Disclaimer: I do not Twilight Stephenie Meyer's has that pleasure.

Thanks dazzleglo! Where would I be without you? In review purgatory that's where. P.S. She just wrote her first chapter to her first solo story if you're an Emmett fan you will love it. 'Slippin' and a Slidin' Emmett Cullen Style' is summer fun the Cullen way.

The War of the Worlds

Chapter 21

Bella's POV

I woke to the sounds of heavy chatter coming up the stairs. With one swipe of the sheets, I knew Edward was not here. It was weird waking up so late, but now that I was not allowed to breastfeed the twins anymore, Edward insisted that I sleep in so I was fully rested. Well, considering all our extracurricular evening activities, I definitely needed the rest. From the voices below, I knew they were working on the details to bring the pack inside the compound.

"Good morning Miss Bella, your clothes are in the bathroom, your breakfast is on its way and I'll start the shower for you," she chatted as she went.

"Thanks Angela. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Wonderful! Thank you for asking," with that she drifted back out of the room and shut the door.

Reluctantly, I headed for the bathroom. After yesterday's nightmare, the shower sounded really good. With my nightgown discarded to the floor, I slipped in and allowed the hot water to cascade down my shoulders and back.

"Miss Bella, do you want me to lose my job? You know Mister Edward doesn't allow this!" Angela scolded me for not waiting for her.

"Really Angela, is it absolutely necessary for you to bath me? I think Edward would understand."

"No, he won't. He's the one who told me to come up and take care of you," she whipped the shower door open and started grabbing the soap.

The second I smelled the soap my stomach churned, but even more shocking was when she washed my breasts with the washcloth, they felt so sore. Before I could even think about what it meant, I dropped to my knees and start throwing up in the shower. A closer evaluation of the symptoms made me gasp. Could it be?

"Miss Bella are you all right? Should I get Mister Edward?"

"NO! He can't know about this, is that understood!" I quickly picked myself off the floor.

"Yes, but what are you going to do, you might be sick or…"

"Bella are you alright I heard someone get sick in here," I looked up to see Edward at the door.

I implored with my eyes for Angela to help me out here, "I'm sorry Mister Edward it was me, morning sickness and all."

"Just don't get her sick, she needs to stay healthy if we're going to try for more children," he stroked my cheek with his cool fingertips before leaving.

"Yes sir, I won't, I promise," she vowed. Thankfully, he left without kissing me.

Once he was gone, I put my finger over my lips indicating that I needed her to be quiet until we knew for sure. I had an inkling I might be, but now that the signs were here, it was even more likely. Quickly we finished up in the bathroom and I got ready to leave. Today was blood day at the compound and Edward would not be there because they were putting up to two new bunkhouses in the compound for the pack and their humans.

That would allow me to talk to Carlisle alone. Not that I was very comfortable with that idea, considering the incident, but he was the only one who could tell me if I was for sure. I really do want to trust him again, but after it almost cost me my life, the lives of the twins and my mate; it was hard to just forget about it. However, I was determined to try because that's what families do, albeit it's a bit of an odd one, but a family nonetheless, my family now and I had to make it work. I didn't want to be the one to drive a wedge between them, especially with all that is going on with the conflict, they could not afford to lose focus, someone could get hurt and it would be my fault.

On the van ride to the compound, Maggie entertained the twins with stories of Christmases she had seen in Ireland. She even agreed to help them make decorations when we got home which really tickled their fancy. Watching their eyes twinkle as they laughed about the holiday calmed some of my anxiety. It was not that I was afraid to be expecting again so soon, it was that I would be under Carlisle's care again.

"Miss Bella, what are you planning for Christmas dinner?" Angela asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

"I really don't know yet. They don't let me in the kitchen, so I don't what we have that we could make," I shrugged.

"Well…you could always come to the meeting house at one if you don't have anything to cook. We do a community dinner for Christmas, so Ben and I would love to have you come," when she smiled like that, it was hard not to believe her.

