Sorry for the lack of teaser last week! RL has been quite the big bitch lately... but here is the teaser for chapter 8. I hope y'all enjoy... the chapter should be finished and posted in a few days.
***
“Oh Belly Bean, don’t be ashamed of what you two did last night… and this morning. Ain’t nothing to be ashamed about with the way he was making you scream girl. Woo child!” he exclaimed, pretending to fan himself. I was almost positive that I was a lovely shade of beet root as I snuggled into Jasper’s side, trying in any way to hide myself from this torture. Jasper chuckled.
“You better not be laughing at me!”
“I wouldn’t do such a thing Darlin’. My momma raised me better.”
“I don’t believe you,” I said, smiling slightly.
There was a knock at the door and I could only assume it was Charlotte. I yelled for her to come in and when the door opened, I was surprised to see Peter following his wife. “Petey!” I exclaimed, running over to him and leaping into his waiting arms. He swung me around and I giggled like a giddy school girl.
“Hey Kitten!” Peter chuckled, setting me back down on my feet.
“Drew, I’d like you to meet Char’s other half, Peter. Peter, this is my roommate, Drew.”
For the first time since I’d met him, Drew was absolutely speechless as he looked at Peter. “Drew?”
Nothing.
“Earth to Drew.”
Still nothing.
“Oh my god! It’s Brad Pitt!” I yelled excitedly, pointing at the window. But he still wasn’t moving. His coffee cup was still halfway to his lips, frozen in place.
“Is he okay?” Charlotte asked and even I could feel her concern for her new friend.
“I think he has a crush on Peter,” Jasper said, amused. I walked over to Drew and waved my hand right in front of his face. There was no response.
“What the hell did you do to my roommate Peter?” I shrieked, knowing full well that Peter didn’t do anything.
“I didn’t do it Kitten, I swear!”
The only thing I could think of doing was our ‘in case of emergency’ move. We had agreed on said move when he first moved in and said in case anything happened and one of us was either a) hysterical or b) completely out of it, we should use ‘the move’. Neither of us had needed it in the past and I figured that this was about as much of an emergency as ever. I sighed before reeling my hand back and slapping him across the face.
“Oh!” Peter guffawed as Drew’s head whipped to the side. The coffee was sloshing out of the cup and my hand stung like a son-of-a-bitch. Charlotte and Jasper were trying to stifle their laughter. Peter on the other hand was laughing like it was going out of style.
“Did you just bitch slap me?” Drew said quietly, rubbing the now red cheek that I slapped.
“It was an emergency. You were practically catatonic,” I explained.
He looked over at Peter again and started blushing furiously. “Oh be still my beating heart!” he exclaimed, clutching his heart dramatically.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesdays Teaser: Chapter 8
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesdays Teaser
Since it's Tuesday... y'all know what that mean; you get a sneak peek at chapter 7 of The Art of Redemption. Sorry it's coming so late in the evening though, we had some errands to run in the middle of a snow storm. We currently have about 4 inches and are expected to still get more. Oh boy.
Anywho... here's the Tuesday Teaser of chapter 7! As always, it's unedited so please excuse any mistakes.
***
In the blink of an eye, I had Peter pinned to the wall with one of my hands around his neck. I could feel Bella’s fear for Peter and reveled in it; her fear feeding the monster within.
“Jasper let him go!” Bella screamed and he roared again.
“Who the fuck do you think you are? Touchin’ my mate?! Keep your hands off of what don’t belong to you! She is MINE!” I roared and Peter smirked. I could still feel Bella’s terror but it was masked by a shit storm of anger.
“Jasper Whitlock, let go of Peter or so help me…” Bella said authoritatively. I didn’t relent. This fucker would have to learn. He can’t go around kissin’ my girl and get away with that shit. “I said let him go. NOW!” she roared. I could feel her eyes glaring at me. My grip on Peter’s neck loosened as I let him go.
When I turned around, I was met with the beautiful site of Bella’s fury. She was glaring daggers at me and, if looks could kill, I would be nothing but a smoldering pile of ash at her feet. Her jaw clenched and unclenched as she continued to glare at me. Her eyes were getting darker and darker with each passing second.
“Thanks Kitten,” Peter said quietly to Bella. She looked at him and her expression softened as she smiled at him. Then it went right back to scowling when she looked back at me. She pinched the bridge of her nose – something she picked up from Edward – before speaking.
“You’re no different than Edward is. Well newsflash, I don’t fucking belong to anyone!”
“Isabella…” I started, but she cut me off.
“I don’t want to fucking hear it. I’m out of here… and don’t even fucking think about following me or you’re or I’ll make sure you see some shit you obviously don’t want to see,” she said, spinning on her heel and running towards the door.
Big fuckin’ mistake. You don’t run away from the Major. He didn’t like it. “Isabella!”
“Fuck you!”
I was in front of her in a heartbeat and had her up against a wall, with one hand on each side of her. Peter and Charlotte weren’t far behind me. “Where do you think you’re goin’ Little Girl?”
Her eyes narrowed. But she said nothing.
“You’d do well to answer me,” I said, nuzzling her neck. I could feel her resolve starting to waver.
“Fuck you.”
“That could be arranged.”
“Go to hell.”
“Isabella…” she was still angry, but lust was starting to take over. Then it went right back to anger.
“If you think you scare me, you’re more delusional than I thought,” she said calmly. I checked her emotions and there was anger, a ton of anger, and lust. But there wasn’t an ounce of fear to be felt. “Let me go Jasper. NOW!” I reluctantly took a step back and she scooted around me and out the door.
I looked at Pete and Char, not sure what to do. Peter looked over at Charlotte and nodded his head in the direction of the door.
“Wait for me Sug!” she yelled before running to catch up with Bella.
“I fucked that up didn’t I?” I asked Peter, turning to look at him.
“Yup.”
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Art of Redemption: Chapter 6
The Art of Redemption
Chapter 6
PPOV
Jasper was a fuckin' moron. A moron who didn't know what the hell he had, even if it was starin' him right in the face. How could he not see how perfect Kitten was for him? How could he not see that she was his true mate? In all my years, I ain't ever seen the Major take to a human like he had Bella Swan. Hell, I ain't ever seen him take to a human… unless he was eatin' 'em.
