A-ha! Finally, I'm back. No, I didn't disappear again. This chapter was just a pain to write. And I've been trying to update Alpha's Daughter, but geez. They're giving me issues over there. There's some sweetness, a lemon, and some very bad juju in this chapter. I think a lot of you will either agree with Jacob or think he went overboard. But we'll see!

*Disclaimer*

Please Enjoy!

RPOV

Ren let out yet another nervous breath. Though her aunts and uncles lived inside the wall, it was a good hour south of them. Her grandparents had traveled in from outside the wall. She hadn't seen them in a year or so.

She fingered the sapphire at her throat while she watched the trees pass by.

"I know you're nervous," Jacob said. "I wish things weren't the way they are, but hey, we all have time to calm down and work everything out. Let's just get through today. Then we can go home and cuddle up with a movie."

She couldn't help the smile that stretched her lips. "That sounds perfect."

While he drove, she looked over at him. What he'd done for her had left her speechless. It was also an act that she didn't know if she could ever pay back. He'd gone to face her father to smooth things over…to make things easier on her. She didn't know if he realized how selfless of an act it was. If he kept up doing things like that, she'd be head over heels for him in no time.

He looked over at her. "What?"

Blinking, she shook her head. "Hmm?"

"You're staring at me."

"Sorry. I was just thinking that I can't believe how far we've come, you know? And how much I've come to depend on you."

His brows pulled down. "What do you mean?"

Ren shrugged. "I don't know. Like, I feel like if something happens, I can just fall back on you and you'll take care of it. I've never felt that way with anyone. I was always the one that people ran to, even my parents."

Reaching over, he rubbed her thigh comfortingly. "I think your parents put too much on you. And I guess I didn't help by making you queen. But in all honesty, I didn't expect you to end up embracing that role. I'd planned to keep you in the background. Shows how much I know, huh?"

She grinned at him. "I expected you to be king of the barbarians. I guess we were both wrong."

He nodded. "I'm glad we were. But back to what you were just saying, everybody deserves someone to support them. You and I have a symbiotic relationship. We both depend on each other, and that's what marriage is about. You're my wife. I have a responsibility to take care of you whether we get along or not."

She rubbed her hand over his, scratching her nails lightly over his skin. He shivered, and that's the reason she did it. She'd come to realize that he liked her nails on him. It was that edge and promise of rough and need that he liked.

Ten minutes later, Jacob was pulling the truck into the drive that led up to the big, white house. The drive forked out right in front of the house to lead to a large garage. Three other cars were parked in front of the building. Ren told Jacob just to park up next to the house so they didn't block anyone in just in case someone had to go somewhere.

He met her around the hood of the truck carrying the bag of presents. He held his scarred hand out for hers. "You ready?"

Taking his hand, she also breathed in deep. "I don't know. I'm excited to see them, but not about what I know is gonna come up."

"Just remember that we can leave anytime you want. Just say the word."

The reminder loosened the tightness in her chest a little.

Squeezing his hand, she led them up the porch steps. She stared at the front door for a couple minutes, unsure of what to do. Did she knock or just walk right in?

Jacob reached around her to ring the doorbell. His hand landed on her waist, rubbing comfortably.

The door opened a moment later to reveal her pixie-like Aunt Alice. Her golden brown eyes were warm. "Little Ren!" Reaching out, she pulled Ren into a breath-stealing hug.

Ren hugged her back, fighting the urge to cry. "Hey, Aunt Alice. It's been a while."

Pulling back, Alice cupped her cheeks. "It has. You've gone and grown up on me."

"Sorry."

Looking over Ren's shoulder, she smiled. "Don't be. Hello, Jacob."

Behind Ren, her husband cleared his throat. "Uh, hi."

Alice's smile widened to a grin. "You don't remember me? That hurts."

"It's been a while, Alice. But I do remember you. It's just…a little awkward."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She waved at them. "Well come on in. I'm sure Bella and Mom could use your help in the kitchen."

The followed her into the house. They shucked their coats just before going into the living room. Both her uncles, Emmett and Jasper, stood up with grins.

"There's my little Renbird," Emmett said as he scooped her up and spun her around.

The man always did know how to make her smile. Hugging him tight, she laughed as he put her back on her feet. Jasper was less enthusiastic but no less happy to see her. He was always the calming presence. She felt at peace whenever she was near him.

"It's good to see you. I've missed you."

"And we've missed you," her grandfather said, coming around her uncles to wrap her up tight. He kissed the top of her head.

When she pulled away, she reached back to grab Jacob's hand to pull him forward. "Grampa, Uncle Emmett, and Uncle Jasper, this is my husband, Jacob."

Grampa was the first to extend a hand. "I remember. It's good to see you again."

"Thanks. You, too." He shook hands with the other two men.

When Emmett shook his hand, he gave Jacob a very direct stare. "I hope you're treating her right."

Jacob gave a wry grin. "Why? Because if I don't, you'll hurt me?"

Emmett snorted. "No. You better treat her right because she'll hurt you if you don't. Jasper and I taught her how to fight."