"I'll have to check on it first, but is so nice of you to offer though," I patted her hand.

When we arrived at the clinic, the sounds of the construction could be heard. The girls giggled and raced Maggie to the site to see their daddy. Luckily, the clinic was empty when we arrived so it was only Angela and me. Angela being pregnant meant he would only be expecting to draw mine.

"Good morning Bella, ready for your first blood draw since the twins?"

"Actually…I wanted to talk to you about that…"

"Is something wrong?"

"Well…I - might…be," I took a deep breath and just blurted it out, "Pregnant again!"

"Really?"

"Maybe…"

"Well let's find out shall we? Does Edward know?"

"NO! And, if I am, I don't want him to know!"

"Why not?"

"Because Christmas is in less than a week and if I am, this is the only thing I have to give him as a present. I didn't think I would be celebrating Christmas this year, so I didn't have time to make him anything," I peeked up to see him smiling brightly.

"Then…I hope you are, it would be a wonderful present," he chuckled and I could see his eyes were dancing with excitement over the prospect of being a grandpa again. He loved the twins and whenever time permitted, he would read stories or play with them.

I held my breath while he drew a quick tube for testing and in a flash, he was gone. In the backroom, I could hear him doing the test while I paced nervously back and forth. For a full fifteen minutes, I anxiously awaited the results.

I sat down when I saw him walking back with piece of paper in his hands, "I guess this is going to be a Very Merry Christmas for Edward," he chuckled.

A smile beamed across my face as I read the only word I wanted to see 'positive.' Instinctively, my free hand rubbed my tummy protectively.

"Welcome to the family," I mumbled to my belly.

"Congratulations Miss Bella," Angela gushed.

After a sharp breath I demanded, "No one is allowed to think about this! Please…he can't know, for a few more days just avoid thinking about it," I implored with my eyes.

"You don't have to worry about me, I'll just think about my little one while he's around," Angela was eager to calm me.

"Bella, could I talk to you alone for a moment?" the fear was written all over my face as he spoke.

"NO! Not again! I won't lose everything!"

"Okay, please calm down, I will leave my office door open and Angela can stay right outside the door in our view. Okay?"

"Yes, that will be fine."

"I just wanted to say I am so sorry for examining you while Edward was away last time. Just so you know I did discuss it with Esme beforehand and while she told me it wasn't a good idea, I was being stubborn and didn't listen to her. She was the one who told me that if I did proceed with the examination that it wouldn't end well, but that if I was determined she would stand by my side during it so there would be no question of impropriety. It was just that he was so impossible to work around; his constant growling was quite irritating and distracting to say the least. I never meant for him to freak out like he did, but in retrospect - I should have known that would happen. I have never seen Edward so happy and in love as he is with you. You complete him in ways no one else ever has. He will not survive if you are not with him, so this time things will be different. He can growl to his heart's content and I won't complain as long as you are kept safe. I don't want you to be afraid of me and, if you have a problem, know that my door is always open to you," he patted my hand to show me his sincerity.

"Thanks Carlisle, I want things to be better between us too and I hope they will be soon. It's just that I'm scared of losing him and I love Edward so much that I can't even think of living without him."

"I understand. Now do you have any questions for me."

"Yes...umm…I…wondering about…sex? It's only a few days, would it matter that much if we did, I mean if I refuse him, he's going to know something is wrong and I don't want him to freak out and run from me." I stuttered out turning beet red in the process.

"It's not a problem since we do the draw a week earlier in December because we know the humans celebrate Christmas, so technically if this was any other month, we wouldn't have known for at least another week," I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding and felt relieved. So with a smile on my face, I shyly put my hood up and swiftly walked out the door.

Angela led me by the hand down the path that would end at the van. I always hated this part of being a BPW. Why I had to hide under my cloak was beyond me. For a while I was allowed to go without it, but with the extended family here, Edward was afraid if one of them slipped to the wrong person, the family would be penalized for breaking the rules.

