was sitting in a chair beside the bed reading.

"Did you sit there all night?"

"You were having nightmares, I wanted to help you sleep."

"Thank you Jasper."

"It's not a problem Bella."

"Thank you for sitting with me last night, I know it was silly, I mean it's not like anyone really died."

"It's not silly at all Bella. And someone did die, Bella Swan did, only you live with all her memories, all the love for the people she had in her life, but you can never see them, you mourn their loss and that is not silly at all."

"Thank you." I told him, biting back fresh tears. I felt a wave of calm and sent him a grateful smile.

"Why don't you go shower and have your human moments while I order you some breakfast? Then we'll get Peter and Charlotte and go."

I nodded and got off the bed to go to the bathroom, only then noticing I was in my pajama's, the last memory I had was falling asleep after the news, fully dressed, "Um, Jasper, did you change me?" I asked blushing crimson.

"Charlotte came in and changed you while I waited in the other room. You woke up partly but I sang you back to sleep, do you not recall this?"

"No, I must have still been mostly sleeping."

"Yes, well, it was a long day."

I nodded and went into the bathroom. After my morning ritual, I went out and found French toast with strawberries waiting for me, yum.

Peter and Jasper loaded the truck while Char sat with me as I ate. As soon as I finished, we got back on the road.

We drove out of the city and as it disappeared behind us, it was like we entered another world. Trees replaced all the concrete; we kept driving as civilization got further and further away, up into the mountains. The road gave way to gravel and then to dirt that I wasn't so sure was even a road. This was a couple miles long and ended at a large three-story log cabin built against the mountain.

"The second story is actually the main floor in the back. The bottom floor is just the garages, utility and laundry rooms and storage." Charlotte told me as we got out of the truck. There was a large balcony on the second story. It was so beautiful.

"It's beautiful." I told her as I looked around at the house and the woods surrounding.

"Come on and I will show you inside." Char pulled me inside the side door and up the stairs. Inside was a huge open space. The wall on the back was almost all glass and opened onto the patio I had seen below. In the space was a massive living room and a moderate sized kitchen. There was a huge entertainment center, two extra long oversized couches that looked like the most comfortable couches invented and two leather chairs sat on either end of the massive stone gas fireplace, which faced the entertainment system. The side was the wall that was all the windows and the other area was the kitchen. The kitchen was not as long as the living room, nor nearly as large. It was a decent size though especially considering they didn't have need of one. On that wall next to the kitchen was a set of stairs. The ceiling over the kitchen was a little lower than the living area as well and when you looked up from the living room, you could see the railing of the second floor.

I followed Charlotte up the steps but stopped at the rail to look out the wall of windows across the living room. The view was spectacular.

There was nothing on the little balcony over the kitchen; it was just like a very wide hallway with an archway leading to another hall.

"The first door here on the left is mine and Peter's room, then is a guest room on the right, next to ours is another guest room and across from that is Jasper's study. You can pick which of the guest rooms you want. Both have large en-suite bathrooms with jetted tubs and showers with dual head rain showerheads and side showerheads. I love showers and baths." Charlotte grinned at me.

"Either of them would be great Char. I can't thank you enough for taking me in."

"We're family sugar, of course you are welcome here. Come on, you should see them both before deciding." She pulled me into the first room.

Unlike the main floor where the walls of the cabin were the same natural wood as the exterior, up here the rooms were more like a house with painted walls. This room had walls that were a deep rich navy blue. It had a large platform bed in dark wood and matching dresser. Char dragged me into the bathroom next to see modern bathroom. The walls were a soft blue white, the whole bathroom looked bright and white and clean, the bath tub was set against the wall and you stepped up two steps to climb in, a ledge around it held many candles and some sea shells. There was a large window behind it looking out at the trees.

"Its beautiful Char."

"Well don't decide yet, you have to see the next one first." She said excitedly grabbing my hand again.