Now Jacob laughed. "Let me guess, you gave her the knife."

Her uncle grinned. "Actually Jasper did. Military, remember?"

Jacob looked to Jasper. "Right. Well, thanks for that. I like knowing she can protect herself."

"As do we."

Emmett clapped Jacob on the shoulder. "You play games?"

Jacob raised his eyebrows. "Games?"

"Yeah, like PS4?"

Jacob tilted his head in consideration. "It's been a while and not a 4, but I'm sure I can figure it out." He looked down at Ren. "You okay with that?"

Smiling up at him, she nodded. "Yeah. Go bond. I'll go deal with all the women."

After he leaned down to kiss her, she made her way into the kitchen while he sat in the living room with her uncles and grandfather. In the kitchen, her father was helping out by chopping up veggies. As soon as she hugged her grandmother and her Aunt Rosalie let her out of the chokehold, she washed her hands and started helping, too.

"So, Ren," Rosalie said. "What's it like being married to a dog?"

Deep breath through the nose, Ren clenched her teeth. "Don't start, Aunt Rose. Jacob said you didn't like him. I get it. But he's my husband, and I'd appreciate if you would hold in your insults. I'm happy with him and he treats me right. That's all you need to know." She looked over her shoulder at her father. "You and Dad both need to get over your hang-ups if you want me around more."

Edward held up his hands. "I didn't say anything."

"You didn't have to. I'm well aware you have problems. And if you want me to stay, you need to go get along with him."

"Right now?"

She made shooing motions. "Yes, right now. Go."

He rolled his eyes as he stood up. Her mother smiled over at him. "Come on, Edward. I thought the two of you made up the other day?"

Grumbling, he walked out.

Ren looked over at her mother. They grinned at each other.

When the food was done, they scattered it out on the large coffee table in the living room and watched the boys play their video games.

Sitting down between Jacob's legs and leaning against his chest while he held his arms out around her, she smiled. Except for the bit in the kitchen, surprisingly nothing else had happened. Jacob good-naturedly ribbed on her father. And after a while, Edward seemed to lose his tension. They played and joked and ate. In the late afternoon, snow started to fall outside. Eventually Alice made them pause their game so presents could be opened.

With Jasper's military career, he and Alice had gone to Japan. They'd come back bearing gifts. Ren got a vase, a set of silver-bladed daggers, and a couple ornamental dolls. Surprisingly, Jacob got something from them, too. Katana swords. They were beautiful.

The gifts from everyone else were more for Ren and home decoration. Soft blankets, more cooking utensils, picture frames. Everything was warm and lovely. Jacob kept his arms wrapped around her the whole night, often pressing his lips to her temples or the top of her head. He got along better with her uncles than anyone else. That was more than she'd hoped for. He and Jasper had started talking about the war and ways to protect the people of Forks and the rez. Ren could tell Jacob wanted to see if Jasper could help, but he never did.

When she started yawning, Jacob decided that it was time for them to go. He packed up their things while she said their goodbyes. Bella and Esme packed up some extra food for them even though they didn't need it. Ren promised to visit again before her aunts and uncles left for their homes again. As they left, even her dad shook Jacob's hand. They nodded to each other meaningfully before Jacob ushered her out the door.

It was cold out as the snow came down heavy but silent.

It took some careful driving to get home, but once they did, they did just as Jacob promised. Curled up under his arm with a mug of hot cocoa while they watched The Muppet Christmas Carol made this one of the best Christmases that she could remember.

#######

January

JPOV

Another scream ripped down the hallway.

Lucy had gone into a quick labor early this morning before it just suddenly stopped. Apparently, it was starting up again. Jacob was sitting in the hall with Bryce and Alex. Lydia was curled up in Alex's lap. Sadie had left Zack with their neighbor. Their women plus Tyler were in the room. Every now and then, the nurse would poke her head out to let them know what was happening. The baby was being difficult.

"Oh, good. There you are."

Jacob looked down the hall to see Tiana coming down the hall followed by two other exotic-looking women. The female with the, literally, black skin had braids that went down to her waist. The only color on her was the silver of the jewelry from her facial piercings. Not even her eyes showed any white. The other female was different shades of blue and green, like the ocean. Even her skin was a pale green.

Rolling his eyes, he stood up. "What can I do for you, Tiana?"

Before she could answer, another scream came from the room.

She lifted her eyebrows. "A baby?"

"On its way. What do you want?" He made his tone low and demanding, hopefully letting her know he wasn't in the mood to deal with her shit.

"Oh, right." She grinned despite his tone. "Good news. The covens have decided to come help us."

He looked to the two stonily silent witches behind her. "Do we need to do this now?"

Her expression fell into a type of disgust. "Yes, if you want allies."

He looked back at the other two guys. "I'll be back. Come get me if something happens."

They nodded before he followed the three women out into the lobby area of the cabin. He refused to leave the building until he knew that both Lucy and the baby were safe and healthy.

Turning at the counter, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Start talking."