Carlisle's POV

I was happy that things between Bella and me were on the mend and beyond thrilled now that Bella was expecting again. This was going to make everyone so happy when they heard the news Christmas morning. I have not celebrated Christmas since the humans discovered our secret. When my phone went off, I was not surprised to see it was Aro; I had been waiting to hear from him about the siege in Forks.

"Aro, how's it going?"

"The same unfortunately, Marcus and his rescue team never made it through the wolves. I have tried to reach him, but no one answers. I think it is safe to say he was destroyed in his attempt to aid us."

"Oh Aro, I am so sorry to hear that. Your brother will be missed. Has there been any word from Caius?"

"Yes…he's on his way from Napa Valley with as many disposables as he can muster up," I cringed at the term for half vampires like my grandchildren.

"Aro, how are your humans?"

"They are sustaining us for now, but if Caius doesn't arrive soon we may have to turn them all and send them out as newborns," that would not be a pretty sight.

"Do you think it will really come to that?"

"I hope not, but what choice will I have."

"I know you were never one for praying, but I have always believed we exist because of a higher power, so I will pray for all of you," the son of a preacher would do no less.

"Thank you, I'll keep in touch."

"You do that Aro," with that I hung up.

"Carlisle?"

"Yes Edward?"

"Your thoughts?"

"Yes Edward, it doesn't look good for Forks right now," Edward's appearance was a welcome distraction.

"How's the building going?"

"Very good, where is Bella?"

"Angela led her to the van I believe."

"I'll see if I can catch up with her," thankfully a few of the community came in for their blood draws, so he took off after Bella.

Edward's POV

Carlisle thoughts were troubling; he was very worried about Forks. The morning had flown by and still Bella had not come to see me. She always searched me out as soon as she could. I knew she was around the clinic because once the girls showed up, they told me. Initially, I was cautious when I saw her cloak, after mistakenly finding Jessica wearing it – once bitten, twice shy.

"Bella?"

"Oh…Edward, you startled me. Where are the girls?" She is awful jumpy today.

"Maggie is giving them a tour of the compound. Why didn't you come see me after your draw?" I slipped my hands into her cloak and pulled her closer.

"I didn't want to bother you…," she mumbled without looking up from her hood.

"You could never bother me," I purred in her ear.

"Let's go see the girls. Okay?" Okay, so I was trying to distract him.

"Angela, why don't you take the rest of the day off, since you had a rough morning," I could see in her thoughts she was worried about telling me she was sick this morning.

"Mister Edward, I really don't want to work in the mines - please don't send me away," how could she think such a thing!

"Angela you're not in trouble. Your job is safe, I just want you to take care of your child. I can care for Bella, now go and see Ben. Christmas is in a week, I am sure you have things to do," seeing her relax was worth the speech.

Usually, I would just tell her what to do, but after watching Bella go through her pregnancy - I had a new respect for what a woman goes through when pregnant. Not to mention she was carrying the first human child that was going to be born here in well over a year which would be a morale booster for them. Happily, she nodded and relinquished Bella's hand over to me. I hate her having to wear the stupid thing, but with too many people around who could spill the beans - it was necessary now. Personally, I would rather see her stunning face staring back at me. Actually…I would rather she not be wearing anything, but - hey that's how guys think. If I had my way, she would stay naked or pregnant until her turning. Again, I blame it on being a guy. Vampire or human it doesn't matter, we are all the same.

"Are you cold my love?"

"Don't even think about it! If I have to wear my cloak then you can't give me your coat, it's the rules," she sneered like a defensive kitten.

"Anything…you say," I mock bowed like a gentleman.

Just before the path opened up, I pulled her against me for a passionate kiss. There were no rules for those! As I pulled away, I smiled at her, now that her hood shielded us both; I could see her breathtaking smile beaming back at me.

"Hello beautiful," I brought her hand up to my lips and kissed it. Instinctively, I wanted to growl when I smelled Carlisle on her hand. However, then I remembered he would have to touch her to draw the blood.

