Growing Up
By BetterInTexas
Chapter 22:
Jasper POV
“Maria how many did you lose on the assault on Volturi Castle?”
“Fifteen.”
“You lost fifteen gifted newborns in a raid on a half empty castle?”
“Yes…”
“You stupid bitch. How can you fuck up so bad?”
“There were more there than we anticipated.”
“So?”
“We accomplished our task. We killed 6 of their vampires and brought their castle to the ground.”
“You lost fifteen. Six vampires compared to 15 of yours.”
“We also killed the wives.”
“Great. You killed the three vampires that wouldn’t come out of their rooms.”
“I am rebuilding Jasper. We have 10 turning already. We will be thirty strong soon.”
Take a deep breath Jasper.
“Fine. Let me know how they turn out. Any chance of any of them being gifted?”
“You know without Eleazar I cannot be sure.”
“Of course. Let me know as soon as you can.”
I turned and looked at my idiot brother. The one who was still alive.
“Rose and Emmett are dead Jasper?”
“Yes Edward.”
“Bella was involved?”
“She was one of the vampires who took Emmett’s head. The Denali’s were the others.”
“Why did you not help?”
I grabbed his throat and threw him against a wall.
“I was not expecting to see her and another damn army at my doorstep. My fucking wife can’t see Bella or anyone with her. They snuck up on us when we weren’t expecting us. Bella can’t be touched! Literally. If you had changed her straight up we could have that now. Instead we have a rogue group of vampires playing by their own rules! Emmett and Rose should have ran!”
“Why didn’t you stay and fight? You could have at least killed Bella’s friends?”
“She had Benjamin.” I said letting Edward go. He wasn’t worth it. Plus I still needed him.
“So? She had Benjamin. We expected him to come. Did you not plan for the possibility of him fighting?”
“Are you questioning me, Edward?”
“I am just trying to understand what happened, Jasper.”
“They also had Garrett.”
“Okay. So Bella had Garrett, and Benjamin. Tia and two of the Denali girls cannot be that much trouble. What happened? How did she even get these vampires? Who turned her? Why did you run? Why did Carlisle and Esme run?”
I hit him. He went through the wall. I really didn’t have time for this.
I was thinking about the battle unfortunately.
“Bella dropped from the sky? The Amazonians had to save you? Who was the vampire who was chasing you along with Garrett?”
“Nobody you need to worry about.” I said quietly and walked off.
Carlisle was waiting for me.
“What the hell do you want Carlisle?”
“Esme and I were discussing things. We perhaps though it might be advisable to gather our forces in one place.”
“They are all here. Except little Eddie’s girl who ran off during battle. Not that she would have been much use anyway.”
“I was speaking of Maria’s team as well Jasper.”
“You want a bunch of newborns here? Have you lost your mind?”
“Why not Romania? They have a large castle. We could all train together.”
“Since when did you become a war strategist Carlisle? Or is this Esme talking?”
“We discussed it together.”
“Yeah, sure.” I was going to enjoy tearing Carlisle to pieces once this war was over. Stephen and Vladimir well be quite sufficient to help me rule and keep the world in line. Eleazar is gone too. Once this is over he is getting turned to ash. Until then I had to appease these fuckers.
“Carlisle, let me do the planning.”
“Jasper, Maria killed the wives. Aro and Caius will not stop. They are coming for us.”
“Yes they are. They are busy rounding up scraps right now. Nomads who have no value. Everyone of value, we have. I want them to come at us. That means I get to choose the time and place. We will hit them in teams. Pick them apart. Use newborns to thin them out and pull them into a killbox. Once that happens they are at our mercy. We will show them none.”
“You don’t think they are coming for us now?”
“Not according to Allistair. He knows exactly where every one of them is.”
“Where is Bella Swan?”
“Doesn’t matter. She only came after us because somehow Benjamin found her and she agreed to help him. She… look it doesn’t matter.”
“The vampire with her. The one who chased us along with Garrett. Who is he? He is her mate isn’t he? He is the one who took her from Phoenix?”
“I would guess so Carlisle.” Now go the fuck away.
“Her shield sent you flying through a wall. She knocked Esme into the kitchen with just a touch. If she decides to come after us that could be a whole new problem. What if her Mate is gifted? If she had been with him to counteract Zafrina, Garrett and her mate would have caught us.”
“I can handle Garrett.”
“But you can’t handle her Mate can you?”
“Carlisle… we are at war here. Let me do what I do best and stop second guessing me. Whether you agree with me or not you are in too deep to back out now. You have to ask yourself whether you want to run things and die or do you want to trust me and shut the hell up? Let me worry about Bella Swan.”