"Hey," she snapped. "You could be a lot more appreciative. Lonan and Zarya had to talk their covens into this after telling them how in danger we all are."

Jacob growled. "You do remember that I'm the king who took you in, don't you? Mind your tone, and get on with it."

Zarya, the shades of blue female, stepped forward when Tiana stared gnashing her teeth and clenching her fists. "Your Highness, if I may?"

"Go for it."

"Our covens will be here within the week. As your guests, we realize that you'd like to keep us protected. However, they'll only come within the wall if they see us at the gates. Lonan and I should stay on the wall with Tiana."

Another scream echoed down the hallway and Jacob was antsy to get back to waiting down the hall. "Are you sure that's the only way they'll come inside the wall?"

The two women nodded.

Zarya said, "They don't trust that easily. They want to see us walking without shackles or guards to know it's not a trap."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jacob blew out a breath. "If you're sure, then fine. Work out something with the enforcers. This isn't about want anymore. It's about need, and right now, I need the witches' help. Rex is going to come back, and when he does, it won't just be him."

"Jacob," Alex said from down the hall. "They've gone quiet."

A second after he spoke, the muffled sound of a baby's cries echoed down the hall.

Jacob looked to the three women. "We're done here. Do what you need to do. I have a baby to initiate into the pack."

Before they could answer, he was taking long strides down the hallway just as Ness came out. She looked exhausted, but there was a sweet smile stretching her lips. She reached out for him as he got closer. Alex and Bryce stood up.

"It's a girl," she said against his chest.

"And Lucy?" Bryce asked.

Ness smiled over her shoulder at him. "She's fine. Tired, but fine. I think Tyler's freaking out more than she is."

A nurse poked her head out the door. "She's asking for all of you."

They all filed into the room. Ness held his hand all the way to the side of the bed. Lucy did indeed look tired. Her eyes were drooping, but there was a soft smile as she sat up. The baby quieted down when she was against her father's chest. Tyler openly cried while he held his little girl. It must have seemed like a miracle to him, especially after what had happened before he came to this pack.

Sadie was sitting next to Lucy on the bed, brushing a rag over her forehead.

"What are you going to name her?" Theresa asked as she stood next to Alex.

Lucy smiled up at her mate and baby. "Vitoria Elise."

"That's beautiful," Ness said from under Jacob's arm.

"My lord?"

Jacob turned to see one of the nurses holding a small tealight candleholder containing a few drops of water. A ceremonial jug of water was kept here in the medical cabin for anointings and deaths. The water was like holy water, but blessed by the elders instead of priests. The holder was cut crystal and Jacob took it from her.

"Thank you."

She seemed momentarily surprised before nodding and leaving.

Jacob rounded the bed to stand in front of Tyler. "May I?"

Turning, Tyler nodded, but didn't take his eyes from his daughter.

Dipping his finger into the water, Jacob drew the pack's symbol on the baby's forehead. She scrunched her little face, but didn't wake up. Once Jacob was done, Tyler handed Vitoria to Lucy. Jacob went to stand with Ness. He watched her while she watched the new family. For the past month, he and Ness had been making love at every moment no matter what the ovulation tests said. He paid more attention to her scents. They'd started to change in the way that she started to smell like him. He figured it was all the unprotected sex. His scent was inside of her a lot more than before. And most nights, she fell asleep before she cleaned up, which meant his seed was inside her longer. He couldn't deny that he loved that.

Jacob cleared his throat. "Guys, I hate to interrupt, but I think we should give them some family bonding time."

"Of course," Theresa said. She gave Lucy a warm smile and a squeeze on her shoulder. "Congrats. We'll be back to visit."

Sadie nodded in agreement, kissing the top of her friend's head.

Ness stepped forward to pat her leg through the blanket. "Call any of us if you need anything, alright? Don't hesitate."

Lucy and Tyler smiled at all of them. "Thank you," Tyler said. "For everything."

They finished their goodbyes and moved out of the room.

Jacob walked beside Ness as they traipsed back to their cabin. She had a happy little grin stretching her lips as she shoved her hands into her pockets.

He looked down at her. "Why are you smiling?"

She shrugged. "I'm just happy. Despite all the war crap."

"Oh speaking of, Tiana and the other two came to talk to me. That's where I was coming from when you came out of the room."

Raising her brows, she gave him a look. "And?"

Jacob shrugged. "And I don't know if this is good or bad, but the covens agreed to come up here to help."

Her teeth bit into her bottom lip as she frowned. "Why would that be a bad thing?"

While he unlocked their front door, he answered over his shoulder. "That much power in one place can be a shitstorm. If our luck holds, the two covens will be friendly. If not, tensions are going to skyrocket."

"Where are they going to stay? You make it sound like the covens are as large as the pack."

Inside, Jacob collapsed on the couch and rubbed his face. "Actually, they only consist of ten to fifteen members. It may seem small, but they're very powerful. And to answer your question about where they'll be staying, I had some visitor cabins built out on the trails. They'll be perfect for the witches who prefer to live among nature."

