Pairing: Edward/Jasper
Genre: AU
: Edward's quiet time in his meadow is rudely interrupted. Will he find more than the solitude he craves?
Word Count: 500

Staring at each other across the meadow, my senses were on guard. This patch of beautiful land was my favorite place to come and get away from the voices in my head. How dare this stranger come here and disturb my solitude? I was incensed. Crouching down into an attack stance, I waited for his next move. We were far enough away from each other that I couldn't hear his thoughts, but I could see him. He stood tall and proud as he slowly walked towards me. Inhaling deeply, he held out his hands in a friendly gesture of submission. I wasn't fooled.

Extending my arms out to make myself look more menacing, I crept around the edge of the grassy field. The clouds had thickened above us and the smell of rain was in the air. Taking a full breath, I tried to detect him to no avail. The wind had picked up and was taking his scent away from me into the forest.

He continued to approach me, changing his direction with my movement. The smile on his face was somewhat unnerving. What could he possibly be smiling about? Did he know something that I did not? Suddenly on alert, I scanned the surrounding forest for sounds, sights or mental voices of anyone who could be traveling with him. Not finding any hint of others, I returned my focus toward him.

As we approached each other, I noticed his features. His wavy blond hair fell to the level of his chin. He was tall, as lean as I, and had a confident air about him. Glancing to his eyes, I noticed with surprise that we shared the same golden color. Standing slightly from my crouch, I tilted my head and took in his manner. He was not intimidated by me in the least. He actually seemed at ease and pleased with what he saw.

How could that be? Never, in my 109 years had I seen this vampire with the wheat blond hair and smoldering golden eyes. Wait. What did I just think? He seemed to realize where my internal monologue was taking me and smiled even brighter. Completely rising from my defensive stance, I proceeded towards him with less caution. There was something about him that was drawing me towards him.

As I came within twenty feet of him, the winds shifted and with a shocked gasp, I inhaled his heavenly scent. My first instinct was to run to him. My frozen body was on fire. What was going on here?

Looking in disbelief, I asked in a whisper, "Who are you?"

He beamed at me and spoke softly in response, "I am Jasper Whitlock. And I believe I am your mate."

He reached out his hand to me and his thoughts echoed his words. Stepping forward with no regard to the fact that I might be in danger, I took his hand. His touch was electric.

Affirming with a grin, I whispered, "I believe you are."