Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter Eight

"I'm so scared I'm going to hurt you, Addie. I care about you too much."

Adeline's eyes widened in surprise. She didn't expect that to be the first thing out of his mouth.

"There's a lot to explain," the girl said. "I'm listening."

"I guess I should start with the basics," Jasper began. "I was turned in 1863 when I was 19. I was the youngest Major in the Texas cavalry. It's hard for me to talk about being turned
and it's a long story, so I hope you don't mind if I explain that another time,"

Addie nodded as Jasper looked apologetic.

"You need to understand that I killed people, Addie. I'm not the sweet guy you think I am. I only stopped drinking human blood when I met Carlisle. The Cullens like to call our practice a 'vegetarian lifestyle', cause we only drink animal blood. In 48' I met Alice. She had had a vision of us joining Carlisle's clan, and she brought us to him. We only moved here 'bout two years ago. It's so hard for me to resist human blood. I haven't been practicing as long as the others have. Even coming to school was a struggle. I've gotten better, but it's still extremely difficult."

"Is that why you guys stay away from anyone? To lower the risks of an attack?"

Jasper nodded. "Mainly, yes. When you and Bella first moved here, Edward told the rest of us about how strong Bella's scent was. He was drawn to her, they're mates. That's the same reason I was so confused that day in history. I expected your blood to appeal to me so much, but it didn't. I didn't smell anything at all."

"Wait," Adeline interrupted. "You didn't smell... anything?"

"Absolutely nothing," Jasper shook his head. "I don't know how to explain it. It should have such a strong scent. I should want to kill you."

The pair paused for a moment, both confused.

"Are you sure it's not just that - well - Edward and Bella are mates, right?"

The vampire nodded.

"Well, if we... aren't... then doesn't that explain it?"

Jasper paused, then smiled before continuing, "That's the thing, Addie. You make me crazy. The first time I saw you I felt a pull unlike anything I've ever felt. I truly think you're the one for me."

"Wow," Addie breathed, "I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything -"

"No, Jasper, I do," Adeline stopped him. "I do need to say something. Because I felt the same exact thing. The first time I saw you. I thought it was just a crush, but it hasn't gone away no matter how hard I try. I like you, more than I should, more than just a friendship sort of way. I..."

She trailed off as Jasper took a step toward her, taking her hand in his.

"I know," he said. "I'm falling for you too."

The drive back home was quiet, but not the tense sort of quiet the drive up had been. As Jasper dropped her off Addie paused, thinking a moment, before turning and placing a kiss on Jasper's cheek.

"Thank you for today," she smiled.

As she walked into the house, she saw Charlie sitting at the table, a beer in hand. The atmosphere was solemn; something had happened. Addie dropped her bag at the door and slowly approached her father.

"Hey, dad. Something's wrong. What happened?"

Charlie cleared his throat, "Waylon Forge is dead. Known him going on thirty years."

Adeline walked over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"I'm so sorry dad. I know he was your friend. That's awful."

Slowly but surely, Charlie hugged her back. It was the first true act of physical affection the two had shared since the girls moved in.

Charlie pulled back, trying to subtly wipe away a tear, "You go on up to bed now. You have school in the morning."

On her way up the stairs Addie heard a furious typing noise coming from Bella's room. She knocked and opened the door to see Bella sitting at the computer. She couldn't see much of the screen, but what she could see showed pictures of white figures biting the necks of humans.

She's figured it out.

"Bella, you busy?"

Bella quickly spun around, her eyes wide as she looked at her sister.

"Addie, you're never going to believe this. I figured out what's weird with the Cullens. They're all vampires. It explains everything!"

"Okay," Adeline spoke, not know how to discuss the subject with her sister. "You need to talk to Edward about this, Bells. Then we can see what's up."

"You don't believe me?"

"No! That's not it at all, Bella, you know that. I just don't want to freak out before you've even talked to him about it. Just, talk to him at school tomorrow or something, trust me."

After that Adeline left her sister's room, leaving Bella more confused than she was before.