Ness shucked her coat and went for the kitchen. "Well, we'll deal with whatever happens when it gets here. I'm too tired to worry about it."

Jacob nodded in agreement. He was already exhausted at having to entertain guests. He rotated his neck, but it didn't help. Standing up, he went for the door to the meeting room. "I think I'm gonna go for a workout to get rid of some of this tension."

She smiled up at him from the sink. "I'll come get you when lunch is ready."

Going downstairs, he slipped out of his shirt and went for a small closet that had extra clothes. After getting out of his jeans, he grabbed a pair of sweats. To warm up, he got on the treadmill and ran for about fifteen minutes. Instead of pushing his muscles to tense up more with weights, he decided to stick to cardio and dance with the punching bags after he wrapped his hands. They were clustered in a square so he could practice his pivots. It was a sweet setup.

He had no idea how long he'd been down there before he saw movement in the mirror across from him. Turning around, he found Ness standing on the landing, watching him.

Her eyes were on his body when she said, "Lunch is ready."

He swiped his sweaty hair out of his eyes. When she swallowed hard, he heard her heart rate pick up, and the scent of her arousal floated around the room. He loved that she lost her IQ points when she saw him half-naked and sweaty. Most women thought it was disgusting and wanted their guys to shower. Not Jacob's woman. She never let him take a shower after a workout if she was around, not until she'd had her way with him.

Going to her, he reached out for her hips. "I'm starving."

The scent grew stronger when her eyes dropped to his lips. When she licked her own lips, his cock hardened painfully. Moving his fingers around, he unbuttoned her jeans.

"Can it be reheated?"

Swallowing hard, she nodded.

Wrapping his arms under her ass, he lifted her up and turned around. The weight bench was closest so he laid her out on it and knelt between her knees. Jacob stripped her out of her jeans and panties with urgency. She'd sat up enough to take off her shirt and bra. He grinned. That was his girl. She knew he liked the view of her naked from this angle.

When she was naked and sprawled out before him, he leaned forward to lick her already wet core. A hoarse cry left her throat as she arched back, giving him the best view in the house. While he licked and sucked her, he ran his hands up over her hips, stomach, and over her breasts. Another shout echoed around the room when he pinched her sensitive nipples. Gripping his wrists, she undulated under the touch of his hands and mouth.

A rush of wetness hit his lips, and he sucked her down, knowing she was close. It was fun to play with her, but right now, he just wanted to be inside her, so he flicked and nibbled her clit until she screamed his name to the ceiling, arching her body hard.

He gave her just enough time to catch her breath before he lifted her and put her on her stomach, legs straddling the bench. When she tried to push up, he held her down with a hand in the middle of her back. "Stay down." He quickly stripped out of his sweats and straddled her hips.

Before lowering himself down, he told her, "I'm not going to last too long."

He saw her grin through her hair. "Just do your thing. I'll be there when you are."

They'd never had sex from this angle before, but he couldn't wait to try it. Going down, he positioned himself and pushed in. He grunted at how tight she was. Oral always did that if he didn't use his fingers with his tongue. She made a high-pitched mewling sound as he pushed in as far as he could go. Her body jerked when he pressed to the end of her. Her plump ass was pressed tight to his hips, and he stopped to savor the feeling of her body tightening around his. When she started to squirm, Jacob gripped her waist and started to move.

He gritted his teeth against the pressure. Her hands shot out to grip the bars on the bench, and he moved his hands to grab her ass and squeeze. Their heavy breathing, moaning, and the sound of slapping skin echoed around the room until it was a loud crescendo just waiting for the finish. When he gripped her waist again to give him better leverage to pound into her, she reached back to grab his wrists, her nails biting into his flesh.

Her body convulsed under his, telling him it was time to finish. Her nails ripped up through the wrappings and his skin, bleeding him. "Jacob!"

"Almost," he grunted.

On his next thrust, she arched up as best she could and screamed, her body tightening hard around his cock. His movement was now limited and tight, but that just took him higher as he fought for every thrust.

"Jacob, go! Please, god, just go!" Her nails sank even deeper and her feet wrapped around his calves.

His orgasm slammed him in the back, tightening his balls hard before shooting his seed into her. His grip tightened on her waist, and he tried to concentrate on not crushing her.

When he finished, he stumbled back to hit the railing on the stairs, breathing hard.

Ness looked at him over her shoulder. "Sex with you never gets old, that's for sure."

Jacob chuckled tiredly.

"Are you okay?"

He frowned at her.

"Your wrists."

Leaning against the rail and the wall, he held up his hands in front of his face. She'd sliced him up. Blood trickled down his forearms. He grinned at her. "Battle wounds. I'll survive. They'll heal in a few minutes."

Managing to sit up, she said, "Pity," with a smile.

When they managed to clean up with towels and get dressed, Jacob carried his mate up the stairs, his face buried in her neck. He nipped at her skin. He loved his scent on her. When he'd first noticed her scent changing, he'd gone to Tyler, Bryce, and Adair thinking Ness might be pregnant. But that wasn't it. They'd both confirmed that their females' scents had changed after a lot of sex. Adair had called it the bonding scent, a claiming scent. All three of them had told him that he'd know when she was pregnant. There would be no questioning it.

