Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight
A/N: I decided I neglected this fan fiction enough, time to grow some balls and pay some much needed attention. Especially after the cliff hanger I incidentally left for my readers ;)
I don't know how many reviews I got saying in jest, 'how the hell did that happen?', and yes, I'll admit what happened was obscure but possible. Keep note of two things; one, Bella is no longer babied. Jacob is not Edward- the Cullens are not Edward. She doesn't need to be escorted to every location- even if she is pregnant. She's being going to school for two years now – by herself- and been absolutely fine (Other than from the odd scrape or bruise).
Two, Alice can see her anywhere as long as the wolves aren't involved. Meaning if she didn't see that happen, then someone from the pack must've been near Bella. With the pack scampering around the forest with Irina's scent lurking everywhere it is inevitable that Bella and the wolves would cross paths from time to time
'Nough said, enjoy and read & review!
Hope
Jacob's POV
I hated when the blood suckers were right.
It made me livid agreeing with them; especially when I was wound up like a coo-coo clock and ready to explode.
Leaving Bella was always the one thing I regretting doing every single day. Our bond made me want to cling to her side like we were strung together with an elastic band. Though I had to fight that longing urge to fling back to her in the recoil, I had to tough it out on my own; especially since it wasn't in my nature to overwhelm Bella in controlling direction. That wasn't like me. She honestly would be fine with Alice after all, actually, more than fine with her visions watching Irina's and Bella's every move.
I just didn't want to believe it instinctively...
I removed my shirt tossing it somewhere among the trees as I walked into the foliage and removed my shorts- which I still wore despite it being late September- tying them around my right ankle.
The burning ripping feeling tore through my body as I phased, my paws finding moist soil beneath me. I flexed, digging my claws into the earth tearing little groves in the ground. The air was decisively rich now compared to my human form with keen ardours in every gasps of air. I could hear the roaring pacific smashing against the rocky shores of La Push miles from where I stood.
I heard Seth and Leah running amongst me and took off into a mentally navigated direction to where they were. Their paws hit the ground as steady pounds on the earth. I listened in silence for a few minutes as I too joined their run from a distance.
"Any news?" I demanded fiercely through our minds.
"Nah." Seth replied simply. I could see Leah shaking her head agreeing with Seth's statement in my head.
"Where's Sam?" I asked lightly feeling Leah flinch almost naturally at his name.
"With Emily and the Elders, he's negotiating the best method of action." Leah said coldly, I could feel her body become rigid trying to suppress the bounds of agony she dealt with daily. If there was one person she hid her pain from, it was her little brother. More out of the role model action to not discourage him from falling in love.
I heard her thought process before regarding her little brother.
She wanted him to be happy and oblivious to the pain that love or imprinting could cause him and others; like Sam and herself.
"Why aren't you guys there then?" I inquired curiously.
"Same reason you aren't, busy doing other things." Leah bit back bitterly.
"We're patrolling in the meantime. Did you find out anything more?" Seth asked lightly- trying to lift the cold shoulder Leah was already producing.
"Yeah erm-" I started feeling obligated to let them know face to face, "Let me meet up with you first. I just got back from the Cullens and Bella's on the way home then back there again for 'safe keeping'." I grudged rolling my eyes at my last words. I still wasn't too impressed with the fact I was lending my mate to a bunch of leeches for protection.
"So that's why you're not with her!" Seth exclaimed giving me view to where he was- right by the highway, following behind our navy hybrid. Through the gaps in the trees I could see Bella ahead when there was straight stretch of highway and not a jumble of curves.
I was immediately filled with panic, this wasn't the plan.
I would be the one protect Bella- and if it wasn't me and it would be Alice and only because she could see if something bad was going to happen.
"Seth, get away from her." I growled viciously.
Seth filled with surprise, "Wha- why?"
"Alice can't see any immediate danger if you're near her." I snarled in reply now approaching about a 3 minute gap from him.
