UB Chapter 15 - Departures

Jasper POV

Marcus detained me in the throne room, calling out as we were leaving and asking Peter and Charlotte to escort Bella to her room.  With a final squeeze of her hand, I returned to Marcus, who spent a quarter of an hour emphasizing how precious Bella was, not only to him but especially to his mate.  He reiterated multiple times that her safety was of the utmost importance.  I assured him, also multiple times, that I was in complete agreement and would do everything in my power to ensure she returned to Volterra hale and hearty. 

I knew that Marcus was anxious about letting Bella go to Forks and I did my best to put his mind at ease.  Once he was  adequately pacified, I was dismissed, and I made my way back to my own rooms to pack my things.

Placing a final pair of jeans in my bag, I zipped it closed and carried it into my living area, setting it by the door.  I was just placing my laptop in its case when a knock sounded on my door.

“Come in,” I called, gathering the other accessories for the device.

“Jasper,” Charlotte greeted as she entered.

“Hey, Char.  I’ll be ready in a minute,” I told her as I opened a desk drawer and sorted through a few CDs before tossing them into the case with the laptop.

“No rush,” she said, coming to a halt in the center of the room. 

She was silent as she stood there watching me, indecision and hesitation her dominant emotions.  I sighed and paused, looking up at her.  “Spit it out, Char.”

She rolled her eyes at my words but obeyed them nonetheless.  “I like her.”

I raised a brow, not sure exactly where this conversation was going to take me, although I was fairly sure who ‘she’ was.  “Who?” I asked just to taunt her.

She rolled her eyes again.  “Bella, of course.  Peter likes her too.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“We know you like her, J.”

I hadn’t been hiding my attraction to Bella, so I wasn’t surprised that my closest friends would notice.  “I figured as much.”

“I’m pretty sure she likes you too,” she said with a smirk.

I returned the smirk with one of my own.  “I’m pretty sure she does, too.”

Char grinned and leaned her hip against the desk.  “So, you gonna go for it?”

Leaning back in my chair, I rested my elbows on the arms and steepled my fingers.  “I might.”

She snorted.  “Might, my ass.  You will.”

“It’s a delicate situation, Char.  She isn’t in the best frame of mind just now to be starting a relationship.”  My reply was honest, sincere.  Bella was in a fragile state, emotionally, and I didn’t want to exacerbate that delicacy by pushing things too far, too fast.  I was content to just be her friend for now and get to know her, be there for her and help her grieve.  I would be whatever she needed me to be, regardless of how difficult it was becoming to temper my own emotions and responses to her proximity.

“I get it, Jasper.  I do.  Tread carefully, but…” she trailed off.

“But what?” I prompted.

She sat on the arm of the couch, hands on her thighs.  “You don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, J.  I just think if you get a chance, no matter when or how, you should take it.” 

“I don’t know, Char-" I began, but she cut me off before I could protest further.

“This could be your only chance, J.  It’s not like there is a huge vampire dating pool.  And I get she’s human, but fuck, J!  Get your head out of your ass.  You’re how old now?  Have you ever felt this way before?  About anyone?”

I shook my head.  “Never.”

“Then don’t you think it’s worth the chance?  Don’t you want what Peter and I have?  Or do you want to be the eternal bachelor?”

Fuck, she had me there.  And by the look on her face, she knew it too.

“Just think about it, J.”  She rounded the desk and gave me a kiss on the cheek.  “I’m off to find Peter.  I’ll meet you in the garage in twenty?”

I nodded.  “Sure.  I’ll get Bella and meet you there.”

I sat there for a few minutes to gather my focus and consider Char’s words.  She had a point.  In the century and a half since I’d awakened to this life, even within the memories of my years as a human man, I had never felt an attraction such as this.  There had been plenty of women in my past, countless numbers of one night stands and short flings.  But, while they had been beautiful and entertaining women, I had  never been interested in more with them, even with the ones I was, and still am, friends with.  They were diversions.

Bella was different.  Since the moment I saw her months ago in the airport, I had been spellbound.  I’d not been with or even considered being with another woman since seeing her that first time.  I had thought of her more than I should have while I was away.  When I saw her again, swinging the pipe at Laurent, I felt a fierce sense of pride that overshadowed even what I felt for Peter and Char, the two people in this world with whom I was closest. 

I leaned back in my chair, resting my head on the back and staring unseeing at my ceiling as the revelation came to me.  I had tried to deny it and pass it off as a passing interest, but I could no longer pretend that I wasn’t falling for Bella Swan.

