Beta'd by Astrid

"Yours is the light by which my spirit's born: - you are my sun, my

moon, and all my stars."

-E.E. Cummings

Jacob woke up as soon as the first rays of sun came through his bedroom window. He was so excited, he felt like a kid at Christmas. Their wedding was only a day away. He tried not to disturb Bella when he got up. She'd plastered herself to him during the night. Her desire to be warm was one of her most endearing qualities. When he managed to free himself, he took a moment to absorb the beauty of the woman who stole his heart. Feeling like the luckiest guy in the word, he ran a hand down to where their child was growing.

As the day of their wedding approached, Jacob had spent some quiet time at the beach reflecting on their life together. He knew their love was special and that she truly loved him. It was something she showed him everyday.

Bella stirred as soon as he stood up, sensing his absence. She sighed and murmured his name.

Jacob tucked the covers around her as he leaned down and said, "Shh, go back to sleep. It's too early for you to get up." He wanted her to sleep as long as she could. He didn't want an exhausted bride on his hands. "I'll come back in a little bit to snuggle." He knew if Bella understood he planned to come back she would stay in bed. She nodded her head and burrowed under the covers.

When Jacob made his way to the kitchen, he was happy to see that his sisters were preparing breakfast for everyone. It would be a nice change for Bella. She always did the cooking. Rachel looked up from where she was slicing fruit. She gave him a knowing look without Rebecca seeing. Since she'd found out about Jacob phasing into a wolf, she felt like she was getting to know the real Jacob. He was a lot more complex than she'd given him credit for.

He got a glass of orange juice and went to his Dad's room. They had final preparations to make for the weddings. They were having a secret pack ceremony late that night with the official tribal ceremony the next day. Billy, Sam, and the Elders had poured over their oldest documents to see if there was any mention of pack ceremonies. They didn't find anything specific, but decided that when members of the pack got married the wolves should mark the occasion and give their blessing to the union. Jacob was the rightful Alpha and his imprint was pregnant with the first pack baby.

Their plan was to meet just after midnight. Billy, being superstitious, felt it was important to have it the same day as the official tribal ceremony. All of the pack would be there, as well as their imprints, with the exception of Claire. Billy was especially proud that Rachel would be there.

Jacob lightly knocked on the door before entering. His father was awake and greeted him, "Come in, Jacob."

Jacob was a little surprised to see his father sitting on the side of his bed. "I'm surprised you're already awake, Dad. We stayed up pretty late last night."

"Maybe so, but this is an important day." He beamed with happiness. "You're getting married tomorrow."

Jacob chuckled low in his chest. "Yes, I am." His eyes shone with excitement.

Billy smiled and patted the bed so Jacob would sit down. "Son, before we go over the plans for tonight, I wanted to ask you a question." He knew it was his duty to make sure his Jacob was well prepared for the challenges ahead, both as a man and as a wolf. He'd never experienced phasing himself, but the magic flowed through his veins.

Jacob sat down and drank some of his juice. "Sure, Dad."

Billy tried, but failed to keep the emotion out of his voice. "Let me start by saying how proud of you I am. You are an amazing son, Jacob, and you're growing up to be one hell of a man." He put his arm around Jacob's shoulders before he continued. "Well, I know you don't need advice about your wedding night." He laughed when he saw the expression on Jake's face.

Billy knew how embarrassing it could be. He still cringed when he remembered his own pre-wedding discussion. He squeezed Jacobs' shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't do to you what my father did to me."

Jacob laughed at the thought and shook his head. "I appreciate that."

"Seriously, do you have anything you need to ask me about?"

Jacob thought carefully before he responded. "Yeah, actually I do." He hesitated for a second and took a nervous breath. "It kind of relates to Bella being pregnant."

Billy lifted his eyebrows questioningly. "Really? Well, that's something I am very familiar with." He looked wistful for a moment. "Your mother was the most beautiful pregnant woman I've ever known. It never kept us from enjoying the marriage bed." He grinned at Jacob's red face. "What do you want to know?"