But Kitten was different. She would be his rock and not take any of his shit. She would help him reclaim who he was while lettin' the Major shine through. She was just like him too… except she had a pussy. And I knew he could feel the pull to her, he just wouldn't acknowledge it. Yet.
Char and I had known all along that Alice wasn't his mate. The Major's mate would have to be strong and be able to put up with his shit without takin' any of it. Not turn him into some overeager Bambi-munchin' lapdog that would do as he was told, when he was told to do it.
So here I was keys in hand and ready to go talk some sense into him. Just as I was about to open the door, my gorgeous wife wrapped her arms around my body. "Where do ya think you're goin' Sug?" she purred seductively.
He's gonna fuckin' owe me.
God help me, I really didn't want to say this. "The Major needs me Char."
I heard her sigh before she pulled away and I turned to face her. "Make him understand Peter. He's finally found her… don't let him fuck it up and lose her," she said with a smile. She didn't have to say it, but I knew Char was excited to meet her new sister. Even without meeting her, she was attached to her and it was going to be hard to keep her away for much longer. If I was bein' honest, I was pretty sure she already had Kitten's room done.
After a less than chaste kiss with the wifey, I jumped in the Tahoe and was on the way to Kitten's apartment building to straighten out the mess the Major had caused. Or, at least, preventin' said mess from happening.
It didn't take long to get to her apartment building. From what I could tell, she lived in a nice area; it wasn't a cheap building but it suited her and her lifestyle just fine. I parked the Tahoe next to a new black Camaro. When I got out of the truck, I could smell both Jasper and Kitten near the car. I could only assume it was hers.
She's got taste. I'll give her that.
Something told me to go to the back of the building. So that's where I went. My 'gift' had never steered me wrong before so I sure as fuck wasn't gonna question it now. I had always been, even as a human, able to see what others couldn't. Now, I couldn't see the future like the pocket pixie but most of the time… I just knew shit. And it's because of that that I was currently standing below Kitten's balcony trying to sort out this mess and make the Major see the truth.
I leapt up and landed on the balcony that Jasper had been frequenting every night for the last week or so. Inside, I could hear Kitten's steady breathin' and heartbeat indicatin' that she was fast asleep.
"What the fuck do you want?" Jasper hissed from inside the apartment.
"To talk," I said as I jiggled the handle to the French door. The door was unlocked so it opened easily and I stepped through the sheer green curtain and into her room. Her room was clean with just enough disarray to make it have a homey feel to it with framed pictures on every free surface.
Bella's delicate, slightly tropical scent permeated the air. But instead of wanting to drain her dry, I wanted to protect her. Protect her from the evils of the world… protect her from heartache. Jasper snorted.
"That happens a lot around her. That sudden urge to protect her," he said quietly as he looked at the sleeping girl in his arms. He had his right arm around her body while she was snuggled against his body, her arms clinging to him for dear life. She fit against him perfectly. I smiled.
"What's so amusin'?"
"You."
"What the fuck you talkin' 'bout?"
"It's just…fuck man, I've never seen you this comfy with a human. You're either ignorin' 'em or eatin' 'em. Not snugglin' up with 'em."
"I ain't snugglin'. And Bella's… different."
"No shit she's different. Jesus, can't you see what's right in front of you? I know you're supposed to be smarter and wiser but Major, you're a dumbass." I walked over and sat down on the end of the bed. When I put my hand on her covered foot, Jasper growled in warning.
"Don't touch her," he hissed and it was pretty fuckin' clear that the Major was protectin' his little lady.
I didn't move my hand. Instead, I just smiled. "See, that shit right there, that's what I'm talkin' about. You're protectin' her for a reason Major." His jaw was clenched and his eyes were fixated on the hand I had on Bella's foot. He growled again and I removed my hand. I really didn't want to lose it, that shit hurts.
"Why?"
"It's simple. She belongs to you just as much as you belong to her. Major, she's your mate. And whether you realize it or not, you already love her, just like she already loves you."
I could see that he was warring with himself. A part of him was happy that he had finally found her. The other part was confused as all get out. He furrowed his brows and slowly shook his head 'no'. "She can't be my mate Peter. I tried to attack her four years ago. It's not possible."
"For fucks sake Major, you weren't gonna eat her. She's your brother's singer; you were protectin' her from his crazy ass."
"No. I felt the bloodlust."
"Yeah, his and everyone else's. Let's say you were gonna try to make her a snack, as soon as you touched her, you would have stopped."
"How can you be sure?"
"I just know shit."
"Why are you so protective of her?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Because she's yours. You would protect Char and I would protect Kitten here."
He looked at the sleeping beauty in his arms and smiled before leaning down and kissing her forehead. Now I wasn't normally one for all the mushy love shit but this… this was somethin' else. To see Maria's right hand bein' this close and tender with a human was nothin' short of spectacular.
"Let me ask you this. Is there any goin' back for you now?" When he didn't respond I knew I had my answer. I got up off the bed and walked back to the door. "Bring her by the house. Char is itchin' to meet her new sister and it would be nice if I could officially meet her too." Jasper nodded. I was about to walk out the door when I remembered one thing. "Oh, and Jasper? I told you this would be better than the balcony."
And with one final growl from the Major, I was gone and on my way back home. After all, I had me a woman to get back to.
JPOV
Mate? I had been around hundreds of mated pairs throughout my existence but I couldn't even tell that I was mated; to a human no less. Sure, the physical attraction had been there, how could it not be? And that invisible pull to her had been gettin' stronger and stronger from the first day I saw her at Forks High. But I had always believed that it was the call of her blood, not the call of her.
I don't know what frustrated me more: the fact that I didn't know she was mine, the fact that Peter had pointed it out, or the fact that Alice had flat out lied to me in that diner and every day for the last sixty years. I had loved her with every fiber of my being but even I knew deep down, if it came to my own life or hers, I would choose my own life every time without question.
That should have been my first clue.
But without Alice would I have met Bella? Was that her plan all along?
I didn't know.
Watching Bella sleep peacefully beside me was heaven and I now understood what Edward liked about it so much. Aside from the snoring, she was quite entertaining to listen to. She said the darndest things as she slept and I found myself laughing quietly at her ramblings about flying monkeys and magic bananas.
I looked down at my Bella and smiled. She was so beautiful. My chest ached to hold her; to protect her; to love her. She deserved the whole world and I would to do everything in my power to make her happy for the rest of my existence. It was funny to actually think that at one time I had wanted to destroy the creature that was snuggled into my side, all for the sake of saving the family. But now, all I wanted to do was to make her smile and call her mine.
