The Major and His Mate: Twilight

Bella Arrives

Sebastian could smell her before he even came into the house. He never realized how intoxicating her scent was. Jasper nervously tightened his grip around Sebastian's hand. Sebastian returned the gesture as they walked in. Bella looked over at them, and her eyes widened. She had never seen her brother look healthy before.

He had filled out and looked like a guy his age who spent some serious time in the gym. He had broad shoulders that tapered down into a slim waist. She looked up at his face and saw his bone structure had become more prominent and mature. He had sharp cheekbones and a perfectly straight jawline. His hair looked like dark chocolate, with the ends forming soft, perfect curls. But his eyes were the most dramatic difference. They were like two rubies that had been cut and shaped into spheres that glittered with light.

Bella stood shell-shocked and couldn't believe who she was seeing. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she missed Sebastian's eyes flashing. Sebastian looked at his twin with curiosity and slight frustration. Bella finally noticed the look on his face, which got her curious as well.

"What's that look for?" Bella asked.

"I'm just surprised that I can't read your thoughts. I see how Edward was frustrated in the beginning." Sebastian smoothly explained.

"Your voice sounds different." Bella observed.

"Probably because the venom healed whatever damage I did to my throat from smoking." Sebastian answered.

"Makes sense." Bella said.

Edward, Bella, Sebastian, and Jasper walked into the kitchen. Everyone else was there in the middle of cooking. Carlise looked up from what he was doing and gently smiled.

"It's good that you're here, Bella. You've given us an excuse to use the kitchen." Carlise said.

"We're making Italian. Seb said that it was your favorite." Esme added.

"Thanks, you really didn't have to make anything." Bella answered.
"She ate earlier." Edward said.

"I just didn't want to inconvenience anyone." Bella quickly explained.

"That's very thoughtful of you." Carlisle replied.

Rosalie glared and lost her grip on the bowl she was holding. Sebastian sped over and caught it before it shattered on the ground. He calmly placed it on the counter, and Esme smiled in gratitude. Bella watched with jealousy at Sebastian's seamless integration into the Cullen family. Sebastian felt Bella's jealousy directed at him. He rolled his eyes at her childishness and ignored her.

Jasper felt Sebastian's annoyance at Bella and projected a small wave of calmness at him. Sebastian felt it and slightly relaxed at Jasper's show of concern. Alice bounced in with Xavier in tow and eagerly introduced herself. Xavier calmly introduced himself and awkwardly backed away to stand behind Alice.

Bella turned to look at a very tense Jasper. Sebastian came over and wrapped an arm around Jasper's waist in comfort and to potentially old him back. Jasper slowly reached out his hand for Bella to shake, and she awkwardly returned it. Carlise noticed how tense Jasper was and how Sebastian had positioned himself in between the two.

"You'll have to forgive Jasper. He's still getting used to the diet. Your scent is hard to ignore." Carlisle explained.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Bella apologized.

"It ain't your fault, Miss." Jasper reassured her.

Sebastian smiled a little and led Jasper outside. Once they were away from Bella, Jasper relaxed from his tense position. They both slowly walked around, enjoying nature and each other. Sebastian quickly spotted a large oak tree and eagerly pulled Jasper to sit down in its shade. They made themselves comfortable, Sebastian leaned against the tree with Jasper's head in his lap. Sebastian gently ran his fingers through Jasper's curly blond hair, enjoying the spring breeze as it blew past them.