Yay! Grace's arrival! I'm actually pretty proud of this chapter. And I am so happy she's finally here! Now we can start back up making the climb toward the end of the story. Don't worry. There will be quite a few more chapters. And if it's going the way I think, then there will probably be a sequel! I'm sure there was something else I needed to say here, but, I don't remember what it was...OH! To the fan who gave me the low-down on the pregnancy stuff...THANK YOU! I hope I did it right or at least close. (You know who you are!)

*Disclaimer*

Please Enjoy!

Couple weeks later…March

JPOV

"You're early," Jacob said as he approached the two leaders of the two covens gathered at his front gates.

Lygeia and Kali, the coven leaders, stepped forward to greet him.

Lygeia, like her scout, was the nicer of the two. Her skin was the color of dark seaweed, which was only natural when her coven's element was water. She didn't offer to shake his hand, but gave him a small smile full of sharp teeth. "It is an honor to meet you. Zarya has spoken very highly of you."

Kali nodded in agreement. "Lonan has as well."

"I should hope so since you're here," he said, shaking hands. "Please, the honor is mine to have two powerful covens here to help us." He motioned to his right. "This is Adair, my second in command."

Adair stepped forward and nodded. "It is an honor," he said respectfully.

Lygeia looked around. "Where is your queen? Does she not see us fit for her presence?" she asked mildly with a raised eyebrow.

Jacob bristled, but calmed down enough to speak civilly. "Nothing like that, I assure you. She's very pregnant and due any day. The pack doctor has ordered that she stay close to home. I apologize for her absence. She's actually very excited to meet you and hated that she couldn't be here to welcome you."

Over the past couple weeks, Jacob had lived up to his promise. He trained every day with his enforcers, removing the rust on his fighting skills once more. He and Ness had been great. He let her go off with Tiana and Odette to make her plans. When the cabin had been finished, the guys had all helped to move their stuff back in. Doc had put Ness on house rest, so she spent the time putting the nursery together and going through all the things she'd ordered for Grace. The swing was already up in the living room. Bottles, diapers, and pacifiers were everywhere for just-in-case scenarios.

Odette and Mindy were the two female wolves assigned to her. Lucy, Sadie, and Theresa were always at the house helping when Jacob wasn't there. Overall, it was heaven. He'd even let Shadow out of the cage a couple more times to spend time with Ness. He felt calmer when his wolf voluntarily went back into his cage.

The two leaders exchanged a look.

Kali inclined her head at Jacob. "Congratulations on the child."

"Thank you. Shall we go to the compound? I have cars waiting to drive you through town."

Kali's white eyes flashed. "We're staying on pack land?"

Jacob blinked at her. "Technically everything inside this wall is pack land. However, in the context you mean, yes. But don't worry. I have separate visitors' cabins set up away from the main area. They're deep in the woods, very isolated. You won't be bothered. If at any time you feel the need for another place, we can relocate you somewhere else."

Lygeia grinned. Her teeth made his fangs seem like child's play. "Very good. What about bodies of water?" she asked as she followed Jacob toward the line of SUVs waiting for them.

"I've situated your coven near the river that cuts through my land. Kali, your coven is out away from the lights of the compound so you can work in darkness."

"That's very thoughtful. Thank you."

He nodded. Together, he and Adair stood with the two leaders while they all watched the covens climb into the vehicles. Jacob and Adair had already addressed the pack on behavior. Most of the time, they were good. But leave it to Karma to prove him wrong this one time, especially the young males. Though there were some men in the covens, most of the numbers were women…young women. He even noticed some glances his and Adair's way as they passed.

Jacob sighed inwardly. Great. He didn't need a jealous wife, especially a wife who was about to give birth to their daughter. Hopefully, Ness wouldn't have self-image issues, thinking she's fat or some shit like that. Of course she'd have a little extra weight, having grown and birthed a six pound baby.

Once the field was empty and the cars were running, Jacob opened the back door to their car. "Shall we?"

The leaders climbed in and Adair took the passenger seat. Jacob went to the driver's side and started the drive home.

#######

RPOV

"Purple, huh?" her mother said from her spot next to Ren on the floor. "You never were a pink girl," she said grinning.

Ren smiled at her mother as they put diapers and towels in the cabinets of the changing table. "Grace might be a princess, but that doesn't mean I need Pepto everywhere."

Bella sighed. "A princess. And my daughter's a queen. It's so hard to see you that way."

"It was hard for me too," Ren said, folding a onesie. "But Jacob is king. And this is our castle."

"It's a pretty badass castle," Rachel said as she came into the room carrying a box of diapers. "Where do you want these?"

Ren pointed to the closet. "In there's fine. It's getting pretty packed in the cabinet. And thank you. Jacob and I designed this place together."

Bella reached out to move a curl from Ren's shoulder. "It's a beautiful place for a family. It really is."

Ren hissed as her back twinged while she made a move to get off the floor.

