The Texas sun beat down mercilessly on the sprawling ranch, its rays glinting off the chrome of a weathered pickup truck. Jasper Whitlock leaned against the fence, his crimson eyes scanning the horizon. It had been two years since he’d arrived here, seeking solace and a fresh start with his old friends, Peter and Charlotte. As he stood there, the memories of his departure from the Cullen family washed over him like a bitter tide. The confrontation with Edward and Alice still stung, their words etched into his mind like acid on metal. “You’re the weak link, Jasper,” Edward had snarled.