Disclaimer – This is Stephanie Meyer's world. I'm just playing in her universe for a bit.

Nessie

"Why is it bawling?" Jetro nudged me.

"I – I guess she's hungry."

"Don't worry sugar, we'll get to our hideaway soon." I scooted closer to the door when Jetro rubbed a filthy hand against my cheek.

We really did arrive at their hideaway soon. To my shock and horror, it was actually my parents little cottage deep in the woods. How did they find it? How did they get in? The place was supposed to be locked up. Then I noticed that the front door was hanging lopsidedly. I realised that they had hacked through the hinges with an axe, and then propped the door up to stand against the frame.

I was pushed roughly indoors. I turned to Jetro and said I needed to fix a bottle for the baby and give her a bath. He nodded while leering at me. Think Nessie. Think! I abruptly took the supermarket bag out off Earl's hands and stalked off towards the kitchen. I could hear Earl asking Jetro in whispers how I knew where the kitchen was. I boiled water, sterilised the bottle and mixed some infant formula. Then I stalked off towards my old room. Jetro followed me and lounged on my old unmade child's bed leering at me as I fed the baby. Then I burped her. Trembling lightly, I gave her a bath in my old bathroom. Despite all my lessons, I have never really handled a baby before. I hope I was not doing anything wrong to hurt this innocent child. Thank God the hot water was still running. When I returned to the room, Jetro was no where to be seen. I placed the baby on the bed and quickly ran to the door, slammed it shut and locked it. Then I pulled the huge heavy dresser and propped it against the door. One of the two men immediately started rattling the door and demanding that I open up at once and making all sorts of vulgar threats. I hope someone is looking for me. Please God. Let someone be looking for me.

Then it struck me. I had made a huge mistake. I left the rest of the baby formula in the kitchen. If no one finds me fast, then I'll be forced to leave the sanctuary of this room for the baby's sake. I should have gone to my parent's bedroom. They had a door that opens up to the garden. Maybe I could have picked the lock or something. Tears of frustration filled my eyes as I started reflecting on all my actions and finding faults with almost all of them. Jacob. I need you. Please. I need you.

I dressed the baby and wrapped her up in the blankets. Then placing her on the bed, I opened the windows and watched the forest through the grills. Think Nessie. Think of something.

I was not sure if I was dreaming or if it was wishful thinking but a wave of calmness washed over me. For a moment I thought Uncle Jasper was here? Then I realised, Jacob was somewhere near. His presence always gave me a sense of security. Oh Jacob. Jacob, Jacob, Jacob. I looked at the little baby, she was sound asleep. Hey sweetie, we're going to be okay. Jacob is here now.

And then it struck me, these men were armed with guns. I don't know what sort of damage a bullet could do to a wolf. What if Jacob got hurt or worst? I started sobbing, fear almost paralysing me as I held on to the baby and sat on the floor by the window. Oh Jacob. Don't come in. Please don't. Don't get hurt please.

Jacob

Over the rhythmic pounding sound filling the air, I could also hear the sounds of Nessie sobbing. My instincts were screaming at me to rush into the house and get to her. I needed to make her feel better. But common sense prevailed and I carefully and quietly approached one of the front windows and peeked in. The two men were standing in front of Nessie's bedroom door, hacking away with axes. That confirmed how they got in the front door. Nessie must have locked herself and that baby in her bedroom. Smart thinking babe, really, smart thinking.

I was really glad she and the baby were not going to be in view of the takedown. I didn't want her to see how ugly things were going to be once my brothers and I barged in. I could sense the anticipation running through all the other wolf minds.

Sam's voice of reason came through strong. These men were not vampires. Unleashing the wrath of this many wolves on two unsuspecting humans was wrong, even if they were up to no good. Fine Sam, we'll go in as humans. I don't mind. I heard a few murmurs of agreement. I was looking forward to pounding the brains out of those two assholes with my bare hands.

I heard some cars pulling up quietly somewhere up ahead. Charlie was here. Gosh, I hope he doesn't do something stupid like sound the sirens or try to negotiate with these men. I phased, pulled on my boxers and stalked off towards Charlie.

Charlie watched me as I approached. A few of my brothers had driven up and a few had come as wolves. Paul had driven up with the Escalade. Whatever it was that I was expecting of Charlie, handing me my clothes and shoes was not it. As I dressed, the rest of the wolves approached and collected their clothes from Paul. Not bad. They've actually gotten organised.

Sam made a rough game plan. I could barely concentrate. The urge to rush into the cottage and rip apart those two men consumed most of my attention. I barely registered Sam saying that we're to take the two men alive so Charlie could arrest them.

"Alive?" I smiled grimly. "I don't think so."

"Jacob, think! Those people in the supermarket know Nessie was taken. Now the police know too. How do we explain how Nessie is free and walking about? How do we return the baby to the mother if you kill those men? Will you go to jail for murder or is Charlie supposed to look the other way?"

I glared at Sam. What he was saying made sense and at that moment, I hated him for it.