The smile left Bella's face. "Ren? Baby, are you okay?"

Ren tried to smile reassuringly but knew it was little better than a baring of teeth. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm good."

Doc had told her to start expecting signs that she was going to go into labor. She just prayed that her water didn't break in her new house, or in the nursery. That would royally suck.

The house was absolutely beautiful. Stephan had done an incredible job. As soon as you walked through the front door, there was a large staircase. At the top of the stairs, the hall branched out into opposite directions, three rooms on each side. One of the rooms was larger than the other with built-in bookshelves. There were stairs in the closet that led down to the master bedroom. Behind the stairs was the spacious living area. The master bedroom was to the right. Two other rooms were attached to it. The nursery and then Jacob's office. Each room had its own door from the living room, but all had a door connecting room to room. Every room in the house had a way down to the third floor and the panic room it held as well as Jacob's gym area. To the left of the stairs was the massive kitchen and then dining area. Out back was a small patio area that had a path to the greenhouse. It was absolutely amazing. She couldn't have asked for a better dream home.

Jacob had also been wonderful over the past couple weeks. He'd backed off on his overbearing dominance, especially after the second time he allowed Shadow out. Every day, he was out training with the enforcers and making plans with Adair. He and Ren had also sat down to talk about the pack. He'd asked her about her plans with Tiana and Odette. So far, they were still working on synchronizing.

Grabbing the side of the changing table that had come in a few days ago, Ren tried to get herself into a standing position.

Bella and Rachel came forward to help.

"Ren?" Odette asked from down the hall. "You alright?"

"Yeah. I'm good. Back just gave a twinge."

Odette and Mindy had been on her like white on rice ever since Jacob assigned them to her. Lucy, Sadie, and Theresa were always coming and going. And Tiana was always around providing teas and lotions. It was nice to be doted on, but damn, she was ready for her baby.

Odette appeared in the doorway. "Got a text from Adair. They're on their way back right now."

"Good, good," Ren gasped as she got her feet under her. She'd ballooned up even more. Thankfully, Doc had put her on house rest because she couldn't wear her bras anymore and refused to leave the house braless. Buying new bras was pointless when she was so close to having the baby.

The she-wolf came forward. Her eyes were worried. "Seriously, you alright?" Her nostrils flared, scenting the air. "You smell different than you did last night."

"Is that bad?" Rachel asked.

Odette shook her head. "Not bad. It's the scent that tells me she's very close to labor." Her eyes were slowly turning to amber.

The moment Ren was upright, something happened. It felt like that moment on a rollercoaster when you plummet from the top of the tracks and your stomach drops. Except this wasn't her stomach. It was Grace dropping.

She gasped, not entirely sure she wasn't in pain.

"Ren?" Bella said, worry and tension coating her words.

Odette touched Ren's shoulder, alarmed now. "Talk to me. Don't keep it in."

"Something's happening," Ren panted.

"What?"

Ren frowned, feeling Grace kick up a storm. "Feels like she just dropped. Hard."

Odette just stared at her for a second before yelling, "Mindy! We gotta get to Doc! Now!" Looking back to Ren, she lowered her voice. "Come on." She looked to Bella and Rachel. "Let me take her," she said, wrapping an arm around Ren's waist.

Another twinge shot up her spine, this time very painful. She winced but followed Odette toward the door. "What's happening?"

"Do you feel like you're cramping yet?" she asked, ignoring the question.

"No. My back is spasming."

Odette looked over at her as Mindy came running into the room. "I think you're about to go into a hard and heavy labor. You need to get to Doc."

Mindy came over with her silver piercings and took Ren's other arm. She smiled sympathetically. "You know, the first time we met in your store, I had a feeling we'd meet again."

Ren smiled a little. "Always trust your gut," she said. And then Grace kicked out sharply. Crying out, Ren bent over, gasping for air.

"Fuck," Odette said harshly. "Your water just broke."

Sure enough, a rush of liquid seeped over the pair of Jacob's sweats she was wearing. It was warm and thick and kinda gross.

"Cris!" Odette yelled. "Get in here!" She wrapped her arm around Ren's waist, holding her close. "I'd carry you, but something tells me you'd be less jostled if Cris did it."

Gritting her teeth, Ren nodded. And then her body seized up. She wanted to cry out again, but the breath was stolen from her. When she could breathe again she panted, "Odette?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm cramping now."

"Fuck," she said again. "Cris!" Odette turned as best she could to Ren's mother and sister-in-law. "Go corral the kids."

"But…my daughter," Bella started.

"Needs to get to Doc as fast as possible. Trust me. I would know. I've been in Ren's position. Let me and Cris get her to Doc. Then you can hover."

Ren looked at her mother. "It's okay, Mom. Please."

Finally, Bella nodded. "Alright." Leaning in, she kissed Ren's forehead. "I'll see you there and call your father."

