I always know when I've been gone too long because I start getting reviews and messages asking me to update or you'll go crazy. Or drive everyone around you nuts. I just love you guys so much. I'm sorry for being so late. My life is a little hectic right now, but I am trying. So here's the aftermath of Grace's arrival. This chapter is all about her anointing and going home! Oh and I adore Cris.
*Disclaimer*
Please Enjoy!
Two Days Later…
JPOV
Jacob sighed as he watched his woman walk around the private, cozy waiting room with their newborn daughter. She was cooing and talking down to Grace who squeaked back and smiled a little at her mother.
Ness looked up at his sigh. "You okay?"
He smiled. "Yeah. Just watching my girls."
Her grin was radiant.
"How does it feel to be a mom?"
At the question, she took a deep breath and let it out softly through her mouth. "Very strange. I really didn't think I'd ever have this or at least, not for a long time. Just months ago, I was in the shop, daydreaming about fictional characters. And now, here I am with my King Charming and our little princess. It's so surreal." She looked back down to Grace and played with her hand. "It's so hard to believe that just two days ago, I was giving birth to her, that I was in so much pain."
As she turned away, Jacob could scent her tears.
Pushing away from the wall, he went to her, gently turned her around by the shoulders, and cupped her face. He wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs. "Hey, it's okay. What's wrong?"
Sniffing, she shook her head, her hair sliding over her shoulders. "Just remembering…I mean, how could I have even lapsed for the small amount of time that I did? How could I have left her for even a moment?"
Working around the baby in her arms, Jacob put his arms around her waist. "Look, it's true that you scared the holy hell out of me, but this delivery didn't go at all how we planned. I can't imagine the pain you were in, and I don't blame you for what happened. Honestly, I was expecting you not to make it. I tried to stay positive throughout the pregnancy, but there was always a whisper in my heart, in the back of my mind." He moved some of her hair, lifted a curl up to rub between his fingers. He reveled in the feel of her warm skin on his hand where it was placed on her hip. "I'm just relieved you came back to me." Then he looked down at Grace. "To us."
Ness looked up at him with her beautiful green eyes. "You saw what I saw," she said softly. "How could I not come back after that?"
Jacob tugged on a curl at her waist and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Well, it's over now, and you're here. Guess you're stuck getting used to being a mom."
The statement did what it was supposed to do: make her smile. And the tightness in his gut eased up.
He decided to try to take her mind off of the day their daughter was born. "So the elders and the pack are preparing the anointing ceremony for tonight. Apparently, Doc told them he was thinking of clearing you."
Blinking in surprise, she looked up at him. "Ceremony?"
Jacob shrugged. "Ceremony, party, same thing. As soon as Doc clears the two of you, we'll have Grace anointed into the pack. And Lucy's being a complete dictator over the celebration. Odette's ready to kill her. I told her no eating one of Grace's honorary aunts. She pouted."
Ness laughed as she let him take Grace from her arms. "You're not doing the anointing?" she asked, tucking the tail of the blanket into the crook of his arm so it wasn't just hanging out there.
He shook his head, gazing down at his smiling daughter. She clutched and released his finger over and over. "As both king and father, I can't. When I became king, they anointed me. When you were brought in, they anointed you at the mating. That's what the bloody thumbprint was all about. As a member of the royal family, Grace has to be anointed by them, too."
An acidic scent wafted over to him from her. When he looked up, she was wearing an expression of worry.
"What is it?"
"They're not going to put blood on her, are they?"
Jacob chuckled and shook his head. "No. It'll be water that's been blessed. There's a whole religious sub-culture that we don't observe. Used to, packs worshipped some Norse gods like Odin because of his affiliation with wolves as well as some others. While the packs may not observe, the elders are taught just in case. They pass down the stories and rituals to their successors."
Ness brought her hand up to gently stroke Grace's head, her fingers playing in the little bit of hair she had. "Why don't you observe?"
He shrugged. "I'm not particularly religious no matter the faith. But I never stopped the pack. It's the same as we talked about for Christmas. Many of the older wolves privately observe the old ways, and that's perfectly okay."