"You don't trust me to protect her?" He half gasped in anger. I burrowed my eyebrows- or at least what I had of them. My eyes were charcoal slits of rage.
"No, I won't leave you responsible for my mate." My words were a little harsh on Seth, he didn't deserve it, but it was regarding Bella. I couldn't help my behaviour.
"So you trust leeches over your own flesh and blood?" Sneered Leah, voice laced with resent.
"Shut up." I snapped backed
"Thanks Jaco-" Seth's words were cut off by the screeching of tires, followed by the revving of the engine- then a sound so piercing it scorched itself permanently into my memory. The tires squealed against the slick pavement, the mental cranked itself in a unnatural form and rolled the vehicle in a vicious style.
The speed of my sprint could not bring me closer fast enough.
Bella's car had flipped and became mangled among the ancient pines of Washington. Leah got there first, being the fastest of all three of us. Her own vision was horrified to the point of blacking it out from me. She looked away too fast to study anything more than a blur of colours.
She glanced up the road to stare at the dear standing frozen in the road just in time to see it scamper off timidly.
I saw the animal through her vision as well.
My body convulsed in anger the alpha in me roaring despite my position, "Kill it." I hissed rigidly as I came hurtling to the scene.
The navy vehicle lay sideways wrapped around a cedar and between a pine trees. Glass and blood was scattered everywhere. The sweet and luxurious smell of Bella was spewed across the road side. My eyes watered and tears fell down my russet fur as I finally gazed upon her body.
She laid raggedly tossed like a fragile doll on the road side, her eyes closed restlessly and squinting in agony. Blood swelled from her body, and her breathing hitched at everything breath. Her head had the biggest gash in it, and she was meters from the car.
I couldn't understand how she could be this hurt when the air bag had gone off, and the seat belt-
My head tore upwards in desperation as a heart aching howl echoed, ripping from my throat.
I prayed Carlisle heard it.
I prayed any Cullen heard it.
I prayed Sam heard it.
I just simple prayed.
I couldn't lose my Bella, I couldn't.
I found myself naked shaking in sobs over Bella's body hanging on to dear life, too scared to lay a hand on her in case of hurting her more. I just had to wait.
I heard Leah dart through the trees frantically and Seth hollowing continuously trying to get anyone's attention.
I just begged whatever god was out there that it wasn't too late for my Bella, it just couldn't be.
Though, there was hope despite it all. A small and rapid but strong heartbeat shuddered alongside Bella's uneven one. The baby, as of now, sounded fine. Despite Bella's condition, the baby lay protected within her fragile being.
Leah met up with Carlisle about half the distance she assumed she would be traveling. Carlisle was by Bella's side within minutes; his face a stern plaster of concentration. He ordered everyone about in the most solemn way, except for me. I was completely ignored by the doctor.
By then I was a cold mask of regret; Regret for things I couldn't comprehend.
"The deer must've have been running from Seth and Leah, that's why it darted across the road." Embry added crouching beside me. He had tossed me a pair of shorts to cover myself in the hoard of people. I gave a brief nod of my head refusing to vocalize in my despair. I was convinced if I opened my mouth to speak it would only hitch in my throat and be the end of my strength. I would surely lose it if I didn't just think to breathe through the pain.
"I'm so sorry Jacob." Seth whimpered weakly bowing his head as Alice and Carlisle lifted Bella body onto the stretcher. I didn't reply or even acknowledge that he had spoken. I'm sure he thought I was furious at him; which essentially I was ticked at his obliviousness. But I couldn't hold a grudge against him when he absolutely no control over the situation.
"I can't believe I didn't see this. This is all my fault. " Alice whimpered after her and Carlisle placed Bella's limp body down. Her features bleed distress and mortification; mostly for herself. She needn't be, this wasn't her fault but she wouldn't let herself live this down.
