The Life of Julie Swan Book III

Chapter Nine

I sat with Jasper in my room. I couldn't sleep so we decided to cuddle. Bella and Charlie were asleep. It was almost seven in the morning. I faintly heard Bella gasp so I look at Jasper. He pauses for a minute listening.

"She had a nightmare." Jasper says gently. "Almost punched Edward."

I get up from the bed. "I'm going to check on her come on." 

Jasper smiled climbing out of bed. I didn't bother putting on pants as I walked downstairs to Bella's room gently knocking on the door before walking in. Jasper went to the rocking chair as I climb into the bed with Bella and Edward. 

"The intruder." Bella says quietly. "The newborn army. They're all her puppets."

Bella and I locked eyes both of us having a look of realization. 

"Victoria." We both breathe. 

"Alice would have seen Victoria's decision to make an army." Edward shook his head.

"Unless she's hiding behind them." Bella shook her head. "Letting someone else decide. Maybe she found out how Alice's visions work." 

Edward and Jasper both rise to their feet and start to pace.

"Trust me I want it to be her." Edward says. 

"We want her that close." Jasper continued. "To end her ourselves, with our own hands." 

I let out a shiver seeing darkness over both of their faces. It was unnerving seeing their murderous side. 

-

I watched with Jasper beside me as Bella followed Edward out the house a few hours later. 

"Wait." Bella called out.

"They'll be here soon, Bella." Edward replies.

They had been arguing about Bella being in the battle. Which for once I agree with Edward. 

"I know." Bella sighed. "That's why I - I wanted to ask you something."

Edward gave her a certain look. 

"You'd give your life for me, wouldn't you?" Bella asked.

I gave Jasper a incredulous look. What the hell kind of question is that?

"Of course." Edward replies turning my attention back to them.

"What else would you give?" Bella asked.

Where the hell is she going with this?

"Anything." Edward says.

"Good." Bella nodded. "Then I feel better asking you this." 

What the hell? What the hell is she going to ask now?

"I want you to stay out of the fight." She says.

Oh we both talked about this. I let Jasper fight since him and Creed know vampire battles better while she asked Edward to stay out to protect us even though I'm a physical shield. 

"I can't, Bella." Edward says quietly.

"I can't lose you." Bella says quietly.

"I won't be far, and it will be over quickly." Edward replied just as quiet. "With the wolves in it, there won't be enough for the rest of us to do."

"If there won't be enough to do, then you're not needed are you?" Bella asked.

I laugh quietly seeing Edward being caught by his own logic. I look to Jasper giving him a look telling him to talk to Edward.