Elle tried to keep her days as normal as possible despite her growing tummy. Jacob had returned to his pack duties, though not with Sam, and instead carried out his own patrols with Leah and Seth. Embry and Quil joined him after a few heated arguments with Sam, but the two packs were now equal and had a wider area to cover. Jacob had told the others of Mark, their efforts to catch him doubled whenever they caught his scent anywhere nearby. Jacob could no longer bear to be away from Elle for more than was necessary, too afraid to leave her side in case anything happened. They didn't know the exact due date for the baby, no longer having Carlisle as her in home doctor. As another damp and cold day dawned, Jacob went to check on the pack while Leah took Elle on their morning walk along First Beach. He didn't feel entirely comfortable with the idea, but Elle had insisted and he didn't much feel like crossing her while she was so hormonal. She hadn't been to over emotional, though the occasional crying session or angry outburst had certainly made Jacob on edge the closer it got to the end of each day. He knew she didn't have long to go until the baby was born, and Elle had spent every moment getting things ready so that they were as prepared as possible. He felt it best to let her go, Billy assuring him that it was normal behaviour for a mother to be.
He neared the edge of the trees and phased, a familiar voice hitting him instantly as he headed into the clearing a few feet away.
Hey Jake! Seth greeted him cheerfully.
Hey kid, where are the others? Jacob answered, noticing the absence of Quil and Embry.
Quil's at home and Embry should be here soon I think.
Okay good. Has anything happened?
Nothing interesting…same crap as usual. Embry's voice said, he entered the clearing a few seconds later. He stepped forward, taking his place on Jacob's right.
Have you heard from Leah? Jacob asked Seth, who was still standing on the other side of the clearing.
Oh…yeah, about that. She took Elle to see Carlisle. Seth cringed, twitching slightly.
She WHAT!
I'm sorry! Leah only told me when I ran into them on the beach! She said Elle needed to see him and that I had to tell you where they went.
You have got to be kidding me! Who does she think she is! Jacob fumed, furious snarls ripping from his throat.
Jake, she's just helping Elle out! She's been asking for days, I guess Leah just took it on herself to take her because you wouldn't! Embry retorted, his brown eyes narrowed angrily.
Jacob was taken aback, a soft growl escaping from his mouth. I'm not going to let her get killed! Even if she thinks she knows best, it's not right now! We have to get to them before they get hurt!
Jake, they won't hurt her. I think Elle just wants to see how the baby is doing. She's been so nervous lately, I'm sure she just wants to get checked out. Seth whined, sitting back on his hind legs.
Of course she does but she's going to be in danger by doing that! We still don't know what the leech baby is capable of! Jacob snapped.
Jake, calm down. She's with Leah, they'll be fine. Embry tried to stand in front of him, but Jacob growled again, this time his muzzle pulled back over his teeth. Embry shrank away, not wanting to fight with Jacob.
Seth, stay here and wait with Embry. I will go find them and bring them home. Jacob glanced at both of them before they nodded in response. Jacob took off into the trees, running as fast as he could towards Forks and the Cullen's house once again. The smell hit him like someone had thrown a blanket over his head and he stopped abruptly at the edge of the trees bordering the Cullen's house. Jacob could hear muffled voices inside the house, he glanced around quickly before moving towards the front door. Leah stepped out from behind him, her muzzle turned up in disgust.
Jacob growled, snapping at her.
Who the hell do you think you are!
Leah rolled her eyes. I was doing the right thing, Jacob. Elle needed to see Carlisle and I brought her to him. You've been to self-absorbed the past few days that I took it upon myself.
Jacob snarled. You had no right to do that! Next time, you won't do anything unless I say so! Now get back to La Push and check on Seth!
Whatever, O' fearless leader. Leah turned about and took off, her body disappearing between the trees.
Jacob shook out his fur angrily, moving towards the Cullen's house. Before he could get any nearer than the driveway, Edward stepped out, closely followed by Emmet and Jasper Cullen who stood protectively at either side of him.
I know you can hear me, so let's cut to the chase. Where is Elle?
"She's upstairs with Carlisle. You can come in, if you like." Alice flitted around the corner, squeezing in between her brothers to smile at Jacob. Edward glanced at Emmet and Jasper before nodding once and leading the way back inside.
Jacob phased, throwing his shorts on quickly and heading back to the house. Embry trotted up from behind him, nosing through the trees and whining softly.
"Go back to Seth, I'll be fine." Jacob muttered, patting Embry's large shoulder. He made his way to the house, letting himself in. He noticed the hospital bed set up was still in the living room, Bella's body lay perfectly still upon it. Jacob's nerves twitched, but he kept on going. Alice was waiting for him at the top of the stairs.
"They're waiting for you." She smiled, her golden eyes glinting with excitement. Jacob raised his eyebrow at her, but she merely smiled serenely back and glided down the stairs. He pushed the door open tentatively, both Carlisle and Elle's eyes glanced over at him as he entered.
"I'll give you two a moment." Carlisle murmured, excusing himself quickly. Elle opened her mouth to object before closing it sharply at the look on Jacob's face. He sat down next to her in an empty chair his face buried in his hands..
