Lena had gotten some sleep that night, comforted that Alice had seen that she would pass. She got up and readied for school. Downstairs she found Edward and Bella reading the newspaper. The headlines read worse news for Seattle still. The Cullens had thought it was one new vampire but Lena saw the look on Edward's face as he read. Maybe that wasn't the case anymore. "Do either of you girls have a strong desire to go to school today? With it being so close to finals I doubt we would be getting anything new." Edward asked as he looked between Bella and Lena. "Where are we going?" Bella questioned. "I want to talk to Jasper. I believe this is his area of expertise."
A pit formed in Lena's stomach as Edward drove to his home. She knew a little bit about Jasper's past, she had seen his scars. She knew about Maria.
Inside, Jasper was between Carlisle and Esme on the couch watching the news. Seattle slayings was the hot topic here too. Lena knew they were thinking what Edward had. A newborn army of vampires was ravaging the city of Seattle but why? Lena perched herself at the table as she listened to Jasper tell his story. His upbringing was unlike the rest of the vampires among them. He was turned to be a soldier and he was good at it. He led an army for Maria, a vampire that had lost her mate in the fight for conquest. He spoke of Peter, his first true friend, and his mate Charlotte. The two had escaped from the army to preserve Charlottes life as Maria had ordered her to be killed along with the rest of the newborns. "My mental state was quickly declining after the first few years because could feel everything going on around me. It was that that clued me into Nettie and Lucy turning against Maria and I. And then again when Maria thought I was no longer of use to her purpose. Peter came back for me at just the right time. I thought I was going to have to destroy my partner but Peter told me of the possibility of a different life. In the years he had away from the fighting, he and Charlotte had never gotten in one fight. It was only the south that seemed thirsty for conquest. I left Maria in search of something better but I still didn't feel right. I could still feel the emotions of my prey before I killed them. After years of self gratification restraint was difficult." He paused as he looked to Bella. "You know that I can manipulate the emotions around me, Bella, but I wonder if you realize how the emotional climate in a room affects me. In the first century of my life I lived in a world of bloodthirsty vengeance. It got better after I left Maria but I was still depressed as I lived with Peter and Charlotte. They didn't share my feelings so I made my way on my own, not sure what I was going to do. It wasn't until I met Alice that I knew there was a better solution. She found me in a cafe and told me about the things she had seen of the Cullens. I was so desperate for change that I followed her without question. We came to this very house together." He explained. Edward smirked. "Scared the hell out of us too. Emmett, Caroline, and I were away hunting when war torn Jasper came strolling in with this little freak. She knew everything about us, our names, our histories, and asked which room she could stay in. When I got home all of my things were in the garage." Alice grinned. "You had the best view." Bella looked to Alice who was seated in Caroline's lap. "That's how you found each other?" She asked. "She's pretty hard to resist." Caroline shrugged with a grin. Bella then looked to Jasper. "It got better then?" Jasper nodded. "It did but it still felt like something was missing. I no longer felt the hurt of my prey but I saw the companionship around me and wondered if I was missing not something but someone." Bella looked to Lena and then back to Jasper. "Yes Lena had made all the difference. I was truly happy. But as you know I've messed things up. I thought she would be better off without me and I know I was wrong. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to her." Jasper had his eyes on Lena as he spoke but she didn't meet his gaze. Now wasn't the time, clearly.
After a moment Carlisle cleared his throat. "You think the murders in Seattle are the result of an army of newborns?" Jasper sighed. "I believe so but I can't figure out why. There isn't a reason for one in that area. No one owns it, there's no one to overthrow. But I've seen it before, there is an army. Less than twenty I would say and they are completely feral. Whoever created them just set them loose. We will have to do something soon if we want to avoid a visit from Italy." Edward tensed as his jaw set in a harsh snarl. "I think Italy already has. Has anyone considered the only reason for the creation of an army is us?" Carlisle's brows furrowed. "Why would the Volturi seek to destroy us?" Edward shook his head. "The thought was there. Although I'm surprised. He thought about destroying us because you had not more than what he had but things that he wanted. He craves Alice and I at his side but Lena especially. He wants to turn her into the perfect weapon. Then he wouldn't need so many in his guard as she would have it all.." Jasper let out a low growl. "I would never-" Lena started. "But you would if he threatened the right thing. You'd have no choice." Edward told her. Lena knew he was right. If it meant life or death for her family she would do whatever Aro wanted. "If you're sure it's the Volturi maybe I should take a trip to Italy myself." Lena offered. If that's what it took to make this threat disappear then shouldn't she go? Jasper interrupted her thoughts. "We wouldn't allow that Lena. Besides this is much to sloppy for it to be the work of the Volturi." He had reached for her hand but pulled away before they made contact. "Whoever is creating them must be destroyed along with the newborns. I could show you but I don't know if we could do it on our own. Do you think Tanya's family could help? An extra five mature vampires would almost make it easy." Carlisle considered for a moment before he made the call
As it turned out they were not willing to help unless they were allowed to seek revenge for Laurent against the wolf pack. Carlisle wouldn't allow that though. Jasper was worried about their numbers. They would win but at what cost?
