Chapter 4

Edward's POV

"The operation was successful. He should wake up in an hour. Here is a list of medicines he'll have to take every day and his diet has to be totally fat free from now on." I said handing Rachel a prescription. She was really worried. After all losing a parent is never easy. Somewhere in this room Carlisle and Esme's scent still lingers. Rachel hurried out of the house with Paul to buy the medicines.

"She isn't home yet." Bella said entering Carlisle's operation room.

"She is with Jacob. No need to worry."

"Yeah I know. But we only got a few more days with her. Is it wrong that I want to spend all the remaining time with her? I don't even want to share that time with you. Six years is not enough Edward."

"I know. It seems only yesterday we were convincing her to give up human blood altogether and let Jacob take some rest. And today she is old enough to have kids of her own. I don't think even human eighteen years could've prepared me for this day." I said holding her in my arms. I thank that god who gave me this woman. She completed my life, she loved me back equally and she gave me a daughter.

"How long do you reckon it is before Alice finds out?" she asked.

"Well until Jake and Ness have decided a date."

"Do we really have to talk to Jake?" she asked pleading me. She took her shield down and showed me how much she longed to be with Ness.

"I know Bella. I know. But you couldn't see the sadness in Nessie's mind. Every time she sees Jacob she is so afraid he'd say no and she'd have to spend an eternity without kids. She is so much like you in that matter. Kids weren't her priority until she found out she couldn't have them after a year and a half."

"I guess I understand what's going on in her mind. But that doesn't mean I have to be totally cool with it and talk to Jake so that he agrees to have kids with my daughter at this totally inappropriate age!"

"Bella, please? It's Nessie's happiness. She deserves it after all this." I said.

"Fine. But I'm not gonna let her out of my sight until they are married!"

"Of course. Neither would I." I said with a smile. Then I heard something.

"What?" Bella asked seeing my face.

"Embry. He is standing out to meet Billy. At least that's what he is telling himself, but really all he wants is to open the next room and check on Leah." I whispered.

"Should we do something about them? It's just hurting them both. Let's just talk them through?" she asked.

"I guess we should rather not interfere until I know what Jake has heard from the elders. Though from all I know about their legends is imprint is the ultimate bond. The pain that both went through when the lost their imprint was horrible and now fighting this new confusing imprint is just hurting them again." I said listening to both of them dealing with their pains.

"I just don't get this wolf magic." Bella said sounding frustrated.

"Well magic has its unknown ways of working." I said pulling her closer and kissing her.

And just then Embry made his decision.

"Hey." He said as Leah sat staring at the door with the baby in her hands. She knew he was outside. Her heart raced at his sight and so did his.

"Hey." She said. I took Bella's hand and we moved out of Carlisle's study. Billy deserved some rest and those two deserved some privacy.

We both moved into our little cottage when I felt Jacob approaching. It was time to talk to him.

Embry's POV

"How is the baby doing?" I asked. All I wanted to ask was how was she doing. What was going on in her mind? What was going on in her heart? Does she love me? Does she feel forced to love me because of this imprint? What does she think of me? Does she think I'm some sort of jerk for first loving Andrea like that and now her all of a sudden?

I don't feel forced. I don't feel compelled. It feels natural to love her. I can't even remember what I felt about Andrea. All I know is that I didn't feel like this about her. With Leah I know it will feel alright, only if I know she loves me too. I've already broken Andrea's heart. I don't want something to happen between me and Leah that breaks her any further. Leah deserves happiness. She has been through a hell lot. First with Sam, then with her father dying, she becoming the only female wolf ever, losing her imprint, losing her sister. I don't want to be the reason she even sheds a tear. All I want is to see her happy now. I just want to give her anything that will make her happy. And I guess being away from her will make her happy. She has too much to deal with. She cannot have me on top of all of her worries. She has to take care of the baby. And with the baby she seems to be doing fine. And I want that to continue.

Only if I could bring myself to be away from her.

Plus how do I even know I'll love her forever? That I'd keep her happy forever? I thought I'd do the same for Andrea. And our bond broke so easily. I don't want to hurt Leah like that. What if for some reason Leah and my bond breaks? How will I forgive myself?

"He's doing good." She said looking into my eyes searching for something. She looked so miserable. Not on the outside. On the outside she was washed, bathed and dressed in clothes that looked like Esme's. But it was her eyes that gave away. They were red and swollen. Her voice sounded broken and weak. And I just knew she wasn't doing good.

"Can I hold him?" I asked. I didn't know what else to say to her. How can I make this right?

She nodded and stood up to hand him over to me. She didn't hold back for a second. From what I had heard was Leah found it difficult to trust the baby in anyone's hand. But she didn't hesitate a moment before handing him to me.

"Put your hands like this." She said indicating the posture of her hands. I folded my arms the way she showed. She gently placed him in my arms. And just when the slightest of her skin touched mine we both looked up, into each other. There was electricity. I'm sure that the look in my eyes was desperate because the next second she turned away.

I controlled myself. Her happiness. Her happiness. Her happiness. I kept repeating it over and over again like a mantra. I have to make her happy no matter how sad it makes me.

