Chapter 9 – Thoughts
JPOV
Bella was nowhere in sight, but she was upset. The feelings of pain and sadness from my lifemate were strong and I began to search the house. I had to find her immediately.
Bella was crying in an empty bedroom upstairs. The tears flowed steadily as she looked away from me. I crossed the room and brushed her hair, "My sweet, what is it?" She shook her head, refusing to look at me. "Did someone say something to you?" She stuttered a breath, "No." I sat next to her, "My love, why are you crying?" Each tear tore into me and my mind was buzzing as I tried to find out what upset her. Red-rimmed eyes looked at me, "I can't fit into my favorite flats." One silver shoe was in her lap as she cried and the other was clutched in her hand. I sighed a breath of relief; I feared the worse. Bella's eyes saddened, "Jacques, this pregnancy is wreaking havoc on my body. My shoes don't fit, I'm moody and crying all the time and I'm as big as a house."
Her tears streamed down more. My arm held her shoulders and she rested her head on my chest, "Bella, Bella, my love, don't cry. Your body is trying to handle the changes that come with carrying life. If you need something, let me know and it's yours." She sniffed several times, trying to calm herself down. The both of us looked down at her stomach. Our children will be here in a month. Esme took to measuring Bella's growth once a week, while Gregori checked on the infants within Bella's body.
She blinked, making more tears fall down her cheek, "I know I'm being ridiculous, but I can't help it." My fingertips drifted over her wet cheekbone, "I know this isn't easy for you. I was thinking that we should get out of the house. Raven said there was a play she wished to see. Mikhail invited us to join them." Bella hasn't been out in the world for weeks. She needed to be among people beside our family. Her eyes lit up, "Really? I would like to but, I don't have anything to wear." She was on the verge of crying again and I couldn't see her like that. My lips brush her temple, "You forget; Alice is here. You do have something to wear."
Bella laughed through her tears as I helped her stand up. My foot pushed the offending shoes under the bed, without her noticing. Taking her hand, I wrapped it around my arm and guided my woman out of the room. You know I hate to see you cry. She smiled up at me, as Alice poked her head out of her bedroom. I nodded to her, "Come on, Bella, I always have something for you." Bella smiled as she went with her best friend. Alice worked to keep Bella from crying.
Carlisle met my eyes as he appeared on the stairs, Is she alright? I nodded as we walked together, "She's just a little sensitive right now, but she's fine." Carlisle walked with me outside. The autumn air set into the evening. Leaves were turning gold and red, while many others remained a lush green. Carlisle worried for Bella as his daughter and patient. It still amazed me how Carlisle maintained his humanity. His people were greatly feared among mine. Some thought our family foolish for trusting these vampires, but they have proven themselves to us. I looked over the trees, "Bella is not in the best of moods. The slightest thing makes her cry." Carlisle half-smiled, "Well, at least it is almost over. Esme said she has about three weeks to go, however Mikhail has said your women can go past forty weeks. Gregori explained that your children require more time within their mothers."
I wasn't completely listening to Carlisle. In three weeks until I would be able to hold my own children. A dream I doubted until the day Bella found me. I could not deny my own joy in the knowing that I was going to be a father. Finding my lifemate was one joy and to watch her body change and grow as she carried my children was something more. My son and daughter were both intelligent and learning from their mother already.
One evening, Bella watched me as I spoke with the children; I thought she was asleep. Alice bumped my hand as I asked her, then Emmett did the same. "Jacques?" Bella's voice alerted me. Emmett kicked again at the sound of her voice. I looked at her as she rested her head on her bent arm, "What are you doing?" My hand still rested on her stomach as I felt the infants move. Bella combed her fingers through my hair as she looked at me. The warmth of her hand brushed over my lips, "A man cannot speak with his children." She smiled, "Sorry, I won't interrupt." She closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep. My ear nestled against her stomach, hearing the heartbeats and movements of my infants. My children and woman were my life.
Carlisle spoke about the plans he and his family were making. They were considering traveling, but they were still unsure. Esme did not want to be away from my children and neither did Rosalie or Alice. "Carlisle, your family is welcome to stay. There is no need for you to leave. Bella would want you to and it would seem the ladies in your family wish for the same thing." Carlisle smiled to himself as we walked. "I must say, I am very happy that Bella has found her family. I will not lie, but I did miss her very much. Thank you for taking care of my daughter." The love Carlisle had for Bella was great. He truly saw her as his daughter and I, as his son. I found that to be humorous as I was centuries older than Carlisle.