When Grace started gumming and sucking on Jacob's finger, he and Ness laughed.
"Think she's hungry again," Jacob said, handing her over to Ness.
"Not surprising considering how much her father can put away," she said teasingly.
Jacob grinned goofily at her. He was still amazed that the term "father" now applied to him.
Jacob picked up one of the many soft blankets that had been a gift and draped it over Ness's shoulder and Grace so that she could breastfeed privately just in case Doc or a nurse came in suddenly. Jacob loved watching the natural bond between them, but it was for his eyes only. Nobody else needed to see that precious moment or his mate's bare breast.
He watched as she walked around the room again, humming and gently swaying while Grace fed.
The miracle of Ness still being here made his chest tight and knees weak. He wanted to drop to the floor and actually pray for once in his life to whatever was out there, to thank that higher power for letting Ness come back to him, for their daughter's survival.
A knock on the door snapped him out of his hallelujahs.
He made sure Ness was covered before saying, "Yeah, come in."
Surprisingly, it was Mindy who poked her head inside. Since her arrival, she'd taken fondly to getting pierced. Her face was full of silver bars and rings. Silver jewelry was the only way to keep the hole from healing up.
She smiled, her lip ring catching the light. "Just wanted to check in. But on my way in, one of the witches stopped me. She said she wants to talk to you."
"Right now?"
She nodded. "Sorry. I tried to tell her that whatever it was, Adair was in charge now, but she insisted."
Jacob sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Then he looked to Ness. "You'll be okay?"
She smiled up at him like he'd done something funny. "Yes, I promise. We're not going to disappear on you."
"Better not," he murmured. Walking for the door, he told Mindy to stay with them.
Out in the hall, he made his way to the lobby area. Kali was standing in a shadowy corner, her body completely still while her eyes tracked every movement around her.
Jacob was cautious as he walked up to her. "Mindy tells me you needed to speak with me."
Though he was standing right in front of her, her eyes continued to move around. "I do. The full moon is coming, the night when my people are at their weakest."
Jacob watched her watching the nurses. "Okay?"
Now, Kali's black eyes met his. "I need assurances that your wolves will not attack my people. I shouldn't have to tell you that if one of mine is injured by a wolf, it will be war between us."
Jacob could feel the humming power vibrating from her. She was strong and could probably kill him where he stood. Witches had always freaked him out because a lot of them were so powerful that they could just touch you and you'd drop right there.
He nodded. "You have my word, Kali. Another reason I placed you in the cabins you're in is because they're furthest from our hunting grounds. Tiana informed me of your people's disadvantage at the full moon before you arrived, and I planned as accordingly as I could. At this upcoming full moon, I will shift with the pack and personally make sure that you and yours remain unbothered by mine. And you have my permission to perform any protective spells around your cabins if it would help you feel more secure. I am not going to let anything get in the way of our alliance because I wish for us to stay allies beyond this battle."
For a very long few minutes, she stared at him. He had the strangest feeling that she was seeing inside his head, tasting the truth of his words.
Eventually, she nodded. "Very well. Thank you for you accommodations. Many kings wouldn't allow the concessions you have. It's…refreshing."
"As I said, allies. And you can ask my wife, once I decide on something, I go all in. Allies means trust, and to me, that means we must allow each other to be whom and what they are to be truly appreciated."
Nodding, she stepped back into the shadows. Her eyes closed and the harsh lines of her face relaxed as though the darkness was a hot bath that she was sinking into.
Jacob took that as a dismissal and turned to go back to his family. Doc met him on the way back.
"So?" he asked.
Doc looked at the piece of paper attached to the front of the file folder. "Everything looks pretty good. Both mother and daughter are just fine. Ren can come back in a few days to get the stitches out. Though the pinching should keep her on her toes, make sure Ren doesn't do anything that could tear the stitches. Also," he stopped and touched Jacob's arm. "No penetrative sex for about a month."
Jacob just stared at the doctor. "So…other ways…?"
"Are fine," Doc answered. "As long as there's no penetration at all. Not even fingers. She tore pretty heavily inside. Just keep the pleasure outside and it'll be fine. And of course, don't mess with the stitches."
