A/N – Hey everyone. Thanks for sticking with me through my absence. I promise that no matter how long this takes I will not abandon this story. Next up we get a little bit of Esme. I was starting to miss the parents and wanted to see how they're holding up in Forks.

Disclaimer – S.M. owns the characters. I have no beta so all mistakes are mine alone.

Warning – Rated M for potty-mouths and adult situations.

-Esme POV-

This past week has been more difficult for me than any other since I awoke in this life. Watching my mate and children run off to Phoenix to save the life of my newest daughter was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I wish I could have gone with them but I understood the need to stay home and protect Charlie. Bella has already been put through the ringer and there's no need for her to have to suffer anymore unnecessary loss. Having experienced the worst thing a mother can go through when I lost my son all those decades ago, I can only imagine that losing a parent would come in a close second.

As soon as Carlisle and Alice arrived home from Phoenix we began to put our plan into action. My husband and I drove Bella's truck to California as instructed, and even though we were on our way to stage the 'unexpected and tragic' deaths of two of our children, we treated it as sort of a mini vacation. Not often do we get any time to ourselves. The others often run off to parts unknown for some quality time but Carlisle and I usually remain home, happy to fulfill our role as parents.

So yes! Just because we're committing a major felony sprinkled with more than a few misdemeanors doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves in the process. It's not every day you get to help your husband push a truck over a cliff and watch it crash and burn on the beach below as the waves of the Pacific lap at the dancing flames. I happen to think that breaking the law with my very honest and good-natured mate is terribly romantic. Watching him ensure the safety of our children – yes, even childish, undeserving, infuriating Edward – reminds me of why I fell in love with him all those decades ago.

Underneath Carlisle's wise and proper, centuries old doctor exterior lies a 23 year-old with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Seeing his eyes light up at the flames with a wry grin gracing his normally gentle features reminds me that my man has a seldom seen, yet ever present, bad boy hidden just under the surface. Sort of a James Dean 'Rebel without a Cause' thing going on. He took me to see the movie back in 1955 and I remember that as soon as we arrived home, I wouldn't let him leave our bedroom for a solid week – except, perhaps, for the occasional romp through the woods.

Alice and Jasper had joined the family a few years earlier and Jasper, understandably, was unable to handle the lust emanating from our room so the pair took off after the first day of our self-imposed exile. Rosalie and Emmett were a bit more used to our behavior, having already seen it a few times, but were still less than thrilled hearing the 'parental figures' going at it like teenagers. They lasted a full 36 hours before they left. And then there was Edward. Poor, sweet, virginal, Edward. He heard my thoughts as soon as we came home from the theater and ran like a bat out of hell before Carlisle and I were even out of the car. That was the first time we were home for a solid week without the children and we managed to christen almost the entire house. How I miss those times.

But I digress. I had assumed that Carlisle and I would run back to Forks to continue the rest of our plan but, true to form, my thoughtful and generous mate had arranged for us to take a private jet. As soon as we arrived home, Carlisle went to the hospital to put in some face time before the entire town heard about the 'untimely' deaths of Edward and Bella. Alice informed us that it would only be about 15 hours until Charlie was informed of the car accident. Apparently pieces of Bella's truck washed up on shore along Highway 1 and the CHP officers were able to identify the VIN number as belonging to one Isabella Marie Swan.

Alice took off to console Charlie. Carlisle went back to the hospital to reassign his patients to other doctors as he would be resigning at the end of the week and wanted to ensure that his patients were well taken care of. I began to pack up the house, leaving nothing but the furniture. I knew that we wouldn't be returning to Forks for the next few decades and I wanted to make sure that my children would have everything they need to start somewhere else. We have houses all over the country, but Texas is one place we've never lived. All that sunshine is not conducive to properly fitting in.

Hmmm. Maybe I can convince Carlisle to take some time off from work…

Bella's funeral was three days later. Knowing what Charlie was going through almost broke my heart. Even though I would see her in just a few days, Bella's father just lost his daughter; the only family he had left. Charlie stood with one arm around a gently (and artificially) sobbing Alice, and his other hand resting in Renee's. Although the funeral itself was a sham, the feelings of the people around us were not. Thankfully it didn't last too long. After some short, yet sweet, speeches we all took our leave. Alice went with Charlie, Renee and Phil back to the Chief's house while Carlisle and I went for a hunt. A few hours later we returned home to hear Alice on the phone with Bella and my motherly instincts kicked into full gear.

"Mary Alice Brandon Cullen! Just when were you going to tell your father and me that our daughter was on the phone…"

After a lengthy and informative conversation with Jasper and Bella I felt slightly better. Knowing that she was safe and happy was a weight off my mind that I didn't even realize I was carrying. Carlisle went up to his office to start packing it up and I found myself outside on the porch swing that Emmett had made me for my birthday a few years back.

I don't know how long I sat there thinking about my family. About how lucky I was to have so many people to love and who love me back. How grateful I am that they allow me to care for them. Even Jasper, bless his heart. He may not think he needs a mother's love, but he never pushes me away or makes me feel unneeded.