“I just want to know what you are going to do about her Jasper.”
“I know exactly what I am going to do to her and her Mate. That’s all you need to know.”
He nodded and walked off.
I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do about Bella and Peter.
“Peter?”
“Edward I am warning you. Go away before I turn you into dust.”
“Leaving…” Edward ran outside. I stepped to the window and saw him join Esme and Carlisle. The three of them took off into the woods. I am betting they aren’t going hunting. They may have to go sooner than later. For now though I had to take out Demetri. He was the next target. Without him we can hide where we want. Aro can’t strike us whenever it pleases him. Right now Demetri was in Great Britain. Looking for the Irish who were on the run from everyone. I suppose a trip overseas may do me some good. Kill Demetri, save the Irish to win their support and kill Amun and Kebi. As soon as Stephen and Vladimir arrived to control things here. I myself was ready to kill some vampires. I would need the practice. Peter may have taken me last time but he had the element of surprise. I wouldn’t be surprised this time.
BPOV
“I know Kate. Can you believe that?”
“I bet I know what sort of feeling Peter had.” She agreed.
“Right. And the little bitch was dressed in nearly nothing. Who the hell dresses like that in Canada?”
“Probably someone with insecurity issues who gets her self-worth from her body. You say she ran right up to him, hmmm?”
“Yep. She’s a ho right?”
“I am sitting back here.” Whore reminded me. I turned to face her.
“It’s rude to ease drop on phone conversations, Charlotte.”
“Was that her?” Kate asked.
“Yes. Listening in to other’s conversations.” I rolled my eyes.
“So what clothes did you get her?”
“I picked her up a long wool skirt and white button up shirt with a wool jacket. Peter should be happy. He apparently has a thing for blonde’s dressed like that.”
I glanced over to Peter who was staring out the window not saying a word. I hadn’t said a word either since we left. I got bored so I decided to call my bestie.
“What do you want to bet her eyes were blue when she was human?” Kate brought up a good point.
“Charlotte were your eyes blue when you were human?”
“Yes Bella.”
“Did you hear that?”
“I swear Bella, you should burn them both.”
“Well I am giving serious thought to burning one of them. I haven’t decided which yet.”
“Bella I don’t mean any harm…”
“Talking on the phone, Charlotte. Do you have to continue to be rude?”
“So has Peter said anything since you have had her in the truck?”
“Nope. Just staring out the window like a damn idiot. Probably wondering where he can collect more blondes on the extremely long boring journey to Texas.”
“Men.”
“I know, right? Do you know in one of our previous lives in Sparta I actually fell on his sword when I heard he was dead? It hurt, I can tell you that. I wonder now if he actually died or if he found some blond haired blue eyed Persian whore to shack up with.”
“That is possible.” Kate admitted.
Peter looked like he was going to speak and then stopped.
“Something to say soul mate? Eternal love? Boyfriend, guy who calls me his wife every now and then?” I asked quickly.
“No… no, nothing to say Bella.”
“Did you hear that? Not darlin. Not any of the names I just called him. I’m Bella now.”
“Bella, I understand you are only 18 and a newborn vampire. That’s probably where these insecurities are coming from.” Dead whore just said.
“Kate, did you hear that?” I whispered.
“Yes.” Kate whispered.
“I got to go. Some bitches gonna die now.”
“No!”
“No? What the hell Kate?”
“Put the phone on the dashboard so I can listen.”
“Oh. Okay. Peter pull over.”
“I’m not pulling over Bella.”
“Did you hear that Kate? He’s not pulling over.”
“Yes. He definitely has a thing for her.”
“I thought so. I will see you soon Kate. I am getting off this truck and letting Peter have time with his old friend. I think I will fly back to Texas or maybe go back to Hawaii and hang out with my Mom.”
“By yourself?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“It’s not that long of a flight Kate. Besides I will feed before I board. I think I will try a blonde woman with blue eyes this time. I’ve never tasted one of those.”
“Okay. See you soon Bella. I miss you.”
“Kate, Bella is not going anywhere.” Asshole said.
“See you soon, Kate.” I ended the call.
“Pull over.”
“No.”
“Fine.” I moved to open the door and he grabbed my arm.
“Damn it, Bella cut it the fuck out! Why in the fuck are you acting so damn insecure? Maybe Char is…”
“Char? Nice nickname. Maybe Char is what Peter? Right?”
“Bella why don’t you just relax?” Char suggested from the backseat.