Before I could get carried away, I resumed my duties and led her towards the construction site. We had set the buildings as far from our humans as possible because our humans were still a little skittish around the wolves. The two bunk style houses would hold them comfortably for as long as they needed to stay. Food would be the next thing we would have to work out because it is not like there are any corner stores around. As we slowly strolled I caught a glimpse of Elisabeth, she looked well and seemed to be enjoying the tiny house Emmett had built her. She even had a guest visiting and from their thoughts they liked each other - romantically. Eric Yorkie was one lucky guy.

"So…what do you think?" I asked as I pointed out the new structures.

"They're great. I am sure they will be very happy here. Will it be done before Christmas?"

"Yeah, that won't be a problem - you and the girls might not see me very much until it's done, but I promise to make it up to you three," down deep - I dreaded having to stay here - I could only pray they understand.

Bella's POV

"Well - we should let you get back to work, I hope to see you tonight and we have to feed those munchkins before they take out the winter food stock," I laughed when they tag-teamed me.

"MOMMY!" I toppled over into the snow when they sprang.

"Girls…please be careful not to hurt mommy," Edward wiggled his finger at them, but you could see he was being playful.

"Come on Bella, these tyrants are demanding their lunch," Maggie pulled them off me as they giggled.

"Bella, I love you and I'll try to be back before you fall asleep to say goodnight," Edward sweetly kissed me one last time before he ran off to help. The girls ran ahead as Maggie and I took our time. She was worried I would stumble with my hood up.

Maggie and the girls sang Christmas carols all the way back to the house. The ride was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep. I had not slept hooded since the ride to Alaska from Forks.

Esme and Alice were waiting for us with lunch as we entered the house. Alice seemed a little off, but I did not dwell on it. Once the girls were down for their nap, Alice asked me to take a run - that was a nice way to say she would run and I would ride. As soon as she had enough distance from the house she placed me down and started pacing.

"So - how are we going to do this?" She asked as she continued to pace.

"How are we going to do what?" I should have known she would see it.

"Surprise Edward, of course," she said while waving her hands and gawking at me as if I was not paying attention.

"Ohhh…that - well…I don't know," I shrugged.

"I've got it!"

As she laid out her plan I had to admit, I liked it. He would never see it coming, as long as Alice didn't think about it near him.

Diego's POV

"Master…are you sure about this?"

"Are you questioning my sanity Diego," I shifted uncomfortably between my feet.

"No - of course not. I live to serve you, but they're mutts, can we really trust them to keep their word?"

"They will if they want to live past tomorrow. Everything is proceeding exactly as I have planned. One day they will bow to us unconditionally - but for now, it's a diplomatic game. Send them in," I flashed away to do his bidding.

"I hope you have a damn good reason for keeping us waiting…," was about as much as he could get out before he dropped to the floor, withering in pain. It was quite satisfying to see. When will these dogs learn their place!

"You will not treat me in such a disrespectful manor again Vincent," you could see the fleabag was fighting the urge to phase, not that that would help him. Jane's power was not restricted to vampire's - she could hurt anyone or anything.

When she finally released him he growled out, but made no move towards the master. It probably saved his life.

"Have you heard anything from your scouts?"

"No, they haven't checked in for several days. They may have been discovered," he
sighed uneasily, "And if that's the case then they know something is up. I
think it's safe to say Bella Swan is out of our reach for the time being."

A/N So can they keep the news from Edward until Christmas? Review all ready - I am waiting!

Also I am trying to determine if any of my stories need to be completed. The review count has been sluggish so if you think this story needs to end before they enter the war I need to now. My plans for this story are about to get more about the war and the fighting in case you didn't notice that's where it was leading. Anyways…I guess I am asking point blank do you want me to continue this story?

For more on what I am writing or if you just have an idea you can find me at:

http:/nails233(.)blogspot(.)com don't forget to delete the parentheses.

http:/amustreadlist(.)blogspot(.)com/?zx=5c49ecfe722403e4 Lilianyas has begun a collection with summaries of some of the stories out there that aren't being read.

You might want to check it out.