Granted, I don't dote on him as much as the others because I know it makes him uncomfortable, but I know he needs me just as much, if not more, than the others. It's been such a joy seeing him grow from a closed off boy who saw too much too soon, to this graceful, albeit rugged, man who feels confident in his strengths as well as his weaknesses. I wish I could have been there to help him through Bella's change. He so rarely asks for help, but he knows that I'm always there when he finally does.

I felt Carlisle come up behind me and place a kiss on my head before sitting down next to me on the swing. I curled into his side, taking comfort in his calm presence.

He kissed my temple once more before speaking. "You miss them terribly, don't you?"

"Yes," came out my strangled reply.

"You want to make sure they're all okay." A statement, not a question.

"Yes," I answered anyways.

"You want to go to Texas and check on them." Another statement.

"Yes," I sighed.

"Then go, Esme. Go check on our children. I can finish up here."

I jumped up and pulled him with me. "Are you sure, Carlisle? There is still so much work to be done. I'm not finished closing up the house, I haven't arranged for the cars to be transported, the moving boxes are still piled up in the living room…"

"Esme, please. I'm 300 years old, I've raised five children, I hold an MD and 4 PhD's. I believe I am quite capable of closing down a home. Besides, I still have to train my replacement at the hospital and make sure my patients are aware of my resignation. Don't worry, darling. I can handle it. Go. Take care of our family." He gave me a bone crushing hug and I crashed my lips to his in appreciation.

"Yeah, Mom," came Alice's tinkling voice, "I can help Dad close all this up. For some reason I can't go to Texas yet so I might as well make myself useful."

"Thank you, dear." I gave my daughter a hug and started to go inside to pack, but before I had the chance, Alice put a suitcase in my hand. I gave her a questioning glance.

"What? I knew you were gonna leave as soon as we left the funeral. The arrangements are already made. The plane is waiting for you and the flight plan is already filed." That's my Alice. Always two steps ahead of the rest of us.

"Thank you both so much." I hugged my husband and daughter before I turned to leave.

"Mom, one more thing." I turned back to Alice and she threw a cell phone at me. "You're not going alone." I looked at her in confusion before it dawned on me. I dialed the familiar number and waited for someone to pick up.

"Hello?" said a voice.

"Carmen? Get packed. I'll be there in 7 hours. You and I, dear sister, are going on a trip."

-JPOV-

I hate to say it, but watching Bella talk to my family was quite the turn on. Gone is the shy quiet girl who felt unworthy. She's been replaced with this beautiful woman who seems to know exactly who she is. During the entire conversation she felt only happiness and contentment. And lust. She thinks that I'm the horny one in the relationship but if she had any how much desire and need she emits, she would realize that she couldn't be farther from the truth. This woman has some serious pent-up sexual tension.

As she was speaking to Carlisle I couldn't help but take in her emotions. I would have thought that she would be feeling sadness at the loss of her family. Esme and Carlisle of course, but especially Charlie. But true to form, she surprised me again. She was happy, blissful and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. My emotions have always been strong and although I'm usually able to keep them in check, I can't help but project whatever I'm feeling directly into my mate.

After listening to the entire conversation I realized that although we've told each other how we feel, we haven't done so since all the drama ended. I figured it was time to lay my cards on the table once and for all. I loved this woman and I needed her to know it. I turned her so she was straddling me and I buried her lips in mine.

"I love you. I love you, Isabella Marie Swan." Please God. Let her feel the same.

I wanted nothing more than for her to return the sentiment, but the two words that came out of her mouth were better than anything I could have ever hoped for.

"It's Whitlock." Is she saying what I think she's saying?

"What do you mean darlin'?" Just then she placed her hands on my cheeks and cradled my face. She closed her eyes for a moment and all of the sudden her emotions were once again closed off to me. She stayed like that for a few minutes but right when I started to get uncomfortable with the loss of emotional contact, her eyelids fluttered open, she looked me dead in the eye, and every single emotion she felt came flooding into me. I was hit with such force that my head whipped back and landed on the back of the sofa. Bella took the moment to reach for something on the coffee table and when I regained control of the swirl of emotions, she placed something in my hand. I looked at my girl for a moment before looking down at what she gave me. It was a passport. I opened the booklet and saw a picture of my Isabella. I glanced at the name next to my mate.

Isabella Marie Hale Whitlock

For the first time in more than a century, I felt venom pooling in my eyes. Bella placed her hands on my face again and brushed her thumbs under my eyes, wiping away the imaginary tears that would never fall.

"I love you too, Jasper Whitlock. I have since the moment I woke up into this amazing new life. In fact, I think I've always loved you." She stopped talking and I took the opportunity to brush my lips over hers. What started out as a light and sensual kiss quickly deepened. I felt her tongue graze over my lower lip, seeking entrance. I quickly obliged and relished in the fact that my mate was taking charge. Her sweet, spicy flavor permeated every fiber of my being and it took everything I had not to flip on top of her and show her exactly what she was doing to me. But if Bella wanted to be in charge for a while, who was I to disappoint?

Before I knew what had happened, I was laying on my back with Bella on top of me, her knees on either side of my thighs. I let out a low growl as I felt her hot center rub against my prominent arousal. God, what this woman does to me.