“Char how many fights have you ever been in? I mean your whole fucking existence? Because I am guessing by the fact that you were running from those guys like a little bitch and Peter had to save you from Jasper once that you are not much of a fighter. I’ve been a vampire for four months. I have fought. I jumped out of a fucking plane and landed in the middle of the Cullen’s house where I kicked the shit out of Jasper Whitlock. I killed Emmett Cullen. At least I was a major part of the group who killed Emmett Cullen. You better ask yourself if you really want to fuck with me. I planned to spend time alone with Peter on this trip. Then you show up.”
“I didn’t ask to come.”
“Take me with you Peter. I don’t want to be alone. Ring any bells?”
“I was outnumbered and being chased by the Volturi.”
“Of course. You couldn’t fight them. You don’t have my powers. Have I mentioned to you that I am very powerful?”
“No. The only thing I know about you is you are a very insecure kid.”
Oh fuck no.
“Are you going to let her talk to me like this?” I asked Peter who was still staring out the front acting like he was paying attention to the road.
“Maybe the two of you just shouldn’t talk.” He suggested.
Okay. Fine.
“Whatever Peter. Let me out.”
“I’m not letting you out Bella.”
“How about I expand my shield and make this fucking truck blow up?”
“You won’t do that.”
Damn it. He was right. It wasn’t the truck’s fault my asshole mate picked up a whore. It was his fault.
I sat in silence. I saw a tobacco shop in some small town and made Peter stop. I went in, nearly ate the poor boy working behind the counter and bought twenty cigars. They cost $20 a piece but fuck it. I needed more than cigarettes could take care of now. I also got a free butane lighter. The kid behind the counter who developed a stuttering problem and was sweating profusely after looking at my eyes, gave it to me for free along with a cute little bladed cigar cutter. I wish I could use it to cut off Charlotte’s fingers.
I walked back to the truck to see Peter and Charlotte talking. They both saw me and stopped talking.
“Anything interesting going on?” I asked when I got back in the truck.
“Nope.” Peter said quietly.
“Because I saw you two talking. I was just wondering what I missed.”
Neither said a word.
“Bella maybe you…”
“Charlotte I am begging you to just sit there and not say anything.” Peter wisely advised her.
I cut off the end of the first cigar. It was a Romeo and Julieta. Appropriate. I lit up and have to admit these tasted better than cigarettes. Cigarettes were easier to handle but these had a certain flair to them.
Peter started chuckling.
“You find something funny Mate?”
“No. You just look really cute sitting there with that big cigar in your mouth.” Cute?
“Well I am glad you enjoy it because this is the only thing that will be going in my mouth for quite some time. Maybe ever.”
That stopped his smiling.
“Peter could you change the radio station?”
“No, he can’t Charlotte. We both love country music. This is what we listen to. Maybe we can find Jane and Alec and you can listen to Opera on the way to Italy?”
“They aren’t in Italy. The castle is destroyed.” Peter whispered.
“How do you know that?” I asked quickly.
He shrugged his shoulders.
“Do we need to go to the ruins and make sure no other blonde’s need a ride?”
He didn’t say anything. Of course not.
Six silent hours later we were back in the States. Charlotte had to run across the border since she had no ID. Montana. Exciting. At least there weren’t any fucking glaciers.
I hadn’t spoken since our last little conversation.
“I’m hungry.” I said. Cigars weren’t doing it for me any longer.
“There isn’t really a large population. You want to find a deer or something?”
I gave him a look that made my feelings known.
“There is a car up ahead. Ram it from behind. I can feed off whoever is in that car.”
“Bella you know nothing about whoever is in that car.”
“I know they are about to have their blood drained from their bodies. What else do you want me to know? Their pet’s names?”
“What if it is a single mother of four children who rely on her for support?”
“Do you think she might be blonde?”
“You really want me to pull that car over?” he asked.
“No.” damn it.
“I will pull in at the next rest stop. We can take off into the wild from there. There are plenty of animals around. I will feed with you.”
“Why don’t you smoke a cigar and a cigarette at the same time, Bella? Maybe that will sooth your oral fixation.” Dead whore said.
“Charlotte you are a single girl right? I mean between sex partners?”
“Yes Bella. I am very single.” She smiled.
“You need to ask yourself how you are going to masturbate with no arms.”
She wasn’t smiling any longer.
We sat in silence. Listening to the radio. Peter tried to reach over and hold my hand. I stared at him. He put his hand back on the steering wheel.
Asshole.