UBUBUBUBUB

The hum of the plane’s engines was a constant source of white noise as we blazed west through the clouds.  I barely paid them any heed as I reclined on the couch in the main room of the private jet.  It was one of the larger planes in the Volturi fleet at the moment.  It needed to be to house the number of vampires – and the human – on this trip. 

While I do occasionally fly commercial airlines, I prefer the luxury of being able to stretch out comfortably on the longer flights.  Trying to stuff my six foot two frame in an airline seat, even in first class, isn’t as comfortable as I would prefer.  Besides, this flight would be longer than usual since we would be stopping first in Vegas to drop off the others before Bella and I continued on to Seattle.

So here I lay, my head propped on one arm of the couch and my booted feet on the other, feet crossed at the ankles.  I had tilted the hat on my head so that it shaded my eyes, allowing me to covertly watch the beautiful brunette sitting curled up in the chair across from me. 

After speaking with Char and finally opening my eyes to what this feeling was that I had for Bella, I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her.  She was dominating my thoughts even more than before.

When we had arrived at the garage to meet the others, I had given Char a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, sending her a burst of gratitude.  She just grinned and winked at me, not saying another word about it.

Bella had spent most of the time from the castle to the airport on the phone.  When I had picked her up from her room, she’d been speaking to a friend of her father’s - a Billy Black, she later told me.  He had been giving his condolences and filling her in on what had happened, as far as he knew anyway.  She had thanked him and told him she would contact him when she got to Forks. 

After speaking with Billy, she’d called her advisor at the university to inform him of her father’s death and subsequent departure from Italy for the rest of the semester.  He had been sufficiently sympathetic and promised to draw up the proper paperwork and forward it to her father’s home in Forks.

She had been quiet as she got in the car.  I’d feel her struggle to keep her composure after her talk with Billy and her advisor.  For a moment, I thought she’d crumble again, but she surprised me with her fortitude and I found my admiration for her grow even more.

At the apartment, she had struggled again as she said goodbye to her roommates.  We had fabricated a story, saying that Sera would be going with Bella to Forks and they would both need to leave school.  The girls had been sad but understood, helping Bella pack both Sera’s and her things as Felix and I took them down to the car.  Bella’s things would come with us while Sera’s would return to the castle.

Bella’s phone had rung as soon as we boarded the plane.  It had been Sera – a very irate Sera.  She had not been happy at having been left behind, but Bella had soothed her as much as possible before ending the call, citing that we were about to take off.

Not long after we took off, I’d noticed how tired Bella was feeling, so I had offered her the couch to rest.  She had given me a grateful smile before curling up on it, eventually drifting off.  I admit I had helped her sleep longer with my gift.  She had started getting dark circles under her eyes from the stress and I didn’t want them to deepen. 

When she woke, she seemed refreshed, if still sad and morose, but that was to be expected.  She had changed seats so she could use the small table by the chair to eat her meal, or at least some of it.  It now sat forgotten before her while she was curled up on the chair.  Her feet were tucked against her, her arms around her legs and her head resting on her knees, as she stared out the small oval window of the plane.  She was wearing a pair of faded blue jeans and a pale yellow top with long sleeves.  Her white sneakers lay on the floor in front of her seat and her bare feet peeked out over the edge of the chair.  I couldn’t see her face very well from my position, only a bit of her profile.  She had left her hair down and it was falling slightly forward, lying against her cheek.

I focused on her emotions – sadness, a touch of depression, loneliness, guilt, grief, love, anxiety.  She was feeling so much, so fast, that it was almost impossible to decipher each one. 

The shifting in altitude of the plane pulled me from my thoughts and I heard the pilot call out that we were starting our descent into Las Vegas. 

Three hours later, we were in the air again and speeding toward Seattle.  Bella had resumed her position in the chair she had taken earlier and I now sat across from her.

“Are you sure about this, Bella?” I asked.

She turned her head and her eyes met mine.  “Yes, Jasper.”  She smiled, but it was small and fleeting.  “I know you don’t want me here.”  There was a tinge of emotional hurt behind her words.

I bit back my retort and sighed.  “Bella, it’s not that I don’t want you with me.  I do.”  Her face pinkened a little at that and I grinned at her before continuing.  “I just hate the thought of you being in danger, and you will be.”