"You like that, cowboy?" Why, yes ma'am! Yes I do! I tried my hardest to come up with something clever to say but all I managed was a very unmanly whimper. She looked down at me with onyx eyes and I felt a small amount of mischief roll off her. "Now Jasper! How am I going to know if you like something if you don't tell me? I'm not a mind reader." The corner of her lip went up in a smirk. I could tell she was playing with me and I was more than willing to play along.

"My apologies, Isabella."

"Good boy, Jasper. Now why don't we try this again?" I looked up at the beauty on top of me and waited for her to continue her little game. Her chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders as she leaned over so her lips were mere inches from mine. She placed her hands on my shoulders and proceeded to drag her nails down my chest as she once again grinded her heat onto my throbbing cock. She leaned over me and I could feel her pert little nipples on my bare chest. It was in this moment that I realized she had eviscerated my shirt with her nails and I was lying half naked beneath her. She placed her lips to my ear and began to whisper. "Do you like when I straddle you, Jasper? Do you like when I grind into you? Does it feel good?" With that last question, she flicked out her tongue and licked my ear. I could feel her curiosity and decided to put her at ease.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied.

"Yes ma'am what, Jasper?" I don't know where she learned this shit but I'm fairly certain it didn't come from a Jane Austin novel. On the other hand, I don't care where she learned it as long as she doesn't stop.

"Yes, ma'am, I like when you're on top of me. I like feeling your hot wetness cover me. I like knowing that you are the only one who can make me feel like this." With that, I placed my hands on her hips and bucked up into her. I immediately smelled her sweet arousal in the air and I took in a deep breath, taking in the delicious scent. "I like knowing how I make you feel. You don't know what it's like to see you like this, so strong and sexy. And your scent, Isabella, is driving me mad." I could tell that if she could still blush, she would be the beautiful shade of crimson I've come to miss. I guess she forgot that with our heightened senses I can smell everything about her.

"May I ask you a question now, Isabella?"

"Of course." I immediately flipped us over so she was lying on her back and I was resting between her legs.

"Tell me what you want me to do to you." Suddenly I was assaulted with emotions I hadn't felt since before her change; confusion, worthlessness and sadness, all laced with a strong undercurrent of fear. I was taken aback by the barrage but when I tried to pull back, she grabbed me and held onto me like I was her lifeline. "Talk to me, Bella. What is it?" I waited for her to continue but when she didn't, I rolled us over on our sides so we were facing each other. Maybe this new position would put her at ease, and I guess it did because she immediately buried her nose in the crook of my neck and took a deep breath, taking in my scent.

"I'm so sorry, Jasper." I looked into her eyes and, hovering just below the fiery crimson hue of a newborn, I saw the 17 year old girl she truly was.

"What do you have to be sorry for, darlin'?"

"It's just…I've never…and I thought if I started it…then you would…Fuck! I don't know how to say this Jasper. I don't want you to be disappointed in me." What? What the hell is she thinking?

"You could never disappoint me, Bella. It's impossible. We were made for each other. Don't you know that by now?"

"I do know that. That's why I'm so scared." She lowered her eyes and I could feel the shame pour out of her. I put a finger under her chin and raised her gaze to meet mine.

"Talk to me, Bella. Whatever it is we can figure it out together." I felt her determination rise and waited for her to say whatever it is that's weighing so heavily on her mind.

With one last deep breath, she spoke. "Jasper, I'm a virgin."

"I know. And?" She looked slightly put-out at my reply. Shit! Did I say the wrong thing again?

"And? Jasper, I don't know if you can understand this, but I'm scared that you'll reject me." She said this as if it was the most obvious thing in the world and I was the world's biggest idiot for not understanding.

"Why would you say that, Bella? You're the only one I'll ever want."

"But what if I'm no good? I don't know what I'm doing. I've never had an open-mouth kiss before you. I hate to bring this up right now, but Edward never allowed anything beyond chaste kisses. He never touched me. He never showed me what to do." She sounded so sad that it almost broke my dead heart.

Fuck that! I need to nip this in the bud before she sinks even deeper into herself.

"Isabella, I am yours. This," I placed her hand on my face, "is yours. This," I placed her hand over my heart, "is yours. And this," I placed her hand on my still hard cock, "is most definitely yours. Do you know how happy it makes me that no man has ever had the honor of bringing you pleasure? I'm proud that I will be your first. The first man to touch both your heart and your body. The first man to bring you to orgasm. And, if you'll have me, the first man to give you his last name. Bella, you are giving me a gift that I've never had before and I decided long ago that I would spend the rest of my existence repaying the kindness. I'm in love with you. Everything I am is yours. All I ask in return is your love and your trust. Trust in the fact that I will wait for you to be ready. Trust that I'll never push you into something you're not prepared for. And when you are ready, the first time will be gentle and loving and everything you've ever dreamed of. Can you do that for me, Bella? Can you trust me?" I didn't have to wait for her to voice her answer. Her emotions spoke volumes.

"Of course, Jasper. I've always trusted you. I'm sorry I went a little crazy but sometimes I forget that I'm still just a teenager. I may not have all the hormones that the human girls have but I remember full well how it felt. But I think you got something wrong, Jasper."

"What's that, darlin'?" Now I'm intrigued.