Giggling, she ran her hands across his shoulders. "Jacob," she chided.

"What?" he asked, pressing open-mouthed kisses to her collarbone.

She let out a happy sigh. "We need to eat. If you don't stop, we'll never make it to the dining room table."

"I have every intention of eating. I just want my lips on your skin."

They did eventually make it to the table and ate lunch. He couldn't help but watch her. She was still glowing from the sex.

She looked up from under her lashes and smiled sheepishly. "What? Why are you staring at me?"

Reaching out, Jacob rubbed his thumb over her cheekbone. "You're just beautiful."

Her teeth bit into her lip as she tried to hide her smile.

Something in his chest clenched at the expression. He'd put that smile on her face, and it made him proud.

#######

RPOV

The next day, Ren grinned as she skipped out of Jacob's office, following him down the hallway. Thanks to her attentions, he wasn't complaining about his afternoon meeting with the witches.

At the head of the stairs, he turned to wrap her up in his arms. "I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I'll call you when I'm on my way home. For some reason, they want to meet out away from the pack land."

She rubbed her hands up his arms, feeling the definition of his muscles under her palms. "It makes sense. They just want to talk to you alone. Just don't give them too much attitude, alright? We need these alliances. Try to reign in the kingliness."

Letting out a breath, he leaned his forehead against hers. "Yeah, I hear you. Sometimes I can't help it."

Her hands rubbed over his neck. "I know. It's who you are. All I ask is that you try."

Leaning back just enough, he nodded. "I think I can do that." He kissed her softly. "I'll see you later."

"'kay." She kissed him back, and then he was jogging down the steps and to the door.

Going to their room, she watched as he got into the truck and drove for the road. When she was sure he was gone, she hopped into a pair of boots and went downstairs. After slipping into a jacket, Ren went outside to stand next to Cris.

"Hey, where can I borrow another truck?"

He gave her a suspicious look. "Why?"

"Because I need a truck."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "Might as well tell me since I'm going with you."

She gave him a stern look. "No, you're not."

His frown deepened when his eyes narrowed. "Yes, I am. It's my job to follow you."

Now she crossed her arms over her stomach. "And I'm giving you an order. You're not coming with me. I don't want you to get into any trouble."

"Just tell me where you're going."

She sighed. "The rez, okay? I won't be long."

The frown turned to confusion rather than anger. She turned to start down the porch steps. "The rez? Why are you-?" Realization hit his tone. "Ren, no. You can't. Jacob is adamant about that."

When he joined her at the bottom of the steps, she turned around to face him. In her best queenly tone, she demanded, "Did you just give me an order?"

His dark eyes grew wide as he realized who he was talking to and his mistake. Dropping down to one knee, he bowed his head. "My queen," he said desperately. "I apologize for my forwardness. I meant no offense."

He was making a scene. Other members of the pack stopped to stare at them. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked at it, telling him she wanted him to stand up. He did, but he looked terrified.

"Make it up to me by telling me where to borrow another truck."

Indecision between helping his queen and disobeying his king's orders warred on his face. Which was why she hadn't wanted to tell him. She knew she was putting him in a difficult spot, but she needed to do this. For Jacob.

She put on her best pouty face. "Please."

Taking in a deep breath, he let it out hard through his nose. He pointed past me. "Your first right. There's a dirt lot. The trucks are unlocked with the keys in the visors."

Going up on her toes, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you. I'll see that if Jacob finds out, you won't get into trouble. I promise."

He frowned again. "You're offering me protection?"

Now the wolves around them stopped to stare. She noticed that they held her breath as they waited for her to answer. The humans with them asked what was going on since they couldn't hear.

Ren shifted on her feet. "Well, yeah. I guess."

Cris shook his head. "There is no guessing, Ren. Are you offering me your protection?"

She had a feeling she'd reached a whole other chapter on the pack that she didn't understand. But she said, "Yes, I offer you my protection."

Closing his eyes, he let out a breath that seemed to take the tension with it. Murmurs started through the crowd. Cris put his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward the lot. "Go. There's no telling how short the meeting could be."

Ren frowned, a feeling that something was up pulling her gut. What the hell was the big deal if she wanted to protect one of her favorite pack members? Not understanding, she walked quickly down the main road toward the road he'd pointed out. When she turned the corner, she jogged for the lot different makes and models of truck. After finding one that wasn't ginormous, she climbed into the cab and cranked it up. It didn't take too long to get to her destination. She'd called her grandfather to get the address. He'd been ecstatic to hear from her. No doubt he'd be down there waiting to see her. Sure enough, when she pulled down the drive twenty minutes later, there were four cars parked to the side, one of them the police cruiser. She pulled the truck up beside a red Toyota Camry. Killing the engine, she took a deep breath. She could do this. She knew Billy. Her worry was more for Jacob's sisters.

