Chapter 6 – Plans & Decisions

BPOV

My family was now watching my every step, making sure I wasn't upset or overexerting myself. Jacques could be overbearing, but I fear he was just getting started. Raven was still bouncing with excitement over the coming addition to our family; that sleep was the last thing on her mind. As the sun began to rise, Jacques held his arm securely around my waist as we walked to our bedchambers. All I could do was giggle. The baby couldn't be bigger than my hand, but Jacques was already ensuring the baby's and my safety. In our chamber, candles were already lit and a fire blazed in the hearth. The air was thick with the scent of burning herbs and the sound of running water came from the bathroom. I stepped out of his hold to only be pulled back into his embrace. The tug was very gentle, locking my body against his. "What?" I asked as Jacques silently stared into my eyes. Love, security and happiness radiated from my lifemate. Images of him smiling as he held a small baby wrapped in a blanket was on his mind. The images changed to me smiling and holding the baby, while he leaned over us. Our family was all he thought about.

My hand rested on his chest, feeling his heart beating against my palm, That's a few months away. His fingers twined with me, pulling my hand to his lips, I know, but I cannot deny my happiness in this. You are carrying my child. He kissed my hand again, The moment I felt the baby move, I already loved it and I began to love you even more.

My free arm went around his waist, "Is that even possible?" Jacques brushed his chin through my hair, curving my hand around his neck, "It is. I loved you pass the stars. Now, I love you far beyond the moon." My lips curved into a smile. His forehead leaned against mine, You are going to be the mother of my child. I rolled my eyes, You know, this is my baby too. It's not all you.

Jacques tilted my head back to look in my eyes. He looked over my face, assessing my expression, "I know, angel. First and foremost, this is our child. The continuation of our people is second." As long as he understood that, then there would be no problem.

The water in the bathroom shut off. Jacques took my hand, "Come now, I've readied your bath." With a single thought, my clothes dissolved from my body. The heat of the fire touched my bare skin, almost making me shiver. Jacques rested his hand on my hip. He was almost seeing the tiny bulge in my torso that was the baby. Getting down onto his knees, Jacques curved his arms around my waist. My fingers pulled through the dark strands of his hair as he pressed his cheek to my abdomen. Gentle kisses were placed on my lower stomach. Inside, bubbles moved, reciprocating the gesture.

Jacques's kisses moved, making my body flinch. A soft moan escaped my lips, feeling a tender caress on my thigh. Jacques was in love with the fact that a small form of our love was growing inside of me. His new desire for me, I couldn't describe it. It was more than carnal and greater than lust. My knees bent as I felt teeth scrapping along my inner leg. Jacques's tongue swirled over my skin, moving higher to the junction. I gasped out loud; my senses are driven wild as he teased me. I wanted him to join his body with mine, I needed him. I was brought down to the floor. The sensuous lust of Carpathians was overwhelming. Hands moved over my stomach, along the curves and the hard peaks of my chest to circle underneath my shoulders.

Dark eyes stared into mine as my body welcomed his. My angel, the words were gentle as Jacques was with me. The angular lines of his face were more mysterious and beautiful as he hovered above me, with the both of us bathed in the shadowy light of the fire. My hand lightly touched the corner of his mouth, Are you sure you want this? Did you want more time for us?

Jacques shook his head, brushing his long hair over his shoulders, I have several lifetimes with you. A child is a wondrous event. This is our time to bear one. We are ready. Strong lips touched mine as he pushed himself into me, stroke after stroke. I gasped under his kiss, feeling his strong length move within me. His body was gentle against mine, wary of every move he made. Jacques began to think of me in a delicate condition; carrying his baby.

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Warm water washed over my shoulders as I sank into the bathtub. Jasmine oil clung to my skin and the floral scent was relaxing. The taste of cooper began to fade from my tongue. Beneath the water's surface, I watched my hands as they rested on my stomach. A small life was growing within my body. A part of myself and Jacques was growing and taking form, shaping a life of its own. My head leaned against the porcelain side, enjoying the feel of bubbles inside of me. I love you too, I said to my baby. My smile began to grow as I thought of a little boy or girl sitting in my lap as I read to them. A pair of brown or black eyes looking up at me as I taught them something new. A child with such intelligence made from love.

