Epilogue

Being with Jasper continually surprised me. One layer of understanding was peeled back, then there was more. Always more.

Although I believed him, it took awhile for me to absorb the fact that Jasper thought I was his mate. When we made love, I felt his commitment to me. I knew that I loved him, more than I ever loved Edward, but I didn't think I would be fully secure until I was changed...and felt that mate bond that Jasper was feeling, too.

Jasper's offer to change me weighed heavy on my mind. It wasn't until the night of my graduation from college that I was willing to talk about it. As a teenager, I was ready to throw my humanity away to be with Edward. Now, I was older and knew more of the realistic ramifications of such a decision.

Earlier that day, at the ceremony, I introduced Jasper to my parents. Charlie wasn't thrilled, with Jasper being the brother to the Cullen that had broken my heart in high school, but seeing how happy I was, he didn't openly protest. Renee absolutely loved Jasper and begged me to bring him to Jacksonville for summer vacation.

In the evening, when we dropped Renee off at her hotel and Charlie was on his way back to Forks, I began to ask Jasper questions about being changed. He patiently answered them and didn't ask why I was suddenly talking about it. He was honest. He wanted me to know what I would have to sacrifice to be with him.

I decided he was worth it.

It's a strange process preparing for one's own death. When my parents asked about my plans after graduation, I told them I was attending graduate school in Virginia. Jasper and I would be taking a road trip - moving me across the country. Jasper loaded a U-Haul with my furniture, clothes and books. My absolute favorite things that I wanted to keep - family photos, certain books, momentos - was put in storage, to be retrieved at a later date.

I made a final phone call to Charlie and Renee to say goodbye. I cried.

Jasper and I drove in the U-Haul all the way to Colorado, where Jasper then staged a car accident. The truck went off a cliff and exploded - burning my belongings and our alleged remains to a crisp. Jasper didn't tell me the details of how it would be proven we were in the vehicle, but I trusted him.

Isabella Swan was dead. My new life was about to begin.

A car was waiting for us, something Jasper had arranged and we then began the long journey to Alaska. It was the adopted home state of the Cullens. Jasper explained that the harsh weather and isolation provided freedom and protection - the perfect place to live out my newborn year.

Jasper was so confident and happy. It made me feel more secure. I had no regrets about saying goodbye to my human life, but I was anxious to have that extra bit of security knowing that Jasper wouldn't leave me. As soon as I was a vampire, I would know for certain.

Jasper kissed me on the cheek and I felt instantly relaxed. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.

I nodded my head and took a deep breath.

He kissed me again, on my neck, then whispered in my ear.

"I won't leave you. I love you."

Then, I felt his razor sharp teeth pierce my neck. Soon after, the burning began.

I opened my eyes and saw him. I knew.

Jasper was my mate.

You can't predict how something will turn out based on the way it started.