Nodding through the discomfort, Jacob said, "Thanks, Doc. I think right now we're just going to enjoy our daughter and taking her home. Are they well enough for the anointing celebration tonight? I have a feeling that as soon as we leave this building, we're going to be swamped…well, they will."
Doc took a deep breath and looked toward the door to the waiting room. "They are healthy enough. However, two days out, I'm going to say that if Ren's energy starts depleting, you should get her home. She's still weak. And Grace, as a newborn, will probably just sleep through everything, so I'm not as worried about her. However, I'd say don't pass her around too much. She really needs to bond with you and Ren."
Jacob nodded, absorbing everything. As the male of the house, it was his job to take care of the family. Forget the king crap. He was more concerned with his girls.
"Other than that, the queen and princess are perfectly fine," Doc went on. "Ren has bounced back beautifully."
Beside them, the door swung open. Ness was standing there with Grace in her arms, smiling. "Hey, we were just about to come find you. How we doin', Doc?"
Doc grinned. "I was just telling Jacob here that you and Grace are healthy enough for the festivities tonight. But as I told him, it will imperative to rest when you feel the need, alright?"
She nodded, hugging Grace close. "Promise." She turned her gaze to Jacob. "Now, for this ceremony, is there something special we have to wear like we did for our mating?"
Mindy popped up behind Ness. "Actually yes, and Rajani already brought everything. It's hanging up in your room. Sorry I forgot to mention it."
Ness smiled at her. "It's okay. We were going to head back there anyway. There are some bags we've got to pick up."
"Actually," Mindy said again, "the boys already did that. Your stuff is at your house."
Five minutes later, they were back in the original room. There were two garment bags hanging on the closet door. While Ness put Grace in the plastic crib, Jacob went to one of the bags and unzipped it. The gauzy fabric that spilled out was royal purple.
"Purple?" Ness said as she came up beside him.
He nodded. "It's not a mating. Purple means royalty but also family. When not worn in a ceremony it's a familial color."
She unzipped the other bag and fingered the fabric. "It's pretty. It feels like what we wore at our mating."
"It is." Reaching up, he took the bag off the hanger. "I think this one's your and Grace's." There was a smaller hanger with a tiny swath of the purple stuff, enough to wrap Grace in.
"Yeah, this one's just pants," she said, taking off the bag. "Why is it you never wear a shirt to these things?"
Jacob came up behind her and chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "Be thankful for that. If I'd allowed them to stay barbaric traditional, we'd be doing this naked."
She slowly turned her head back to give him a look. "Excuse me?"
He grinned. "Shifters don't have a problem with nudity. It's comforting to us to touch and be touched. Skin on skin is the best. Why do you think I made you strip down the first night? Even though I was an ass, you were still the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen and I wanted your skin on mine."
Her grin would have knocked him off his feet if he wasn't holding onto her.
"Do I have to get painted up again?"
Jacob laughed. "Nope. Not this time. What was painted on you last time were prayers of a fruitful, successful mating as well as blessings for good sex."
One eyebrow quirked up. "Good sex?"
"Well," he amended, "a healthy sexual relationship. Remember, sex is the ultimate comfort for us. If the sex isn't good…" he shrugged.
Ness rolled her eyes and shook her head. She patted his cheek. "Well, I think we're just fine in that department."
"Hmm," he mumbled, leaning down to kiss behind her ear. "Me, too. What do you say we get dressed?"
"I think that's a very solid plan, Mr. Black."
It didn't take very long for the two of them to strip down. Rajani had packed the same color of underwear for Ness since they weren't here to wrap her up. Jacob appreciated the thong, but wasn't too sure about everybody else seeing it. Ness made sure to wrap most of the fabric around her hips and pulled the rest of it over one shoulder, creating a toga-like outfit.
After Jacob got into his pants commando, he went to one of the drawers at the counter. Yesterday, Carina had stopped by to give him a piece for Ness. A piece that was very old and very traditional.
"I have something for you," he said as he went back to her.