Then it was time to take action. We crept up to the door. A few of my brothers gripped the door, waiting for the signal to pull the door out of the way so the rest of us could barge in. Suddenly the air was filled with the howls of a few wolves. That was the signal.

Everything happened within seconds. One moment the men were holding axes, frozen before Nessie's door, and the next moment, they were lying unconscious on the other side of the room. I was royally pissed off. I swear all I got in was a punch. One miserable fucking punch. I hope I broke that asshole's jaw. Quil took down the other guy just as fast. As he fell, the gun fell out of his pocket and discharged; the bullet lodging against one of the beams on the ceiling. We all froze and stared at the bullet hole before I snarled and moved towards the unconscious men, freezing when I heard a loud scream coming from the room Nessie was in.

"Jacob! Jacob! Oh God! Jacob!" she screamed as I could hear something heavy being dragged on the floor.

Her agonised screams cooled my bloodlust instantly. I just needed to get to her. I could hear her struggling to unlock the heavy door, crying and wailing the whole time. I ripped off what was left of the door and she stumbled into my arms. Shaking and crying as she pleaded with me to be okay. I held on to her tight until I realised that her elbow was digging into me. That's when I realised that she was clutching the baby to her chest one handed. I loosened my hold on her. And she started running her hands over me, checking me for injuries, while sobbing harshly.

"Are you hurt? Are you?"

"Baby, I'm fine. No one's hurt."

"Nessie, honey. Are you okay?" Charlie tentatively rubbed Nessie's shoulder.

She reached out and held his hand but made no move to leave my arms. I didn't mind. I didn't want her to leave my arms either.

Soon the paramedics arrived and checked out the unconscious men. They were then cuffed and Charlie's deputies took them away. Then the paramedics approached Nessie and she refused any treatment saying she wasn't hurt. It took us a while to convince her to hand the baby over. She had gotten so attached after just spending only a couple of hours with the baby. Giving it up induced a fresh bout of sobbing so I swept Nessie up into my arms and strode outside.

I needed to do something. I've never seen her break down and cry like this before. In fact I never knew she was capable of crying like this. My Nessie was always so strong. Watching her like this upset me. I headed for the Escalade and Charlie rushed after us, trying to take Nessie out of my arms. I couldn't hold back the growl that escaped. But Charlie as usual stood his ground.

"Give her to me, Jacob. I'll take her home."

I tensed up. There's no way I'm staying away from her. I don't think I can let her out of my arms ever. And now Charlie wants to take her. If he wasn't Nessie's grandfather, I would have kicked him back to Forks.

Nessie raised her head from my shoulder. "Grandpa, I'm staying with Jacob in La Push. Please. I need to be with him. I almost lost him today. I need him." And she started sobbing again.

My first instinct was to roll my eyes. I was no where near getting hurt. She was the one who got robbed at gun point, helped deliver a baby, gotten kidnapped and kept watch over that baby the whole time. And this amazing creature was crying because I could have gotten shot. Hell, she could have gotten shot. I could have lost her today. As that thought entered my mind, I pulled her tighter to my chest. I couldn't believe that after everything she went through, she was having a breakdown over me.

Charlie was forced to agree. He was a wuss when it came to tears. Paul appeared beside me and offered to drive. I got into the backseat and kept Nessie in my arms the whole time.

Nessie

The bonfire plans were cancelled. Billy and Rachel were waiting in Billy's house. And on seeing me, a tearful Rachel came and hugged me, asking if I was okay. I nodded, suddenly feeling dirty and drained. Jacob, reading my mind, led me to his room and into the bathroom. He drew me a bath when all my mind to body coordination stopped working. I just stood there and watched him, suddenly feeling drained and unable to function. It was Jacob who undressed me and placed me in the water. It was Jacob who washed my hair and scrubbed my body. He offered to put my clothes in the washer but I shook my head. I was done with those clothes. Jacob understood as he rolled everything up to throw.

We heard a hesitant knock on the bedroom door and Jake went to answer it. It was Grandpa Charlie with my suitcase. I could hear Jacob trying to take the luggage from Grandpa but Grandpa was saying he wanted to see me. I could practically picture the blush on Grandpa's face when Jake told him that I was in the tub. From Jacob's half wet clothes, it was obvious that was where he came from too.

With Jacob's help, I finally got out of the tub and dressed. Combing my wet hair off my face, I waited while Jake threw on some dry clothes. Then hand in hand, we went out to face everyone. I stayed in Jake's arms as I retold the story. My parents and family from Bangor called. Tearfully I assured everyone that I was fine, blubbering to my Mom that I almost lost Jacob.

I accepted the hot bowl of soup that Rachel handed me, sipping slowly as I savoured the warmth that spread through me. Jacob bullied me into drinking a small glass of brandy to put the colour back in my cheeks.

That night, as I cuddled with Jake on his bed, feeling safe in his arms, my thoughts kept returning to the baby. I didn't want to give her back. I felt so jealous of Suzanna that she got to have the baby. That's when I realised; I wanted a baby of my own; a little carbon copy of Jake, who'll be all mine. I fell asleep with thoughts of my baby running through my head.

