Hopeless Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter 32 - Choices

Bella shifted in bed, scooting up against the headboard. Edward stayed kneeling by her side, his golden eyes trained on her like she was made of glass. I stayed quiet in the armchair by the window, arms crossed, pretending I wasn't totally eavesdropping — even though I was.

Bella cleared her throat. "I meant what I said. I'm still going to become a vampire. That hasn't changed."

Edward flinched, but she held up her hand before he could start his usual overprotective nonsense.

"But I'm not doing this your way anymore," she said firmly. "No more decisions without me. No more lying to 'protect me.' I get a say in my own life — and my own death."

I nearly choked on my own spit. Damn, Bells.

Edward sat back on his heels. "I thought I was doing what was best for you."

"I know you did," Bella said, voice softer now. "But I'm not your fragile little human project. If we're going to be together, it has to be equal."

He looked like she'd hit him with a truck full of truth. She kept going.

"I want to be changed by the time I graduate. No more waiting, no more stalling. And it's my decision — not Carlisle's, not yours, mine."

I blinked. Okay, so she was really doing this.

"And if you leave me again," Bella added, her voice suddenly sharp, "that's it. I won't wait around. I won't forgive you. You don't get to disappear and expect me to fall in line when you come back."

Edward's jaw tensed, but he nodded. "I won't leave you again, Bella. Ever."

"Good," she said. Then she looked at me. "And Tiffany stays in the loop. No more shutting her out. She's family."

I gave Bella a slow nod, a little smirk tugging at my lips. "Damn right I am."

The room settled into silence again, but it wasn't uncomfortable this time. It was solid — like something had shifted and settled into place. Bella wasn't the same girl who used to follow Edward around like a lovesick puppy. She was steel now.

And I couldn't have been prouder.