I followed her down the hall to the last room on the left. The walls were a deep charcoal, there was a modern style dark wood dresser and huge four poster bed with white sheets, white gauzy drapes hung in the corners of the bed and the far door opened onto a balcony, there was a window with a charcoal chair set by it and a low round table next to it. Beside the window was the door leading out to the balcony. I followed Char into the bathroom, like the previous one, it was huge, with a walk in shower big enough for more than one a large tub and beautiful vanity. This one had the same charcoal walls as the bedroom. The tub was a large oval and on the wall above it was a long frame of tea light candles. The tiles, tub, shower, sink and toilet were all bright white offsetting the dark of the walls and vanity.

"Char you are amazing." I breathed as we wandered back into the bedroom.

"This one has the balcony but you'll share it with Jazz." She told me leading me out to see the long balcony that over looked the yard.

"Do you know which one you prefer?"

"They are both so lovely, but if it would be alright I think I like this one the best."

"Of course. Now come let me show you my room." She said grabbing my hand again and leading me back down the hall, "Peter can you put her things in the back room next to ours." She said in a normal voice, knowing he would hear her below.

"Thank you." I said in the same voice.

"We've never really had anyone here before, Jasper of course and our friend Garrett has stopped by but no one who would appreciate my work." She said pulling me into her room.

This one was done much more modern than the others, it had three black walls and one red. Against the red wall was a large circular black bed with red sheets and a black duvet. On the wall opposite the red wall the black wall had red wild flowers painted on and a large black dresser. She then led me through to the bathroom. It was even larger than the other two. Your bathroom is on the other side of this wall, with all the extra insulation and without the vampire hearing you shouldn't hear us. If you do, well, sorry." Charlotte laughed.

Her bathroom had all deep red walls and the toilet, large claw foot tub, sink, vanity and shower were all black, the towels were black and red. Even the lights hanging down over the tub had red light fixtures.

"It's great Char."

"We have a balcony off the side as well, and it has a tub, I love having a bath outside, come on, I'll show you."

I followed her back into the room and she removed the black curtains along one wall. I followed her out onto the patio where there was a large white oval tub.

"You can borrow it too." Charlotte told me graciously, "It's wonderfully relaxing to sit here in a bubble bath and look out at the forest."

"Thank you Charlotte. You are too kind to me." I hugged her.

"Come on, the boys probably have our stuff upstairs, I'll help you put away yours if you help me do mine."

I laughed, "That sounds great." We spent the rest of the day putting away our clothes and dancing around to music until my stomach rumbled.

"Oh, I forgot, you need to eat." I swear Char would be blushing if she were human.

"Don't worry Char, I forgot about eating to, let's go find something."

"No, I mean we all forgot you eat. Bella, we don't have food here." She looked truly distressed.

Until we heard a booming laugh from downstairs, "Don't worry, Jazz and I went while you were busy, there is plenty of food."

"Thank you Peter." I said in a normal voice. Char looked so relieved it was almost funny and I linked my arm with hers, "Come on Char baby let's feed the human." She laughed and we went downstairs.

"I wasn't sure what you liked but I remembered some of the things Esme got for you and then bought a few more things that looked popular." Jasper said as we came down the stairs. They were playing a video game.

"Thanks Jazz."

Charlotte watched as I cooked myself something to eat, "Could you teach me to help?" she asked as I sat down to eat.

"Sure Char but I don't want you to feel like you need to, I can do it myself."

"I know, but I'd like to, it would be fun."

"Sure then, next meal you can help."

When I finished she helped me clean up, well really she cleaned up in the time it took me to put away the ingredients I used.

"Shall we watch a movie?" Jasper asked.

I nodded and went to curl up on the couch, while he got up to put one in. Charlotte curled up with Peter on the other couch and Jasper sat back in the chair he was in earlier. I fell asleep during the movie and woke up as I was being laid on my bed.

"Thank you Jazz."

"Your welcome Bella." He said leaving my room and closing the door gently. I pulled off my jeans and bra not bothering to change and slid between the cool sheets.

In the morning I tested out my new shower first thing, it was heaven.

I wandered down and Char watched me make toast, thank god we bought a toaster, and coffee, what would I have done without it.