The next day, we spent some time with Billy and Grandpa Charlie and then soon it was time to head out to the airport. Jacob knew that I had wanted to see the baby again and he drove me to the hospital first. We walked into Suzanna's room together with lots of baby products which I had gotten carried away buying and Jake's single contribution, a giant teddy bear. Suzanna was sitting up in bed with the baby in her arms. Her eyes widened uneasily as she took in Jake's size. I held on to him as I made the introduction. I could understand her unease and mistrust in men. It was going to take some time for her to learn to trust the opposite sex again.

She shyly offered to let me hold the baby, and I eagerly accepted her. Cuddling her close and humming to her and breathing in that wonderful baby smell. I pulled out the cheque I had written for Suzanna and placed it under the baby's hand. I wanted to do something for her. I could sense the desperation and fear running through Suzanna. She would need all the help she can get to set up a new life.

Jake leaned over and tickled the baby's cheek. "What's her name?"

Suzanna blushed. "You introduced yourself as Nessie. I thought it was short for Vanessa. That's what I named her. Vanessa. After you."

My eyes filled with tears. I didn't bother correcting her. It was the thought that mattered. And I was beyond touched. But I was careful not to look at Jacob. I knew he might start laughing.

As we were walking out of the hospital, Jacob pulled me close and kissed the side of my head. "Thank you for not correcting her. I can't imagine another person with a name like Renesmee," he sniggered. I smacked him. But deep down inside, I agreed. What was my mother thinking?

Then I wondered what I would name my baby and I let my imagination wander happily as I cuddled close to Jake.

Jacob

Right now, sitting on the plane on the flight back to Bangor, I kissed Nessie's head as she cuddled into my chest. Thank God she was okay. I couldn't imagine what I would have done if she had gotten hurt. She is my life. She's a damn bleeding heart. Always, putting others before herself.

I have to talk to Edward. I couldn't wait anymore. I needed to make her mine. Soon. Fast. Immediately. It suddenly struck me, although we had the rest of forever with each other, there was still the chance of loosing each other. And I knew neither one of us would survive without the other. I needed to talk to Edward. I can't fulfil his ten years.

I hadn't expected to feel this extent of emotions for Nessie when I had made that promise. What I felt back then, was just the tip of the iceberg from what I was feeling right now. The feelings were just growing stronger and stronger. I wondered how I'd feel ten years from now and another ten years later. The feelings were bound to be stronger. We belong together.

Edward and Bella were waiting for us at the airport. Nessie ran straight into her father's arms. The three of them stood in a group hug and I stood a little apart watching. Edward let Nessie go and turned to me. He held his hand out "Thank you, Jacob."

Huh? What was he thanking me for? "You're welcome, but what are you thanking me for?"

Bella came and hugged me. "Thank you for saving my baby."

I snorted. As if I'd let anything happen to her. She was my life. My reason for living. Didn't they know that by now?

We started walking out to the car and Nessie caught hold of Edward's hand. "Daddy, I'm staying with Jacob. I – I need to be with him. Please."

I waited for Edward's answer. He has issues with letting Nessie go.

"Maybe tomorrow sweetheart. Your mother and I need you close to us today."

"Daddy, I can't. I'm sorry, but I can't. I just feel safer with Jake. I need him."

Edward smiled down at Nessie and hugged her tight. "I don't see why he can't stay over tonight. Well talk about your move to Jacob's tomorrow."

Huh? When did Edward get so understanding? Did I miss something? But you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth right? I'll just accept it.

While Nessie was in the shower, I wandered down to the living room where Edward was messing with the piano. I sat on the couch and watched him for a while. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to tell him how I felt. I wanted to tell him that I wanted to marry his daughter. I wanted to marry her today. I wanted to marry her now. But I was embarrassed. I had made a promise. A Black, and Alpha, a Chief of his tribe should hold on to his given word right?

Edward slowly turned around to face me. "I release you from your promise."

What? Did I hear that right? Am I dreaming? I must have fallen asleep right? Yes. That's it. I'm asleep and I'm dreaming about all this. The real Edward would probably be ripping my head off.

Edward gave a small laugh as Bella flitted into the room to sit by him. "I asked you to make that promise when Nessie was still a baby. She's now a woman. When I see you two together, I see my folly in extracting that promise. She's miserable when apart from you. She's trying to honour your promise but I see what being apart is doing to the both of you. I release you from your promise."

I felt relief run through me. Relief and total exhilaration. I never in a million years expected Edward to be this understanding. I felt so humbled for all he had done for me. And now he was giving me his daughter. Words failed me. He's such a great guy. A real prince among men. Understanding and patient and wise.

"Jacob, are you okay?" Bella asked me looking worried.

"He's alright, Bella. He's just wondering how he can thank us."

Ah, I left out annoying as hell.

A/N – I'm so sorry for the delay in coming out with this chapter. I've just started a new job and things have been really hectic and I feel like all my brain juice got sucked out. I'm not entirely happy with this chapter because it was sort of forced out and the story did not flow out like it normally does. So as usual, please let me know what needs improving. Thanks.