Ren heard the front doors crash open. Cris and Alex came running around the stairs, eyes wild and looking worried at the same time.

"Take her, take her, take her," Odette said hurriedly. "We don't have much time."

Without question, Cris scooped Ren into his arms and ran for the door. "It's okay; I got you."

"I know," Ren gritted out through another cramp. "Jacob-,"

"Alex is calling him now."

The next few minutes were a blur of pain, voices, and rushing. Always rushing. Nurses were running around and running down the hall. Doc was at her side the moment they walked in, taking her pulse.

"Ren? Can you hear me?"

Swallowing hard, she nodded. "It hurts."

"I know." And then he wasn't talking to her anymore. "Get her on the bed. Careful, careful. Get her legs up in the stirrups…now is not the goddamn time to be squeamish. Get her legs up. Now!"

Ren felt her body being maneuvered but all she could feel was pain wrapped around her from the top of her spine all the way down to her pelvis. There was tugging on her body before she felt cool air on her thighs. Automatically, she knew she was being prepped for birth. A cloth was draped over her spread legs.

"Shit, she's nearly fully dilated. Have you called Jacob?" Doc asked from between her legs. There was a mask over his mouth and nose.

"He's on his way."

The pain that lanced through her was indescribable and brought her upper body off the bed. "Doc, please. The medication."

Through tears, she managed to open her eyes and look at him.

Lips pressed in a hard line, he shook his head. "It's too late, sweetheart," he said tenderly. "We're gonna have to go without." There was fear in his eyes even though he tried to hide it.

Her own fear washed through her, sending bloody images through her mind. Without the pain medication, there was a greater chance she wouldn't survive this.

Where the fuck was Jacob?

Another contraction gripped her, finally forcing her to scream. Her nails ripped at the sheets on the bed. Suddenly, there was a hand gripping hers.

"Squeeze as hard as you need," Cris said, his voice strangled. He leaned over her to whisper in her ear. "Jacob's on his way, I swear. Just hold on."

Ren ripped her eyes open. He was wrapped in some sort of medical robe thing. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Anything for you, remember? Just hold on," he repeated.

"Ren, sweetheart," Doc said paternally, "Odette was right. This is going to be fast and hard. The pain is going to be…well, just hold on for as long as you can. Use that iron will of yours."

Ren was gasping in air as her body felt like it was being ripped apart. She screamed and cried, the breaths ragged in her chest.

"Ren," she heard. And then felt her knees being squeezed. She managed to look at Doc again. He'd pulled down his mask and was giving her his full attention. "Breathe. The more you can relax, the easier this will be. I know you're hurting and you want Jacob here, but this little girl is wanting and ready to come out. The time to start pushing is here. But first, we gotta get your breathing under control." His eyes flicked up to Cris. "Put her hand to your chest. We'll do this together until Jacob gets here."

Cris flattened Ren's palm to his sternum and then looked to Doc. Together, the two of them started the deep breathing exercise. Fighting the need to gasp through the pain, she focused on the two men. Both of them had become like family to her. She trusted them both with her life and the life of her daughter. Thinking about living and Grace, she started to calm down…until another contraction hit.

"Ren, look at me," Doc said quickly. When she did, he said, "Breathe through the pain. Deep breaths." His eyes flicked away. "And your mother's here. She's scrubbing up."

A feeling of safety swept up through her. Her mother was here. She'd be okay. What seemed like forever later, Bella appeared on the other side of the bed. She had a wet cloth and was in one of those wrap-around gowns like Cris's.

The next contraction was hell and rocked through her like a tornado battering her. Forgetting the breathing, Ren arched her back and screamed.

"Okay, we can't wait any longer," Doc said to a nurse. "Alright, Ren whenever you can, start pushing. Grace is ready to make her entrance."

Ren gasped and panted. "Jacob-,"

"Is on his-,"

She heard the door bust open, and then Jacob's panicked voice was music to her ears. "I'm here! I'm here!"

"Jacob," she whispered as another contraction took her breath away.

#######

JPOV

Jacob fell through the door, nearly slamming his face into the floor. "I'm here! I'm here!"

The moment his phone started ringing with Alex's number, he knew exactly what he was going to hear. Ness had gone into labor. He'd slammed on the gas, acquainting everyone with their seatbelts. As soon as the SUV was outside the medcab, he threw it into park and was out of the car before everyone could blink.

Now, he was in the delivery room, staring at the bed that was holding his screaming mate. He was about to rush to the bed when Doc looked up at him.

"Wash up, Jacob," he ordered.

Jacob snarled as his wolf did.

Sitting up from bending over under the sheet covering the lower half of Ness, Doc pulled the mask down and glared. "Do you want to risk giving her and your daughter an infection? Wash up. Now!"

He rushed over to the sink and scrubbed up to his elbows. One of the nurses was there with a towel. Once he was dry, he hot-footed it to the bed. Cris immediately moved out of the way and transferred Nessie's hand to his. Her face was red, streaked in tears and sweat. Pain made her normally bright green eyes dull.