After breakfast I went out with Char as she showed me the immediate area, she even put me on her back and ran us to a little clearing with a small lake. It was beautiful. Odd to be on her back though as she was about my same size, I imagine it would look funny if someone were to see it. At least she wasn't Alice's size, now that would look odd.

When we got back she helped me make soup and a sandwich to warm up, it might be spring but it was still pretty cold in the mountains and holding onto a freezing vampire as she ran made it colder.

After my lunch I wandered back upstairs to my room, I saw the door to Jaspers study open and hesitated, I wanted to ask him about Alice and the family but wasn't sure if I should disturb him.

"Come in Bella." I entered slowly, "What has you conflicted?"

"I didn't want to bother you." I told him shyly.

"You aren't" he replied motioning me to sit. I looked around the room; the walls were covered in bookshelves that matched the wood of the floor. The walls that did show were a dark olive green. The room held a large coffee table and comfortable looking chocolate leather couch with two dark olive green chairs that matched the paint on the walls not lined with shelves.

I went and sat down, curling my bare toes beneath me.

"You're alright? Do you like it here?"

"It's beautiful Jazz."

"You and Char have become friends."

It wasn't really a question but I answered anyways, "Yeah, she's great, a good friend. She went hunting with Peter."

"Yes, they will be back in a few hours."

"Have you talked to the Cullen's?"

"Yes, they continue to call. Edward is very angry."

"I'm sorry Jasper." I bit back tears.

"This is not your fault Bella. It is James' and it is Edwards."

"Edwards?"

"He should not have brought you into this world." His words stung and I know he felt the jolt of pain as he pushed out a small dose of calm, "I do not mean it against you Bella but it was foolish of him to bring you into our world without changing you."

"It was just to early to change me."

"No Bella, Edward does not want you turned."

I knew this was because he did not love me, I know Alice said he did, but if he really loved me, if I was his mate he would want to change me, but even Alice said I wasn't his. I felt Jasper pushing calm at me again, "I could be wrong Bella." He said soothingly.

"No, you aren't" my voice wobbled out.

"Alice has seen you a vampire."

I smiled a watery smile at him, "Yeah, she has. Edward won't change me though." I admitted before biting my tongue.

He smiled back at me, "If it's me he'll tear me to pieces, that fucker already wants my dick on a pyre for takin yeh."

I laughed because I was pretty sure it would be him, unless it was Peter or Char or maybe Alice, would I still be human when I saw them all again? Alice hadn't said, only that I would see them again.

"Will you talk to him Bella? Try to explain."

I shook my head biting back the tears but they came out anyways, "I can't, I'm sorry."

He nodded, "because of Alice?"

I nodded, "and because of me."

He sighed, "Ok, no Edward, how about Emmett? He's halfway ready to roast my ass too."

I shook my head again fresh tears assaulting me. "I take it that will be a no to Carlisle as well." I just nodded "and Esme? She is very concerned." I shook my head and cried harder.

I felt the waves of calm from Jasper as he pulled me up and into his lap, "It's ok Bella, you don't have to talk to them."

"I miss them so much Jazz."

"I know Darlin" He rubbed my back and began singing in a low voice; I could feel the movement in his chest and relaxed into him.

"Jasper?" I asked after a few minutes, my voice no more than a whisper.

"Yeah Darlin?" he asked, his voice low as well.

"Do you miss them?"

"Yeah, I suppose I do but I've been away from them before, I will see them again, I just hope they will forgive me for this."

"For what?"

"Stealing their daughter or sister or mate away."

"They will."

"Alice tell you that?"

"No, but I know they will. You are only protecting me, like Alice asked."

"Yeah Darlin, I just don't know as they'll agree with it bein me and not Edward or hell, any of 'em asides me."

"Why?"

"Black sheep of the family remember Darlin, the one who still samples the natural food source."

I laughed lightly, "only the dying or the one's that need killing though. I'm not either. Well maybe the former with James' after me."

His arms tightened their hold a little, "You wont be dyin Darlin, I wont let James get ya. I can protect you. So can Peter and Charlotte, better 'n any other."

"Must be why Alice sent us away and to them then."

"Must be." He agreed.

"Do you miss her?"