"I know what you're going to say to me so get it over with." Elle grumbled, crossing her arms and looking at the wall.
"Good, then this'll be short." Jacob said, turning her around so she faced him. "You have NO idea how terrified I was when Seth told me you had come here. What the hell were you thinking!"
Elle glared at him. "Jake, we need Carlisle…without him I'm worried something will go wrong! We can't do this on our own, not when we don't know what we're in for! Can't you understand that?" Her expression was soft and pleading, her eyes searching for the approval she needed.
Jacob sighed. "You can't just run off on me like that! What if something had happened to you?"
Elle hung her head and glared at her hands, not saying anything. Jacob took a deep breath and got up, kneeling in front of her.
"I know why you did this, but can you please just talk to me next time instead of running off with Leah? Otherwise I'm going to have to murder Leah and to chain you to me, and I don't think anyone would like that for too long no matter how much you love me." He grinned, watching the corners of Elle's mouth turn up when she reluctantly smiled at him.
"You're right, I'm sorry. But from now on, when I ask to see Carlisle, I mean it. We've only got a few more days to go until he's born, so we need to make sure we're prepared."
Jacob's head snapped up at her words. "Wait…he? How do you know it's a he?"
Elle's face went pink, "I don't know if it's a boy or girl yet. I just feel like it's a boy."
Jacob smiled serenely, images of the tiny baby flashing before his eyes. He took Elle's hands and squeezed them.
"From now on, we talk to each other instead of getting angry and running off. It's about time we grew up a bit." He grinned, ducking his head when Elle took a swipe at him.
"Next time, do as I say instead of making me waddle all the way here with Leah." Elle said, placing her hand tenderly on Jacob's face.
"Deal!" Jacob chuckled, kissing the palm of her hand.
A knock on the door interrupted and Carlisle came through, followed by Alice.
"She's almost ready. She's much clearer now, I'd say we have about ten minutes." Alice was saying to Carlisle, whose face was a lot more relieved than usual.
"Bella's alright?" Jacob asked, his heart clenching tightly in his chest. Elle smiled at Alice, whose grin was bigger than Jacob had ever seen it.
"She's perfectly fine. Edward did everything right. He's been worried about her, but already she's become much clearer. As Alice has said we have about ten minutes until she will wake. Carlisle said softly, moving around the room and examining Elle's swollen stomach again.
Jacob stood up, his face set. "We need to leave. Now."
Elle looked at Carlisle, who sighed and nodded. "It's alright. You should have at least a few more days until the baby is due, go home and rest as much as you can. I'm sure Jacob will send someone when you need us there."
Jacob took Elle in his arms, barely feeling her weight as he rushed down the stairs and out of the house. He didn't stop running until they reached the edge of his yard. He led Elle back into the house, settling her down on their bed and sitting beside her. Elle snuggled into him, placing Jacob's hand gently on her stomach. They both smiled as a tiny nudge moved his hand.
Jacob kissed Elle's forehead tenderly, coaxing her face to his. After a few moments, they broke apart, Elle resting back on his chest, sighing heavily.
"We still have to think of some names for the little guy." Jacob murmured, glancing at Elle out of the corner of his eye. She sat up, a smile playing on her face.
"What did you have in mind?" She asked, amused.
Jacob shrugged. "To be honest, I kind of only glanced at one of your baby books for a second before I gave up." He laughed, shaking his head. "I did pick one I liked though…"
"What?" Elle asked, grinning.
"For a boy…I thought maybe, Kai?" Jacob murmured.
"Kai…it means Ocean. I like it." Elle replied happily. "What about a girl's name?"
Jacob licked his lips, his brow furrowed. "Maybe a girly version of Kai?"
Elle laughed. "What about Kiah for a girl? It doesn't matter what the meaning of the name is, whatever we name it, I know it will be beautiful."
Jacob smiled, kissing Elle's cheek. "I love you. So much, Elle." His eyes locked with hers.
Elle smiled back. "I love you, too." He kissed her again, their lips meeting softly.
Jacob sat back, taking a deep breath. "I'll be right back. There's something I've got to do."
Elle looked at him, puzzled.
"I'll be back in a few minutes, I promise. Just, sit back and relax. I love you." Jacob said, getting up off the bed and giving Elle a kiss goodbye. She gazed after him, smiling slightly.
Jacob walked towards the trees, stopping just behind them to phase so he could talk to the others.
As soon as his paws hit the dirt the chorus of voices hit him.
Guys, calm down. Everything is fine. The baby isn't due for another couple of days. Jacob said, answering their questions. He paced back and forth in the small clearing just inside the trees bordering his house.
I need you to help me with something. Jacob said, taking a deep breath before continuing. I've been thinking about it for a while now and I think it's time.
What's wrong, Jake? Seth asked, whining softly.
Nothing's wrong, kid- Jacob said, shaking his furry head.
Would you just spit it out already! Leah groaned, rolling her large eyes.
Yeah, Jake. What's this about? Came Quil's voice as he entered the clearing a few seconds later.
Just hear me out, I'm going to need everyone's help on this. Jacob replied. He glanced around at them all, glad that each and every one of them had chosen to stand by his side. He knew it was the right moment to make sure it stayed that way.