Jacob leaned over her, putting his lips to her forehead. "I'm here, baby. It's gonna be okay."

Closing her eyes, she turned her head into the pillow and screamed, her hand tightening on his. Her nails shredded the skin of his wrist. The scream ended on a broken sob.

Jacob looked to Doc. "Talk to me!"

Instead, Bella answered. "They can't give her the medication. It's too late."

"What?" he managed to croak out, fear choking him. This was not the plan.

Bella looked worriedly down at her daughter and swiped a damp cloth over her neck. "It happened so fast. She stood up from sitting on the floor and not five minutes later, her water broke." She bent down over Nessie's ear. "Push, baby," she whispered. "You'll feel so much better."

"I can't," Ness moaned.

"Bullshit," another voice said.

Jacob looked up to see Odette situated at the head of the bed. She leaned over as Bella got out of the way.

"Look at me."

Ness squeezed her eyes closed, tears pooling on her nose and the pillow.

"Renesmee Black, look at me. Now." Odette kept her voice low but commanding.

"Back off, Odette," Jacob ordered as Ness let out another pain-filled scream.

Her amber eyes didn't leave his mate. "No. Look at me."

Hiccupping, Ness finally looked up at her when her body went limp again.

Odette put her hands on either side of Ness's face, holding her still.

"Whatever you're gonna do," Doc interrupted, "make it quick. This baby is going to come whether she consciously pushes or not. Her body's not going to have it any other way."

Jacob watched the two women stare at each other. And he knew when another contraction hit because Ness whimpered, more tears flowing.

"Listen to me," Odette said in a softer voice. "You are the strongest woman I know. You can do this. We'll do our parts in this room, but you have to do yours. For your daughter. For Jacob, your mate. None of us want to see what he'll be like if you don't make it. Don't make us go through that. Remember that fire you came here with? Well, now's the time to spark it back up. You can do this. I know you can. I've seen you go through more. You've survived a hell of a lot, too much to die here and now on this bed. Do you hear me? Fight!"

Jacob watched in astonishment as Ness's breathing evened out after a couple minutes. When the next contraction hit, she pressed her head back into the pillow and gritted her teeth. When it was over, she wiped her eyes and moved to sit higher on the bed.

"I can't promise endless energy," she panted, "but I'll give you what I got."

It was obvious that Doc was smiling behind the mask by the way his eyes crinkled. "I'm ready when you are, my queen."

Ness looked up at Jacob. "I'm glad you made it."

Jacob smiled. "Me too."

#######

Ten Minutes Later

RPOV

The pain was beyond excruciating as she bore down. Everything was on fire and felt like all of her bones were breaking at once.

She knew she was bleeding Jacob, that his blood was mingling with her sweat on the sheets. Doc had had to slice her up down there to help relieve the pressure, and it had helped. Well worth the stitches.

"You're doing great, Ren," Doc said. "We've got the head. Just a few more pushes."

Unfortunately, Ren didn't feel like she had a few more pushes in her. The energy from Odette's pep talk was running out fast and grey spots were starting to pop up in her vision. She was laying back, breathing hard, eyes closed. She could feel her grip on Jacob's hand loosening.

A shot of panic tried to take over, but the overwhelming exhaustion was too vast and swallowed it up. The panic had been for the fact that she knew she shouldn't be declining this fast, not if she was going to survive.

And then something happened. She was seeing something other than the backs of her eyelids.

Bright, warm, yellow light washed over her until she was standing in a meadow. Tall grasses swayed in the breeze, and her hair danced around her. Blinking, she looked around. It was a fairly large meadow with a quaint little cottage near the woods.

High-pitched laughter echoed from out of nowhere. She looked around again. This time, the meadow was no longer empty. The first person she recognized was Jacob. And he was the only adult. Grinning and laughing so freely, he was chasing a little girl.

Together, they ran toward her…and then suddenly stopped about ten feet from her. The girl was beautiful as she stared at Ren, breathing hard and smiling. Jacob stood behind her, hugging her to his legs.

"Say hi to Mommy," he told her. "Say hi before we have to go."

Ren's eyes watered and she wanted so bad to touch them. Instinctively, she knew this was her daughter; the daughter she'd had with Jacob.

The girl waved, opening her mouth to talk, but suddenly, her voice was muffled.

"No!" she yelled as the girl started to turn away back to the cottage. "No, wait! Come back!"

Ren ran after her, but immediately hit something solid, like an invisible wall. Stumbling back, she stared as tears pooled in her eyes.

Jacob was the last to turn away. He watched her with a deep, echoing sadness. "I miss you, Ness. I wish you could have seen her grow up, that she would have known you. She asks about you, but what words do I have to give her to describe you and how much I loved you? Hell, I still do love you. Just a little harder, Ness," he whispered. "If you would have fought just a little harder, Grace would still have you. I'd still have you." He put his hand up to the invisible wall. "We'll meet again someday."