He sighed, "yes. I miss her. I miss what we were."

"What do you mean?"

"You know Alice would do anything to keep you safe Darlin, she really does love you like a sister."

I nodded into his chest, "I know Jazz. She only left me because she thought she needed to, part of the vision."

"She didn't leave you, Darlin, she left me."

I sat up and looked into his eyes, "Jazz?"

"It's been comin a while Darlin, things 've been different with us for a few years, they got worse when we got here and then better for a bit and back to worse. She called it quits."

"I'm sorry Jazz."

"So am I Darlin, I loved her a lot a years but she ain't my mate 'n I ain't hers so if she's comin to the time when she finds hers its best to end it. Even if she ain't I suppose she's right and it was more than time. We were comfortable with each other but we both had to change to be together, I tried to change more for her since I felt indebted to her but I wasn't what she needed and while she was what I needed for a time she ain't been for a long time. I still love her, always will."

I leaned into him and began to sing softly, I felt him relax back in the chair, pulling me with him, "You got a lovely voice Darlin" he whispered as I sang of heartache. Jasper might not know it but we were both suffering that now, only I knew that while the man I loved would find his mate I also knew I was sitting in the lap of my mate and all he knew was he lost the woman he loved. I ached for him.

After a few songs, I fell silent and Jasper began to sing.

I woke in my room to a night sky.

The next weeks went by in an easy routine. Charlotte had mastered the coffee maker and simple breakfasts, toast and scrambled eggs and pancakes, she even learned French toast and I would wake up to a lovely meal. I usually had something small and easy around lunchtime and we would cook dinner together. We even took to watching the food network for new recipes.

I usually spent the mornings with Char, we'd go for walks, work in the garden, or redesign the rooms in her house in Montana, mostly we'd talk and laugh and dance around. We would all spend the afternoons together, we rode four wheelers and dirt bikes up the mountains and played video games. As the temperature rose we went hiking and swam in the little lake Char had shown me. We watched movies and played board games and they taught me poker, I was getting ok and could hold my own with Char, Jasper's talent always brought him out on top. He also taught me chess, though I knew he was playing very easy with me. I watched the others mock fight sometimes and Peter and I would tease each other. In the evenings, we'd watch movies or I'd curl up with Jasper in his study and read.

Often he would sing me to sleep and the nights he didn't I missed him. Sometimes I knew I had nightmares though I never remembered them, I suppose it was because I never really had them, I'd just wake up and find Jazz reading in the chair by the window having come in to soothe my sleep. It was embarrassing the first time I had gotten up and gone to the bathroom with him there, forgetting I was only in my tank and cotton boy shorts but after the third time I just shrugged it off and didn't pay attention to it. He saw me in a bikini all the time.

It was a peaceful and easy existence. Edward stopped calling to yell at Jasper, saying he would just track us. Jazz just laughed and told him he was a terrible tracker. Slowly the others had stopped calling so much as well. Esme would still leave messages for me saying she loved and missed me. They all always said they wanted me to come home.

Alice called to tell me all was on track and to stay strong with the others. It wasn't time to talk to any of them yet. I wished I'd been able to ask her about things but with three vampires able to listen in, I knew I couldn't. I suppose she planned it that way, cryptic pixie.

I mourned my relationship with Edward but found it easier than I would have thought to be away from the family I loved so well. Peter was like Emmett in many ways and I felt very close to my new brother. Char was my best friend and sister, I loved Alice, but I had a deep connection to Char to. And Jazz, I wished Alice had never told me I was his mate. I spend so much time with him now and as each day passed, I feel closer to him than before. Often he used his power to express things instead of saying them, I learned to send him emotions and listen to those he sent me. It drove Peter nuts when we almost conversed like this.

I was also ridiculously attracted to him. I mean all vampires are gorgeous but Jazz in well-fitting jeans and boots was drool worthy, I couldn't imagine why Alice had him in slacks and button downs he was sex walking in those damn jeans. Luckily he never commented on the lust he picked up, just quirked his eye brow at me, I would blush and turn away, trying to tamp it down and pretend it didn't happen.

