CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Please tell me it does not involve alcohol or sex."

"Neither," Dan said. "But closer to the later."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jacob asked. "No one better be pregnant."

"Slow down," Dan said. "Back up. Then guess."

"I don't have the brain power, or the desire," Jacob said.

"That's alright, you'd never guess anyway. You know those things that attacked us? Well, they turn into a group of ten girls, and we all imprinted on each other."

"What the fuck," Jacob said, without even hesitating. "You imprinted on the things that put over a hundred stitches in my son?"

"Yes," Dan said. "But they were acting defensively."

Jacob let out a low whistle. "Well," he said. "Congratulations. I suppose we'll all learn to overlook this little incident now."

"Do you want to meet them?" Dan asked.

"Yes, Dan, my good friend, I would like to meet your soul mate."

"Today?" Dan asked.

"Why not," Jacob said. "How about later though. I would like to meet them sitting up, and I'm going to make sure that happens today."

"We could just come over tomorrow," Dan said.

"Nope," Jacob said. "Now I'm excited to meet them."

"You're sure?"

"Yes," Jacob said. "And I'm really happy for you guys. You deserve it. Everyone deserves it."

"Kat's cleaning them up now," Dan said.

"Perfect," Jacob said. "I still have some extra clothes that we keep here too if the clothes you have don't fit or something. "

"Thanks," Dan said. "Feel better buddy. We'll see you later."

"See you later," Jacob said, and he hung up with a click.

"Well," I said. "He seems like he's doing alright."

"Yeah, and Nessie sounds like a mess," Robert said.

"I would be," I admitted.

"At least her family is in town," Scott commented.

"Yeah we would have been in big trouble had they not been," Adam added.

"Can't Abbey stitch?" I asked.

"Not like those vampires can," Ricky said. "They're like machines."

"They've had a lot of practice I guess," I said. I stretched my shoulders, rolling them back. "So," I said, changing the subject. "How are you guys feeling?"

"In love."

"Like I never felt before this."

"Protective."

"Weird."

"Freaking great."

"Horny."

"Nervous."

"Empty, she's too far away."

"Brave."

"Drunk, and all of the above."

"Wow," I said. "Thank you for your honesty. That was great."

"Do you ever become more rational?" Adam asked me.

I laughed. "Well you tell me. Did I become more rational?"

"Sure," Ricky said. "You guys were like all awkward at first, and then you started functioning like one person."

"There you have it," I said. "You'll get there too. I mean, Kat and I knew a lot about each other before we imprinted. I watched her grow up, she watched me grow up. We had a common backstory, so we understood a lot about each other. You guys will be awkward for a while, probably longer than Kat and I were, but we didn't have time to be awkward. She was pregnant, and we had to get our shit together. Relationships have to be built, I mean, look at our imprinted family members. Do you think Sam and Emily were like they are now when Sam first imprinted on Emily? You would know more than I would. Were the girls like they are with their imprints now when it first happened?"

"I guess not," Justin said. "I just never really thought about it changing."

"Exactly," I said. "Kat and are a long way away from being completely not awkward with each other, and it's been almost a year, and I watched her have a baby! So that's saying something."

"Well you just put this whole thing in perspective," Dan said. "I feel a lot more normal now."

"Tada," I said. I looked over at Melanie in her play pen, and saw that she had fallen asleep for her morning nap. "And the baby fell asleep."

"You're just super dad today," Dan said.

"My rant put her right to sleep," I said.

"It's a gift," Brian said. "Use it."

About an hour later, the girls all came back downstairs. Melanie had just woken up, and was hungry. I turned to look as Kat led the way downstairs, and I was completely shocked at how much a shower could change someone's appearance. They were practically glowing. Their hair was way shinier, and it looked silky. They were in clean clothes, and I realized that they were all actually pretty attractive. Kat's beauty dimmed theirs for me, but I figured every man in this room was thinking something like that. "Wow," I said. "I bet you guys feel better."

They all laughed. "You could say that," Nia said.

"We even got the scissors out," Evelyn said. "We must have chopped off at least three feet of hair all together."

"And we got it all in the garbage," Kat added.