"You aren't just going to be the first man to touch me." She placed my hands on her face, "You are going to be the last man to touch me here." She placed my hand over her heart, "You are going to be the last man to touch me here." She placed my hand over her heated center and placed her hand over mine, "You are going to be the first, last and only man to touch me here. I belong to you Jasper, as you do to me."

With those final words she began to rub our joined hands over her already dripping mound. This woman was ready for me and my dick responded in kind.

"Bella, tell me what you want." I couldn't help the venom from pooling in my mouth but I still had the ability to let my Bella tell me what she needed.

"Touch me, Jasper." She whispered.

"Tell me where, darlin'. What do you want me to do to you?" I felt her purr against me as her emotions rendered me almost helpless.

She bucked her hips against my fingers one time and I felt a sudden burst of confidence overtake her. She stood up and ripped off the remnants of my shirt. I could see her eyes darken as she gazed upon the mating mark she had placed over my heart before she bent over me and pushed me down so I was once again lying flat on my back with her on top of me. As she looked me up and down, the lust pouring out of her was palpable and I had to consciously remind myself that we were going at her pace. As much as I wanted to claim her right here I needed her to understand that, for now, she's in charge. I'll get my chance later.

Bella's eyes traveled back up to meet my gaze and all the love and desire I felt came rushing out of me and crashed directly into her. A soft growl erupted from her lips before she claimed my mouth with hers, letting me feel all her emotions. Gone was the uncertainty and sadness. There was still a bit of fear coming from her but it was mostly overshadowed by a steady stream of resolve. I wrapped my fingers in her chestnut locks as I brought her lips back to mine.

Fuck me! She tastes better every time we kiss. She started pulling at my hair trying to get closer to me and I responded by sitting up and placing her in my lap. Bella wrapped her legs around me before pulling away from the kiss. She stared into my eyes for a moment, searching for something. I kept my emotions in check but gazed back at her with all the love I possessed. Apparently she found what she was looking for because a second later she pulled my arms from around her waist and placed my hands at the hem of her shirt.

"Take it off, Jasper. I want to feel you." I slowly raised the shirt over her head and saw that she wasn't wearing a bra. Jesus, this woman will be my undoing.

I stared at her for a moment before lifting my gaze to meet her. She looked a bit self-conscious but I felt nothing but desire and love coming from her.

"You're absolutely breathtaking, Isabella." I find that it's getting harder and harder to keep The Major from making an appearance. I feel him itching to come out and introduce himself but right now is not the time. The only thing that matters is my mate and I need to make sure that she is comfortable with this new aspect of our relationship before he comes out to play. But as I've learned in the past, full disclosure is the way to go when it comes to the woman before me. "I've never seen anything as beautiful in my entire existence darlin', but I need you to know that The Major wants to meet you."

Bella, unexpectedly, began to move her hips in a manner that was doing nothing to help my current situation. "Well you just tell The Major that he'll get his chance soon enough. And if he's a good boy," she leaned down and whispered directly into my ear, "tell him I'll make it worth his while."

The Major roared out his pleasure and I found myself becoming harder than before, if that's even possible. Watching my mate grind on top of me, taking pleasure from me, using me for her own benefit, is almost more than I can handle. These physical sensations, coupled with the raw emotion pouring out of us, are doing things to me that I've never experienced before. I'm so completely overwhelmed with these new feelings that I don't hear Bella calling my name.

"Jasper! You still with me? Looked like you went off on your own for a bit there," she said with a small smirk on her face and a large amount of pride rolling off her body. Oh yes. My mate knows exactly what she's doing to me and I can't help but think that two can play this game.

"My sincerest apologies, ma'am. I promise to do better but, Isabella, I believe I asked you a question that you failed to answer." I watched her as her brain went into overdrive for a moment before she stumbled on a response.

She looked at me sheepishly before answering in a tiny voice that belied the true strength within her. "You asked me what I wanted you to do me. Where I wanted you to touch me." Jesus, the coy little look on her face is about to do me in.

Be strong, Whitlock!

"And have you come to a decision, darlin'?" As I awaited her answer I began to kiss softly down her jawbone to that most sensitive spot right below her ear. Keeping my hands firmly around her waist I drew her into me and grazed my teeth over her soft, graceful neck, nipping soft enough to not leave a mark but hard enough to attain the desired response. I heard a soft moan escape her lips and I couldn't help the satisfied smirk that crosses my face. If that is the only sound I hear for the rest of eternity, I'll be a happy man.

Taking Bella's moan as a good sign, I laid her back on the sofa and propped myself next to her, not letting my mouth leave her neck. It seems as if my mate has come to a decision because the next thing I know her hand is drawing my hand away from her waist and bringing it up to her perfectly shaped breast. She looked at me through half-lidded eyes as if challenging me to continue, and that look alone was almost enough to make me cum in my pants. I once again brought my lips to hers and reveled in the taste of her. I gently kneaded her left breast as I slowly licked down her neck and, after a strategically placed nip at the hollow of her neck, I brought my mouth to her already hardened nipple. I took her into my mouth and sucked gently before lightly biting down.

"God, Jasper…feels so good." The desire pouring out of her was driving me to continue my ministrations and, after properly ravishing her right breast, I moved over to pay the same attention to the other.