The tiny guy opened his eyes for a few seconds and stretched his hands and legs for a moment before yawning again and closing his eyes.

"You know mom always used to say that babies who sleep more grow faster. I'm sure he'd be like the tallest kid in the class."

She looked at me again right into my eyes as if she was searching for something. But what? If she would just say what she wants I'll give it to her no matter what. Even if it kills me, I'd still give her anything she wants.

She smiled a little.

"So what is this handsome guy's name?" I asked rocking him.

"I…I haven't decided." She said looking at him.

And suddenly I knew what his name should be.

"How does Harry Samuel Cal-" I stopped myself. I was just about to say Call. Harry Samuel Call. It felt right. It felt so right. The kid should be a Call. That woman should be a Call. But I stopped myself.

"Harry Samuel Clearwater?" I asked. I don't know how much longer I can keep this pretence up. I just wanna go over shake that woman and tell her I love her more than anyone has ever loved anybody else. I know I can make her happy again.

"That's….that's a good name." she said. And then a few tears ran down her eyes.

"I'm sorry Leah if I said something I shouldn't have. Do you want me to leave?" I asked. Hadn't I just sworn to myself never to make her cry over me? What the hell am I doing?!

And she shook her head.

"I don't want you to go. I would never want you to go. But I don't know why I want you here." She said in the tiniest of voice. Right then I realized the imprint bond was forcing her. She didn't want me. She wants that dead hybrid. Her real love.

I just nodded and stayed in that room until she finally fell asleep. And then I ran. I turned as soon as I stepped out of the house and I ran. I could feel the other wolves' voices in my head. But I shut them out. No one can help me now.

Edward's POV

"What happened? I felt Embry run away like that! He didn't want anyone to follow. His thoughts were jumbled. All I heard from his mind was Leah saying something like I don't know why I want you. What happened Edward between them? And where is Andrea?" Jacob asked looking all worried. He had only just reached home with Ness and was about to shift back when he felt Embry as he ran away.

"They talked."

"And? What the hell did they talk about?"

"Jake from all I heard was they both are fighting this imprint because they think the other is forced into it. Embry thinks that the imprint is forcing Leah into wanting him but in reality she only wants Caleb. And Leah thinks the imprint bond is forcing him into doing anything for her but that in his heart he always will love Andrea. And Embry is messed up because he is not sure what will make Leah happy. He does not know what to do. He just needs time and space to figure it out. And Andrea… well she followed Embry as soon as she saw him getting out of the house like that. Don't worry she doesn't feel like that about him any longer. She only worries about him like a friend."

"And you just let a new born go free like that into the unknown after an unstable wolf that she once loved. She is a threat to Embry plus any unfortunate humans if she comes across. What were you thinking Edward?" he said. He was really worried about Embry. He was like a brother to him even before they were wolves.

"Alice and Jasper have gone after them Jacob. They will take care of both of them." I said quietly.

"I'm…I'm-" he said trying to apologise.

"It's ok. I know he is your brother."

He just nodded. Ness held his hand and assured him everything would be fine with her power. And he seemed to relax.

"How's Billy dad?" she asked.

"He's fine. He should wake up in a few. Rachel and Paul have gone to get his medicines. Why don't you go with mom to see him Ness?" I asked her. She immediately knew something was fishy. I would never ask her to leave Jacob unless I had to talk to him alone.

"Go on. I'll be there in a few." He said kissing her on the forehead and letting go of her hand. She looked at me.

"Don't…don't force him for my happiness." Ness said in her mind. I nodded. She knew exactly what I had to talk about. Bella took her hand and they left the cottage.

"So…?"

"I understand that your pack meeting was good?" I asked him looking for the easiest way to start.

"Ya it was." He said with a smile. He was really happy. It meant that finally Ness had a chance to fit into La Push. Her real home.

"So how long before you two can finally move into your new home?" I asked trying to sound casual.

"What?!"

"Umm well this was really Esme and Carlisle's idea. They had the blueprint ready and the land brought-"

"Edward?"

"Well you'll have a new house in case you'll decide to get married. It's just on the edge of La Push because Esme wasn't sure if the continuous vampire family visitings would be fine with the wolves. So it's a small little home just by the edge. Alice would love to furnish it. She knows Esme's style the best. And she knows what you and Ness would like-"

"Woah! Aren't we going a bit too fast?"

"I…I just wanted to tell you'll that there is only a little over a year left. And Ness really wants kids. She has seen an entire future with them. She is ready for kids. And she is ready to take a new step into the future. She wants to bury the past behind her. A lot of bad things have happened. She only wants a happy future. And she wants it with you and your kids."

"I…I know Edward. But what am I supposed to do? I want to make her happy. I want to give her everything she wants. But what if I hurt her?"

"You won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because if you do I'll kick your ass. But I know you cannot ever hurt her. You'd kill yourself before you do that."

"What if even after trying we can't have kids? You know how her body is changing. What if it doesn't work out even after we try?"

"Well at least you two would've known that you'll tried."