She shifted slightly in the bed and curled further into me; her head was in the crook of my arm and her arm across my torso. I momentarily thought about shifting her away, but before I could act, she sighed in contentment and said the one word I didn't even know I had longed to hear. "Jasper."
My breath caught in my throat and before I could think, I pulled her body closer to me. This only caused her to wiggle further into me and sigh again. My dead heart swelled with love for the woman in my arms. I knew now that I wanted her more than anything else in this world. Peter was right and I knew I couldn't deny my feelings anymore, and to be honest, I didn't want to. I knew then that I was falling in love with Isabella Swan.
And that terrified me.
I didn't know how long I had watched her sleep. It could have been minutes or it could have been hours but her heart rate and breathing began to pick up lettin' me know that my Bella was wakin' up. She stirred before stretching and let out a contented sigh. "Mornin' Darlin'," I drawled before leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead.
She looked up at me and smiled. "You stayed."
"I told you I would. Did ya know you snore?"
Her brow furrowed. "I do not."
"You do. You also talk in your sleep."
"So I've been told," she mumbled. She finally let me go and slid out from under the covers, her tiny tank top rising well above her belly button. It took all of my strength to not throw her down on the bed and claim her.
"Hey Bella?"
She stopped right before the door to the master bathroom and turned to face me. "Yeah?"
"Do you want to go back to my place today?"
She froze. "Um… sure," she said with a slow, hesitant nod of her head. "Just let me get a shower and something to eat. Um, do you think you can get a pot of coffee going?"
"Sure Darlin'."
She smiled before turning and going into the bathroom. When I heard the shower turn on, I left the bedroom and headed for the kitchen. The kitchen was small, but seemed to fit Bella to a 'T'. The black Mr. Coffee coffee pot was sitting on top of the granite countertops. The coffee was sitting right next to it.
I stared at the small black appliance. The last time I had made 'coffee' was 1863, back when we had to use chicory or peanuts because of those fuckin' Union blockades. And we didn't have a fuckin' Mr. Coffee.
It didn't take long to figure out how to work the coffeepot. I filled the pot with water and poured it into the reservoir and scooped some of the ground coffee into the holder. I pressed start and prayed for the best.
It wasn't that hard to make coffee.
BPOV
The shower felt amazing. All the stress from yesterday just seemed to wash away down the drain. Ray had just flat pissed me the fuck off. Does he seriously think he can treat me like that? I've been controlled enough in my life… Edward was controlling enough for a thousand lifetimes.
Edward.
I had said that I hated him. In hindsight, I didn't hate him but I still did want to see him suffer to some extent like I had. Okay, maybe not just like I had- I loved his family too much to watch Victoria destroy them, well, except for maybe Rosalie. That bitch has some issues. But I meant what I said when I called him a prissy-assed douchebag. What can I say? Jasper brings it out. Literally.
Jasper.
When it came to him, I was just confused. There was definitely a fair share of sexual attraction. Hell, that's been there the first day I saw him back in the Forks High cafeteria. But now things seemed different, especially after last night. It was weird to think that he knew exactly what I needed, when I needed it. What was weirder though was the ache in my chest that I had when he wasn't near. Even now, with him in the other room, I could feel it. It wasn't severe, but it was there. And I didn't understand it.
Did he feel it too?
What did it mean?
I'm pretty sure I knew what it meant… but it terrified me more than James or Victoria ever could. I was dangerously close to falling in love with Jasper Whitlock.
I turned off the hot water and grabbed the fluffy blue towel from the bar by the shower before wrapping it around my body. I stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off before putting on some coconut scented body lotion. I took the towel and quickly towel dried my hair, letting it fall wherever it did. I guess the one benefit to short hair was that I could get away with that shit.
When I was satisfied with my hair, I wrapped the towel back around my body and stepped into my room. The temperature difference sent a shiver down my spine and I found myself running around my room to quickly gather my clothes. I settled on a pair of medium wash 'destroyed' skinny jeans, a black button down cable knit cardigan, and a pair of black scrunchy boots that hit just above the ankle and had a two inch heel. Pleased with what I saw in the full length mirror, I made my way to the kitchen.
Jasper was sitting at the kitchen table and had a lazy smile on his handsome face. The scent of coffee certainly did not go missed; it smelt like freshly ground heaven.
"I don't know how you can drink that shit Bella," he said while chuckling and shaking his head.
I snorted as I walked over to the coffee pot. "First off, my blood type is Folgers. Second, you're one to talk; you drink blood. In comparison, I don't think my coffee is that bad." I added some French vanilla creamer and a touch of sugar to the coffee and, after giving it a quick stir, I took a sip.
Big mistake.
I slapped my free hand across my mouth, trying hard to not spit the coffee out, and I'm pretty sure my eyes bugged out of my head as I choked the bitter liquid down. Jasper was in complete hysterics and about to fall out of the chair from laughing so hard. "Jesus! I like my coffee strong; not lethal! How many scoops did you put in there?"
"Scoops?"
"Yeah, that little black scoop next to the coffeepot."
"Oh."
I giggled because it was just that fucking funny. "You know what, I'll just stop at Starbucks and call it a day."
He scratched the back of his head, "sorry 'bout your coffee Darlin'." He looked almost… bashful. It was absolutely adorable, and so human. I walked over, propped up on my tip toes and pecked his cheek.
"It's the thought that counts." I walked over and grabbed my purse and keys from the coffee table. "Ready?" I asked, twirling my keys around my finger and walking towards the door.
"Ready when you are, Darlin'."
Jasper put his hand on the small of my back and led me out the door. I may have swooned just a bit. We made our way down in amicable silence. When we got outside, the sun was shining brightly, even though it was relatively cool. Luckily for us, there was still a bit of shade in front of the parking lot.
"I guess I'll go get the car," I said before taking off towards the Camaro. When I got in, I re-adjusted the seat since Jasper had driven me home last night after the little incident at the gym. I put the car in reverse and pulled out of the parking spot, meeting Jasper right in front of the building.
It didn't take long for me to get to Starbucks to order a caramel macchiato. After I received my coffee, we were once again off to… wherever. Much to my relief, we avoided any discussion about last night's events.