A hand curved my face, "We must go to ground. You need the strength the earth provides." Jacques helped me stand and wrapped a towel around my body. His arm swept under my legs, letting streams of water fall from my skin. My body leaned against his as he carried me into our bedchamber. The heat of the fire permeated the room, strengthening the scent of the herbs. Jacques rubbed the towel on my skin, sweeping up the dripping beads of water. He held my hand and we walked over to where the bed was. The moved bed revealed a large wooden door that was darkened with age. Jacques waved his hand, the door swung open, letting the rich scent of the earth waft around us. My heart stuttered as I knew what was coming. It was still very much uncomfortable sleeping in the ground. It was too much like being buried alive. My stomach flipped as I suddenly felt sick.

I looked up at Jacques. Black eyes looked into mine, as Jacques's influence came over me. The last thing I felt was Jacques taking me into his arms.

Is this dangerous for me to do with the baby?

No, our child is Carpathian. It will gain strength as you do. Strong arms held me as the soil strengthened my body. It felt strange knowing my heart wasn't beating and I wasn't breathing. By all rights, I should be dead, but my baby was alive and well inside of me. Jacques believed that I still took in things from a human's perspective, but as my years as a Carpathian surpassed my years as a human, my thinking patterns may change. My baby received the strength of the earth.

On the next rising, Gregori was waiting for myself and Jacques. Mikhail called for him to ensure that the health of the baby. It was of the utmost importance, as mine and Jacques's child was the next generation for our race. If the fetus was female; this baby's life was very important to all of us. She would be lifemate to one of our males, saving him from becoming the undead or walking into the sun. Gregori's silver eyes immediately went down to my torso, expecting to see something different from yesterday. I giggled, "We have a little time before I begin show." Jacques expressed his gratitude to Gregori, while I sat on the lounge chaise with Raven. She smiled as I sat with her; excitement radiating from her. How's the baby? I shook my head, Very small, but growing. She and I spoke with each other on our private path. She rested her hand on my stomach, hoping to feel the baby. Bubbles burst against her hand and she beamed, Hello, munchkin.

Gregori looked at me, his silver eyes meeting mine, "If Bella permits me, I will check on the child this moment." Raven and I looked up, seeing the three of them looking at us. My eyebrow arched, "Only on one condition. Gregori is forbidden from telling anyone what I am having. I don't want anyone to know before I'm ready to tell them." Gregori nodded in an Old World fashion, "Of course." Raven pouted and folded her arms, You can't be serious.

Raven, you will know soon. She snorted, Not soon enough. My sister was anxious to know if she was getting a niece or a nephew. When she was like this, Raven reminded me so much of Alice. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, muttering to herself. I shook my head, just like Alice. Gregori crossed the room and kneeled next to me, Allow me? I nodded. My body felt warmer as his energy drifted over me. The warmth moved to my womb, where the bubbles began. My eyes locked with Jacques as Gregori checked on our baby. My hand was in Raven's as we waited. Mikhail was still, leaning against his desk. This baby was so important to all of us. My mind closed off from Jacques as I looked within myself. I was getting better at this as I looked in on my own baby.

Looking through myself, I felt not one, but two thrummings. The beats were matched perfectly as they moved together. Tears filled my eyes as I felt the heartbeats of two children. Jacques would be overjoyed to know that he was having a son and a daughter. I didn't wanted anyone to know what I was having because I wanted to be sure that my babies were going to be safe and strong. The women of our race were losing too many children and suffering great emotional despairs from their losses. I didn't have the heart to do that to anyone in my family. I don't know if I would recover if that happened to me.

My eyes opened slowly as warmth moved from my fingertips and faded away as Gregori reentered his own body. My eyes locked with his, waiting for him to speak. They are well. He nodded to me and smiled, assuring me that he would keep this our secret. They know the sound of yours and Jacques's voices. My teeth sank into my lip, trying to keep myself from crying, Thank you. Gregori turned to Jacques and Mikhail, "The infant is strong. Following Bella's request, I hope you will not mind that I refer to the baby as 'it' for now, as we will not know the gender of the infant." I shook my head, happy to know my children were fine and they knew me. "The child has already inherited Bella's stubbornness. It clings to its mother and is anxious to meet her."