We sat in silence for the next few hours. Peter tried to hold my hand twice. The second time I growled.
“Are you not going to talk the entire way to Texas?” he asked.
“Now you’re getting the idea.”
“Your actin like a brat.”
I didn’t respond to that. But he would pay for it. Yes he would.
“Fuck this.” I opened up the truck door and jumped out before he could stop me. I took off running.
Brat. Fuck him. I’m not a brat when I am sucking his dick.
“Bella!” He yelled from the truck.
“I’m running back to Texas. Maybe. I may go somewhere else. See you around Mate.”
I kept running. He was already too far to catch up and there was no shoulder to pull the truck over.
Okay. Maybe I am reacting badly because my damn emotions were out of control. But still. He acted like a damn asshole when he met me. He knew I was his mate and still acted like that. But her? Fuck no. He’s Mr. Nice guy with her. Let’s take care of the blonde whore.
I ran around a mountain. When I got to the other side I smelt them.
Two vampires I didn’t know. They were attacking another one I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure who was who but I figure if two guys were taking on one, he may need a little help.
“What’s going on guys?” I asked walking up.
The guy who was defending himself never turned around. He kept his eye on his opponent.
One vampire was missing his right hand. The other still had his limbs attached but his face was cracked.
“The Volturi are attacking the Cullens and the nomads without cause.” the thin one with long black hair said to me. “This man is a member of the Volturi. If you wish to join us you may come with us. We have offered him a chance to switch sides but he has refused. Stay out of this. We will talk about your intentions when we are done.”
“This man isn’t Volturi. He is alone. Volturi never travel alone.” I pointed out.
“Be careful girl. The one with short hair can burn even our skin with a touch.” The lone vampire said.
“Cool. I got him. Take the other one.” I wrapped my shield tightly around my body to run up my form. It was a neat trick I learned in Hawaii. It allows me to fight while being inside my shield.
“Burn her Justin.” The long haired guy said.
“Yeah. Burn me Justin.” I winked at him.
“She has some energy field around her. It can barely be seen but it is there.”
“Hey guy. What’s your name?” He was cute. Had a trim beard. Long hair. He had potential.
“My name is Randall.”
“What do you say we kick the shit out of these guys Randall?”
He smiled. And then attacked. Justin came at me. He swung his hands in a slapping motion. I saw his hand had a purple flame. That could tickle. If he could touch me. His second slap I let him hit me. He was knocked to the ground. I jumped on his waist and straddled him. Placing my hands on his chest where he couldn’t move I watched him shake. He was screaming. Most of the time people flew off my shield. This was interesting. It was like being Kate. Not bad. Unfortunately I couldn’t get my teeth on him and I couldn’t get my hands around his throat. I hit him in the face. Dropped my shield and pulled him up. He was stunned for a moment but recovered and swung his flaming hand. I ducked, hit him in this nuts and when he bent over I grabbed his neck and twisted my body. His head came off. I tossed it away and kicked his body away. Looking at Randall I saw he was biting the guy’s throat out. Sweet.
Two bodies were lying on the ground along with two heads. I pulled my pack out and lit a cigarette.
“Thank you for your assistance. Is that a cigarette?”
“Yeah.”
“May I have one?”
I handed one over and he lit up like a pro.
“You are very strong. Are you a newborn?”
“Yeah. About 5 months now. Bella Swan.” I offered my hand. He took it.
“I appreciate the help. If it’s not Jasper looking for nomads it’s the damn Volturi.”
“Bella!”
Look who finally caught up. He would be rounding the mountain soon.
“Hey Randall since you owe me one could you do me a favor?”
“Of course.”
“Give me a hug.”
“A hug?”
Peter was getting closer.
“Yes. A hug. Now.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He smiled and wrapped his arms around me. Peter came around the mountain.
“Damn it Bell… who the fuck is this?”
“Oh hi Peter. This is Randall. We just got in a fight together and killed these two fuckers. It was a real bonding moment. Where were you? Making sure Charlotte is okay?”
“You took off before I had a chance to pull over.”
“No problem. Me and Randall had it. Didn’t we Randall?”
“Yes.” He nodded, looking very concerned at Peter.
“Randall that’s Peter. Peter, Randall refuses to join the Volturi and the Cullens. I have a feeling he should come with us. And I always listen to my feelings.”
“Actually Bella I have been trying to find my old friend Garrett. I have searched six states for him so far.”
“Garrett? His Mate is my best friend. I know exactly where he is.”
“He has a Mate?” Randall seemed surprised.
“Yes. Her name is Kate.”