"Can I ask you something?" Jasper asked somewhat hesitantly.
"You kinda just did."
"Funny. But I'm serious."
"Well, since you're serious and all, shoot."
"What happened to you and Jake?"
And there it was; the million dollar fucking question. I took a deep breath and tried to figure out the best way to put it. There was really only one way to put it. "I broke his heart, and then disappeared without a trace." I left it at that, he didn't need to know the specifics and, thankfully, he didn't pry.
Truth be told, I was ashamed.
"Do you keep in touch with anyone in Forks?"
"Seth Clearwater. Charlie was going to marry his mom Sue and he and I got really close. He's three years younger than me and I truly consider him a little brother. His mother couldn't really afford his tuition, and he really wanted to go to college, so I'm paying for his tuition that scholarships and grants won't cover with the life insurance money I got after…yeah. He doesn't know where I'm at or any specifics because of the whole pack telepathy but he knows I'm still alive and happy. His sister Leah's a piece of work though. We hate each other, and it works for us."
Jasper must have felt my somber mood because I was hit with a wave of happiness. I smiled and thanked him.
"So, Peter and Char are really excited to meet you."
I tensed; he hadn't mentioned them when he invited me over. "Should I be worried?" I asked nervously.
"No, you're safe with me Darlin'. I'd never let anyone hurt ya," he said with conviction.
"I trust you."
We drove for another twenty minutes before he had me turn onto an unmarked road which was obviously a very long private drive. At the top of the driveway, the huge black metal gate was already opening. "Told ya they were excited."
We pulled up to a Spanish-style stucco home that had a rust colored tiled roof and arches over the doors and windows. The yard was perfectly green and landscaped. It was stunning and not at all what I had expected. I said the only thing I could think of. "Wow." I put the car in park in front of the house and Jasper hopped out of the passenger side and rushed to my side to open my door. Apparently, chivalry wasn't dead.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and took his offered hand. "Thank you," I said with a sincere smile.
"C'mon, there's more to see," he said, pulling me towards the house. The house was big. Not Cullen big but big. I still didn't see the need for such an extravagant home, but I wasn't going to say anything. Jasper led me across the tiled walkway, stopping to pick a red rose from one of the rose bushes. He quickly stripped the flower of thorns before holding it out to me. I took the rose and held it up to my nose, breathing in the sweet scent. "A beautiful rose for a beautiful girl," he said with a crooked smile; one of them daze-inducing, panty-wetting, swoon-worthy smiles. Yeah, I think all of the above may have happened… I know at least one did and, judging by the darker color of Jasper's eyes, he knew it too.
When we got to the door, he opened it and led me through, never once taking his hand off the small of my back. We stepped through the door into the foyer. From what I could see, the house was just as amazing inside as it was on the out. My heels clacked on the hardwood floors as we walked further into the house.
From what I assumed was the living room, came a pastier version of Josh Lucas from his role in 'Sweet Home Alabama'. He had short, dirty blonde hair, twinkling red eyes, and one hell of a sexy swagger.
I could so get used to hanging around all this man candy.
The Josh Lucas look-alike, whom I'm assuming was Peter, stopped in front of me and stared for a moment, looking me up and down before smirking.
Was he checking me out?
"Bella, this is my brother Peter. Peter, this is Bella."
Peter took my hand and looked right into my eyes as he took my hand and brought it to his lips. "Enchanté," he said seductively. And for a moment, just a moment, I forgot about everything in that room other than Peter and his enchanting crimson eyes.
Son of a bitch! I was just dazzled!
Peter chuckled before pulling away. I crossed my arms and pouted. "Stupid dazzling vampires," I mumbled, knowing full well that they heard me. It just caused Peter to chuckle again.
"It's not like Jasper to bring home take-out," he said with an eerie calm. I'm pretty sure I lost a shit ton of color and started to look as pale as the vampires in the room. This just caused Peter to guffaw loudly and Jasper hissed disapprovingly.
"You… should have… seen… your face!" Peter ground out, still laughing his ass off.
Jasper glared at Peter and growled. It was the first time I had seen him this murderous since the James incident. I'll admit, it was a little scary… but he also looked pretty damn fuckable. He glanced at me, eyebrow raised, before turning the mega stink-eye back onto Peter. "What the fuck are you tryin' to pull?"
"Oh don't get your panties in a knot Major; I was just breakin' the ice." He took a step closer to me, grinning, with an extended hand. When I looked up to Jasper to see if it was safe, he nodded his head to let me know that it was. I tentatively took his hand. "Peter Whitlock ma'am. I didn't frighten ya now did I?"
"Just remember Peter, fire and ice run through these veins and if you ever pull that shit again, I won't hesitate to light your ass on fire," I said sweetly, smiling and batting my eyelashes. It was Peter's turn to look remotely scared and Jasper started busting up.
Peter composed himself before putting his arm around my shoulder and pulling me away from Jasper, who in turn growled again. "Kitten, you and I are gonna be like peas and carrots. C'mon, I think I hear my wife pullin' up." He started leading me through the house. When I looked back at Jasper, he was standing in the same exact place, wide-eyed and completely speechless.
"You just gonna stand there Major or you comin' with us?" Peter took a deep breath before saying, "by the way Kitten, you smell delicious." He grabbed my ass and gave it a firm squeeze. And just what did I do? I giggled, I fucking giggled.
"PETER!" Jasper roared before he was by my side in an instant and I was back in his arms.
It was going to be an interesting Sunday.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday...erm... Wednesday Teaser
This was honestly supposed to be up yesterday. Unfortunately, I've been without power and internet for over thirty hours now thanks to some badass windstorm that killed eleven power poles. Now I'm rentin' me a nice humongous generator and it is as loud as loud can be. Anyway without any more delay, the teaser for chapter 6 of The Art of Redemption.
PPOV
Jasper was a fuckin’ moron. A moron who didn’t know what the hell he had, even if it was starin’ him right in the face. How could he not see how perfect Kitten was for him? How could he not see that she was his true mate? In all my years, I ain’t ever seen the Major take to a human like he had Bella Swan. Hell, I ain’t ever seen him take to a human… unless he was eatin’ ‘em.
But Kitten was different. She would be his rock and not take any of his shit. She would help him reclaim who he was while lettin’ the Major shine through. She was just like him too… except she had a pussy. And I knew he could feel the pull to her, he just wouldn’t acknowledge it.
