Juxtaposition|Twilight|Jasper

13

After a few minutes of discussion, Hazel was allowed to return home to gather some clothes, with the protection of Jasper. The blonde vampire was tense as he sat on watch on Hazel's balcony. Hazel threw a few articles of clothing in a bag, and slung it over her shoulder. Glancing around for a moment, she spotted her vampire slayer gear tucked away in it's usual box. She quickly gathered the contents of the box, and put them in her bag. Finally, she joined Jasper on the balcony. "Did you text your mom?"

"Uh yeah, I told her I was going to stay with a friend down in Texas for a bit, because I was really missing my dad." Hazel hated lying to her mother, but she couldn't tell her about this side of the world. She'd just be put in danger.

Jasper nodded, picking Hazel up carefully and jumping down from the balcony. He placed her in her mustang and got in the driver seat, tearing off towards the Cullen's house.

Considering that Jasper was flying down the road, it didn't take them very long to pull up to the house. Jasper was at Hazel's side the moment she stepped out of the car, gently taking her hand and walking inside with her. They joined the others inside the garage waiting for Bella and Edward to rejoin them. "You know, for someone that's being hunted down by a dangerous killer, your being quite calm there Sprout." Emmet commented, attempting to break the tension.

Hazel smiled, some of her anxiety withered away. Jasper looked to Hazel, he could sense how anxious she was, but Hazel merely shook her head. "I'm freaking out on the inside Em. Just ask Jasper."

The group looked to Jasper, who gave them a curt nod. "But still, you acting so calm in the face of danger like this. It's remarkably brave." Carlisle commented, giving the ebonette a soft smile.

"Thank you Carlisle. It means a lot." Hazel breathed out, staring off into space. The memory of her father's death entered her mind, and a wave of sadness hit her. "I never want to be like I was back then."

"What's that?" Carlisle asked, his caring amber eyes watching Hazel carefully.

Hazel was shocked for a moment, realizing she'd said that out loud. "O-oh... Nothing." Carlisle chose not to question it, as he handed Rosalie an article of Hazel's clothing. Jasper wrapped an am around Hazel in an attempt to comfort the saddened girl. She leaned into his chest, taking in his comforting scent.

°✳✴❇✴✳°

Hazel was instantly tense when the dark haired vampire stood at the door before her. Jasper stood protectively in front of her, watching Laurent carefully. "Fear not, I only come to talk." Laurent seemed as standoffish as the rest of the Cullens. Hazel worked up her courage and stepped out from behind Jasper.

Grabbing Jasper's hand, Hazel looked into the vampires red eyes. "So talk." Her voice was almost commanding, and the Cullens had to look at Hazel to make sure it really was her who spoke.

"Very well miss, may I come in?" Laurent questioned, waiting for one of the Cullens to allow him into the house. Carlisle nodded, stepping to the side to let him in. They all gathered in the living room, Laurent sitting alone on one couch, and the Cullens sitting around Hazel. "I'll be frank, James is the best tracker I've ever met. In my 300 years I've never met someone with his same senses."

"Tracker... I understand." Hazel muttered to herself. "So he really won't give up then... And what about Victoria? She and James seem close."

"Victoria is James' mate. She's also very skilled, and quite good at evading others." Laurent's eyes flickered from one person to the next.

"Why are you telling us all this, have you no sense of loyalty?" Hazel questioned once more, searching Laurent's eyes.

Laurent looked Hazel in the eye, an interested look flickering into his eyes. "James... He's very strong, but I believe he's gone too far this time." Laurent looked to the other Cullens once more, "I mean you no harm. If I'm being honest... I find you quite interesting miss."