As a vampire, he held onto his humanity and taught it to his family. Carlisle was the first of his people that my brother and I were comfort to have near our family. Mikhail and I, along with Gregori were skeptical at first and some thought we were misguided, but Mikhail believed that this was the first step to some peace between Carlisle's people and ours. Carlisle Cullen was truly one of a kind. For the time being, our peace was only with Carlisle's family. He explained that his relatives in Alaska shared his family's way of life. Tanya and her family were lovely people and welcoming to myself and Bella.
Carlisle and I found our way back into the house, where Bella was walking down the stairs with her hand in Alice's. Bella wore a pale pink ankle length dress, with a black sash over the top of her stomach. Alice smiled, "Doesn't she look pretty?" Bella covered her blushing cheek, "Alice, stop." I took her hand from her face, I don't like it when you hide your face from me.
She looked up from underneath her eyelashes, I know, but pink? I feel silly. Alice knows I don't like this color.
A loud crash of thunder sounded above us. Bella looked up to the ceiling, as did Carlisle and Alice. Bella looked around my shoulder to look at Carlisle, "Is that really thunder or someone wrestling?" I laughed as I helped her down the last steps. "No, *sívamet, that's really thunder. It's a sudden storm." My arm held her waist as we walked down the hall. I glanced out the windows, seeing the rain pouring down. Bella looked as well, wanting to go outside. Nature called to us, but she couldn't go; not in her condition. We couldn't afford her falling in the rain. Overprotective, she lamented.
And I will remain so until our children are born. You are all that matter to me. Beautiful brown eyes met mine and I denied her nothing. "Can we still go to the play?" My senses spanned out, checking the mountain range. The winds were harsher in town, forcing the people to remain indoors. "I do not think so, angel. The storm is worse in town." I could see the disappointment on her face. My lips brushed the top of her head, We will go out soon, I promise.
My hand brushed over my woman's forehead, I must feed, but I will return shortly. Remain here until I come back. She nodded in agreement, clearly disappointed. She was looking forward to going to town. Carlisle came into the study, tucking a pen into his breast pocket with a folder in his hand. He glanced at me, I think now is a good time to write the updates. Carlisle looked at Bella as she hugged a cushion, "According to Esme, you're progressing perfectly, so I think it's time we solidify the birth plan." Bella's breath blew out slowly, "Ok." I had to leave, but this was far more important than my need for sustenance. Taking her hand into mine, Carlisle, Bella and I discussed the plans that were set, going into greater detail. The most severe plan was for Carlisle to perform the C-section surgery to get the babies out safely. Either way the birthing plan went; Gregori would be here to heal Bella's body.
I kissed Bella's lush lips, tasting their sweet flavor, I'll be back soon. She smiled at me, while tangling her fingers in my hair, Hurry back.
I will, angel. *Tet vigyázam, avio päläfertiil.
Once outside, the night air was whipping harshly from the storm. My form changed into an owl and I took to the sky. The wind made my flight a challenge, but it wasn't something I couldn't handle. Brother? Mikhail's voice reached me before he did. A large owl joined me. I could feel my brother's concern for me, I am at peace. Do not worry yourself.
You are my brother, so you cannot lie to me. You fear for your woman.
My eyes closed, I do, I admit it. She is worried about our children, but Gregori and Carlisle are certain that they are healthy.
Concern is not unexpected in this, but Bella is well. She is happy and healthy. She is doing wonderfully, much like Noelle and Eleanor. Jacques, you should be proud that you and your woman are bringing two children into the family.
I found myself laughing internally, I promised Bella that they will be our children first and the continuation of our race second. How is Raven handling this? Is she anxious for children?
Mikhail smiled to himself, She is more concerned in preparing for the arrival of your infants, than wanting one for herself. Perhaps she will rethink having one of our own once yours have arrived. Her mind is filled with purchasing infant clothing and planning their Halloween costumes. Ridiculous holiday. Raven is quite excited, as we all are.
Circling the town, Mikhail and I changed forms and walked through the street. The storm was raging and people were in their homes. Three men walked down the street, laughing as they exit a bar. There was no alcohol in their blood; they only remained inside for shelter. They thought it would be fun to go out into the storm. Mikhail captured their minds and they greeted us as friends. All of us turned a corner and the men lined up against the wall, allowing Mikhail and I to feed. The rain shielded our view from wandering eyes. I needed to consume enough for myself and Bella. Thank you, Jacques and don't worry, I'm just watching a movie with Alice. She won't let me get out of this silly dress.