Char and I had known all along that Alice wasn’t his mate. The Major’s mate would have to be strong and be able to put up with his shit without takin’ any of it. Not turn him into some overeager Bambi-munchin’ lapdog that would do as he was told, when he was told to do it.
So here I was keys in hand and ready to go talk some sense into him. Just as I was about to open the door, my gorgeous wife wrapped her arms around my body. “Where do ya think you’re goin’ Sug?” she purred seductively.
He’s gonna fuckin’ owe me.
God help me, I really didn’t want to say this. “The Major needs me Char.”
I heard her sigh before she pulled away and I turned to face her. “Make him understand Peter. He’s finally found her… don’t let him fuck it up and lose her,” she said with a smile. She didn’t have to say it, but I knew Char was excited to meet her new sister. Even without meeting her, she was attached to her and it was going to be hard to keep her away for much longer. If I was bein’ honest, I was pretty sure she already had Kitten’s room done.
After a less than chaste kiss with the wifey, I jumped in the Tahoe and was on the way to Kitten’s apartment building to straighten out the mess the Major had caused. Or, at least, preventin’ said mess from happening.
It didn’t take long to get to her apartment building. From what I could tell, she lived in a nice area. It wasn’t cheap building but it suit her just fine. I parked the Tahoe next to a new black Camaro. When I got out of the truck, I could smell both Jasper and Kitten near the car. I could only assume it was hers.
She’s got taste. I’ll give her that.
Something told me to go to the back of the building. So that’s where I went. My ‘gift’ had never steered me wrong before so I sure as fuck wasn’t gonna question it now. I had always been, even when I was human, able to see what others couldn’t. Now, I couldn’t see the future like the pocket pixie but most of the time… I just knew shit. And it’s because of that that I was currently standing below Kitten’s balcony trying to sort out this mess and make the Major see the truth.
I leapt up and landed on the balcony that Jasper had been frequenting every night for the last week or so. Inside, I could hear Kitten’s steady breathin’ and heartbeat indicating that she was fast asleep.
“What the fuck do you want?” Jasper hissed from inside the apartment.
“To talk,” I said as I jiggled the handle to the French door. The door was unlocked so it opened easily and I stepped through the sheer green curtain and into her room. Her room was clean with just enough disarray to make it have a homey feel to it with pictures on every free surface.
Bella’s delicate, slightly tropical scent permeated the air. But instead of wanting to drain her dry, I wanted to protect her. Protect her from the evils of the world… protect her from heartache. Jasper snorted.
“That happens a lot around her. That sudden urge to protect her,” he said quietly as he looked at the sleeping girl in his arms. He had his right arm around her body while she was snuggled against his body, her arms clinging to him for dear life. She fit against him perfectly. I smiled.
“What’s so amusin’?”
“You.”
“What the fuck you talkin’ ‘bout?”
“It’s just…fuck man, I’ve never seen you this comfy with a human. You’re either ignoring ‘em or eatin’ ‘em. Not snugglin’ up with ‘em.”
“I ain’t snugglin’. And Bella’s… different.”
“No shit she’s different. Jesus, can’t you see what’s right in front of you?” I walked over and sat down on the end of the bed. When I put my hand on her covered foot, Jasper growled in warning.
“Don’t touch her,” he hissed and it was pretty fuckin’ clear that the Major was protectin’ his little lady.
I didn’t move my hand. Instead, I just smiled. “See, that shit right there, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. You’re protectin’ her for a reason Major.” His jaw was clenched and his eyes were fixated on the hand I had on Bella’s foot. He growled again and I removed my hand. I really didn’t want to lose it, that shit hurts.
“Why?”
“It’s simple. She belongs to you just as much as you belong to her. Major, she’s your mate. And whether you realize it or not, you already love her, just like she already loves you.”
I could see that he was warring with himself. A part of him was happy that he had finally found her. The other part was confused as all get out. He furrowed his brows and slowly shook his head no. “She can’t be my mate Peter. I tried to attack her four years ago. It’s not possible.”
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Art of Redemption: Chapter 3 teaser
Hello my lovely readers!
I know...long time no post. Things have been a little crazy lately and I am slowly getting back on track. I don't know when the next chapter for LG will come, but I am working on it; it has been, yet again, reworked. Future events are changing and I have a million and one ideas running through that crazy thing I call a mind and it's just a matter of getting them out. Thank you all for being so patient...I hope that, in the meantime, you are all enjoying my new story!
Anyway, without further ado, the teaser for chapter 3 of TAoR!
***
I couldn’t help but agree with Peter though. Bella looked good tonight…Bella looked real good in them short Daisy Duke’s, tight tank top that was showin’ just the right amount of her pale skin and…fuck me, she was wearing cowboy boots. Her hair looked like she had just crawled out of my bed and ran her fingers through it.
Wait…what the fuck?
I continued to watch her, like I had done all week on the balcony outside her bedroom, and still couldn’t figure her out. She had completely changed from the girl I knew before. This Bella, the new Bella, had a quiet confidence that made her sexy as hell. But, she still had remnants of her old self. She still enjoyed reading classic novels, and her normal day-to-day attire hadn’t changed much.
“You do know your starin’ right?”
“Again, fuck off Peter.”
Bella continued to mix and serve drinks behind the bar until an older gentleman with graying hair approached her.
“I need ya on the floor tonight Bella.”
“The tips aren’t as good.”
“Molly wants to try her hand at tending bar.”
“She can do it on my nights off. You know that Drew and I are you’re best bartenders and were runnin’ on a full house.”
“I know but you know the rules, everyone gets an opportunity to tend bar if they want to. So, I need you out on that floor. End of discussion.”
Bella slammed down a shot glass, nearly breaking it, and walked out from around the bar, out into the crowd, glaring at a petite red-head on her way.
BPOV
The club was quickly reaching its Friday night potential and Drew and I were working non-stop behind the bar mixing drinks and slinging beers left and right. Aside from the occasional bar dance, that’s all I did. Friday night was country night here at Vamped so the sounds of country music were blaring through the speakers as people danced on the dance floor. Country night was always a crowd favorite among the above thirty crowd around here so tonight was filled mainly with thirty-something’s, always a plus for Drew and I as far as tips go.