To my surprise and delight, he had bought the t-shirts I had handed to him in New York. Charlotte looked at him surprised the first time he came outside in one and I could see her eyes well with venom.

I looked back over at Jazz and wanted to jump him. He looked over with the amused look and quirked eyebrow and I shot my eyes away from him. Even Peter had faltered in his step but continued forward to talk to Jasper without commenting on the shirt.

Later in his study I asked him about it and he finally told me about his past, about Maria and how he was turned, about being the Major, the God of War and getting all those scars.

I crawled into his lap and held him as I cried for him. I told him he was beautiful and threw all my sincerity mixed with a little desire at him. He held on to me tightly as I told him over and over that he was not a monster, he was a goddamn warrior and survivor and I was proud of him and loved him. I had to let that one slip of course but hurried to tell him he was family and I would always love and be proud of him. I hoped he bought it, can an empath tell the difference between lustful love and sibling love? I kind of hoped not.

After that he wore the t-shirts almost every day and when we went swimming he wore only shorts like Peter. I had seen the scars on him and Char but not asked; now I knew where they came from.

I had hugged Char the morning after my chat with Jasper and told her how beautiful she was and she sobbed in my arms.

When she went off Peter pulled me into his arms and thanked me for being so good and loving his wife. I hugged him and told him I loved them both the same and he was just as beautiful. He laughed and teased me about wanting him but I saw in his eyes my words had affected him to.

I truly loved this new family of mine and while I missed my parents and the Cullen's I was happy here. I loved our happy little life in the woods on the mountain.

Of course things had to change, they always do.

It had been three days since I'd seen Jasper and I was beginning to really worry. I didn't sleep well at night and that third night was the worst, on the fourth day I sat on the porch waiting for him, cursing him for leaving his cell behind, he couldn't have just left me, he wouldn't, would he? I bit back tears.

"Jasper is fine Bella. I promise." Char reassured me.

I just nodded and kept my eyes on the trees. A few hours later, she came back out, "Sugar I need to hunt are you going to be okay here?"

I just nodded again. Where was he? He had to come back didn't he I mean he wouldn't just abandon me here, was he not happy? Did he miss Alice and the Cullen's more than he let on?

"Bella? What's wrong?" I was hit by strong wave of concern as Jasper appeared on the porch.

I jumped up and ran into his arms sobbing. He sank to his knees on the porch pushing calm into me, "Tell me what happened Darlin, talk to me, I'll make it better." He murmured.

I felt the sadness turn to anger and pushed away from him, he was instantly standing again as well and I pushed him again hitting my fists against his chest, "You bastard, why would you do that, just disappear for days, you didn't even bring your phone, what if something happened, what if James got you?" I demanded.

He captured my wrists in his hand and pulled me to him, "Bella, I'm fine, you think that fucker could hurt me? I'm the fucking God of War remember?"

I nodded sobbing into his chest and clinging to him now.

"I'm sorry Darlin, I didn't mean for you to worry, I should have had my phone." I felt his calm seeping into me and took a few deep breaths but still held on to him.

"Where were you?"

"I was in the woods."

"Why?"

"Hunting."

"You went hunting for four days without telling me? Jazz you tell me when you're going for four hours why wouldn't you think I would worry?"

"I'm sorry Darlin, I wasn't gone that long I was just in the woods. I didn't want to come back yet."

"Why? Am I bothering you? Are you not happy? Do you need space? I'm sorry, it's selfish of me to keep you so tied here." I said pushing away from him.

"No, it isn't selfish Bella, I want to be here, I am very happy here, more than I can remember being in a very long time."

"But I am around to much and to needy, stupid human and all."

"Bella, it had nothing to do with you, well that's not true but not because I didn't want to be here, I do, I just didn't want to upset you?"

"I don't understand, why would I be upset? You want to be here but do you not want me here?" all my stupid insecurities' were drowning me and I heard him growl.

"I told you before damnit Bella, do not think those kinds of thoughts, you damn well are worth it and of course I want you here. Fuck. Bella, turn around and look at me please." He said turning me by my arm and lifting my chin to meet his eyes.