"Do you like this, Bella?" Her back arched at my words and I felt her hands in my hair urging me on. I couldn't help the chuckle from leaving my lips but I could tell that she was too far gone to care. Bella placed her tiny hand over mine where it rested on the breast not currently being attacked by my mouth, and I could feel her begin to squeeze my hand as hard as she could against her pert nipple.

Interesting! Maybe my mate isn't as interested in 'gentle' as I thought. I took one of her pink buds in between my teeth and bit down while squeezing the other one between my thumb and forefinger.

"Fuckin' hell," she wailed, digging her fingers into my scalp. I continued my not so delicate attack on her breasts for a few minutes longer before Bella grabbed my hair and brought my lips crashing into hers. "Jesus, Jasper. What was that?"

"I'm sorry Bella. Did I hurt you?" I immediately began searching my mate for injuries that I knew, had the logical part of my brain been working, wouldn't be there.

"No, Jasper," she said vehemently, placing her delicate hands on my face. "You didn't hurt me, quite the opposite actually. That felt amazing." I did a cursory check of her emotions and knew that she was telling the truth, although one look in her eyes would have told me the exact same thing. "I'm not a delicate flower. You don't have to worry about breaking me. I prompted you for more and you gave it to me. And don't forget, sweetheart," she looked at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I am The Major's mate after all."

Well shit! Ain't that the God's honest truth. I pressed my lips to hers, content in the fact that she was right. The woman was meant for me.

"Jasper?" I broke the kiss at the sound of my name and looked down at her, only to see her eyes averted. Placing my hand under her chin, I lifted her head to meet my gaze. I could feel the curiosity pouring out of her tinged with a bit of determination. Knowing that she wanted to ask something but was unsure how, I gave her time to collect her thoughts. "Jasper?" She asked again.

"Yes, darlin'."

"I want to…would you mind…" She huffed at her inability to get the words out before taking a deep breath to steady herself. Suddenly she grabbed my hand that was resting on her face and slowly ran it down her body until it rested slightly under the waistband of her dark green drawstring pants.

I looked in her eyes for a moment and saw nothing but need and desire. Who am I to deny this amazing creature anything? I kissed her full lips once more before kissing down to the hollow of her neck. Moving my hand slowly under her waistband, I found myself shocked at what I found, or rather, didn't find.

"Going commando today, Isabella?" I immediately felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "Don't be embarrassed, darlin'. I find it incredibly sexy."

I gazed down at her beautiful body, tweaking her nipple for good measure, before stroking her cheek and brushing my lips softly against hers. My other hand slowly drifted lower. Over her taut stomach, around her hip and gently resting on her firm, tight ass.

After spending a few minutes savoring her delicious mouth, I once again placed my hand under her waistband and began my decent towards the one place I'm aching to discover. Gliding my fingers over her tiny bundle of nerves sent a shockwave of Bella's lust directly into me.

"Fuck, Bella. You're so wet," I murmured while stroking up and down her folds. I glanced up at my mate and saw her watching me with hooded eyes. The desire rolling off of her was all I needed to know that she was more than okay with me continuing with my task. I stroked her wetness a few more times while I claimed her lips. Bella wrapped her fingers through my hair to keep our mouths in contact while at the same time spreading her knees slightly to grant me easier access.

"Eager, my mate?"

"Yes, Jasper," she moaned into my mouth. "I need more."

"Tell me what you want, Bella." Those words are beginning to sound like my personal mantra. Maybe if I say them enough times she'll finally understand that I truly want to know. She has no problem using her words outside of the bedroom and I want her to feel equally as safe using them when it's just the two of us.

I start to rub a bit more fervently on her nerve center and she lets out a snarl that makes The Major purr with pride.

We like giving our mate pleasure.

"Your fingers, Jasper. I want your fingers inside me."

I feel my eyes turn black for a split second before returning to normal. "Good girl, Isabella."

I slowly kiss Bella while my fingers move once more down her slick folds and place two fingers at her entrance. With a final brush of our lips, I look into my mate's eyes as I enter her for the first time. I am surprised, yet happy, to find that Bella has no barrier to break through; I would hate for this to be uncomfortable for her. She stares up at me with a mixture of love and need before grinding herself on my digits.

"Fuck, Jasper. Feels so good…don't stop." I move my thumb around her clit and that's all it takes for her eyes to flutter closed and a whimper to escape her mouth. Her hands fly into her hair as she writhes underneath me and all I can think is that my Bella looks like an angel in the throes of passion.

"You like when I touch you, Bella?" I asked as I continue my ministrations. My mouth moves down her chest to suckle on her hardened nipple.

"God, yes," she wails. I feel her velvet walls begin to clench around my fingers and I know that she's almost ready to burst. Since I've never been one to play fair, I decided that offering her a bit of 'emotional stimulation' wouldn't go amiss. Her eyes open and I send her the strongest, purest jolt of lust I can manage.

Suddenly, her emotions closed off and I couldn't feel anything from her. She continued to grind against me and I continued my assault on her but before I knew it, her shield shot out of her in an explosion-like fashion. All the emotions I sent to her, plus all of her own crashed into me and I felt a slight tremble overtake me as Bella came for the first time. The walls of the bedroom began to shake and the mirror over my dresser crashed to the floor in a thousand pieces.