"I didn't know you could cut hair," I said to Kat.

"I can't," she said. "Ava can."

"No, I can't," Ava said. "But we were desperate, and they just needed a trim."

"I think you cut off about twenty pounds of hair, that's not a trim," Ari said. "And you totally nailed it."

"Doesn't Kristin do hair?" I asked.

"She's getting certified," Kat said. "She wants to open up a shop in town so people don't have to go to Port Angeles to get their hair cut. But she's seven months pregnant with twins, I'm feeling like she's not going to be opening up a shop anytime in the next few months."

"That's really awesome though," Ava said with her quiet voice. "I'd like to meet her, whoever she is."

"All in due time," Ricky said. "First, you guys have to meet Jacob."

They must have explained who all of these people were to the girls when they were up talking last night. "He has more extra clothes," I noted.

"Lovely," Kat said. "Because we no longer have extras. Everything fit somebody."

"We can get you guys your own clothes you know," Dan said, tugging on the hem of Ari's shirt. "We do have money."

"But that's your money," Ari said.

"What's mine is yours," Dan argued.

"We'll see," Ari said. "I managed to live ten years in the same clothes, I think I can survive for a few hours."

"Good point," Dan said.

"My boobs are going to explode, so I hope that baby is hungry," Kat said suddenly.

"Been holding that one in for a while have you?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. "Give her here."

I handed Melanie to Kat and she smiled at her mommy. It was precious. "She's adorable," Zoey said.

"Thank you," Kat and I said at the same time.

"Is she good?" Cami asked.

"Oh yeah," I said. "Really good."

Kat had gotten pretty good at keeping herself covered while nursing, but she still used me to hide behind while she got Melanie adjusted. She had sat herself down on the couch, and I sat next to her.

"She eats a lot more now than when she was born," Kat said.

"Is that good?" Ari asked.

"It is," Kat said. "But my boobs are taking a beating."

"I can imagine," Ari asked. She cocked her head at us. "If you don't mind me asking," she said. "How old are you? Like literally, not how old did you stop aging at."

"Nineteen," Kat and I said at the same time.

"Oh," Ari said. "Well, you look pretty natural at it."

"Ha," Kat said. "I guess they didn't tell you how we got Melanie huh?"

Ari squinted her eyes at her. "No," she said. "I just assumed she was yours."

"She is," Kat said. "In most senses of the word. You see, Zeke and I come from a bad area in Alturas, and I was raped by someone living in my house. But I'm Melanie's mom, and for all intents and purposes, Zeke is her father."

"That's really awesome," Ari said. "That you're raising her." She nodded at me.

"You would do the same thing," I said. "If put in the situation yourself." I jerked my head at Dan, and she followed my gaze.

"Well yes," Ari said after a moment. "I suppose I would."

"And anyway," I said. "Who can resist this little girl?" I poked Melanie's little foot, and she squirmed.

"Ohp," Kat said. "Baby detached, we've got a live one."

Everyone laughed as Kat got Melanie resituated. "See," Kat said. "We just keep it really real."

"I can see that," Scarlette said. "I like it."

"I like you," Adam said.

"That was sweet," I said. "I'm going to barf."

"Thank you for that."

"Anytime."

We spent the day getting to know the girls a little more. A few more of them held Melanie. They were extremely behind on world news and such, and we caught them up on that. We decided to make a trip to the grocery store on our way to Jacob's. We bought things like toothbrushes, soap, and underwear. Just the things that couldn't wait until tomorrow. We all piled back into our separate vehicles, and made the short trip back over to Jacob's.

The house was a lot less chaotic than it had been the night previously. "Hello," Edward said when he opened the door, and I noticed the girls cringing at the smell. "Do you want dinner? I'm cooking."

"You're cooking at a house where only one occupant eats?"

"Yes," Edward said. "Or about to be anyway. I'm taking your answer as a yes mostly because I just want to cook."

"Fine by me," Ricky said.

"I'm Edward, by the way," Edward said. "You all look underfed and tired. I'll work on the first."

"Thank you?" Valerie said.

"Sure," Edward said as he walked back into the kitchen.