They were a strange orangey copper color. I gasped and raised my hand to touch near them, "Your eyes."

"Peter and I ran into a couple of hikers in the woods, they had a little girl hostage, fucking perverts. She was fighting them and they knocked her out. We attacked and fed. I took the girl to a ranger station on the other side of the mountain and left her there, waited in the tree line until she was found. I wanted my eyes to lighten before you saw me again."

"Why?" I was entranced with the color of his eyes, I felt like I was drowning in them, they were fire and he was ice. "I knew you hunted people Jazz, one's who needed killing, and they obviously needed killing."

"Knowin and knowin are two different things Bella. Theory and proof."

"I'd have been disappointed in you if you let them live, let them hurt that girl or another one like her."

He searched my emotions, "You really mean that, not a speck of disgust or disappointment, not even a little fear. I killed someone Bella and you aren't the least afraid."

"No" I whispered, tracing my finger under his eye again.

"Bella" His voice came out a low growl.

"Jazz." I breathed.

"Everythin alright?" Peter called as he and Char came out of the woods.

We stepped away from each other and I blushed trying to push down the lust coursing through me, knowing he could feel it.

Jasper's phone started ringing from the patio where I had dropped it when he had finally showed up, thankful for the distraction I picked it up not looking at the caller id, not thinking, "Hello?"

"Bella? Is that you?" I snapped the phone down and looked at the screen seeing Edwards name. "Bella, love, are you alright? Talk to me." I looked at Jazz and held the phone out to him; he just stood there staring at me. "BELLA! Are you alright? Are you there? Is Jasper around, love you have to tell me where you are, I'll come get you; you know he is dangerous. I'll keep you safe love, we'll go away together and…"

I didn't let him finish, as soon as the word dangerous came out of his mouth I snapped forgetting my promise to Alice I put the phone to my ear, "You arrogant asshole! Jasper is not dangerous, not to me anyways but I am pretty sure if you come within twenty miles of us he'll tear your ass to pieces you judgmental prick! He's here keeping me safe and taking shit from the family for it well fuck all of you! And if he wants to hunt criminals I'll fucking play bait! I'd be safe enough with him watching out for me even if there were three James' hunting me! Do not call us again Edward, as far as I am concerned you and I are over, have been over from the moment I left that damn hotel in Phoenix and Bella Swan died. And that goes for the rest of the family to until they can be civil to him!"

"Bella, love you don't know what you are saying, it's him, he's manipulating you, keeping you from the family, we are all so worried and he wont let any of us talk to you."

"Fuck you! Jasper is not manipulating me, I am not a child, he respects me, and my choices and I chose not to talk to you! Now don't you say one more thing about him or I will Zippo your ass next time I see you!" I snarled snapping the phone shut and screeching, "That arrogant, judgmental, know-it all ass!"

I heard laughter behind me and saw Peter busting a gut, Charlotte looked like she was trying hard but failing to hold back her own laughter, Jasper just stared at me in shock.

I blushed crimson, "sorry" I muttered.

"That was the funniest fucking thing I have ever seen, remind me not to piss you off!" Peter laughed, "Zippo his ass, fucking priceless!"

Charlotte lost the battle and began to laugh as well.

I peaked at Jasper again, "Thank you Bella." He said softly. I saw Charlotte pulling Peter inside the open doors.

"For yelling at your brother?"

"For sticking up for me." He said pulling me into a hug. "I'm sorry I caused you to fight with him though, I am sure you can call him later and he will forgive you, tell him it was stress."

"No, Jazz, I don't want him to forgive me. It's over."

He bent down until his cool lips were only a centimeter from my ear, his cool breath running along my skin making me shiver, "I should feel bad. I took you away from him, caused all this."

"You didn't. You're protecting me."

"Am I?" he asked, trailing his nose across my jaw, "I never planned to steal you away from him. To take what was his."

"You didn't."

"But I want to." He breathed next to my ear again. My knees felt weak as my body flooded with desire. "I should feel bad, but I don't."

"Jasper." The ringing phone startled us apart again and I stepped away to catch my breath, looking down at the screen, Alice.