Sobbing, Ren put her hand up against his, but felt nothing. "I love you, Jacob! Please! I want to come back! Show me how!"

He smiled. "Fight," was all he said before turning away.

Once his broad back had disappeared, Ren turned around, hands pulling at her hair…and screamed.

Somehow, she mentally slammed back into her body.

"Ness?" Jacob asked from very far away. "Ness!" Oh, there was the panic. Jacob had it for both of them in spades. She felt her body move as if he were shaking her. "Come on, baby. Don't leave me," he choked out in a whisper. "Grace is almost here. Please, just stay with me."

"Ren, I need one more good push," Doc said. "Whatever strength you keep in reserve, tap into it. Just one huge push, and then you can rest. Then it'll be over and you can hold your baby girl."

Ren floated out of hearing range again…but just for a moment.

"REN!"

Something stung her cheek, pulling her out of the darkness. Odette was leaning over her again, glaring down at her.

"What the fuck did I tell you? Get up. Now!"

"Odette," Jacob growled.

The she-wolf ignored him. "Come on. I did this twice. Get the fuck up. Be the alpha female. You said you wanted my help; well, here it is. You're not leaving this little girl without a mother. Get! Up!"

Ren blinked and looked around. Her parents were on one side of the bed. Jacob was on the other. All of them had tears pouring down their faces. But Jacob's face was the one that broke her heart the most. Hurting him was the last thing she ever wanted to do. And leaving him to raise Grace alone would leave the biggest wound that she knew he'd never be able to heal.

Looking into his flickering eyes, she gripped his hand and sat up as best she could. Hands at her back and shoulders helped her up the rest of the way, holding her steady. "Ready, Doc?" she rasped, still staring at Jacob and Shadow.

"Whenever you are," was the reply.

Taking in a huge breath, she let out the most ragged scream she had since this all started and pushed with everything she had left. It felt like her soul was cracking inside her as she felt the slide of the baby.

"That's it! We're good!" Doc shouted.

With that good news, Ren passed the fuck out.

#######

JPOV

The moment Doc cleared the baby, Ness went limp. Her hand slid out of his and her eyes closed as her head hit the pillow. Panic and paralyzing fear gripped him until he heard her heart still beating. He'd be able to pick her heartbeat out of a mosh pit if he needed to. But the nurses still fell on her while Doc finished up with her down there.

Seconds later, the room went into a hush as the screeching of a baby sounded through the room.

Still holding his mate's limp hand, he looked over to where a nurse had her back to him, supposedly cleaning up and measuring his daughter.

"Talk to me, Doc," Jacob said hoarsely, still watching the nurse move around. He was determined to suddenly gain x-ray vision and see his child through the woman.

Doc didn't immediately answer.

Jacob looked over to see the man staring at the machines and still working on Ness.

"Doc!" Jacob snapped.

"The worst is over," Doc said, finally. "But we still need to watch them both closely. We almost lost Ren. Infection could still set in. We'll need to keep her for a few days, just in case."

"And Grace?"

Doc met his gaze before standing up and going toward the counter. He and the nurse spoke in quiet tones. Under normal circumstances, Jacob wouldn't have had issues eavesdropping, but right now, the blood was rushing too loudly in his ears.

After a few very long heartbeats, Doc turned around, smiling down at the swaddle of pink cloth. Oh, man. Ness was gonna demand a change in the blanket. She was wholly against pink.

"She seems perfectly healthy," Doc said softly. "Again, observation for a couple days, but initially, healthy." He looked up. "Would you like to hold your daughter, my lord?"

Swallowing hard, Jacob held his hands out for the tiny bundle. His hands shook right up until the moment he was cradling his daughter's head and body. And then, he became solid once more. The stoic man who would do anything to protect his family.

He stared down in awe at the tiny little girl, his child, in his hands.

Someone had rolled a chair over, nudging it at his knees, and he sat down hard. She was still fussy, but had already opened her eyes. They were green, like her mother's.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed.

Jacob looked up to see the room mostly cleared out. Ness was cleaned up and sleeping peacefully under a couple of blankets, the heart monitor telling him that she was still alive.

Doc came over to put his hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Congratulations, my king. We'll leave you to have family time."

Jacob had to swallow a few times before he could choke out a thank you.

"You're very welcome. We'll be monitoring Ren from the front desk."

Jacob nodded and looked down at Grace. She'd calmed down and was staring up him with unfocused eyes.

"She's beautiful," Bella whispered over his shoulder.

"She really is," Rachel added.

Edward nodded in agreement.

Jacob wasn't sure how he felt about Edward being there, but he was Ness's father. He had a right, and she hadn't kicked him out.

"Jacob," Edward said, "she came back for you."

Jacob looked up at him.

"Ren…she came back for you. I was so very wrong about the two of you." He looked down at his granddaughter. "She loves you so much that she came back from the brink of death for you."