Gathering her strength, she hopped out of the truck and went for the door. It opened before she could knock. Grampa Charlie was standing there with a huge grin. "Renny!" he shouted before pulling her into a tight bear hug.

She grinned to the smell of beer and cleaning oil for his gun. "Hey, Grampa. I've missed you."

He squeezed her tighter. "Me, too. Sorry I wasn't at Christmas. We spent the day with Leah and Seth."

"It's okay. I understand. Maybe we'll eventually figure out a holiday schedule that'll work for all of us."

He kissed her forehead. "I can live with that." His expression grew serious. "So…is he treating you right?"

Ren smiled softly at the concern. "Yes, Grampa. It's going very well between us. Don't tell Mom and Dad but we're trying for a baby."

His greying eyebrows shot up. "So soon?"

"It's kind of a wolf thing, but yeah. It's all good between us. We're not in love, but we take care of each other. That's enough for us."

He nodded. "I can't say I understand the position you're in, but I think you're smart enough to figure out what's best for you."

And that's why she loved him. He accepted her decisions on whatever she did. For now, she was his only grandchild, though Leah was pregnant. But Leah was his wife's daughter from a previous marriage so they weren't blood related. It was a different dynamic. And as far as she knew, Seth was married but no kids yet.

"Charlie?"

Grampa let her go and turned so they could see Billy in the doorway. He was still in his wheelchair, but was grinning like nothing bothered him. His eyes lit up when he saw her. "Ren! Haven't seen you in forever. Man, you got pretty."

Grinning, she went to him and leaned down to hug him. "Thank you. It's great to see you again."

When she leaned back, he gave her a look. "I hope my boy is treating you right."

Yeah, he and Grampa were best friends for a reason. She smiled again. "Things were a little rough at first, but I think we've got the big kinks worked out."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Good, good. I can't believe you're my daughter-in-law now."

"You and me both, Billy," she said.

He backed the chair up. "Well, come on. Meet his sisters and their families."

She followed his chair into a small living room. The house was smaller than she remembered, but her memories were from a little girl's point of view.

Out of nowhere, three little kids ran past her. One boy chasing two little girls. She watched them in awe. Jacob had a nieces and a nephew. She wondered if they knew who he was, if their mothers had told them about their uncle.

"Rachel, Rebecca, this is Ren. Jacob's wife."

Ren looked up to see two women who were identical stand up from the couch. One of them had shorter hair and warm smile. The other watched her warily, rubbing her very full belly. No doubt she was close to having that baby.

"She's a little young, Dad."

The woman with the shorter hair and smile shushed her sister. "Rebecca, that's rude."

Rachel turned to Ren with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about her. She's just angry at Jake."

Ren cleared her throat and shook her head. "It's alright. I completely understand. I am young, but Jacob made sure I was legal."

She grinned and held out a hand. "I'm Rachel. That's Rebecca."

Ren shook her hand. "Renesmee, but everyone calls me Ren. It's a lot easier."

The woman motioned toward the kids with her chin. "The girls are mine. Ava is the one with the two braids. Linley is the youngest. Henry is Becca's."

Not knowing her welcome, Ren held her hand out to Rebecca. "It's nice to meet you."

As expected, she just stared at the hand. "Why haven't you been down before? You and Jake have been married for nearly half a year."

Before Ren could answer, Billy spoke up. "Rebecca Black, stop being rude. You know full well why they haven't been down here. Your brother is being an idiot, and that's all there is to it."

Rebecca glared at her father. "My last name hasn't been Black for years, Dad."

"Under my roof, you're a Black. Now act right or I'll tell you to leave."

Rebecca looked back to Ren, the edge to her stare dulling. She shook Ren's hand. "It is nice to finally meet you." She looked over her shoulder and pointed to the man with glasses. "That's my husband, Tom."

He nodded as Ren waved.

Rachel went to stand with a man who was clearly from the rez. "This is Paul. He's mine."

"Well sit down, Ren. Make yourself comfy," Billy said, motioning toward a recliner.

She sat down as everybody else did. "I know you want to see Jacob and are angry with him. Trust me, I am, too."

"Has he said why he hasn't come to see us?" Rachel asked.

Ren debated on how much to say. Honestly, they deserved answers but the details should be up to him. Hedging, she said, "From what I've heard, Jacob's had a rough time since he left here. Bad things have happened, and he's had to do things that he's not proud of. Things that he thinks you'll be able to see in his eyes. Having his family think of him as a monster isn't something he's ready to face because he still thinks of himself that way sometimes. But I know he misses you. He just wants to protect you."

Everybody went silent except Rebecca. Huffing, she crossed her arms. "What a load of crap."

"Becca," Billy started.

She glared at him. "No. He left us. He left you, Dad. Doesn't he know how much we love him? I don't know how Rachel feels, but I know I want my son to meet his uncle instead of having to look at pictures and hear stories." She rubbed her belly. "This one, too."

Rachel took her sister's hand. "And I agree, Bec." She looked to Ren. "We've been wanting to get into contact with him, but nobody knows his number."

