Dangerous Weather//Book One

Chapter 14:

Once we got to the hotel, I changed into a pair of jeans and an armor-lined t-shirt with a dark blue sweater thrown over it. I wanted to be prepared to run if our position was compromised, and spent 10 minutes relacing my combat boots securely.

After, I attempted to acquire sustenance from one of the vending machines in the lobby. Instead, I was told that Bella and I were on lockdown until further notice.

I went into the bathroom and studied my throat in dismay. I couldn't risk raising any suspicions by healing to quickly and had only taken a bit of ambrosia at the gas station to combat most of the swelling, but the bruising had fully set in. Turning the sink on for a moment, I directed the water toward my neck, soothing the patches of skin that were the most sore. After, I took a moment to gather myself, pulling my hair forward to better hide my neck before walking back into the main room and plopping in front of the tv.

Bags of chips and different kinds of candy bars had appeared on the coffee table and I had no problem ripping into them because sometimes junk food just makes you feel better.

Because this situation was a pure shit storm.

If I were allowed to, that vampire and any other monster in my radius would be long dead. Well, at least the ones who aren't friendlies, like Mrs. O'Leary.

Could I even consider putting the Cullens in the category? Definitely not now. Later? Maybe but I wouldn't like it.

I noticed Jasper walking towards the bathroom and — do vampires even need to use the toilet? They have to shower though because they would probably look and smell like the monsters they are instead of angels if they walked around without showering, right?

*******

*Jasper POV*

Bella's scent was everywhere.

The girl may only be Edward's blood singer, but her blood was also difficult to ignore for the rest of the coven as well.

It was overwhelming.

But Alice was the one in our family who Bella trusted the most after Edward, so it only made sense that she protected her.

And where my best friend goes, I follow.

But gods, I needed to eat something.

The wildlife in the desert was small and lean, leaving little to aid in any true replenishment after drinking from them. The few blood bags we had brought along were meant to be rationed but to keep control and a lid on my thirst was proving to be more and more uncomfortable as the thirst grew.

Shutting the door to the ensuite, I leaned against the wall, breathing long and unnecessarily through my mouth.

At least I could only smell one of them.

Turning the water on and splashing water on my face, I grabbed hold of the sink, trying to regain my composure.

Why hadn't I noticed her pain? I should've felt it from her. It was obvious her throat was heavily damaged, but she brushed it off.

Something always felt... blocked when I was around her.

Lily did not have any scent of her own under the soap she used or the detergent on her clothes.

18 hours in the car confirmed that suspicion. Another... something about her I couldn't understand either.