Eila came out of her room as we came in and immediately took Melanie from Kat. She brought her into the kitchen where the rest of her family was and I heard them all cooing at her. She would be fine in there.

Nessie was dozing on the couch when we came in, a book about music in her lap. She started as we walked into the room.

"Sorry," Dan said. "We didn't mean to wake you."

"No," she said. "It's fine, I totally forgot you guys were coming."

"Sorry," Dan said again. "We don't mean to impose."

"You're not," Nessie said. She stood up with a smile at the girls. "I'm Nessie," she said.

"You're beautiful," Evelyn said.

Nessie laughed. "Well thank you, the ten of you are something to look at as well."

"Thanks," the girls said. They introduced themselves, and Nessie introduced them to the rest of her family who were currently inhabiting her kitchen. They were all smiles, even though most of them were distracted by the cooking.

"How's Cade doing?" Justin asked.

"He's hanging in there," Nessie said. "He's been sleeping most of the day."

"Is Marah still in there?" I asked.

"Yep," Nessie said. "She hasn't made a sound all day. When we checked on her, she shushed us. It's been interesting." We laughed. "I think she fell asleep though, she was up in the middle of the night and all."

"That's sweet," Kat said. "She loves him."

"That's all a parent can ask for," Nessie said.

She knocked on her bedroom door as we got to it. "I am bringing people in this room, for the love of god, have your clothes on."

"Define clothes," Jacob said, taunting her.

Nessie whipped her head around the corner. "You're an idiot," she said.

"You love me."

"I'm gathering that."

"That's okay," Jacob said. "Now let these people in the room so I can meet them."

"Fine."

I led the way into the room, Kat behind me. For a La Push house, Jacob and Nessie had a decent sized bedroom. It had a bathroom attached to it, so it worked well for them. Jacob still looked pretty rough, but he had kept his word about sitting up. He had two pillows behind him and the newspaper spread across his legs. He smiled his perfect smile as we came in, and even through his stiches and bruises, it still lit up his whole face.

"Hi there," Jacob said.

"Oh my God," Ari said, taking in Jacob's appearance. "I'm so sorry."

Jacob laughed, and I noticed that he cringed a little. "No worries," he said. "I can relate. And you don't even know me." He looked around the room. "Holy cow," he said. "There are a lot of you. What are your names?" The girls went around the room and introduced themselves. "Okay," Jacob said. "I'm probably going to forget a name a few times, but I think I've got it." He ran a hand through his hair, and I saw more stitches going up his arm. "Anyway, I'm Jacob, and we have a ton of extra clothes in the bottom of our linen closet, and most of them are girl's clothes. You guys should check it out." He sniffed. "Apparently, my wonderful in-laws are cooking for you, but you're always welcome here. Like literally, always."

"That's very generous of you," Scarlette said.

"It's what we do," Jacob said. "You can go to any member of the pack's house and be welcome there. You just never know what you may run into while there." Everyone laughed.

"We'll leave you to rest more," Dan said. "You're looking a little worse for wear."

"I'm fine," Jacob said. "I've had worse days. Way worse days."

"Not that I've seen," Ricky said as we were leaving.

"That's because it was you who did it last time."

"Good point," Dan said. "Sorry about that."

"I'm over it," Jacob said. "Do me a favor and some of you go visit Cade. Watch out for his body guard though, she's feisty."

"We're on it," Landon said.

We decided not to all go into visit Cade at once, but to go in in pairs. Naturally, we went with our imprints. Kat and I went into the kitchen until it was our turn to go in.

"So," Alice asked as we walked in. "How are the wedding plans coming along?"

"Good," Kat said. "It's six weeks away, and things are coming together. It's going to be this big crazy family, and Zeke's sisters are flying up. That's it for the guest list though. Zemati is actually going to cater for us, and I think Selena is helping her."

"I want to help," Edward said.

"I'm sure she'd be grateful for it," I said.

Kat nodded. "We booked a DJ, and Kim and Rachel are doing the cake. The decorations are all hand-me-downs from other people's weddings as well."

Alice cocked her head at her. "I haven't heard anything about a dress."

Kat shrugged her shoulders. "I don't have much, so it'll probably be something pretty typical."