“Kate Denali?”
“Yeah. You know her?” I asked. He had a weird look on his face.
“Perhaps it would be better if I just stayed on my own.”
“You got a problem with Kate?” This was weird.
“No. Not a problem. I know Kate… we got along… great.”
“Cool. Then you should come with us. I’m sure they will both be excited to see you.”
“Okay… what side are you… I mean I guess you are siding with the Volturi since you helped me? I really don’t want to get involved. This isn’t my fight.”
“We don’t have a side Randall. We are sort of an independent faction. You should hang out with us. I would love to get to know you better. I’m sure Garrett and Kate would be glad to see you.”
“Yes…”
“Maybe he doesn’t want to come, Bella. Maybe he wants to stay on his own.” Peter growled. I walked over and dropped my nearly gone cigarette on thin guy’s body and watched it go up in flames. I kicked his head into the fire. Randall did the same to the other vampire.
“Actually I wouldn’t mind seeing Garrett… I guess. If you are independents there is safety in numbers.”
“Great. I will give you his address and you can go there.” Peter offered.
“Don’t be stupid Peter. Randall could get overran again on the way to Texas. He will ride with us. I can get to know him in the back and you can catch up with Charlotte.”
“No. He can ride in the back.” Peter growled.
“Am I missing something here?”
“Yeah. You are. Bella forgot to mention when she introduced me that I am her Mate. Her very protective, possessive Mate with anger management issues.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Peter. I didn’t forget to mention it. I just didn’t. C’mon Randall. Follow me to the truck and we can be on our way.”
I took off running back to the truck and heard Randall following. I hope Peter doesn’t kill him. If he does I’m killing Charlotte. He wants his little friend? I’m a friendly person too. Time to make new friends. Hope this friend turns out better than Tanner.
I can’t believe this shit.
Bella is actually sitting in the back seat with this fucker. He just told her a stupid fucking joke and she laughed. Charlotte kept staring at me from the side seat. Why does she keep staring at me? I don’t like her. Not like that. Never have. But here she is. Thrown in my way. Causing me problems.
Bella’s phone rang.
“Kate! Guess what? I have a friend of Garrett’s I found!”
“You do?”
“Bella who do you have? Garrett joined in.
I expected Randall to say hi but he just sat in silence.
“His name is Randall. We killed two vampires together.” Bella informed him.
“Randall my man! How are you? Are you coming to Texas?”
“No!” Kate said a bit too quickly.
“Of course he is coming Kate. Why wouldn’t he? He was being ganged up on by two of Whitlock’s goons.”
“Why don’t you want Randall to come Kate? He is a good friend of mine.”
“Of course he is Garrett. He knows Kate too.” Bella helpfully added on.
“Randall? Kate? You two know each other?”
Randall finally decided to speak.
“Yes Garrett. We have met before on my travels. It is good to hear from you friend.”
That was not enthusiasm in his voice.
Randall fucked Kate. Of course.
“Well I can’t wait till the three of us catch up. I had no idea Kate and I had friends in common. I will have to ask her about who else she knows that I might. I look forward to seeing you friend. By the way, when you and Bella were fighting, where was Peter?”
I was about to answer until Bella answered for me.
“Oh he needed to check the surrounding areas to make sure there were no potential dangers like rogue vampires around so Charlotte would be absolutely safe while cowering in the truck. She can’t fight for shit so it is important that she stay out of harm’s way.”
“I see. Uhm okay. Have a good trip. Can’t wait to catch up Randall. I can tell Kate is excited as well. She has a look of shock on her face as we speak. Almost like she can’t believe she gets to see you again.”
Garrett ended the call. I checked the rear view mirror. Yep. Randall looked a bit scared.
“So Randall, how long were you and Kate f…” I started until Bella decided to become Miss Social again.
“Tell me more about the Revolution Randall. What famous battles were you in?”
“Uh… I fought in Lexington. Concorde as well.”
“Tel me all about them.”
I don’t know why she is doing this. She knows she was with me in the American Revolution. I couldn’t keep her ass out of it. She dressed like a scrawny boy again and stayed by my side. We survived that war. We were at Lexington. Like she doesn’t remember.
“Peter catch me up on what you have been doing since we last met.” Charlotte smiled.
“I sat around my house dreaming of revenge against Jasper. Didn’t have much of a life until I met Bella. Now she is my life.”
“Oh.”
Bella looked at me in the mirror. She lit another cigarette and started laughing at something Randall said. I would kill him. But I am thinking Garrett probably will want the first shot.
Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction 
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