"What if this baby hurts her? I won't let her bear what Bella had to when she had her. Though I'm most thankful that Bella didn't listen to me and bore all that pain."

"It won't hurt her. I told you before. Ness has our skin. It won't possibly be able to hurt her."

"What about the baby? What would it be like? Vampire venom and wolf genes in one body? How is that baby going to even survive?

"Jake, why are you looking at everything negative? There is a chance at the future you and Ness have always dreamt of. Just grab it and take your chances. We are always there with you'll in case anything goes wrong. Ness will have you and Billy and all the other wolves to protect her. Here she will have a father who can deliver the child in case anything goes wrong and a mother and an entire family more than crazy about kids. Nothing can go wrong as long as we are prepared." I said. I was doing this for Ness. I don't need Alice's powers to see the joy on her face when Jacob would propose her.

"Did…" Alice see something? He continued the question in his mind.

"She…saw a happy future." I said. I can't tell him what exactly Alice saw. It would crush them both.

"She…She could see us? Our child?" he asked looking surprised.

"She saw something. We have no idea what that meant. But it felt like a happy future. So that's how I know it will be alright."

"What would our kid be like?" he asked thinking about a little boy with long dark hair and chocolate brown eyes, climbing on his shoulders and pulling his ears. Then the image changed and he saw a girl looking like an exact mini replica of Ness, only the color of her skin was like his. And she was running into the forest with a grace just like her mother's.

"We don't know. That's why Aro wanted you two so badly. He thought…he thought you two would produce a very strong breed. Ness has a shield for a mom and mind reader for a dad. Her own powers plus your wolf genes. The kid can only be something really powerful."

He smiled. He really wanted it.

"They both will be fine, right?" he asked asking with a resolve forming in his mind. He only needed reassurance.

"They will be. I promise."

"So how long do you think it will take Alice to pull off a wedding? And I'm already warning you, she will not be allowed to go overboard. You have to see to that." He said.

"I don't think anyone can control Alice." I said laughing. Now only thing left to do was for Jacob to propose to her again.

"I presume you want to take her to the first beach again?" I asked.

"That's sort of our place. It feels right to do it there."

"Well I'm sure I can discharge Billy by tonight. You can take her. I won't say anything. But if Alice sees something then I won't be able to help."

"Just keep her away until at least I have the ring on her again."

"I'll try my best. Now I'd say go check on Billy and Leah. I'm sure Leah can use a friend at the moment."

"Yeah…about her. I want them to give each other a chance. Any idea how I should do that?"

"I have an idea." Nate said entering the cottage.

'Was he listening to us?' Jacob asked in his mind.

"He only just came."

"What is it?"

"You know Drake and his power?" he asked. I nodded but Jake just shook his head. He racked his brains to remember.

"He can make you forget or remember things as he wants." Nate reminded him.

"Yeah so…what are you suggesting?" Jake asked. Nate looked at me and thought about his plan. I could see his idea very clearly now.

"Well he has an idea that Drake could probably erase the bad moments from Embry and Leah's life. It will give them a chance to start anew." I said. And almost immediately I realized how wrong it sounded. But also so easy. It would solve all problems.

"No! We can't. We are not messing with anyone's memories and just erasing certain people out of their memories forever. We have no right to do that." He said with authority.

"It was just a suggestion." Nate mumbled.

"Thanks Nate, but we can't. How are the rest doing?" Jake asked.

"Pretty good. I'm sorry that I didn't trust you guys before." He said.

'It's ok. I wouldn't have either had I been in your situation." Jake said patting Nate's back.

"I gotta go. Why don't you guys go for a hunt with Rose and Emmett? Go enjoy yourselves." Jake said before running off to Ness.

Embry's POV

"Why are you here?" I asked shifting as soon as I realized she wouldn't leave my tail.

"We should talk Embry. Maybe we aren't tied anymore, but I still know what's going on in that mind of yours." She said.

"I love her Andrea. I really do. And I hate myself for hurting you like this. I hate myself for hurting her. I just-" I couldn't even continue. Tears ran down my face and no voice came out.

"Shh. It'll be ok. Shh." She said holding me in her arms.

She was an enemy now. She smelt horrible. Every instinct of mine wanted to kill her but somehow when she started singing I just lost myself in my sorrow and let her console me. I let a vampire console me!

What was I doing?

A.N. Hey guys! I'm sorry this chapter took this long! I'm just having a mental block of sorts. I hope you'll haven't totally lost interest in this story.

So first off thanks to Anne Shirley Cullen, Samlicker19 and Missionarycook. Really thank you for reading and reviewing.

Oh and well my friend missionarycook has an amazing story, 'Searching for a love everlasting' I just read a chapter today and realized it's too good. You guys should read it too. it's got Seth!

And to Olivia: Thank you so much for reading and sorry it took this long to put up the next chapter.

To everyone else: You know the usual. Please review! Good, bad, ugly, you can tell me whatever you feel. I'd be thankful even if you'll point out my mistakes.

So thank you so much for reading. Hope you'll liked it:)