Her little chin lifted and I felt her indignation flare.  “I’m not all that incapable, you know?  Just because I’m a woman-”

My laughter cut her off.  “You’ve got to be kidding me.”  I snorted another laugh.  “Bella, Char is one of our fiercest fighters.  There are few that can match her and even less that can beat her – with or without her power.  I have the utmost respect and faith in her abilities.  But there are two very glaring differences between the two of you.  First, she’s a vampire and infinitely more durable; and second, she’s been trained since her rebirth into this life to be the soldier she is now.”

“Oh,” was her quiet reply and I felt her sheepish embarrassment.  “I’m sorry.  I know that.  I’m just…not myself.”

I caught her eyes again before she could look away from me.  Leaning forward across the small table between us, I held my hand out for hers.  She noticed and reached out to slip her tiny fingers into my waiting grip.  I held her hand firmly and let my thumb rub idly against her skin.

“I understand this is hard for you, Bella.  You’ve been through a lot and I am amazed at how you are dealing with it all.  You are a very strong woman and I admire that.”  I wanted to say more but knew that now was not the time for that.

Her eyes were watering and I used my free hand to grab a tissue and offer it to her.  She mumbled a thank you and sniffled, wiping at the tears that had begun to fall.  I tugged on her hand, opening my arms and pulling her up and into my lap.  She curled up against me with her legs hanging over the arm of the chair and her head on my chest, crying harder now.

“I miss him so much, Jasper,” she cried.

Wrapping her tightly in my embrace, I did my best to soothe her.  One hand gently drifted through her hair, knowing how much she liked that, while the other rested on her hip and held her in place.

“I know, princess,” I whispered to her.  “And he would be so proud of you.  I bet he already was proud of the woman you’ve become.”

Her sobs continued for a few minutes longer as I whispered softly to her.  After a while, the tears subsided to soft sniffles and we were silent for a time, each lost in our thoughts.

“I want to see him,” she stated out of the blue.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Can we go to the funeral home?  I’d just like to see him before the…funeral.”  She choked a little on the words, sadness and grief mixing with the burgeoning acceptance she was beginning to feel about Charlie’s death.

“Of course,” I told her.  “I figured you would want to do that.  Carlisle will be there to meet us at the airport and he’s offered to take us first to the funeral home.”  I gave her a squeeze and she sighed, curling deeper into the circle of my arms.

“Thank you, Jasper,” she whispered.

“My pleasure, princess,” I said, my lips pressing into her hair. 

We were silent the rest of the flight, content where we were.  I felt Bella’s emotions calming and was grateful for it.  She was slowly starting to heal, but there was more to come.  I knew seeing her father would be hard on her, as well as the funeral, but it would give her the closure she would need to move past her grief. 

I settled back and just enjoyed the feeling of her in my arms.

UB Extras - Chapter 15

Thought you'd like a visual for the plane discussion.  :)

So, Jasper is openly admitting his attraction for Bella.  Not that he ever hid it, of course.  But he's realizing it's more than just a passing fancy.

Now, many of you want Marcus to just tell Jasper that Bella is his mate.  But I decided against this option.  Yes, he gave Bella a 'push', but she is less likely, especially with everything happening to her, to figure out where his talk was coming from.  I.e. she's not as likely to go to the 'Jasper's my mate' idea immediately.  Jasper definitely would.  He is not stupid.  In fact, he's a brilliant man and knows Marcus' power.  If Marcus had tried the same with Jasper, it would have been obvious and Marcus knows that.  

Besides, Marcus wants them to come to the conclusion on their own.  Remember this part from Chapter 4 Confrontations:

I knew she was my mate, having seen the fine threads that bound us and, of course, I had enjoyed her company these last weeks. But knowing it is not the same as feeling it - and by the Gods, did I feel it now. That vibrant, beautiful woman had stolen her way into my heart and soul in a way I never would have imagined, and there was nothing I would not do to keep her there.

There is knowing and then there is knowing.  Marcus wants them to figure it out on their own so there is no doubt.  There won't be that 'does s/he love me because of me or because of the mating bond' crap.  Remember, Marcus is an old hand at this stuff too.

Bella may take a little more time.  She is just coming to terms with the idea of life as a vampire and now has Charlie's death dumped on her.  There is a lot on her plate right now, but she will get through it and Jasper is helping with that.  Besides, she was headed in the right direction from the beginning, thanks to the hotness that is Jasper Whitlock.  So don't worry.  *winks*

We'll be meeting the Cullens in the next few chapters.  I can't wait to see what y'all think of some of those scenes!  *snickers*

Music

Not sure if anyone cares, but in case anyone is wondering...