I was in the middle of pouring a round of tequila for one table when my boss, Ray, approached me. Ray was older, mid fifties, with graying hair and a ‘bigger than the world’ attitude. But, Ray was also a fun and fair boss.
“I need ya on the floor tonight, Bella.” Well this was certainly different.
“The tips aren’t as good,” I stated matter-of-factly, still pouring tequila into the shot glasses.
“Molly wants to try her hand at tending bar.”
Molly was one of our new waitresses that Ray had hired. She was always overeager to be working the bar, my guess was to get closer to Drew because let’s face it; Drew is hot. But I didn’t really give a flying fuck what Molly wanted. “She can do it on my nights off. You know that Drew and I are your best bartenders and we’re runnin’ on a full house,” I said, trying to convince the man in front of me. He knew damn well that Drew and I were his best…we were the best because we worked so well together. We had a system…and it was motherfuckin’ golden.
“I know, but you know the rules, everyone gets the opportunity to tend bar if they want to. So, I need you out on that floor. End of discussion,” he said before walking off into the back office, passing Molly on his way. She had a smirk planted on her pretty little face. I slammed the shot glass that I was holding down onto the counter, nearly shattering it, while anger coursed through my veins. I walked the length of the bar, down to wear Molly was standing victoriously. I narrowed my eyes at her and her bout of victory seemed to falter slightly as I approached, “wipe that smirk off your face before I do it for you,” I hissed at her as I walked by and out into the crowd.
I didn’t particularly like working the floor. The tips weren’t as good and people were grabby; way to fucking grabby. I walked through the crowd around the bar and made my way to the tables.
When I finally made my way to the back table, there he was, looking very much like the ‘hot cowboy’ that Drew pegged him as. He was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw him sitting there, smiling at me as I approached.
“You know we don’t serve O negative here, right?” I asked sarcastically, trying to keep the smile at bay.
“Oh, I’m sure someone here can help me,”
“Hands off the patrons,” I deadpanned and he laughed and I shortly joined him. “So what brings you here tonight?”
“Well, rumor has it that there’s a really pretty girl that I used to know that works here.”
“Oh really? You probably mean Sarah…unfortunately she doesn’t work Fridays.”
“Funny.”
“Seriously though, what are you doing here?” I asked again.
“I wanted to see you again,” he said with a sexy smirk. I used to accuse Edward of dazzling me…little boy had nothing on Jasper. All he had to do was give me that look and I was completely under his southern spell.
“Well, in that case, I’m off in two hours and we can catch up than. In the mean time, I have to ask, what can I get ya? And for the record, Bella blood is not on the menu.”
***
Well kiddos, that was it...a teaser. The chapter itself should be up in a few days.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Art of Redemption: Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Ow! Shit my eyes fucking burn!
My eyes were stinging and I furiously started blinking in an attempt to remove whatever was bothering them to no avail. I sat up in the huge bed and smiled as I looked at the twisted sheets beside me and the sleeping form of Jack?…Johnny?…Jim?…fuck it, it didn't matter. Whoever he was, he was sprawled out on his back with the sheets resting over his legs and hips but leaving his perfectly chiseled chest and abs exposed. His broad, muscular shoulders, rising and falling with every breath, made me lick my lips, remembering how I had licked, kissed, and felt all over his strong body.
Reluctantly, I tore my eyes from his chiseled body and looked at the nightstand to my right. It was only eight in the morning; we had only been asleep for a few short hours.
My eyes continued to burn with each blink and I realized I still had my crimson contacts in. No wonder my eyes had burned. I sat up and caught my reflection in the mirror across the room. My short hair was in complete disarray so I took my fingers and tried to quickly finger through it in a futile attempt to tame it.
I slid to the edge of the bed, carefully trying to not wake the sleeping form next to me. Thankfully, he didn't even stir. I ever so silently padded down the hall to the living room, following the trail of shed clothing towards the front door. Amongst the tossed men's shoes, jeans, boxers, and torn shirt, I found my lacy black panties.
My matching black lace bra was laying haphazardly on the coffee table and my black dress on the living room floor. I picked up my thigh high boots, clutch, and knee-length coat in the foyer and tiptoed to the bathroom. Turning on the bathroom light, I gasped at the person in the mirror.
Fuck, I look like hell!
My eye makeup was smudged horribly, my lips were red and swollen, and my eyes were dreadfully bloodshot. I opened my clutch and pulled out the container for my contacts and a small bottle of eye drops. I worked quickly and removed the offending contacts, placing them back into their container before dropping a few drops of eye solution in my eyes to ease the burn.
I quickly dressed, sans panties which were now stashed in my coat pocket. Holding my thigh highs and clutch in one hand, I tiptoed to the door, silently praying that whats-his-name would stay asleep. As I tiptoed towards the foyer, I winced as I saw the broken lamp, skewed pictures, couch cushions laying haphazardly in the living room, and a silk black tie lying across the back of the couch. Images of me blindfolded with whats-his-names shirt and tied to the coffee table with his tie flooded my mind.
God he was fun…
When I reached the door, I reluctantly turned the door knob. I silently slipped out of the apartment undetected and clicked the door shut behind me. I walked barefoot down the empty hall to the elevator. Once inside the elevator, I slipped on my thigh highs as I silently rode to the ground floor.
Once outside in the crisp autumn air, I flagged a cab and got in. The driver brazenly looked me up and down before saying, "rough night?"
"Just fucking drive, Asshole."
"Well aren't you in a mood. Where to, Princess?"
I gave the cabbie the name of my apartment building and rode in silence as he drove. As we pulled up to the apartment building, I fished a twenty out of my clutch and handed it to the driver. "Keep the change," I said as I exited the cab.
I walked past the main office and to the stairs as I started walking the three flights of stairs. Once I reached my room, I fumbled with my keys before reaching the right one and effortlessly slid it into the lock and twisted. I slowly opened the door, praying to God that it would be empty. But I, Bella Swan, have no such luck.
"It's about fucking time you got back!" my roommate Drew shouts from the couch.
"Nice to see you too," I mumbled as I set my keys down on the counter in the kitchen. "Did you at least make coffee?"
"It's in the coffee pot."
"Good," I said, making my way to the coffee pot. I grabbed a coffee pot from the cupboard and poured a cup. I grabbed the sugar and creamer and dumped them in before stirring. I grabbed my cup of coffee and silently made my way to the table, where Drew had moved to.
"So…" he started as I sat down across from him.