Tears fell down my cheeks as I looked down at my stomach. My children were ready to meet me. We have some time before we see each other, but I will be here when you're ready, I spoke with them. Bubbles burst against my insides; they knew I was talking to them.

Raven's pout changed into a sweet smile as she listened to Gregori, "Ok, so, now we have to pick out a room for the baby. I think I know which one will be good." Already being cautious of my every move, Gregori helped me stand up from the chaise. He held my elbow as I rose from my seat. Jacques, surprisingly, wasn't mad. My safety was the highest priority and he wasn't letting his jealousy of another man touching me get in the way of that.

Raven held my hand as we walked out of the study and up to the second floor. She was already reeling with ideas on how to decorate the new nursery. Part of me wanted to hold off preparing a nursery, but I couldn't bring down Raven's jubilant mood. She was so happy that she was going to be an aunt. The high walls went down the corridors on both sides of the stairs. Raven and I entered a grand bedroom in a wing of the castle that once belonged to Noelle. There were two staircases in this wing; one leading to Mikhail and Raven's underground chambers and the other leading to mine and Jacques's. It was perfect place for the baby's room, in case anyone of us needed to get to the nursery.

The bedroom was large and spacious; a king size bed stood by the windows, that had thick deep red curtains. A vanity stood along the left wall and a wide dresser stood across the room from it. The furniture would have to be moved out of the room. I walked across the room, thinking of what could be fit in here. I couldn't deny my own excitement. Motherhood was never something I truly wanted, but now that I was going to have, not one, but two babies, I couldn't wait to hold my children. Raven was coming up with neutral colors of the curtains. She opened the heavy curtains in the room, letting in the moonlight, "What do you think of yellow, mixed in with some white silk?" I nodded, "That would be pretty, but we would still need heavy curtains to block out the sunlight." Raven sighed for a moment, thinking how to incorporate both ideas, I'm going to need Esme's help with this.

Fatigue was creeping up on me. I tried to ignore it. I just woke up from sleeping in the earth, so how could I be tired already? Bella, rest on the bed. Do not fight your needs. Jacques was monitoring every step I took; that was going to get annoying.

Think of it as me ensuring the safety of my child. Do not argue with me on this. It is for the both of us.

You're right. I'll try not to fight. He laughed and it felt as gentle as a moth's wing, I hope this baby won't be stubborn.

Stubbornness gets worse with every generation in my family. If you think I'm bad, the baby will be a legend. Jacques groaned and I heard it through the floor. Raven glanced back as she heard him, "What did you tell him?" I giggled, my hand covering my mouth, "Oh, nothing." I gestured for Raven to come sit next to me. She settled herself next to me and placed her hand on my stomach. The tiny bursts touched Raven's hand making her gasp quietly as she felt the babies. Raven laughed once, "Oh my gosh, I can't wait for the baby to come. We are going to have so much fun."

I looked down to my stomach, "That's your aunt Raven. She's going to make sure you're spoiled." Raven leaned down to my stomach, "Yes, I am. If your parents say 'no,' I'll say 'yes.'" My arm curved around her shoulder as she and I felt the bubbles move. Raven was anxious to tell someone else about the baby, even if it weren't her baby. She looked up at me, batting her large eyes, "Oh, can we at least tell Alice, Rosalie and Esme? They're going to die." I nodded, "Definitely, but we can't. Not right now. We can surprise them when they come back from Alaska." Raven groaned and threw herself back on the bed, "Well, a surprise could work, if Alice doesn't see it." I laid down with her, touching our heads together, "You're right, but she can't completely see us. It's frustrating for her, but she'll love the surprise. You know how hard it is to get Alice." Raven laughed, "Ok," she propped herself up on her elbows, "what about a light purple and blue." My eyes closed for a moment, "How about we pick out some furniture first, then we can have a better idea for the colors for the room?"