What do I listen to when I write?

Well, sometimes I prefer to write in silence, but that isn't always an option.  Sometimes there is a TV or other music on in another part of the house that can distract me, so I often put on music of my own.

Lately, before I start writing, I listen to Train’s Soul Sister.  It’s a fairly upbeat song and it just speaks to me for my Jasper and Bella for some reason.  It zens me into the place I need to be to write this story.  Don’t be surprised when this song comes up later in the fic…*grins*

Once I actually get writing, I listen to mostly instrumental music that won’t distract my word flow.  At times it will be Adam Hurst, who is an amazing cello player and does a lot of the classical stuff. 

The only thing I’ve listened to that has a lot of lyrics is BarlowGirl.  I love their tone and beat, but I’ve stopped listening to them so much because I get distracted by the songs.  I always want to sing along to them.  *laughs*

But mostly, almost always lately, I listen to Apocalyptica.  There are lyrics, but they don’t distract me as much as I’d think.  They are a group of cello players who play the harder rock (metal) music like Metallica and Rammstein.  I’m not a huge fan of that genre, but the way they do it is just amazing. 

Maybe I have a thing for cello players, but then again, considering how hot they look when they play…*fans self*  You can see why I chose two of them to be Volturi Kings.  Perttu Kivilaakso is the one with long straight black hair (though he went back to his natural dark blonde recently).  He makes me think of a dark Marcus and has inspired another story that’s been brewing in my mind.  The other, Eicca Toppinen, is the one with long, blonde hair with the dark look and personifies Caius for me.  

Anyway, I was introduced to their music early last year and have been a fan ever since.  It’s just amazing and I listen to it a lot, not just to write.

Well, I hope you enjoyed that.  I just felt like sharing.  *grins*

Ciao!

UB Chapter 14 - Grieving

Chapter 14 – Grieving

Bella POV

I dreamt of him.

My father…

Charlie.

They were the kind of dreams that were mixed with real events.  I knew I was in a dream and that, for some reason, I wanted to stay there with Charlie.  But I couldn’t remember why.

As I started to wake, the dreams faded and reality intruded, bringing with it my memories of the night before when Aro had told me about Charlie.  I would never see him again. 

My sobs pulled me fully into wakefulness and I buried my face in the soft, downy pillow under my head.  I wanted to go back to my dream world and find my daddy.  I wanted to hug him and tell him I loved him.  I wanted to tell him all the things I never had before because I’d foolishly thought there would be plenty of time to do so. 

As my tears slipped from beneath my lashes, I felt the bed shift and a pair of strong, hard, cold arms wrapped around me.  It was Jasper.  I don’t know how I knew it was him, but I did.  He didn’t speak; he just lay there and held me until I got a hold of myself. 

When most of my tears were spent, I lay there for a long time just savoring the comfort I was being given.

“I never called him “Dad”.  I wonder if that upset him,” I mused aloud in a soft voice, my throat feeling a little sore from all my crying.

Jasper didn’t reply, but I felt him shift behind me, his hand moving to rub up and down my arm.

“He was the best dad though.  He didn’t hover.  He let me be who I wanted to be, and he was always there when I needed him – even when I didn’t know it.”  I sniffled, and a moment later a box of tissues were placed in front of me on the bed.  “Thanks.” 

I took some of the tissues so I could blow my nose and clean up my face a bit before turning over to face Jasper.  He settled back just a little but kept one arm around my waist.  I was glad for his touch.  It made me feel like I wasn’t so alone.

“He was the worst cook in the world, but he could fry some fish with the best of them.” I laughed as memories of him doing just that filtered through my head.  “He loved to go fishing with the guys.  Fishing and sports…”

Jasper smiled as I did, moving his hand to tuck my hair behind my ear before returning it to my waist.  “I would have liked to have met him.”

“I think he’d have liked you, Jasper.  In a way, you’re both warriors of your times, fighting for the laws and ideals you believe in.  Charlie was like that – unfailingly patriotic, even when he didn’t quite agree.  But he believed in his job and he was proud of it.  So was I.”  A frown marred my lips and more tears fell.  I swiped at them with the tissue, but they continued their descent.  “I’m alone now.”

Jasper frowned as well.  “Aw now, sweetheart,” he said, pulling me closer so that I was pressed against his chest once again.  I briefly noticed he was still in his same clothes from last night before his scent fell over me – sandalwood and leather with a hint of mesquite.  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, laying my head against his chest as he continued to speak.  “You’re not alone, princess,” he whispered.  “Your human family may be gone, but you can have a new one here with us.  For all our laws and duties, many of us are very close.”

