Life ✶ Jasper Hale

✶Seven: We All Have Secrets To Keep

✧Svetlana✧

My scalp is prickling as I feel two sets of eyes intently watching me. Nevertheless, I do my best to ignore them while looking out the window, at least until I can figure out exactly how to handle their thirst for knowledge that's heavy in the air around us. Jasper is still holding my hand, trying to manipulate my emotions to a calmer ambiance, yet my rage remains. It's so rooted that I have to apply majority of my self-control to not leap out of this Volvo, find my brother, and hurt him quite a bit.

Bastard. Who the hell does he think he is? He knows what would happen if...

As a Protector, if my Protected is in immediate danger and someone prevents me from my duty. My instincts scream at me to hurt them, kill them if necessary. But, since it was my brother who got in my way, I'm trying extremely hard to fight the urge. And until I can look over Bella with my own eyes to makes sure she is safe, I will not be able to relax fully.

"Lana." My gaze moves from the window to Jasper, his amber eyes are inquisitive, but cautious, "Thank you for defending Edward. I know you must be curious as too..." he lets his sentence die of when Edward shoots him a sharp and meaningful look.

Narrowing my eyes scantily, I examine the two brothers. My thoughts drift and pull into different directions while I debate on what my next words should be. Knowing that the secrets between us are most likely there for all of our protection; at least that's why my secret has to remain in the deep dark of Don't-Tell—I choose my words with absolute care.

I clear my throat before I begin, "I am, just like I'm sure both of you are about what just happened with me." As I peer at them both as their pale pink auras confirm my words. "How about we make a deal that will benefit us all? I won't ask any questions about anything unexplainable I've seen or will see, if you return the favor to me," I offer with the intent of doing exactly that.

Jasper's gaze turns intense as he continues to stare at me and confusion rolls off of him. "Why would you extend this offer to us? Most people–"

"I'm not like most people," I interrupt candidly, squeezing his hand with mine. "I haven't found people I have felt comfortable with in a long time. They either judge every single breath you take or try to pry out any information they can to hold over you later, but not you guys," I enlighten with nothing but sincerity, keeping my eyes locked with his. "You and your family are my friends. And, I help my friends. Besides, have a strong feeling your secret is just as important as mine."

They both nod, confirming my last sentence. The tense atmosphere of the vehicle lifts greatly, and the emotions become lighter and slightly brighter.

"Do you think your brother or Bella will let what they witnessed go?" Edward asks, his intense gaze meeting mine in the rearview mirror.

"I can handle Bash. He has a crush on Alice, so it won't be too hard to keep him silent." I think about Bella, my stubborn and highly mindful best friend. "Izzy, on the other hand, may be a problem. She's very intelligent and observant, and I can try to slow her down. But, she won't let it go until she figures it out."

Our conversation comes to a sudden halt when Edwardo drives into the hospital parking lot. Instantly, I feel dread surface though me at the sight of the large building and the emotions of its occupants.

This is gonna suck. So bad.

Jasper is quick to notice and rubs the back of my hand with his thumb in a soothing gesture. "Are you alright?"