After their talk, Jacob went back to snuggle in bed with Bella. He lifted her gown, needing to feel her skin against his. They dozed for a little while, until the sounds from the activities in the kitchen made it impossible to sleep. Jacob wrapped his arms around her. "Good morning, Mrs. Black."

Bella reached out for a kiss before she responded. "Not quite. How many hours will it be?"

Jacob said, "Well, that depends. If you count the pack ceremony, which I do, it will be fourteen hours before we get married."

Bella giggled at the thought of marrying her wolf under the cover of darkness. She put her head on his chest contentedly. "I do." She kissed him on the chest. "I love your wolf."

Jacob took her chin in his hand. "He loves you too." He knew the depth of the feelings the massive wolf felt for Bella. He and Jacob were in full agreement that they would gladly give their lives for her. He snaked his arm around her back, holding her close as he kissed her deeply. It didn't take long for Bella to respond to his sensual caresses. She held him tightly.

He reluctantly pulled away. His voice was husky. "I want you all the time. How in the hell am I going to keep my hands off you today?" He leaned over to lick her neck.

Bella pulled his face up so she could gaze into his eyes. She could think of only one answer to that. "Ummm... I don't want you to. I mean, don't keep your hands off."

Jacob grinned wickedly. "Sounds good to me."

Bella laughed as she got out of bed. "Yeah, it does." She glanced at the clock and exclaimed. "Wow, I better get a move on. My Mom will be here in an hour." She quickly put on her robe. "I'm going to get in the shower. Come with me."

Jacob's grinned mischievously. "I will, just as soon as we eat breakfast." He reached out to touch her stomach. "I heard your stomach growling earlier. I think the baby needs some food first."

She smiled at how he was already taking care of their little one. "You're probably right. What do you want for breakfast?"

"Oh, the good is ready. My sisters have been cooking." He grinned at the pleased expression on her face. "C'mon, let's go eat."

When they made it to the kitchen they got an enthusiastic welcome from Jacob's family. Everyone was in high spirits, talking all at once. The sincerity they showed Bella meant the world to her. She could tell they weren't doing it just for Jacob's benefit.

Both Jacob's family and the pack had lots of work to do, but they were more than happy to do it. They were having a special rehearsal dinner later that night with the wedding the next day. The pack and their imprints all contributed in some way. The women prepared food while the men took care of the site of the wedding. Bella was brought to tears when she saw the alter. It was a wedding gift from the pack. She and Jacob planned to use it as a piece of furniture in their home.

Billy was full of tribal traditions and he refused to skimp on the their time-honored customs. With help from Sam, he'd gone to the sacred spot they prepared for seven consecutive days to bless it. He'd built the sacred fire himself. The tribe watched over it to keep the fire burning. Many of the Elders participated as well.

The tribe as a whole was preparing for a huge celebration immediately after the wedding. This was a tradition with all tribal weddings, but Jacob being the future Chief made it a special occasion. Most of the Res would be there, except for a select few who didn't agree with their future Chief marrying a white woman. Thankfully, out of admiration for Billy, they kept their opinion to themselves.

Renee hadn't seen Jacob in quite a long time. She still thought of him as a kid until she came face-to-face with the man he'd become. When Jacob wasn't looking, Renee turned toward Bella and her mouth fell open in shock. She fanned her face dramatically and mouthed the words. He's so handsome!

Bella couldn't have been more proud of Jacob. He was very respectful and overlooked Renee's bizarre ways. By the time the night was over, Jacob had completely won her over. Renee asked if she could come visit when the baby was born so she could help take care of the baby. Bella could hardly believe her ears. Seeing her genuine interest sparked the hope that Renee might be better as a grandmother than she'd been as a mother.