"Fuckin' hell, Jasper. What was that? Did I do that?" Bella looked terrified as if she had done something wrong.

"Well, darlin', as much as I would like to take credit for shaking the entire foundation of the house, I think we just found out how strong your shield truly is. You have quite the gift." I looked down at her for a minute before speaking. "How do you feel, Bella? Are you okay?"

"Okay, Jasper? That was brilliant." She crashed her lips to mine. "Is it always like that?"

"I sincerely hope so. You are beautiful when you climax, Bella. So open and free. If that's how it's gonna be every time we're together, I'll be the happiest man on the planet." I kissed her forehead before sitting up and adjusting my too-tight jeans.

Bella noticed my actions and gasped. "Jasper, you didn't…well, I mean…shouldn't I…"

I chuckled at her inability to form a complete sentence. I leaned down to kiss her gently before looking her straight in the eye. "I'm only gonna say this once, Isabella. I will wait as long as you need, but the first time you make me cum, it will be inside of you. You are my mate and I intend to claim you properly and fully so everyone knows who you belong to. Do you understand?"

"Yes, of course I do." She grazed her lips across mine. "Thank you, Jasper. Thank you for making that the most exquisite moment of my life."

"Oh, Bella, you have no idea. We're just getting started, darlin'."

She let out a giggle at my reply. "I guess Rose and Char were right."

"About what, darlin'?"

"About you, and…sex." Hmmm. Interesting. I wonder what kind of nonsense they're filling Bella's brain with.

"What did they tell you, Bella?"

She looks a bit sheepish as she answers me. "They said that it would be impossible for me to disappoint you. That you would always put my needs before yours when it comes to sex."

"They're right. When it comes to our physical relationship, especially at the beginning, nothing is more important than your comfort. If that means I don't get laid for the next decade then so be it. You are my only concern. And as for me being disappointed in you, Bella, I don't think it could ever happen. Nothing you could do, or ask for, or desire would make me think less of you. That's why it's good that we're communicating about these things, why I ask you to use your words. I want to know what you want so I can provide it for you. Don't ever be afraid of telling me your fantasies or desires. Half the fun is figuring out what really turns us on."

"You mean there's something better than what we just did?" She asked in shock.

"I told you, darlin'. We've barely scratched the surface." I began to pepper her beautiful face with kisses as I continued talking. "Wait until I get you in the lake." Kiss. "Or in the forest." Kiss. "Or bent over the kitchen table." Kiss. "There are so many things I want to do to you Bella. We're going to be very busy christening Peter's house."

She looked up at me with the same coy look as before. "Can we do it in the greenhouse?"

"Of course, my mate," I chuckle in response. "Anywhere you like."

"Oh. And, Jasper?" She looked at me, and although I could see that her eyes were serious, there was a giant streak of desire, and a bit of mirth, coursing through her.

"Yes?" I replied, matching her serious gaze.

"I think it will take considerably less than ten years before you can properly claim me," she says with a twinkle in her eye.

"Good to know, darlin'."

We laid there for a while enjoying the silence and each other's company before I heard the rest of the family gathering around the fire pit.

"What the fuck was that? We felt the walls of the greenhouse shake like the whole fucking building was gonna collapse." Charlotte.

"Indeed. JP and I felt it down near the lake where we were enjoying a lovely walk." Kate.

"I know. Em and I saw the trees start to sway. Felt like an earthquake." Rosalie.

"Yup. Miss Katherine and I had ta hightail it back ta the stables ta make sure the animals wasn't too shakin' up. Earthquakes give 'em a frightful scare." JP.

"I don't think that was an earthquake, guys. I have a feeling that we just got a taste of our little Swan's shield. Did none of you feel the emotions that shot out with the 'earthquake'?" Peter.

"You mean all that lust came from Bella? Maybe our dear little sister isn't as virginal as she would like us to believe." Emmett. "It's about fucking time, Bella."

Bella heard the entire conversation and I could tell that she was stuck between embarrassment and amusement. Her emotions bounced around for a while longer before she finally settled on determination and mischief.

"Okay, Emmett. You and me. Outside. Ten minutes. I'm gonna show you just what your 'dear little sister' is capable of. Get ready to scrap, brother." Bella looked at me with a bit of apprehension at how I would respond to her impromptu familial battle.

I stared at her in awe and sent her a wave of love and respect. No way my girl is going down without a fight. "What did I ever do to deserve you, Bella?"

She looked pensive for a moment. "I don't know. Maybe it's because you saved me from my possessive, manipulative dick of an ex-boyfriend who wanted me to be nothing more than a walking, talking juice box. Or maybe it's because you rescued me from a demented sociopath who wanted to use me as his fuck-toy/midnight-snack. Or maybe it's because I won't stand idly by and listen to my brother talk shit when I am more than capable of kicking his ass."

"I think I like option three." Bella took another quick shower to save herself any more embarrassment and we quickly made our way to the fire pit.

"Alright, Emmett. Let's do this."

-PPOV-

This shit is gonna be good. I'm not exactly sure what's about to go down, but I can feel it in my bones that we're about to see something epic.