I felt his hand stroke through my hair and down my back.  I sighed, reveling in the comfort of his touch.  “Who are you close to?” I asked. 

“Well, we may not be blood relatives, but I consider Peter and Charlotte my family.  Though you could say Peter and I are blood brothers, in a sense.  Our pasts are tied together and we went through a lot.  It formed a strong bond between us.”

“Will you tell me about it, Jasper?” I asked.

“Someday maybe.  Not today.”  His voice was a bit strained, but I didn’t want to push him.

“It’s okay.”  I patted his arm gently, leaving my hand to lay there.  After another long silence, I spoke up again.  “Thank you.”

Jasper gave me a light squeeze.  “My pleasure, princess.”

UBUBUBUBUB

I reclined on the couch, curled up under the throw blanket.  My eyes were on the television.  I could hear the droning of the voices from the show that was on, but it didn’t hold my attention.  I couldn’t even tell you what show it was.  My mind was filled with so many things - most of them memories of my parents.  Charlie’s death made me think of Renee and Phil.  At least when they had died, I could take comfort in the fact that I still had my father.  Now that Charlie was gone, I felt incredibly alone.

I sighed at my own thoughts and rolled onto my back, rubbing my hands over my face.  Tears had come and gone all day, especially earlier.  Sera had visited, at which point Jasper had excused himself to give us some privacy.  While I was touched by the thoughtful gesture, a part of me was sad to see him go. 

After hours of Sera alternately comforting me when I cried and distracting me with her clever turns of phrase and stories, I was back to feeling exhausted.  I had to practically throw her out, pleading fatigue, before she would leave. 

I had curled up on the couch as soon as she’d left and stayed there the rest of the afternoon, dozing fitfully with the sound of the television in the background.  Now, hours later, I was glad for the time I’d had alone.  While I appreciated both Jasper and Sera for wanting to comfort me, I needed some time to grieve on my own. 

I was distracted from my thoughts by a knock on the door.  Wondering who it was, I opted against standing and instead called out, “Come in.”  My voice sounded pitiful even to me and I frowned.

The door opened wide to reveal Jasper standing there with a large covered tray balancing on one hand.  He nudged the door closed as he entered, gifting me with a small smile.  “Good evening, princess,” he said, crossing the room to set the tray on the coffee table before me.  “I don’t think you’ve eaten all day, so I thought you might like something.”

I was about to protest that I wasn’t hungry, but then he lifted the lid from the tray.  The smells of the food on the tray wafted over to me, causing my stomach to growl and my blush to make an appearance in my embarrassment. 

He grinned again.  “Mistress Sera gave suggestions for the food selection.  I hope you like it.”

The tray was filled with more food than I could eat in an entire day, much less one meal.  There was a cup of soup that looked to be some sort of vegetable and noodle mixture.  To one side was a plate of crackers and cheeses.  The other side held an assortment of fruits.  In the center was a very large slice of cheesecake with strawberry sauce dribbled liberally over top.  There was even a breakfast plate – scrambled eggs, bacon and toasted bread.

I blinked back tears and looked up at Jasper.  I reached out to him and when he took my hand, I pulled him around the coffee table to sit next to me.  My eyes were filled with tears as I leaned over and kissed his cheek.  “Thank you, Jasper.  For everything.”

Jasper looked down at me, a soft smile on his lips.  He skimmed his fingers along my jaw.  “Like I said before, princess - my pleasure.”

It was an intense moment as we sat staring at each other.  Eventually I cleared my throat and turned to the food.  “This looks great.”  I grabbed a cracker and a piece of cheese, making a little open-faced sandwich out of it before popping it in my mouth.

As I began to eat, digging into the soup next, Jasper spoke.  “Are you feeling better, Bella?” he asked.

I shrugged a little and put the soup down, taking another cracker from the tray.  “Yes and no.  I mean, I guess I am feeling better than before…but still bad, you know?”  He nodded his understanding and I popped a cracker in my mouth.

“It will take time, but you are a strong woman, Bella.  You will get through this.”

“I don’t feel very strong lately.”

“You are, you know?  More than you realize,” he told me.  “Not many could go through what you have been going through for the last week and deal with it so gracefully.  You have such courage.”

I laughed at that.  “I am not courageous.  I’ve been terrified at the twist my life has taken.”