It was almost midnight before Charlie and Renee left. It didn't give Bella much time to get ready, but Emily helped her. Bella was so thankful that Emily had thought to borrow a traditional dress from a friend.

Before they left, Billy pulled Jacob aside. "Son, I have something I want to give you to wear for the weddings."

He took the gift from his father and examined it. Jacob could tell it was very old. Handling it carefully, he was blown away by the design. The workmanship was spectacular with hand-tanned buckskin and elaborate beadwork. He could tell it had been handed down by a pack-member because it had a brown wolf with Quileute war symbols stitched in the corners.

He marveled at it's beauty. "Who made this, Dad? Do you think it was one of their wives?"

Billy shook his head. "No, Son. This would have only been made by a warrior to be worn during times of war or for special ceremonies."

"Where'd you get it?" He turned it over to examine the back, as if he was searching for clues.

Billy was pleased with Jacob's intense interest. "My father gave this to me the day I got married. He was told that his grandfather made it."

Jacob was surprised he'd never seen it. Knowing it was made by family made him especially proud. "Thanks, Dad."

Billy put his hand on Jacob's arm. His deep voice was thick with emotion as he spoke. "Make sure you pass this along to your son one day."

Jacob looked into his father's proud eyes. "I promise." What Jacob left unspoken was the feeling deep in his soul that his unborn child was a son. He felt it in his bones. Jacob had to take some deep breaths so he could hold in the tears threatening to escape. He was just beginning to understand the magnitude of the love his father felt for him. He reflected for a moment before he remarked. "I want you to be there."

Billy's throat tightened at the thought. He wanted nothing more than to be there to see it. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

As Jacob watched his bride walk out wearing her buckskin dress, he whistled under his breath. He was stunned by her beauty. Bella had rolled her long hair. It hung in thick curly waves down her back. He had to resist the urge to run his hands through it. He made a mental note to ask her to wear it this way at their wedding the next day. He kissed her before he and the pack went further in the forest to get ready.

Several of the guys built a fire provide light and to help the girls stay warm. Bella was thankful for the small measure of heat it provided, but she and the other imprints felt the chill of the night air while they waited. Billy waited along with them. He sat beside her so he could perform his part of the ceremony. He and Sam had planned the sacred words to be spoken from some of the oldest documents. Sam would be phased as wolf, so Billy was speaking on his behalf. The sacred words would be in their native tongue, translated for Bella by Emily. Each member of the pack had given Billy a note with the words they wanted him to say.

The air was thick with fog, making the forest look haunted. Bella was mesmerized by the movement of the fog as it rolled in. It looked alive. Even though there was no question they were safe, she still fidgeted with nervous excitement. They were surrounded by massive wolves that could easily take care of any threat. Seeing that she was nervous, Billy distracted her with details for the wedding the next day. He knew she'd never seen a Quileute wedding so it was a perfect opportunity for him to explain in greater detail what she could expect.

While everyone waited, the pack was in the forest getting ready. They put their clothing in the appropriate place and phased. Sam fastened Billy's gift around Jacob's neck with a leather strap, leaving plenty of room. Sam noticed Jacob was deep in thought. He felt some strong waves coming from Jacob when they'd patrolled together recently, but sensed Jacob was waiting for him to broach the subject. He said. "You're ready, aren't you, Jacob? I've been feeling it." He smiled to let Jacob know that he was not opposed to the idea.

The pack was listening intently. Their lives were about to be altered. With the exception of Leah, none of them wanted to choose between two Alphas. She, if given the choice, would gladly follow Jacob. They were stunned into silence, watching the two men.

Jacob breathed a sigh of relief. He'd been a little worried Sam would be upset. Sam had been Alpha for a long time and he wasn't sure that his Alpha would be happy with his decision to step up. If his wolf rejected the idea, he had every right to challenge Jacob in a fight. Jacob didn't want to fight his pack brother, but pushing his wolf down had become more difficult in the last few weeks.