As soon as Swan and The Major came downstairs from their bout of 'afternoon delight' I could see Emmett shifting in his seat like an excited puppy. I bet he's been itching to see Bella in action. Who doesn't love a good newborn fight?

The eight of us made our way into a clearing in the forest with Bella and Emmett standing 25 yards apart.

"You sure you wanna do this, Bells? No one would hold it against you if you decide to chicken out." Maybe it's me, but I think Emmett just may have a death wish.

"Not on your life, asshole. I'm not the same breakable little girl you knew back in Forks," Bella said with a smirk. "You need to realize, brother, that sometimes talking out of your ass isn't always the best course of action."

The three remaining guys took our places behind Emmett and the girls stood behind Swan. I saw Charlotte whisper something in Bella's ear. They're too far away for us to hear but as soon as I saw Rose look up at Emmett with a mixture of pity and glee I knew that we're all in for a hell of a show.

Bella leaned into a crouch and slowly began to stalk towards Em. He stood his ground and waited for her to make her move.

"Scared to move, Emmie?"

"Not on your life, Bells." With that Emmett took off. I took a slight step in front of Jasper and saw JP do the same thing. This may be a mock battle, but Bella is still The Major's mate and watching her in action put him on edge.

We watched as Em ran full strength directly at Bella. She managed to dodge his advance as she feigned to the left and Christ if she's not fast. I barely even saw her move but before she had a chance to turn around, Emmett regained his footing and delivered a well-placed kick to the middle of her back sending her flying into a nearby tree.

I placed a restraining hand in front of Jasper as I hear him growl.

"Take it easy, Major," I said, trying to calm him down. "They're just sparring. You know he would never hurt her." Another growl erupted from him but at least he took a step back.

Emmett made his way back to us while Bella headed towards the girls. After taking a cursory look at Jasper he turned to me. "Peter. Should we stop this? I honestly have no desire to see my head separated from my body."

"Not on your life, Em," called Bella. No way is she gonna back out of this now. "I was just beginning to enjoy myself here, Major, so back off and let me have my fun." She turned back to the girls and I saw Char give her some last minute advice.

Emmett was about to step back to the center of the clearing when Jasper pulled him aside and whispered in his ear, a dangerous glint in his eye.

"Emmett, I know you love Bella and that you consider her your sister. And logically I realize that you would never hurt her. But if you injure even a single hair on her head, I'll tear off your dick and use it as a door stop. Are we clear?"

Em visibly flinched at the words and took a deep gulp before answering. "Yes, Major. Crystal clear."

"Good. Now go take her down. Don't make us look weak in front in front of our mates." With that, Jasper pushed a slightly confused Emmett back into the clearing.

The four girls were crowded together and a new flash of information crashed into my head.

Oh, yes. This is gonna be fun.

Bella and Em once again faced each other and I saw a steely determination in Bella's eyes. She took off first heading straight for Emmett. He mirrored her movements and lunged straight for her neck. She managed to drop to the ground and he flew over her, landing unceremoniously on his ass. He jumped up and ran towards her again just to be caught with Bella's clothesline to the neck. She looked pleased as punch while Emmett looked like he was about to get seriously pissed off.

"Don't worry, Emmie. I promise not to hurt you too badly."

No sooner had the words left her mouth when Emmett came rushing at a very unprepared Bella.

"Bella!" Char yelled. Bella immediately turned her attention to Em and dodged a punch to the face.

The next thing I saw almost blew my mind. I have never seen a newborn fight like Bella was fighting. She looked like she'd been doing it for decades. It took Jasper about 15 years to get me to the level that Bella seems to be at now. She was jumping and running, kicking and punching, all of it too fast for me to keep up with. Emmett appeared to be struggling and very confused as to what was going on.

I looked behind me and saw a stunned expression on Jasper's face. Proud, yes. But incredibly surprised. None of us had ever seen this before and we sure as shit didn't know what to make of it. Just then I had one of my brilliant ideas.

"Bella, stop." They immediately turned to face me. "Kate. How are you in a fight?"

She looked at me in shock. "To be honest, dear Peter, I've never excelled at one to one combat. I'm more of a thinker than a doer. I prefer to read about battle, not engage in it."

"Perfect. Emmett! Try to fight Katie next. I think you should start off easy but, if my theory is correct, you're about to get your ass kicked once again."

Kate went to talk to the girls to get some pointers before turning to Emmett. They started off taking it easy on one another but I could see Kate itching for more. After dodging a kick to the face, Emmett turned up the heat and I could see a feral glint in Katie's eye. All of the sudden we were watching a replay of Bella's fight. Kate was sparring like she's been doing it forever and it was a thing of beauty. She was magnificent and she had her teeth placed at Emmett's jugular in minutes.

Emmett walked away muttering under his breath and we could tell that he was none too happy. I pulled him aside for a moment.

"Don't worry, Em. This has nothing to do with you. Watch what's about to happen. Major! You're up. Katherine, get ready. You're about to fight a horse of a different color."

"Peter, are you insane. I could kill her by accident. She may be older than me but she has no training. No experience." Jasper looked at me like I had grown a second head.