"I don't know if that's a good idea. Honestly, I really don't know how he's going to react when he finds out I was here. From day one, he's been adamant about not involving you guys in anything. Nobody's even allowed to talk about you."

"Then why did he even come back?" Rebecca demanded, her eyes shimmering.

Ren couldn't help but go to her, sitting on the coffee table. She took Rebecca's other hand. "He came back because this is his home, and he wanted to protect both the pack and his family. I have no doubt that he came back to make sure you guys were safe. He loves you, which is why we're not allowed to talk about you. It hurts him to think how he's hurting you, because he knows he is. He's not going to be happy that I came down here, but you're my family now, too. I know I'm not Jacob, but I wanted you to know something about him."

She looked down at their hands and played her fingers over the scars etched into Ren's. "I miss my brother," she whispered.

"I know. I'm doing what I can to wear him down, but he closes up when I mention you. Why don't I give you my number?"

She looked up at Ren. "Really?"

Ren nodded. "That way, you have some tie to him."

With tears shimmering in her eyes, she squeezed Ren's hand. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'm sorry that I was rude to you. You're nothing like I thought you'd be."

Ren gave her a sympathetic smile. "You thought I'd be like Gemma?"

Her sorrow turned to anger. "I hated that bi-…woman." She'd changed the word because the kids had come flying back into the living room.

Ren patted her hand. "After what I heard, I do, too."

"You didn't meet her?" Rachel asked.

Ren hesitated, unsure of just how much to say. "Ah, no, I didn't get the chance. She's dead."

The two women shared a look. Then, in unison, they said, "Good."

In that moment, Ren knew that Jacob was wrong about his family. She studied them before looking around the room. Apparently, everyone had met her and everyone hated her. She felt like crying.

"Wait," Rebecca said, as though she were putting pieces together.

Ren felt a nervous flutter in her gut as she turned back to her sister-in-law.

"Did Jacob…?"

Everyone looked to Ren.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "No matter what answer I give you, you'll know the truth. But I won't give you details. I can't." She accepted that she'd made a huge mistake in telling them that Gemma was dead.

Rachel shared a look with her sister. "That's why he says we'll think of him as a monster, isn't it?"

Clapping her hands on her knees, she stood up. "I think I should go. I've been here too long already." Grabbing a pen and paper on the table, she scribbled her number and handed it to Rebecca. "Call it so I'll have your number. But I can't promise that I'll always be able to answer. Jacob and I are around each other pretty much all day, every day."

She nodded.

"It was nice to meet all of you."

Grampa put a hand on her back. "I'll walk you out."

Ren stooped to give Billy a hug before walking out into the afternoon drizzle.

"Did Jacob really kill the girl?" Grampa asked. There was no judgment in his tone.

Ren sighed. "Honestly, I can't go into it. I already regret saying something in there. Just know that it was a life or death situation."

He nodded as they reached the truck. "I can understand that." He held open the door for her. "The world has changed, and I have to say that all the rules have gone out the window."

Sitting in the cab, she sighed. "I really wish he could know how much you guys accept him."

He laughed once and not humorously. "He's king of a pack of werewolves. It's a given that there were a lot of unpleasant things he had to go through to get there."

She nodded, but said, "I better go."

Grampa leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Be careful in this rain. It's slick out there."

"I will."

He closed the door and watched as she drove off down the drive. The whole way back to the pack land, she second-guessed the trip. It was nice to see how much they cared about Jacob, but she knew he would flip. Luckily, he hadn't called to let her know he was on his way back. Maybe he wouldn't know for a couple days.

On the way back, she did that zoning thing where she couldn't remember the trip home but had made it safely. After parking the truck and walking toward the main strip of the pack land, she turned to corner and froze. The truck Jacob had driven was parked in front of their cabin. The king himself was standing on the porch. She could tell he was fuming pissed even from this distance.

Gulping hard, she shook as she walked toward the cabin. This was going to be really bad. Cris was standing behind Jacob, looking very nervous.

Jacob waited until she was standing on the porch in front of him before he lit into her. "Picture this," he gritted out. "My meeting ends and I decide to surprise my wife by coming home early only to find that she isn't anywhere to be found and the enforcer who is supposed to follow her every move is pacing the porch, obviously not where he's supposed to be because she'd ordered him to stay behind. Now tell me, how would that make you feel?"

Ren couldn't look at him.

"Answer me," he ordered.

She swallowed hard. "Scared."

He scoffed. "Scared. Yeah that's one word for it. Try fucking terrified!"

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. She hadn't meant to scare him. She looked up at him. "Jacob, I-,"

"Where were you? And don't lie to your husband."

She opened her mouth to answer, but closed it when she realized what he was insinuating. Now she glared at him. "You think I was out cheating on you?!"

Jacob's temper broke, his power flowing out around them. "Well, where the fuck else would you have been?!"

Again, another scene was being caused. Wolves, humans, and children stopped to stare. Ren was tempted to yell at them to quit staring and move on, but she didn't want to unleash her anger out on them. This was for Jacob.