Cradling Grace in the crook of his arm, Jacob slid one finger down her cheek, unable to really come to grips with the fact that he was actually holding his daughter.

"Jake, Dad and the others are here," Rachel said. "You wanna see them or do you want some time?"

Swallowing, Jacob looked up at his sister. "Ah…uh…some time. I think I need some time."

She nodded and then looked down at Grace, rubbing a knuckle softly over the top of her head. Then his sister smiled and walked with Bella and Edward out into the hallway.

Relaxing back, Jacob held his daughter. And they just stared at each other for the longest time before her eyes began to grow heavy with sleep. Gently, he held her up and placed her against his chest over his heart. God, she was so tiny and fragile. How did other men walk away from this? How did they walk away from the fierce protectiveness he felt from only having her here for a half hour? She wasn't even an hour old and was already willing to kill anything that dared look at her the wrong way.

Emotion bubbled up inside him as he rocked her gently and watched the even rise and fall of Nessie's chest as she slept. His tears were hot on his skin as he held his daughter close. They fell onto her blanket and he didn't bother wiping them away. Both his girls had made it safely through.

Although, Ness's moment of slipping away from him still scared the shit out of him. She'd been gone, not long, but long enough to crack his soul. It wasn't until the precise moment that he felt her presence leave him that he realized how very much he loved her. He'd always thought love was of the heart, but it was so much more than that. If it was true love, he realized, it was the soul, the very core of a person. In that moment, he'd understood the term soulmates for the very first time in his life because something inside of him, some part of him that he knew wasn't his heart, had fractured while he watched as she stopped breathing.

But he had to stop thinking about it. Ness was here with him. Something had brought her back and he'd seen part of where she'd gone. The bond had kicked in, showing him like a silent movie. He could see but couldn't hear. It was unclear what had motivated her the most to come back, him or Grace. He had a feeling it was probably both, but he wasn't about to underestimate a mother's love and need to protect her child.

For now, though, he'd be the one doing the protecting.

#######

RPOV

Groaning, Ren turned her head and forced her eyelids up. God, that was hard. Something had woken her up, a sound that she didn't hear often.

Frowning, she blinked herself awake to find a dark room and an even beeping sound. But that wasn't the sound that had roused her. It was the crying of a baby.

Her baby.

Suddenly, she was wide awake and trying to struggle up in the bed.

"Whoa, there, Ness. Take it easy." A big, heavy hand landed on her shoulder, keeping her where she was.

Jacob.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him. His dark eyes were tired but glittering with joy. The skin around those eyes was tight, though, like he was still worried. And he seriously needed a shave. "You look like crap," she croaked.

He chuckled quietly. "When you're up for it, I'll take you to the bathroom to look in the mirror."

She stuck her tongue out at him tiredly. "I just pushed a baby out of my vagina. What's your excuse?"

He grinned but looked down when the baby let out another cry. "I think it's time to meet your mom," he told Grace as he played with the little hand that had reached up.

Ren eagerly reached up with both arms in the cradle position. Most of the time, mothers had a chance to bond a little with their babies before passing out, but she hadn't gotten the chance. And while she felt a little jilted, she was happy that Jacob had gotten time alone to bond with her.

Jacob gently placed their daughter in her arms and it was the most magical moment of her life. The moment Grace was firmly in her arms, Ren felt a sense of utter completeness.

Leaning over, Jacob kissed Ren's forehead. "I'll go let Doc know you're awake," he whispered.

Ren looked up at him. "But-,"

He put a finger to her lips. "I had my alone time with her. It's your turn. And Doc said she'll be hungry. If you're up for it, you can feed her while I'm out."

Ren kissed that finger and nodded. He kissed her lips softly before brushing his lips over Grace's forehead. And then he was going for and out the door.

Ren looked down at her daughter and was floored. She was actually a mother. At twenty years old. But she wasn't scared. After all she'd been through, she knew she was ready for this next step.

Grace was absolutely beautiful. Her skin, instead of russet, was a gorgeous caramel with russet undertones. There was a dusting of dark-ish hair on her head, and the eyes staring up at her were bright green, just like hers.

She didn't realize she was crying until the drops showed up on the pink blanket. For now, she didn't mind the color. All she cared about was her child.

Letting out a choked laugh, Ren put her index finger against a tiny palm. "It's nice to finally meet you, sweetheart. I'm your mommy. I have to say your entrance was a little rough, but I'm glad you're here. Your daddy needs us. You'll be good for him."

In answer, Grace turned her head toward Ren's chest. She didn't need a manual to tell her what that meant. Opening the gap in the gown, she bared herself and maneuvered Grace into position. The feeding was a little uncomfortable, but it was worth it. The ability to give her child what she needed was a proud moment. Not to mention, it didn't last long.

As she was single-handedly putting herself back together, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in. We're decent."

Jacob came in first with purpose as if he were prepared to shield her from prying eyes. She grinned up at him.