The time had come. He stiffened his spine and spoke in a strong voice. "I am."

The pack felt the power rising in Jacob. All of their hearts sped up, anticipating the change. Even Sam was filled with an excitement he couldn't explain. He disrobed and phased quickly because his wolf was fighting to come to the surface.

Jacob soon followed and stood to his full height. The power that had been building through many generations rose in him. He looked at the black wolf and claimed his birthright.

Sam felt his wolf immediately respond to the order. It was as if a heavy weight had been taken off his body. In the background he heard the whines of the pack. He sensed that the power of this Alpha would eclipse his many times over. Thankful to be a part of it, he crouched down on his belly in front of Jacob, showing his recognition and acceptance.

Jacob felt short of breath for a minute as the Alpha power settled into his body. It was intense, but he was prepared for it. Once the transfer occurred, he leaned his head back and howled triumphantly. It echoed through the forest as the rest of the pack, one by one, followed his lead. There was no question from the wolves about who to follow. The pull they felt to follow Jacob felt very natural to them. They howled in unison responding to their new Alpha.

The imprints gasped out loud when they heard the wolves in the distance. Billy took Bella's hand and chuckled under his breath. Thankful for the warmth and comfort, Bella reached down to give him a hug.

As the pack lined up behind him, Jacob regarded them with respect and admiration. There was a deep sense of belonging that filled his being. They moved as one to line up for the ceremony. A calm reverence kept them silent as they made their way through the forest to Bella. Embry was the only exception. As he moved to line up beside Quil, he brushed against him lightly and remarked, "Told ya."

When they came into view, the pack stopped to let Jacob and Sam pass by. Billy heard Bella's shocked gasp when she saw the massive wolf approaching. He narrowed his eyes before grinning proudly. He remarked, "I'll be damned."

Jacob's wolf was several inches taller and wider. He looked formidable as he approached. Unable to take her eyes off his magnificent form, Bella almost expected to feel the ground shake under his feet. He was completely focused on her as well. His eyes looked black in the firelight as he regarded her intently. When he took his place beside her and sat down, Bella put her arm around him, as far as she could reach and weaved her fingers into his fur.

He leaned toward her, needing to be close to her. My mate. He made a sound of contentment and whipped his tail around her legs. His wolf was ecstatic they were about to become one. He loved Bella and the baby with everything fiber of his being. He wanted to run through the forest howling to all within earshot that he loved his mate and would protect her at all costs. Snuggling as close as he could, he breathed in deeply, filling his lungs with her intoxicating scent.

The pack formed a circle around the couple. Sam moved to stand in front of Jacob. As he spoke the ancient words to Jacob and Bella, Billy said them out loud to Bella and the imprints. Bella's eyes filled with tears when Emily translated the words into English. It was far more than a typical wedding. Not just 'will you take this man as your husband and will you take this woman as your bride'. The words were full of their native heritage, honor, and trust. Their meaning was clear. It was forever and ever, even mentioning future generations of children blessed with the ability to phase as wolves to protect their people.

Jacob, through the pack mind, and Bella, speaking out loud, made sacred promises to each other, the Great Spirit, Taha Aki, and the tribe to nurture and protect their heritage and legacy for as long as they lived.

When this part of the ceremony was over, Jacob phased back so he could address his bride face to face. Billy quickly tied a thin tribal blanket around his waist to cover Jacob's naked form. He was painted with Quileute symbols. He looked fierce, like a warrior.

Jacob turned to face Bella. Tears streamed down her face from the overwhelming emotions flooding through her. He smiled and gently wiped away her tears. He whispered, "I love you."

She nodded and tried to compose herself. Feeling a little unsteady, she gripped his arms, needing to touch him. She needed the support.

When he felt she was ready to continue, Jacob spoke in a strong voice. The words were Quileute once again. English would not be allowed for the sacred words.