“Courage doesn’t mean you are without fear, princess.  It means that you do what needs to be done and you muddle through in spite of your fears.”

I continued to eat, hardly realizing it, as I considered what he’d said.  It was hard to imagine myself as courageous when my life had spun so far out of my control.  But I didn’t really have any choices.  As much as I would have liked to make my wishes known, it didn’t mean they would have granted me them.  Of course, all of those demands had been as much for Charlie as for me.  I hadn’t wanted him to lose his daughter.  Instead, it was the daughter who lost her father.

I sighed and leaned back, slouching against the back of the couch with the fruit cup and a fork, popping a slice into my mouth. 

Jasper mimicked my movements, slouching next to me and looking over in concern. 

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I shook my head.  “No, but thanks.  I need to do this on my own.  Understand?”  I took his hand and gave it a light squeeze.

He squeezed back.  “Yeah, I understand.”  He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer.  Putting the fruit cup back on the table, I sighed again and leaned into him, grateful for the comfort.

We sat there for a long time, neither of us speaking, the television the only sound in the room.  I had my eyes closed, luxuriating in the peace I felt here at Jasper’s side with his hand gently stroking up and down my back.  I snuggled closer and dozed off and on for I don’t know how long before a knock at the door interrupted us.

“Come in,” I called out softly.  I was half asleep and too content where I was to even move.  I peeked open my eyes to see Felix standing at my door.  His surprised expression turned to a bright smile.  For a moment, my sleepy mind wondered why, but then I remembered I was cuddling up against Jasper.  I blushed profusely and sat up, mumbling an apology to Jasper.

He grabbed my hand, tugging until I looked at him.  He smiled and I felt a wave of contentment.  I smiled back and reached for my drink.

“Hey Felix,” I greeted as I drank my water, finishing off the last of the glass.

“Jasper…Bella,” he said, giving me a knowing little smirk.  “The Masters asked me to summon you to the throne room,” he informed us.  Then he looked at Jasper.  “We leave tonight.”

I felt my heart stop for a moment before it started thudding hard in my chest.  The newborns.  I’d almost forgotten.  And Jasper was going to deal with them.  Fear for him flooded me at the thought.

Jasper gripped my hand tighter and said, “We’ll be there in a minute, Felix.”

“Right, see you there.” Felix waved and went back out the door, closing it behind him.

“What is it?” Jasper asked, taking my shoulders in his hands and turning me to him.  “Why are you so afraid?”

I shook my head, trying to organize my scattered thoughts.  The idea of losing him on the heels of Charlie’s death was more than I wanted to consider.  “I forgot about the newborns,” I whispered.

Jasper stroked my hair back with one hand.  “Oh, sweetheart, you don’t have to worry about them.  You’re safe here.”

“No, Jasper.  Not me.  You.  What if something happens to you?”  I gripped his shirt in my fists and felt tears forming in my eyes, one slipping down my cheek.  I knew I was feeling and behaving irrationally about this, but I couldn’t stop the fear.  I’d already lost Charlie.  I didn’t want to lose anyone else.

Jasper’s face softened as he looked at me, those beautiful crimson eyes drawing me in as they always did.  “Princess, you don’t have to worry about me.  This is what I do, remember?  These newborns are nothing compared to us.  Nothing will happen to me.  I’ll be back before you know it.”

I sniffled, wanting to believe him but still fighting the fear.  I felt a surge of soothing calm and closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath.  He pulled me close and wound his arms around my waist, my own twisting around his neck as I lay my head on his chest.

“I promise, sweetheart.  I will be safe as can be.  I have had extensive training and I’ve done this before.” 

It took a while for him to soothe my fears away and talk me down, but eventually he did.  I couldn’t explain why I felt this way and I was glad he didn’t ask.  I needed to sort out my feelings for him, but with everything else going on, I was a hot mess emotionally. 

Sighing deeply, I pulled back and looked up at him.  “Thank you, again.”

“My pleasure, again.”

UBUBUBUBUB

After I’d calmed down, Jasper and I made our way to the throne room.  We were the last to arrive.  The Masters were sitting on their thrones with Peter, Demetri and Felix facing them.  To one side were two others - twins that looked in their mid to late teens - who were introduced as Jane and Alec.

Once the pleasantries were seen to, Aro began telling us about another call he’d received from Carlisle informing him that certain members of the local Quileute tribe were able to transform into large wolves. 

“Werewolves?”  I was in shock. 