He came over and kissed her again. "Everything good?"

She nodded. "Mhm. She fed."

"Good. Doc wants to look you over before we have visitors. And trust me, there are going to be visitors." His eyes became wide with astonishment and horror as they lost focus. "Everybody is out there. And I mean everybody."

"Can't blame them," Doc said, coming around the bed to stand in front of the machines. He smiled softly down at her. "The heir to the throne has just been born. And both queen and princess are just fine. How are you feeling?"

Ren shrugged. "Like you said, just fine. Better now that I'm holding her."

"No abnormal weakness?"

She frowned. "Abnormal weakness? Doc, I've never had a baby before. I don't know what 'abnormal weakness' means. But if you're referring to the ghost thing I pulled, then no. I'm not feeling the need to slip into awful dreamland. I'll stay right here, thank you very much."

Doc chuckled uncomfortably.

Jacob stayed silent and looked away, the pain clear in his eyes.

Ren looked up at her husband with a soft smile but serious eyes. She remembered what she'd seen and knew what it had meant. "Really," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere, Jacob. I promise."

Reaching up, he ran the pad of his thumb over her lips. "You scared the shit out of me," he said in a low voice.

She kissed his thumb. "I scared the shit out of me." Ren met his gaze with as much conviction as she could muster. "Yes, I still feel weak, but no, I am not going anywhere. You and Grace…" She shook her head. "No. Just no. My place is here."

Something heavy clicked between the two of them. It was becoming very real, very fast that they had finally become one person. And not just in the fact that their DNA had mixed to create the life she was holding. Staring into his eyes, she felt the sizzle, the current that connected them. It was something that she'd never felt before, not until this moment. Somehow she knew that the Jacob she'd seen in that meadow had been a piece of his soul. The pain had been too pure not to be. She had witnessed the rawest part of him, and had watched as it walked away. And Ren knew that she'd left behind the rawest part of herself when she'd come back. Though she knew Jacob hadn't actually been there and witnessed…wait.

Frowning, she looked up at him. "Did you…did you see…?"

Blinking fast, he cleared his throat. "Part of it. Well, all of it. I just couldn't hear anything. So far, the bond hasn't been giving me noise. But I could guess," he whispered.

And Ren knew. That's how they were so connected. Not just the bond, but the pieces of their souls that had broken off had fallen into each other. It sounded stupid and overly dramatic, but hey, witches and werewolves existed. Why couldn't something like that happen?

"You told me to fight," Ren whispered. "And when I screamed, I fell back here. Back to you."

Jacob let out a choked sob and leaned in over her and Grace, his arms wrapping around them gently. She could feel his face buried in her hair and feel his sobs against her.

The door to the room quietly opened then closed, and she knew they were alone once more.

She pressed her face into Jacob's bicep, scenting the comforting smell of his skin. It was the smell of safety and family. He was her love, her only love. Nobody would ever come close to him. Hell, if anything happened to him, she'd be content to just stay single the rest of her life and raise their daughter, teaching Grace everything about Jacob that she knew.

But she prayed it didn't come down to losing him. Because if she did, that would mean that Rex had won. If Rex won, there would be no peaceful mourning. He would bring hell to this land in the wake of Jacob's death. And possibly try to kill Grace for being the previous king's offspring.

Over her dead body. Ren would put a silver blade between his ribs before he ever touched a hair on her child's head…

Enough of that, she thought to herself. This is supposed to be family bonding time.

Grace let out a little hiccup, and Jacob pulled back, scrubbing at his face.

Ren smiled up at him as she carefully readjusted Grace so that she could rub her back. "Can you get me a towel?"

Immediately, he went to a counter over the sinks and grabbed what she'd asked for. And knowing what it was for, he placed it over her shoulder so that she could burp Grace.

"Thank you," she said quietly while she rocked.

Jacob sat down in the chair beside the bed and watched them with love pouring out of his body like the energy she could sometimes feel with his strong emotions. "You're so good with her."

"Instinct, I guess," Ren said. "How was your bonding time?"

"Good. She slept right here." He patted the spot over his heart with his fingers. "I didn't let her go for a second."

"So did you…you know, bond bond with her? You know, more so than just as a father?"

His eyes went unfocused for a moment before he shook his head and smiled. He'd gone inside himself to chat with his other half. "Yeah, we did."

She knew the "we" he was referring to wasn't him and Grace, but him and Shadow. "How is Shadow doing?"

Jacob grinned as a purr echoed from his chest. "Totally in love."

Ren grinned back. "And you?"

"Completely. She's perfect. And I love that she has your eyes."

"You know eye color can change, right?"

He shook his head. "Don't say that. I want her to keep that color."

A stupid grin stretched her lips.

"What?" Jacob asked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

She giggled. "You're being adorably cute again."

Grumbling, he sank down in the seat and crossed his arms over his chest. "She's my kid. Sue me."