The voice of my angel brought me such joy. After feeding heavily, Mikhail and I left the young men, knowing they would awaken soon. They were left with the memory of going out into the storm and getting lost. My brother and I took to the sky and returned to our home.
My wings pulled quickly through the unsteady air, taking me home. Bella needed to feed and only I provided for her. Mikhail and I landed on the highest points of our home. The trees swayed in the breeze and rustled loudly. I walked inside, listening to the sound of Bella's heartbeat. It was a strong call to me and I knew where she was.
Bella was still on the couch where I left her. Raven and Rosalie joined Bella and Alice; all of them laughing at some feminine movie. I stepped into the room; my eyes instantly met brown eyes. "Pardon me, ladies," I said. A smile came across Bella's face as she watched me. Her eyes lit up just from hearing my voice. Rosalie stood up, "Sure." She took Raven and Alice with her. Their minds were laughing as they left the room. Alice patted my arm as she walked by, "When you're done, could both of you come out to the hall?"
I immediately shook my head, "Not tonight. Bella needs to stay off her feet." I hadn't forgotten about Bella crying earlier. She was sensitive and I would do anything to keep her happy. Alice smiled at me, "And I promise, she will stay off her feet. Jacques, trust me." The safety and well-being of Bella was the most important thing. How could Alice be so blatant about something like this, when she was just as concerned for Bella as I was an hour ago?
Leave Alice alone. You know she likes to have her way, my lady defended her friend and sister.
I was ready to tell Alice 'no' when Bella leaned against the arm of the couch, smiling sweetly, "Give us a few minutes, Alice." Alice clapped her small hands, "Great." The door closed and I turned to look at Bella, seeing her smile, "You know it's best not to argue with Alice. And she promised. Jacques, it's fine. You'll be with me the whole time." Bella's eyes were calm and gentle as she looked at me. I drifted across the room and took Bella's hand, "My love, you need to rest."
She closed her eyes for a moment, "You've been saying that to me from the day I said I was pregnant. Esme and Carlisle said a light workout, like walking, is good for me, but you don't want me to go too far. I promise I'll take it easy, but I don't like just sitting around. Sometimes it's all I think about and other times, I feel trapped in my own body."
She leaned closer, brushing her forehead against mine, Now, will you please feed me so we can get to our surprise baby shower.
I leaned away from her, Baby shower? What makes you think Alice is doing that?
Bella smirked her lips, confident in her mind reading abilities My obtuse husband, we're having babies and Alice loves to shop. She, Esme, Raven, Rosalie and everyone else have been secretive in one way or another. Trust me, it is a baby shower. I bet you anything that's why Alice wants us to go to the grand hall.
All I saw was her mouth, curving and parting slowly as Bella spoke. The sweet scent of peppermint enveloped me as I hugged my lifemate. My lips found hers, Feed, my angel and we shall see if you are correct.
Bella pressed her soft lips to my skin. Pain cut through me as she drank, that quickly changed to pleasure as my woman fed. Her fingers lightly pressed into my chest as she drank deeply. My blood, my strength flowed into her body. I flinched as her tongue swirled over my skin, You are so cute when you jump.
My hands held her cheeks and her eyes looked into mine. Everything within me melted as her lips touched together. I wanted her right now, but I would have to wait, Let's go. I kissed her once again. The taste of my blood lingered on her lips. She moaned, I'm already pregnant, you know. My lips parted hers, And I will make you pregnant again.
Bella pulled her lips away from mine; to lick at the corner of my mouth, Let's wait until we have the twins first, then you can worry about getting me pregnant again. Every muscle in my body tightened as Bella kissed me once more, "Now, let's go see what Alice wants." My hand took Bella's as we left the study. Heading to the hall, everything was very quiet. She and I glanced at each other for a moment. The grand hall door creaked open and Alice peered out of the room, "There you are." Bella squeezed my fingers, Prepare your shocked expression. "What is it, Alice?" Bella said in a sincere tone. Alice guided us inside the dark room, "Surprise!"
Carpathian Language Guide:
Sívamet – my love or my heart (Shee-vaw-meht)
Tet vigyázam – I love you.
avio päläfertiil – lifemate