It was pure coincidence that the moment Seth and Leah were blocking out Alice's visions was the moment when Bella was in imminent danger. Bella was safe from Irina with Seth, Leah or any member of the pack around, I was sure of that.
Bella wasn't safe from herself though without Alice's or my protection.
That was undeniable now.
Hours later we found ourselves, including all the Cullens, Seth, Leah, Embry, Sam, Emily, Quil, Charlie and Billy, scattered throughout the waiting room in the most awkward of positions- a few of us attempting to get a wink a sleep if we knew it was possible. Charlie had called Renee with a broken voice telling her of the terrible news. She booked the next flight to Washington and would be here within the next 8 hours. It was a surprise that they allowed the large group of us to stay in Clallam County Hospital and ignored the 'direct family' only rule. I could account this exception to Dr. Cullen being the most qualified doctor there, and Bella being a close friend to him and his family.
The group of us needed all the support we could get and then some.
I sat straight up- rigid and staring cold to the afar.
I hadn't said much since Bella was brought into the hospital by Carlisle, who was incidentally off with Bella as her main caretaker. He had told us little, fully engrossed with her critical condition and had little time to fuss with us about details. I was glad he wasn't wasting time comforting us and using his apt abilities for the sake of Bella's life.
Though, he had told us that her first and critical surgery had been a success, a decompressive craniectomy, the removal of a piece of her skull and draining of blood and fluid to allow room for swelling. Bella was transferred to the intensive care unit for further examination. Her arm would need surgery to correct the bone to heal properly. A closer look at the baby's condition and both of Bella's legs would be the further course of action.
She was an hour into her next surgery according to Carlisle's last confrontation. It was only a few hours ago that Carlisle had last talked to us, early this morning to be exact, but it felt like days. He had told us the surgery had been scheduled for 9am. Sam had tried to get me to eat something before then, but I couldn't stomach anything. I was hungry, just too nervous to chew, swallow and digest.
Bella's life was on the line and I couldn't bother with mine.
The swinging doors opened again, Carlisle finally appearing from them. My stomach twisted ruthlessly as his eyes met mine.
"Charlie, Jacob, we just finished the surgery and she's been moved into her room in the ICU. You can up come and see her now and I'll explain her conditions further." Carlisle spoke, with a small hopeful but exhausted smile.
My heart was lifted bounds. Bella may not be perfectly well, but she was alive for now. This was the brightest news I'd heard all day. I ascended quickly along with Charlie and followed Carlisle through the swinging doors and down the brightly lit hallway smelling like rubbing alcohol and stale plastic.
Both our steps were quick, but I was impatient in getting to her bedside. I needed to see her, despite what I may find. I wished against walking at human pace with my despiration. We climbed the stairs of the hospital and turned left and right through a few hall ways before entering an area labelled "ICU" with a pale grey sign.
Bella's room was the sixth one in the corridor with a pasty green door and a small window blocked by white blinds. Carlisle opened the door graciously, allowing Charlie and I to enter. We came into view of Bella, her body covered to just under her breasts with thin ivory sheets, the rest of her body wrapped in the ghostly blue hospital robe, with eyes closes and pale skin covered in bandaged abrasions. A small bump was visible through the thin sheets causing my body to fill with warmth. Her arm was securely in a cast and suspended by some sort of mental contraptions. Her head was wrapped severely in gauss and a maze of wires surrounded her, including tubes attached to a ventilating machine. The room was filled with a low humming interrupted by constant beeping from the collection of monitors.
"She's stable and just under general anaesthesia and should be waking soon." Carlisle nodded as he spoke, with a slight smile creeping to his face. His eyes were sympathetic and full of compassion. I was beyond thankful to him for his talent and consideration towards Bella.
"Will she be okay?" Charlie choked gazing up with his swollen eyes.