"Oh?"
"Apparently, queens of this pack had a liking for headpieces." He opened the jewelry box to reveal another circlet. It was a very old, dark metal in the shape of an inverted triangle with amethyst stones. The largest was at the point of the triangle and would sit between her eyes.
She gasped. "Jacob, it's beautiful."
"It's very, very old. And this is a traditional piece. Every queen that had a child wore it at the anointing. Now it's yours. Turn around. Let me put it on you."
As she turned, she asked, "You know how?"
"Carina showed me."
After a couple minutes of trying not to get it tangled in her hair, he finally clasped it. Then she went to the mirror and adjusted it so that it sat right on her forehead.
"It really is beautiful."
Jacob went over to her, rubbing his hands up her arms. "Maybe someday, Grace will wear it."
She smiled at his reflection in the mirror. "I hope so. God, I can't wait for this new chapter."
Jacob leaned in to kiss her temple. "I know. Me, too. I'm still having issues with the fact that I'm a dad now."
She giggled, putting her hand to her mouth. "I actually can't wait to see you with her when she gets bigger."
"I'm gonna be a wreck," he said, pulling back to go get Grace to get her dressed.
She was blinking sleepily up at him as he scooped her up. She was dressed in a yellow onesie that highlighted her tanned skin.
"I think you're going to be wonderful," Ness said as she came over with the purple gauze. "Now when she's a teenager, we might have issues, but you're going to be great with her. She loves you so much already."
"She's two days old, Ness."
"And?"
He shook his head as he went to lay Grace on the bed and stripped her out of the onesie. He checked her diaper before holding his hand out for the gauze. It was strange to feel like he needed to be the one to do this. Grace waved her arms and legs as she stared up at him with green eyes. This tiny little girl was half of him, and he felt like she owned half his soul. The other half belonged to her mother.
Jacob leaned over and played with her, nibbling her chubby cheeks and tickling her belly. "Ready to meet the pack?" he asked her in a baby voice. "'Cause they're ready to meet you. You're a princess, little one."
With extreme incoordination, Grace reached out to hit Jacob's nose and lips.
He chuckled against her tiny palm. "Yeah, Momma wants to hit me sometimes, too."
He felt a light swat on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw that Ness had moved to stand next to him, watching them interact. She leaned into him, resting her cheek on his arm. She handed him the fabric.
"Thanks." Taking it from her, he did his best to swath her up in a way that didn't make her look like a badly wrapped present. Eventually, he got it and picked her up, resting her against his chest. He wrapped his other arm around Ness, holding her close.
A soft tap landed on the door.
"Yes, Mindy?" he called.
The she-wolf poked her head in, the red streaks in her brightening under the fluorescent lighting. "Just wondering if you were ready, my lord. Also your families are in the waiting room. They've all been informed of the ceremony and where to stand during. And the pack is also assembled, witches included."
He smiled at her. "Thanks, Mindy." He looked down to Ness. "Ready?"
She put her lips to his bare chest and said, "As I'll ever be. Let's go introduce our daughter to the rest of her family."
#######
RPOV
Moments later, they were hugging family and passing around Grace. Jacob's eyes sought her out every few seconds to make sure she was okay and Ren was beyond ecstatic about it. She loved watching him with Grace. He adored her. And after he found Grace, he'd look for Ren. She'd smile at him.
Aunt Alice pulled her into a tight hug. "Ooo, you're so beautiful. I always knew you'd be more important than just a book shop owner."
Ren hugged her aunt hard. "I've missed you so much, Aunt Alice. It means a lot that you're here."
Alice cupped her face and beamed. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. We're all so proud of you and happy."
Suddenly, Ren was surrounded by all the women of her family, including Jacob's sisters. They took turns hugging her and then fixing her clothes and circlet.
Rosalie held her at arm's length. "You look pretty awesome for just having had a baby."
Ren blushed and looked down her body. There was still some pudge around her middle, and though she was self-conscious about it, Jacob was vehement in his assurances that she was still a goddess to him. Utter nonsense, but she loved the gesture anyway.