Ren folded her lips inside her teeth, trying to suppress another grin. "How did that feel to say? That she's your kid?"

He got serious, that look of wonder in his eyes again as he looked at the tiny girl asleep on Ren's shoulder. "Unreal. I seriously cannot believe I'm a father. It's…damn, I can't even…"

"I know," Ren said.

They shared a look full of love and adoration.

A knock on the door pulled them out of it.

Clearing his throat, Jacob sat up and scrubbed his face. He looked to her. "You ready? It's the family."

Ren nodded.

"Come on in," Jacob called.

When the door swung open, Paul stood to the side to hold it open. Billy rolled in so fast that he ran over Paul's foot. Jacob's brother-in-law let out a hissed curse. "Watch it, old man."

"Shut your pie-hole," Billy said as he moved straight for the bed with a goofy grin. "Gotta meet my grandbaby." He parked right next to the bed, his smile calming down. "How ya feelin', sweetie?"

Pulling Grace away from her shoulder, Ren cradled her and wrapped her back up in the blanket. "I'm very well, thank you."

"Rachel said it all happened very fast."

Ren nodded. "It did. But our people got me here just in time. If it weren't for them, I'd have ended up having her on the nursery floor." While he chuckled, she carefully held Grace out to him. "Meet your newest granddaughter. Grace Devora Black."

As the baby switched hands, she could see Jacob's eyebrows shoot up at the name. She grinned at him.

The others all crowded around Billy and Jacob. Her parents came back around the bed to their original places to stand next to her. Reaching out, she gripped her father's hand. He squeezed back and leaned over to kiss the top of her head.

Henry, Ava, and Linley all leaned on their grandfather, trying to get a look at their newest cousin.

Rebecca was leaning her hip against Jacob while she held Colton. "She's beautiful, baby brother."

Jacob smiled up at his sister. "Yeah, they are, aren't they?" Looking over, he winked at Ren.

Her face nearly broke from the grin and giggle.

Rebecca laughed while Jacob took his nephew from her. He was getting so good with kids, and it was freaking adorable.

"Ren, honey," her mother said.

"Hmm?"

"Your grandparents, aunts, and uncles will be here tomorrow. Edward called them right after Grace was born."

"Okay, that's great. I can't wait to see them."

Sighing, she settled back into the mattress of the bed and watched her family. They all passed Grace and Colton around, giving them unending amounts of love. Eventually, Henry, Ava, and Linley ended up on the bed with her, their warmth seeping into her sore and tired body.

After a couple hours of visiting, Doc came in to tell everyone that it was time to let Ren and Jacob get their rest. Jacob asked Adair to set them all up on the pack grounds so that they could stay close by. A nurse rolled in a crib for them before bowing her way out the door.

Ren was unbearably tired. Jacob took Grace from her arms and rocked her a little before putting her down in the crib. Then he went to turn off the lights and sat back down in the chair.

Ren frowned. "What are you doing?" she asked as he kicked off his boots.

He froze in picking them up to put them to the side of the chair. "I'm getting ready to go to sleep. Why?"

"Not in that chair, you're not. I'll not have my husband not in the same bed as me. Get up here," she demanded. Gingerly, she pushed her hands into the mattress and moved herself over. The stitches between her legs pulled just a little, but she still refused to regret the slice. It had done wonders.

Chuckling, he stood up and came over to the bed, hopping in beside her. "You know I slept there earlier."

"Yeah but I was passed out. Now, shut up and hold me."

Putting his lips to her temple, he laughed again. "My pleasure, my queen." He wrapped himself around her.

Ren cuddled in close, loving that his scent was surrounding her. She loved that she smelled like him, just as Grace would for a while. The scent thing was weird. Grace would smell like Jacob until she was a couple years old. It was a protective mechanism that let other older wolves know who the father of the young was to keep them safe. The fact that she smelled like the king was both a good and bad thing. There'd be no way to hide her from Rex or his people.

But Ren was too tired to really worry about it right now. She was just happy that they made it out the other side okay, that she hadn't risked her daughter as she'd slipped off this plain of existence for just a couple minutes.

Leaning up just a little, she checked the crib, but couldn't really see whether Grace was moving or breathing.

"She's fine," Jacob murmured against her hair. "I can hear her heartbeat and breathing. I'm already so attuned to her that if it changes, I'll wake up."

"Really?" she asked as she laid back down.

He nodded. "Trust me. Shadow's sleeping with one eye open, half a brain, and ears at the ready. He's just as much the overprotective father as I am. Grace is his pup, too. He'll wake me up."

Ren looked up into Jacob's flickering eyes. It was a sign that Shadow wasn't too far away. And it made her feel safer.

Cuddling down, she closed her eyes and prayed she didn't dream of her excursion out of her body.

So how cute is Jacob, and indirectly, Shadow? Please tell me you how feel! I love your reviews! And I love all of you! xoxoxoxo