"So…?"
"How was he?" he asked with a big shit eating grin.
"God, Drew! Can I at least have some coffee before I get the Spanish inquisition?" I said before taking a sip of my coffee.
"Okay, you had some. So, how was that fine hunk of man you went home with last night?"
"It was…" I started, trying to find the exact word, "satisfying."
"That's it, that's all you're gonna give me?" he whined.
"What do you want from me Drew? Do you want me to tell you how he tied me up and blindfolded me before fucking me senseless?" I asked coyly.
"Yea…that's what I want Bella. I want details! Did he really do that?"
"Yes…and then we played role reversal while I rode him into next week," I said with a smirk before taking another sip of my coffee. Drew just sat there speechless.
"So, are you going to see him again?"
"No. You know the rules; I don't fuck the same guy twice."
"God, Bella, you can be such a whore sometimes. You know that, right?"
"I must kindly disagree with you there. A whore would actively seek sex at every opportunity. I don't think one one-night stand a month counts as 'whorish'," I stated adamantly.
"We need to find you a man, my dear."
"Funny, didn't I say that exact same thing to you two months ago?"
"And I found one. He's a good man too."
"I know. You know I adore Kevin."
"So do I," he said as a big smile lit up his face. "But seriously Bella, we need to find you a man."
"I had one Drew. It didn't work out."
"That was what? Three years ago?"
"Four." I picked up my coffee cup and slid my chair back. I stood up silently and took my coffee cup to the sink, not saying another word before walking to my bedroom. Drew knew that we didn't talk about my love life. We didn't talk about it for a reason.
It's been four fucking years since I had my heart broke…twice. The first time was by none other than Edward fucking Cullen because apparently I wasn't good enough. The second time was by my best friend Jake who had betrayed me in the worst way possible. Shortly after my high school graduation, I moved here, to Albuquerque New Mexico, to get as far away from fucking Forks as possible. I had no reason to be there, no more family to tie me to the small, rainy town.
I slowly made my way to the master bathroom and stripped off my clothes. I turned the faucet to the right temperature and waited for the water to warm. Once warm, I stepped into the shower and let the hot water wash away my pity party and calm my nerves.
After I finished washing, I turned off the water and reluctantly stepped out of the shower. I wrapped a clean fluffy towel around my body as I made my way to the bathroom counter and plugged in my blow dryer. I quickly blow dried my short hair and let it lay naturally; I would style it later for work.
After doing my hair, I made my way back to my bedroom and got dressed into a simple pair of jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt, and a worn pair of black converse.
Bella Swan, some things never change.
It was a simple, boring outfit; but what did I care, it's not like I was working. No, my work wardrobe was completely different. My work wardrobe was what skanks were made of; tiny shorts, dresses, and leather pants. A complete one-eighty from my normal attire. And tonight, I would put on the small clothing like I did every weekend, shake my ass, and mix drinks. Despite popular belief, I loved my job. The pay and tips were amazing and I've met some pretty interesting fucking people, including my roommate Drew.
A soft knock at my door broke me from my internal monologue.
"Bella?" Drew's soft voice carried through the door.
"Go away."
"Bella?"
"Go away Drew!"
"Don't make me bust this door down woman!" he screamed while jiggling the locked handle.
"Bitch, you do and die!" I yelled, trying my hardest to not laugh.
"You won't hurt me Bells."
"Are you really willing to bet your life on that one?"
"I am."
I smiled as I got off my bed and walked over to unlock the door. I tentatively opened the door, just a crack, and peeked at Drew. "What do you want?"
"Can I come in?"
"No."
"Then can you open the door?"
"No."
"Please?" he said as he gave me 'the pout.'
"Fine," I huffed like a five year old throwing a temper tantrum. I opened the door and crossed my arms over my chest. "What?" Before I could protest, Drew wrapped his strong arms around me and pulled me close to him.
"I'm sorry I upset you."
I felt the break in my resolve as I hugged him back. "I forgive you," I mumbled into his chest. "I'm sorry for acting like a five year old."
"Don't worry about it. You know I just want you to be happy, right?"
"I am happy. Drew, I don't need a man to be happy."
"You're right, you don't," he said as he led me out to the living room. "Stay here, I know what we need," he said as he went to where our sound system was. He quickly plugged in is IPod and scrolled through his songs before finally choosing. Almost immediately, the sounds of I Don't Need A Man by the Pussycat Dolls started blaring from the speakers.
"You're serious?" I asked, incredulous.
"Of course!" he exclaimed, grabbing my hands and forcing me to dance with him. I rolled my eyes and couldn't hold back a smile. And just like that, we were tight once again.
…
"Come on woman! You're gonna make us late!" Drew called as he drug me behind him on our way to work.
"Sorry, I can't run that fast in these heels Drew!" I yelled back at him.
"How many times have I told you, Bella, you're supposed to wear comfortable shoes until we get to work. Then put on your damn heels!"
"Sorry! Jesus Drew, sometimes I swear you're the woman in this fucking relationship! Don't forget, I'm not the reason we're running late Mr. My-hair-has-to-be-perfect!"
"Quit complaining Bella, you took just as long on your hair as I did on mine!"
"Whatever, Asshat, let's just hurry and get there. You're really starting to get on my last nerve."
"You know you love me."
"You're right," I said as we rounded the corner to the club. We worked at Vamped, the hottest nightclub in Albuquerque as bartenders. I always laughed at the irony. We made our way in through the back entrance and quickly set up for the busy night ahead of us.
JPOV
I finally caved; Peter and Char had wanted to go out for months and I had finally caved. We had been living in Albuquerque for the last eight months living off the scum of humanity in this godforsaken desert, always sticking to the shadows as we hunted.
After my separation with Alice, my other family, my real family, had generously allowed me to tag along with them. I honestly wasn't sure how much longer they were going to put up with my ass, but I couldn't bring myself to leave. After the incident on Bella's eighteenth birthday, things just weren't the same. Alice started pulling away from me and I just couldn't take it anymore. I was done with the family's looks of pity and I was tired of pretending to be someone I wasn't. I was tired of being the weak fucking link. So I left.
"Are you still fucking moping around? I swear to fucking God, you need to get laid," Peter said as he sauntered into my room. "You ready yet?"
"Let's just get this shit over with. Where the fuck are we going anyway?"