Carlisle nodded again lips still forming a small smile, "Her prognosis looks bright. The swelling in her brain has dramatically decreased, lowering the pressure. I successfully implanted 6 bolts in her radius- a bone in her forearm- and the breakage should heal properly. There is also a plate attached to her leg on the tabia to stabilize the spiral fraction. She has a lot of bruising, and her brain was temporarily bleeding but hopefully she'll take a turn for the better."
I was looking down at Bella's peaceful features for Carlisle's entire explanation. After the silence blessed us I looked up sharply, "What about the- "
I didn't finish my sentence on account for Charlie being right beside me.
Carlisle gave a warm flicker of gaze before speaking, "The baby, the baby is miraculously fine."
Charlie's body became stiff beside me with a soft grunt. I rather him not find out like this. But at the moment it was more than necessary. We could only hide our secret for so much longer. Carlisle stood professionally in front of us ready for whatever storm that was about to form.
"Baby?" Charlie coughed unintelligently.
Carlisle flashed his attention over to me, knowing his place in the conversation. It was my turn to delegate answers. Charlie looked briskly over to me in reaction to Carlisle's stance.
"Charlie, I'm sorry you found out this way and I'm sorry on my behalf of what's happened but Bella's pregnant- Bella and I are having a baby." I explained nervously almost gulping my words back down.
Charlie's warm brown eyes just like Bella's bore into me causing another fit of unease to cultivate in my stomach. His eyebrows relaxed with his posture as he gave a deep sigh, "Does Renee know yet?"
I replied with a weak nod.
"Okay." He muttered then becoming silent for a moment. The silence was too long, too uncomfortable. With the latest disaster I couldn't stand waiting on anyone's approval, even someone as important to Bella as Charlie. I was far too emotionally exhausted for those means.
"I've been monitoring her progress as well as another doctor the last three months. Up until now, the baby has been completely healthy and developing normally." Carlisle added to slice through the stiff atmosphere.
"Thank you." Charlie replied briskly bringing his hand up to his mouth as if he was in deep thought. His eyes became firm and thoughtful.
I felt tense and helpless; I couldn't stand it if Charlie, Bella's own father, disapproved the pregnancy. Bella needed him, and I needed Bella to be okay and happy.
"I'm sorry Charlie. We were planning on telling both you and Billy together. I can only hope you support us if not Bella for her own sake." I said rigidly.
Charlie gave a blunt nod taking in the abundance of emotion shoved at him.
"Bella couldn't take me disproving this as much as I disagree with teen pregnancy." Charlie started gruffly.
"Bella technically isn't a teenager; she's legally an adult I may append." Carlisle interjected cheerfully.
"But he is." Charlie grunted justly. I felt my body shy away into a vulnerable posture.
"I know, and I'm sorry for this. I plan on doing everything in my power to give your grandchild the best possible life I am able to give." I proclaimed softly but honestly.
Charlie gave way to another deep and restless sigh, "I know, and I trust you to your word. You've never hurt Bella before and I don't think you ever would intentionally. If I didn't like you so much kid, I'd castrate you right here and now right beside Bella. But I do and you're lucky for it. You care about and love her almost more than Renee and I, and I've been routing for you two since day one. It's just tough coming to terms with your daughter being pregnant so young, I don't want her making a mistake that would affect the rest of her life."
For not a man of many words, Charlie presented himself as well spoken and sensible. The pressure of his disproval lifted from my chest and only left a need to prove myself even more.
"This isn't a mistake. It was a surprise- but it is anything but a mistake Charlie." I assured strongly.
"I would hope so Jacob. Your manhood is on the line." Charlie said brusquely.
That gave way for soft, warm laugh as I spoke, "You can count on me keeping that then."
"Good. Now let's go tell Billy before Bells wakes up." Charlie smiled in return. I felt so much lighter than minutes earlier. If all stayed on track, we would all come out of this okay without any loses.
That's all I could hope for.
That's a better ending for a chapter than last one!
Hope you enjoyed!
And please review!
Laurs