“From what Carlisle says they are not werewolves per se,” Aro explained, casting a glance at Caius, who looked furious.  “Werewolves are fully human except for the few days of the full moon each month, at which time they transform into wolves and become almost entirely feral.  These Quileute wolves seem to be able to transform at will, regardless of the moon’s cycles, and retain their human sides when they do.”

My mind reeled.  “Wait… Quileute?  Did he say who?”

“No, he didn’t seem to know them very well.  He did mention that they came across a pack a few months ago, but there has been a treaty between the Cullens and the Quileutes for decades.  Carlisle assures me he spoke with the pack leader to reinforce the treaty.”  Aro looked at me speculatively.  “Do you know them, Bella?”

I shook my head.  “No…well, maybe.  I mean, I know people in La Push.  My father’s best friend is Quileute, so I have met him a few times, and some others a time or two, but I didn’t know anything about wolves.”

“Jasper.”  Caius spoke up and I turned my focus to him.  “You will need to be careful of these wolves.  Find out what you can about them.”

Jasper nodded.  “I understand, Master.  I will make it a priority.”

Aro clapped his hands together once and then rubbed them together in a gesture I was coming to associate with him.  “Excellent.  You and your teams will be leaving shortly, Jasper.”  He turned to the others in the room.  “You are all dismissed.”  As I turned, intending to leave with the others, Aro spoke again.  “Bella, Jasper, please stay.”

I turned back and stood quietly, my gaze glued to the floor as I felt my apprehension rise.  Feeling a dose of calm, I peeked over and smiled at Jasper in gratitude.  He just smiled back before focusing again on Aro.

“Now,” Aro began once everyone else had gone.  “Bella, my dear,” he moved forward, descending the handful of steps until he stood before me, taking my hands in his.  “How are you?”

Giving Aro a sad smile, I answered, “I’m coping, I guess.  Thanks for asking.”

“Of course, my dear.  It must be difficult for you.  And don’t worry about making your decision so soon.  I have discussed the matter with my brothers and you may take as much time as necessary.”

I looked up at Aro, then around him to Marcus and Caius briefly.  Both gave me a slight nod expressing their agreement.  “Thank you, but I don’t need time to make my decision.”  My gaze turned back to Aro, but I noticed Marcus lean forward in his seat from the corner of my eye.

“Are you certain?” Aro asked gently.

I nodded.  “Yes.  I had made it before, and now that my father is…dead…” I choked out the word and swallowed before clearing my throat and taking a breath to steel myself.  “My father was the last of my family.  As for friends…well, Sera is my dearest friend and she is here.  The others, while I do care for them, are not very close to me.”

Aro ducked his head a bit, drawing my eyes from the floor where they had strayed as I considered those friends I’d have to leave behind.  “And what is your decision?” he asked, his tone hopeful.

I smiled.  “I would like to be changed.”

Pulling me close, Aro hugged me.  “I am so happy to hear this, Bella.” 

I hugged Aro back, smiling with him.  As he released me, I saw that Marcus and Caius had moved down the stairs to stand next to him. 

Marcus embraced me with a smile, whispering in my ear even though the others would hear.  “I am happy to hear this, Bella.  I have no wish to lose you, nor does Sera.”

When I stepped back from Marcus, Caius nodded to me and I noted a faint smile on his face.  I nodded back and returned the smile.

“May I make one request before I’m changed?”

“What is it that you would like?” Aro asked.

“I want to go to Forks so I can lay my father to rest and put his affairs in order.” 

As the words left my mouth, I gauged their reactions.  Jasper stood beside me and I could tell he was tense.  His body seemed rigid and his jaw was firm, as if he were clenching it shut.  Marcus and Aro clearly did not like my request, but they didn’t immediately deny me.  They were thoughtful and it gave me hope.  Caius’ expression had returned to the brooding frown he seemed to prefer.

After a long silence, Aro spoke up.  “Bella, at any other time we would gladly grant this request without hesitation.  But this does not seem to be the best time for you to be in Forks,” he began.  “I understand your wishes, truly, but you are aware of the strife taking place in the Pacific Northwest at this time.”

I nodded.  “I know that and I understand.  But you also said they hadn’t reached Forks yet, right?  He’s all I had left.  I just want to tie up all my loose ends before I change.  I won’t be able to do it afterwards.  It could be years until I can be around humans, right?”  Aro reluctantly nodded, glancing at his brothers.  I continued on desperately.  “I need to do this.  Please!”  I felt the tears threatening, but I blinked them back.  “Besides, it is the perfect way for me to leave school without suspicion.”