Raven sat up and began moving the vanity and its seat into a corner, "We need to start moving the furniture and cleaning the room. We only have eight or nine months to get it done." All I could do was laugh at My sister's enthusiasm. She was all but bouncing off the walls with the idea of having a new baby in the house. Raven threw a dusty pillow at me. I inhaled the dust and coughed, "Hey!" I sputtered as I threw the pillow back at her. Raven laughed as she caught the pillow, "Can we focus?" The door opened as Jacques and Mikhail came into the room. Both of them wore a mask of indecision as they saw us laughing. Raven looked at them, "Something wrong?" Mikhail glanced at Jacques, who nodded to him. I blinked once, "What is it?" There was something on their minds. I sat up and shifted to the edge of the bed. Mikhail looked at me, "Bella, I know this is exciting news, but I think we should hold off telling the Cullens about this." My eyebrows pulled together, "Well, we are, along with everyone else. We all agreed."

What was Mikhail getting at? Was he deliberately playing the role of the 'bad guy?' Mikhail, just say it. He looked at me, then I saw what was on their minds. A slight feeling of betrayal came over me. Raven sat down next to me, as she wasn't prepared for this news either. Mikhail cleared his throat, "I think, for the baby's best interest, that the Cullens not be in his or her life. They are vampires and could be a danger to the infant."

Raven inhaled slowly and my mouth fell open. Raven had become great friends with the Cullens and sees them as brothers and sisters. Jacques exhaled slowly, "Angel, it's just that their kind don't have the best history with our people. Though the Cullens are an exception to their race, we think it would be best that they not be part of our child's life." My eyes widened, "What?!" Mikhail answered my outburst, "Bella, their kind have a history of feeding on our people. The smell of our women's blood is quiet potent to them. You yourself have said you have that effect on some members of their family."

Raven's hand rested on mine, squeezing my fingers, "You cannot be serious. Edward never intentionally did anything to endanger Bella's life." Jacques countered that quickly, "What of his brother? He tried to attack Bella on her birthday." My hand rested on my chest and my eyes drifted to the floor, "How can you say this?" My voice was breaking, "Esme and Carlisle are like my parents. They see all of us as part of their family and you can still say something like this." Tears formed in my eyes, "I… I can't believe what I'm hearing."

My hand rested over my mouth, "Can you tell this to Esme? Can you tell her that she cannot see her first grandchild? She'll be heartbroken. And Alice and Rosalie will be devastated that they can't see their niece or nephew. I can't," my cries became too much for me to talk. Instantly, Jacques felt chagrinned. Raven pulled me into her embrace, "You are unbelievable. Was it that long ago that you've forgotten what the Cullens did for our family? If Alice and Emmett didn't get to that lab, Bella may not be alive. They not only saved her life, and Jacques's as well. If Bella died, he would have died to join her."

She continued in her angry tone, "And Alice and Esme keeping those possessed animals away from us when Bryan was attacking our home. Or Carlisle and his sons destroying those laboratories around the world, keeping our kind and humans safer from those fanaticals. And Jasper has been nothing but a gentleman and a brother to Bella and me. He feels worse than anyone that he lost control." I continued to cry into her shoulder as she berated these men. Raven was angrier than I've ever seen her, "And Esme, Bella and I are her daughters. This is her first grandchild and you don't want her to see the baby. If you want to break their hearts by telling them they can't be with the continuation of their family, then you are not the men I thought you were."

I could feel Jacques's eyes on me as I was looking away from him. My face was buried in Raven's neck, hugging her close. Jacques sighed heavily, feeling very defeated, "Alright, Raven, I cannot fight the both of you." "Yes," Mikhail added, "You are right, *cstiri. The Cullens have done much for us, only because of their love for Bella. We were wrong in our decision." Angel, the feel of Jacques's arms came over me, please forgive me. I was wrong and I am sorry. I didn't respond or move to look at him.

The brothers left us alone, closing the door behind them. I sniffled as I looked back at the closed door. My tear filled eyes met Raven's, Got guilt? She smirked as we quietly high-fived each other. I didn't know you were going to cry, she congratulated.

I smiled at her, Please, I'm pregnant. I can cry at the drop of a hat, but you really let them have it. Saying that they weren't the men you thought they were, brilliant! Raven and I communicated on our private wave of thinking. This wasn't fair to them and Raven and I felt it wasn't right. The Cullens were wonderful to us and they would do anything for their grandchildren.

Carpathian Language

* Csitri: little one

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