"How dare you?" she hissed. "I would never cheat on you! Hell, when would I have had time to find someone to cheat with?!"

His power crackled in the air around them, pricking over her skin. He growled, moving closer to her. "Then where were you?"

Clenching her jaw, she didn't answer.

So, he turned to Cris. "Where did she go?"

And she knew she'd lost the fight. Cris had no other choice but to answer.

He looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry. King trumps queen."

She nodded. "I know. And I never asked you not to tell."

Sighing in defeat, he looked back up to Jacob. "She went to the rez. To see your family."

A total silence enveloped them. The only sound was the huge bonfire crackling in the center of the square. Jacob slowly spun on his heel to glare at her. Her breath hitched in her chest when she saw his eyes had turned to amber. His power tightened hard, making her want to cry out in pain, but she didn't. Instead, she met his glare.

"You did what?" he demanded in a low voice.

She lifted her chin. "You heard him. They're my family now, too, Jacob. I have a right to see them. And they want to see you. They told me so."

His nostrils flared as his fists clenched at his sides. "You talked to them about me?"

"Of course I did. They miss you. And they're glad Gemma's dead."

Jacob just glared down at her, his eyes growing brighter with every second that ticked by. "Get out," he finally said.

Ren blinked. "What?"

"Get. Out."

She frowned. "Jacob-,"

"GET OUT!" he yelled, making her jump. "Get your shit and get off my land! You disobeyed me, and more importantly you disrespected my wishes. Get the fuck out."

While Ren struggled to process, Carina appeared at the bottom of the steps with Adair at her side. "Jacob, just calm down."

He turned his glare down at her, snarling. "You stay out of this, Carina." He turned back to Ren. "I don't want to see your face on my land again."

Even though tears threatened to choke her, she managed to hold onto her anger. "And go where?"

"I don't care, but you're sure as shit not staying here."

"After what I did for you? Standing up for you to my family? After all I've done for the pack?"

Without answering, he opened the front door and glared down at her. The tears fell as she saw the resolve in his eyes and shoulders. He was well and truly done with her. Swallowing hard, she squared her shoulders and marched inside. In their room, she packed as much stuff as she could into her luggage, crying the whole time. Back at the front door, Cris silently took her bags while Jacob wouldn't look at her.

She walked down the steps to get into the truck. But before she did, she looked back up at him. "You're an arrogant bastard, Jacob. Your family needs you. Rebecca cried in front of me." His jaw tightened, a bit of pain pinching his eyes. "You have two nieces and a nephew, and another on the way. Rachel and Rebecca want their kids to know their uncle."

"Shut up," he ordered, his voice cracking. The knowledge of his sisters' kids hit him hard. Even she could see that.

"No," she said defiantly. "You underestimate them, you asshole. They know you've had a tough life, and they know you killed Gemma. You wanna know what your sisters said when they found out?"

"I said, shut up," he growled.

"They said 'good', Jacob. 'Good'. Even my grandfather, the police chief, didn't bat an eye. Your own father called you an idiot. How selfish and arrogant are you that you won't even give them a chance to prove to you that they don't see you as a monster? I think I can speak for them and the pack when I say that you're the only one who sees yourself that way. You can't tell me that you didn't move back here to keep them safe. I'm not stupid."

His eyes finally met hers. "Get-,"

She waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. I'm going, jackass."

Still fighting the tears, she hopped into the cab and waited, her eyes staring straight ahead. Surprisingly, it was Adair who got into the driver's side.

"Where am I taking you?" he asked quietly.

"My parents'."

He nodded and turned the truck around. "I'm sorry, Ren."

She shook her head and swallowed past the lump in her throat. She had nothing more to say. Jacob had thrown her out of her home, away from her friends and new family. The whole ride back to the big Cullen house, she cried, knowing that it wouldn't ever feel like home again. Not the way the pack had.

#######

JPOV

Breathing hard, Jacob stood in the middle of the destroyed living room and kitchen.

As soon as Ness had been taken away by Adair, he'd come into the house only to be bombarded with reminders of her. Everything in this house was a touch of her. And he loathed every piece. His wolf had howled with grief as she'd been taken further and further away from him, but Jacob didn't give in. She had disobeyed him, gone behind his back, when she'd known how he felt about being involved with his family. It didn't matter that she'd had a point.

When he was satisfied that the downstairs was trashed enough, he stomped upstairs and locked himself in the office. But even here, there were memories of her as recent as just this morning when he'd bent her over the desk. With a snarl, he swept his arms over the surface, flinging everything off. The laptop crashed into the wall and papers went flying. His boot crunched over something. Looking down, he found the picture of them she'd given him for Christmas. Picking it up, he looked down at it, seething. His chest ached as he stared at the image of them trapped in the past, how happy those two people were.

Another yell and he threw the frame at the wall where it shattered.

Falling to his knees, he and his wolf let out scream after agonized scream, not caring who could hear their pain.

When will Jacob realize? Hell, when will Ren realize? I love these two versions of them so much. Please let me know what you think! I love your thoughts. Love y'all! xoxoxoxo