"Fuck if I know. Char wants to dance so wherever my wife says we're going, we go. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone to remove that stick from your ass."
"Fuck you, Peter."
We all piled into Peter's truck and headed towards the city. Char was up for some dancing so we were trying to find a local club, despite my protests. We parked in an empty lot and started walking towards Albuquerque's night life. After a while, we finally found a club with a long line out front.
"Vamped?" Char said as she looked at the sign that hung above the doorway. "What do you think, this place could be fun. It looks really popular."
Peter put his arm around his wife, "babe, this looks like just the place we're looking for," he said before kissing her forehead.
After getting into the crowded club, we found a booth off in one of the corners, not too far from the dance floor. A waitress wearing a pair of tight jeans and a black halter top came over to take our drink order. Peter and I both ordered beers that would sit untouched and Char ordered a cosmopolitan, stating that they looked 'cute' and that the women in the movies always ordered them.
Our waitress came back shortly after and placed our drinks in front of us. Peter stood up from the table and held his hand out to Charlotte, "let's go dance." She willingly took his hand before he led her to the dance floor, leaving me alone at our table.
Def Leppards 'pour some sugar on me,' started playing and a commotion at the bar caught my attention. Four women, one of which was our waitress, hopped up on the bar counter and began dancing to the song. They started shimmying and swinging their hips to the beat of the song, slowly dancing their way to either end of the bar where a pole was mounted to the bar and went to the ceiling of the club on each side.
My eyes went to the girl farthest to the right who was now wrapping her leg around the pole and swinging around dancing. I watched as she expertly lifted herself and swung around, over the crowd below before once again landing on the bar. The crowd started cheering louder as the chorus of the song came and the other girl at the same end started pouring drinks on the brunette as she continued to dance around the pole. She looked so familiar, but I couldn't quite place her. The face was the same, but everything else was all wrong. Besides, the only person I could think of was the one person it couldn't be. The person I was thinking of was far too shy and way to clumsy to be dancing like that.
My jaw dropped when the girl's scent wafted over to me above the crowd. It was the one scent I would never forget. Freesia; the one scent that made my life spiral downhill. There was no mistaking that this was none other than Bella Swan. But apparently she wasn't the same little girl my adopted family had left years ago.
She was still slim but she had gained her womanly curves in all the right places. Her hair was also a lot shorter than it was before and styled in a mohawk on the top of her head with the front of it hanging down the front of her face. She was wearing a black crop top that was showing her ample cleavage and some extremely short black shorts and fishnet leggings with a pair of heeled thigh high boots. What threw me the most though, was the bright crimson color of her eyes.
"See something you like?" Peter chuckled as he and Char took their seats.
"It's her," I said as I continued to watch Bella, who was now dancing suggestively with one of the other girls, without an ounce of her trademark blush in sight.
"Who?"
"Bella fucking Swan."
"No shit? Where?"
"There," I said, pointing to the tantalizing brunette on the bar.
BPOV
I hopped off the bar as soon as the song finished. It was the first dance of the night and I already knew, after that performance, there would be more.
"Good job B, that was pretty fucking hot!" Drew shouted above the crowd as he poured two shots of tequila and slid one over. I held up the shot towards him said 'cheers' and threw it back without the salt and lime.
"Thanks, I needed that," I said as I slid him the empty glass.
I continued pouring and mixing drinks until my break. "I'm stepping outside for some air," I called to Drew over the music. He nodded his head as he continued mixing a cosmo.
I made my way out back and the crisp Albuquerque air instantly cooled me off. I didn't know how long I stared out into the night sky, but I was suddenly startled when I heard a smooth, velvety voice behind me. A voice that was too smooth…too velvety and all too fucking familiar.
"It's been awhile, Bella."
I stopped breathing and my heart sped up as I slowly turned around, praying to god I wasn't right about who stood behind me. But again, I wasn't so lucky because I found myself staring into the crimson eyes of none other than Jasper Hale.
"Get the fuck away from me."
Friday, August 27, 2010
Fic-Rec Fridays
Happy Friday ya'll!
I was honestly starting to think that that day would never come...but it has and I couldn't be more happy!
Anyway...moving on to the reason you all are reading (if anyone is actually reading)...Fic Rec Friday! This week's rec is coming from FanFiction and is a story I have been following since May. I absolutely love Peter and this story is honestly the reason why. If I remember correctly, this was the FIRST Peter/Bella story and I couldn't thank the author enough for bringing life to my love of Peter!
The Orbiting Meteor by Idreamofeddy
Pairing: Peter/Bella
Rating: MA...definetely MA. There is violence, character death, language, and sex. Lots of fucking sex...or should I just say lots of fucking? Either way...there's a lot of it.
Summary: (As written by Idreamofeddy) Three and a half years after escaping from the mythological and heartbreaking world of Forks, Bella is moving on with her life. What happens when a mysterious stranger catapults her back into the world she so desperately wanted to leave behind? AU/OC/OOC.
Why I love it: First and foremost, it's different, and that's important. Next, the chapters are LONG. Like long as in you sit there and read ONE CHAPTER for an hour. No joke. I love the life that she has given Peter and everyone else in Bella and Peter's world. I also love that it makes you think. Literally...there are some chapters that leave you saying WTF, but in a good way. There is some hardcore supernatural stuff going on in the story which, I found out, I love.
The author has also given us a strong Bella. One that won't take shit from anyone, no matter how dangerous they may be. I love that. I absolutely love a strong Bella. Gone are the days of a meek little innocent Bella...that's an SM Bella who has no backbone whatsoever who was way to dependant on Edward, even though she would completely argue that she was independant. I don't think so. Lastly, Peter is fucking HOT. No every time I think of Peter as a vamp, I think of this Peter, he's just that fucking hot. If you haven't had the chance to read this story yet...you need to. It will make you go Team Peter. I mean, honestly, how could you not after reading it?
Complete: No, but it is close to completion.
That's all for this week kiddos...I don't know what is happening to my One-Shot Wednesdays. It's starting to get too hard to find a well written, and well developed one-shot.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
One Shot Wednesdays
Welcome to One Shot Wednesdays where every Wednesday, I will be reccommending a one-shot of any pairing. This week's one-shot comes from one of my favorite fan-fiction authors, Cullen818. If you haven't read her stuff...you should. She is an amazing author, and her main pairing is usually Jasper/Bella.