“We could always fake your death,” Caius suggested.

I tilted my head and looked at him.  “Yes, you could.  But wouldn’t that be suspicious as well?  My father dies and I just happen to die a few days later halfway around the world?”

Caius frowned.  “She does have a point.”

“Besides,” I continued.  “I know some of the Quileutes.  They are sure to be at my father’s funeral and perhaps I could run interference for you or something.”

“No!”  I jumped at Jasper’s roar.  He took my hand and turned me to him as he had earlier.  This time, his movements were forceful.  As I looked into his eyes, I could see something in them.  Worry?  “Bella, don’t do this, please.  It’s far too dangerous, especially with the wolves.  We know nothing about them.”

Reaching my hand up, I cupped his cheek and smiled.  “Jasper, you even told me that this was nothing, right?”

“Nothing to us, not you.  You’re still human.” 

“I need this, Jasper.  I really need it.  I need closure on my old life so I can start my new one.  Can you understand that?”  I stroked his cheek with my thumb and he leaned into it.  “Besides, you’ll be there, right?”  He nodded but didn’t speak, and I felt his jaw clench under my palm.   “Please understand, Jasper.”

I turned my head to see that the brothers had gathered together and were speaking too softly for me to hear.  I prayed they would let me do this. 

Standing straight again, they resumed their former positions.  Aro looked at Marcus and then Caius, each nodding in turn, before returning his gaze to me.  I dropped my hand from Jasper’s cheek and faced them, but Jasper grabbed hold of that same hand with his.

“Under great duress, we will concede to this final request.”  I sighed gratefully.  “But there are stipulations to this agreement.”

“What would they be?”  I asked, curious.

“You are to stay with Jasper at all times unless he deems otherwise.  This is for your safety, you understand?  As such, this would make it necessary for you to stay with the Cullens, which will be a defensible location knowing Carlisle, so you will have the added protection of their coven members.”

I looked at Jasper.  “I can do that.”

“In addition, you must follow Jasper’s orders to the letter.  His experience outweighs most and his word will be law.  Is that understood?”  Aro’s gaze was intense.

I nodded again.  “All right.”

“Anything further to add, Jasper?”  Aro asked him.

Jasper looked down at me, his expression hard.  “You are never to leave my side, Bella, from the moment we leave these walls until you are safely returned to them.  If for some reason I cannot be with you, I will appoint a guard for you.  I know you like your time to yourself, but it may not be possible.”

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I considered this, but I didn’t really have a choice if I wanted to go.  “Got it.  I’ll deal.”

Jasper’s gaze turned to the Masters.  “For the record, I don’t like this.”

Aro clapped Jasper on the shoulder.  “I know, Jasper, but Bella is special to us, and while we can understand her need for closure, there is also the worry of added suspicions about our kind if she doesn’t go.  Just be careful and watch your back.”

He nodded.

“Very well, you may go.  The plane leaves in two hours and you must pack.”

At a sudden thought, I released Jasper’s hand and caught Marcus’ arm before he could leave.  “Marcus?”

He turned back and patted my hand with a smile.  “Bella, please practice the utmost caution in your travels.  I have no wish to inform my mate of your demise.  It would sadden us both.”

“I will.  Don’t worry.  I’ll be back before you know it.”  I grinned.  “Just…maybe don’t tell Sera till I’m gone?”

Marcus raised a brow in question.  “What is the reasoning behind this request of yours?”

“Well, you know Sera.  She will want to come with me,” I stated.

Marcus’ eyes blazed.  “I cannot allow that.  I do not wish for even you to be subject to such dangers.”

“Exactly.  If she knew, she would insist on coming.  I don’t want her to come…or for Jasper to have two to protect.  One will be hard enough, I’m sure.  So, can you just wait to tell her?” 

Marcus nodded.  “I assure you that will not be an issue.  I have much work that will keep me preoccupied this evening and Sera will be resting.  Perhaps you should hurry to gather your belongings and be on your way?”

I smiled and kissed his cheek.  “Thank you, Marcus.  You both have my love.  And thank you for this.”  I gave him a tight hug, which he returned.

As I walked out of the room, I couldn’t fathom the idea of what I was doing.  I was sure I must be crazy, but they were allowing me to go. 

My thoughts turned to my father and the arrangements that would need to be made.  Of course, I hadn’t contacted anyone at home to find out what might have been done already.  I would do that when I returned to my room to pack.

I was going to Forks.