"I believe Jasper may be right, Peter. I have no idea how I managed to win against my dear brother, but I believe that fighting Jasper could be dangerous." Kate sounded scared at the prospect of sparring against The Major but I know I'm right about this.

"Please, guys. Trust me. I know that neither of you will be hurt and I promise to explain what's going on as soon as you're done." They both nodded at me and began to circle one another.

I swear to God. If I hadn't seen this shit with my own eyes, I would never have believed it. It took Katie less than three minutes to have The God of War face down in the dirt with her teeth at his neck.

She ran over to the girls and they began whooping it up like a couple of high school cheerleaders.

The four of us men crowded together with varying degrees of shock written across our faces, none more so than Jasper.

"What the fuck was that, Peter. How in the world did a female with absolutely no training take me down in mere minutes?" I smirked at him for a second before the girls joined us.

"Looks like you boys aren't as fuck-awesome as you thought you were." Ah…leave it to my Charlotte to speak the truth. "But honestly, babe, what the hell is going on? I thought I was the only one who could fight like that."

"Indeed you are, my little minx." I pulled my mate towards me and gave her a kiss on the temple. "Do you all remember what I said about what would happen when these four girls got together?"

"No fucking way, Peter. You can't be serious." Jasper managed to figure out what was going on while everyone else is looking at each other in confusion.

"Please, Peter. Spit it out already," pleads Bella.

"You all know that Charlotte fought in the wars with us. What you may not know is that she is an incredible fighter. I have only seen one female beat The Major in hand to hand combat and live to tell the tale. You're lookin' right at her." Char ducked her head into my chest at the praise. "We never thought of it as an actual gift. As soon as I realized she was my mate, I started giving her extra training to ensure she could protect herself. I just assumed she was a quick study."

"Char. Why didn't you tell us?" asked Rose.

"Frankly I just forgot. I hated fighting. Just because I excelled at it doesn't mean I liked it. I did what needed to be done, but as soon as I had the chance to stop, I did. Peter and I walked away and never looked back."

"Are you saying that her combat skills are an offensive gift, Captain?"

"It appears to be so, Major. When the girls first got together, Bella's shield went into overdrive. Then Katie's electric touch went all pyro. Now it looks like my little Char-babe passed along some of her super-badass fight club moves. This shit keeps getting better and better."

I glanced at Bella and I could tell that she was trying to process this new bit of information. Everyone else started talking to one another and a few minutes passed before Bella finally spoke up.

"Okay. Everybody hold on for just a cotton-pickin' minute," she said.

"'Cotton-pickin' minute'?" Char grumbled. "Who the fuck does she think she is? Yosemite Sam?"

"Are you trying to tell me, Petey, that when the four of us are together, Char's combat skills somehow seep into us and we become some kind of elite fight squad?"

"Yep. Pretty much," I respond.

After a few minutes spent processing what she'd learned, Bella spoke. "Okay. Cool." She curled into Jaspers side and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I want to test out your theory, brother. I want to see how far we can go without actually inflicting gross bodily injury," Jasper said.

"Sounds like a plan, Major. Boys against girls. Just like in middle school."

"As entertaining as this endeavor sounds, do you gentlemen mind if I take leave of this exercise? I've already engaged in mock-battle today and I have no desire to repeat the experience." Kate looked at the boys and we all nodded at her. She started to walk away but before she got too far she turned to the girls. "Enjoy sparring with your mates, ladies. And kick their respective asses." With that she launched herself onto a nearby tree branch and the girls erupted in giggles.

"I believe I will join Miss Katherine. Fightin' has never been my strong suit and I don' have much of a stomach fer it." JP took his leave and joined Katie on her branch.

"I guess it's just the six of us. You girls ready? We can give you a minute to check your lipstick if you need it." Maybe goading them isn't the best idea I've ever had but I can't resist seeing the indignant looks on their faces.

"Laugh it up, asswipe. You haven't seen me fight yet, Peter, but I can promise you that I wasn't born yesterday," Rose says.

"You can say that again, sis," Bella muttered under her breath. Rose shot her a death glare before cracking an evil little smile at us guys.

Less than ten seconds later all hell broke loose. I don't know who's fighting whom; all I see are limbs and teeth. We're running and diving, jumping and swinging. A well-placed kick to the gut here, a roundhouse to the head there. I have a feeling that the girls are taking us to task, but before I can make an accurate assessment of the situation I hear a voice I haven't heard in twenty years.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY IS GOING ON HERE?"

We all stop what we're doing, look at the damage we've caused to the surrounding forest, take in our disheveled appearances, and turn to the voice. If I thought our fearsome-foursome was scary, I was sorely mistaken. The two tiny females standing in front of us, wearing matching scowls, is a frightening sight indeed.

"Hi, Mom." Rose.

"Hi, Mama." Char.

"Hello, Mother." Kate.

"Howdy." JP.

"Ladies." Jasper.

"Hey, Auntie Carmen." Emmett.

"ESME!" Bella.

"Oh, fuck!" Me.

A/N – And there it is. I promise that this is the last you will see of overly angsty Bella. She finally got a taste of what Jasper can do for her and I believe that she is ready to find out more. And I know we're all wondering about poor Alice, but fear not my pretties. All will be revealed in time. Thanks for the reviews and we love you all!