"I suggested we get married naked," I said. "That was voted no."

"Obviously," Alice said. "I volunteer to shop with you."

"Watch yourself, she's crazy," Bella said

"No," Kat said, nodding her head. "I could use the help. A little crazy never hurt anyone."

Alice rubbed her hands together maliciously. "This will be fun. I like challenges. Have you asked a maid of honor yet?"

"Not yet," Kat said, shaking her head. "I don't know who to pick." She laughed. "The girl I'm closest to is my daughter."

Alice laughed. "That could happen if you really wanted."

Kat gave her a quizzical look. "I don't think so. I'm probably going to ask Alexis actually."

"Also a good idea," Alice said. "And much more workable." She turned to me. "Have you asked anyone yet?"

"Yes, but I had an easier choice," I pointed out. "I picked my brother."

"Good point," Alice said. "Are you wearing tuxes?"

"They aren't," Kat said. "Coat and tie though."

"That works," Alice said.

I took Melanie when she started to fuss, and Kat and Alice talked wedding plans for a while longer. Mel curled herself into my shoulder and cuddled with me. She had been into that lately.

"She's sweet," Edward said as he stirred something. I still couldn't tell what it was they were making for us.

"Thanks," I said.

"They don't stay that way long you know."

"I've been told," I said. "Then again, yours stayed this way for a lot less long."

"It's true," Edward said. "She was born one day and the next she was walking."

"I can't imagine," I said. I kissed Melanie's little fuzz-covered head. "Any advice?"

"I don't know, I had it pretty easy. She never had bad years."

"That's good though," I commented.

"Yes," Edward said. He shrugged his shoulders. "Be who you want them to be. Set the best example you can at all times, in any situation."

"That's not half-bad advice," I said.

Edward smiled. "I can't believe I have teenaged grandchildren."

I smiled. "Isn't Cade about to finish seventh grade?"

"Yes he is," Edward said. "And Eila tenth." Edward's eyes got wide. "I met Bella when we were in eleventh grade."

"Holy crow," Bella said, picking up on our conversation. "Good thing we don't have to worry about that."

"Yeah, I like Bryce way more than I've ever liked Jacob."

"Fuck you," Jacob called from his bedroom.

"Right back at you kid."

"I'm a grown man."

"You're at least ninety years younger than me, you're still a kid."

"I'm ninety years younger than you," Bella said.

"So you're a very attractive kid."

"Gee thanks."

"Is this always how it is?" I asked.

"Yes," Edward said. "We're always this immature."

"Always have been," Nessie said. "Have you two ever gotten along?"

"This is getting along!" Edward said, raising his hands.

"You both pick on each other," Nessie said.

"It's because we care," Jacob called.

Edward raised his eyebrows at Nessie. "You should have seen us before you were born young lady."

"I try not to think about Jacob existing before me."

"It's better that way," Bella said. "Trust me, I do the same with your father."

"I didn't do anything exciting before you anyway," Edward said. "No worries."

"Is it true that you were going to abort me and have Jacob's babies?" Nessie asked her mother.

"I claim that as my idea," Edward said.

"I shot him down," Bella said.

I personally thought this question would be a little more heated, but Bella and Edward answered it like it was no big deal.

"What the hell?" Nessie said. "Thanks dad."

"I liked your mom more than you."

"That's awful," she said.

"Thank you, you're making me feel really good right now."

"Sorry," Nessie said. "I can't relate."

"And I hope you never have to," Edward said.

"Jacob," Nessie called. "They have confirmed what you told me last night."

"Ness, would I lie to you?" Jacob called.

"No, but you have to admit, if you were me, you would find it hard to believe that your husband was going to sleep with your mother if she aborted me like my father wanted."

"True," Jacob called. "I see your point."

"This is all freaking me the heck out," Eila said, coming out of her room.

"Just don't start thinking about Bryce's real age compared to your real age, and you'll be fine," Jasper said.

"I do my best not to," Eila said. She took a whiff of the air. "It smells good, for human food."

"Are you going to eat?" Edward asked.

"Nope," Eila said. "Been there, done that, not trying it again."

"Okay then," Edward said.