They were heartfelt and full of love and loyalty to his beautiful bride. This time, it was Billy who translated for his son. He cleared his throat several times as he repeated the beautiful words of love. Jacob put his hands on her face and declared himself with such conviction, she knew it was significant and profound. Bella knew she would never forget the way his voice sounded and the expression on his face for as long as she lived. She felt breathless as she anticipated what Billy would translate.

Billy had tears in his eyes as he started translating. Jacob held up his hand, "No, Dad. I'll do this part." He wanted to repeat the words so Bella would understand the deep conviction straight from his heart. Jacob kept one hand on Bella's face and placed the other where their child was growing. "I, Jacob Ephraim Black, Alpha protector of La Push and husband of Isabella Marie Black, swear by the ancient blood flowing through my veins to the Great Spirit and the Great Taha Aki that I will protect you and our unborn children with all my strength, until I take my final breath in this life. I will love you beyond this life until the end of days."

Hearing his pledge, Bella cried openly. The emotion in Jacob's voice made it impossible to stop the flood of tears as she reacted to him. She could hear the other girls crying quietly along with her.

When it was her turn to speak, Bella felt very inadequate. She'd given careful thought about what to say and tried her best. Her words were translated into Quileute by Emily. She reached up to hold Jacob's face in her hands. Her voice quivered for a minute until she composed herself. She was mesmerized by the love she saw.

"Jacob... you are such an amazing man. I would have never in a million years imagined this life that we are allowed to live. I don't feel worthy, but I know somehow I must be if the Spirits chose me as your imprint. I am so lucky. I am proud to be your wife and also the wife of your wolf. I love both of you so much. I will do my very best to make you proud and promise to honor your pack and their imprints, as well as your tribe. She looked intently into his eyes as she finished. "Jacob Ephraim Black, you are not just part man and part wolf. You are the very best of both and I will love you forever." Jacob made a choked sound and pulled her against his chest.

Billy turned toward them as he finished. "My son and daughter, your bond was sealed a long time ago. Bella, the pack knows that and asked me to say that you are already part of their family. This just makes it official." He smiled at Jacob. "Son, kiss your beautiful bride."

Jacob lifted her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. His scent flooded her senses. Bella couldn't get close enough. She put her hand behind his head

to press his lips more firmly to hers. Soon, he groaned into her mouth and deepened the kiss until they were breathless. The pack howled in celebration. Inside, his wolf howled along with them.

Once things settled down, the pack phased back and dressed quickly. They came to Jacob and Bella one by one to pledge their love and loyalty to the couple. Bella shivered in the cold air and Jacob lifted her into his arms again. She snuggled against his body, thankful for his warmth. All of the girls were shivering. Rachel, Emily, and Kim snuggled close to their mates to try to get warm.

Jacob carried Bella as they made their way back home. Wrapped in the arms of her new husband, she felt cherished and loved. She'd never seen him happier and his mood was contagious. Love was in the air and they could all feel it. Everyone tried to be quiet as they said their goodbyes because Rebekah and Solomon were already asleep. Bella giggled when she saw that Paul was the last to leave. He didn't want to leave Rachel. They'd been together most of the day, getting to know each other. Billy had caught them in a hot embrace more than once.

When Jacob and Bella were settled in for the night, he held her tightly in his arms. It took all his resolve to push his wolf down and not consummate their marriage that night. In his eyes, they were truly bound and married. The pack ceremony held even more significance to him than the one that would follow the next day. He sighed and held her tight.

Just before Bella drifted off to sleep she whispered, "I wish Dad could have been with us tonight. It was amazing."

Jacob smiled. "I do too, sweetheart." He kissed her tenderly. "It was really amazing, wasn't it?"

Bella nodded in response. She was so tired she couldn't stay awake. Jacob snuggled close and felt his eyelids get heavy. It didn't take him long to fall asleep as well.

A/N: This chapter means more to me than any other so far for this story. I appreciate your reading this! It means a lot. We have about five chapters left in this story.