"Thank you, Aunt Rose." Ren pulled her into a tight hug, too. "I wish all of you lived closer, but Jacob and I have been talking about a tour around the wall after Doc clears me and Grace to travel so we'll come out to see you."
Rosalie smiled. "We'd be glad to have you stay with us, sweetie."
And then it was time to hug her grandmother. Esme was as gentle as always, petting Ren's hair softly. "I am the happiest grandmother," she whispered in Ren's ear. "And I am so glad you came back to us."
Determined not to lose it, Ren nodded and pulled back, blinking really fast. "Yeah, me, too."
Somewhere in the room, a throat cleared. "I apologize to interrupt family time," Adair said, "but, my lord and my queen, the elders are ready and the sun is almost set."
Jacob took Grace from Ren's father and then came for Ren. He pulled her tight to his body as if reassuring himself that she was indeed real and not a vision he was wishing for. Not minding the least bit, Ren hugged his waist tightly.
Smiling, Adair bowed low to them as they moved toward him and the door. "Congratulations, your majesties."
"Thank you, Adair," Ren said.
"It's good to see your smile again, your grace," he said to her as his eyes shimmered in the light.
Choking up again, Ren moved forward to hug him if only to keep from seeing him cry. Adair hesitated for a moment, probably looking to Jacob for a reaction. But after a moment, he wrapped her up tightly and held on.
"We would never be the same without you," he said roughly against the skin of her shoulder.
Ren tightened her hold. "Oh, Adair. I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna be around for so long that you're gonna get sick of me."
She'd meant it as a joke but his breath came out on a soft sob. "Not possible. Never."
She just held him. They weren't all that close, but a friendship with Adair was like a friendship with a really good girlfriend. One where you could go months without talking and then all of a sudden one day you get a call and talk like there was no time between you at all. Once the connection was made, it was for life and full of caring concern.
After a few heartbeats, he pulled himself together and pulled back, trying to subtly wipe his eyes. Ren reached up and did it for him.
Smiling softly, Adair fixed her hair and the jewelry on her forehead. "Alright. That's enough emotion from me. There's gonna be even more out there for you to deal with."
"Cris?" she guessed.
"In the hall. He's been wanting to see you for two days but didn't think it would be appropriate since he said he's just a bodyguard."
Irritation bubbled up. Cris was way more than just a bodyguard. He was like the overprotective brother she'd never had, and honestly, she'd thought about him a lot over the past couple days. He'd been there for her while Jacob had rushed to get to her. He'd helped her calm down enough in the initial rush to keep her wits about her. And Ren knew that Jacob felt strongly about what Cris had done for her. As far as he was concerned, Cris was family.
Ren looked over her shoulder to see Jacob's scowl. So he felt the same way she did.
"Shall we?" she asked her husband with a raised eyebrow.
Growling a little, he nodded and followed her into the hallway with Grace snoozing on his chest tucked up under his chin.
Ren marched into the hall, looking for Cris. He was at the end of it, next to the nurse's desk and shifting on his feet nervously. In a rush of skirts, Ren moved for him. When he turned around at the sound of her approach, she flung herself into his arms.
But then, while he was still startled, she pulled back to punch him in the chest.
With wide eyes, he rubbed the spot. "Your grace?"
"Don't you 'your grace' me, Cris. You are much more than just a bodyguard to me, you asshat. I don't ever want to hear you or anybody else tell me you said that again. Do you understand me?"
He blinked a couple of times before bowing at the waist. "Of course, your grace."
Glowering at the back of his head, she slapped it. "Stop that," she snapped as he straightened up. "No more bowing from you. Ever. And my name is Ren." Tearing up, she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. "Always Ren to you. Always."
Like from Adair, there was a hesitation as though he were looking to Jacob. And then his arms wrapped around her tightly. "Apologies, Ren."
"And stop being so formal," she sniffed. "Just say you're sorry and you won't do it again."
His chest rumbled with the chuckle. "I'm sorry, Ren. And it won't happen again."
She sobbed. "It better not. The next time it happens, I'll get Jacob to hit you. His fist will hurt much more than mine." Hugging him tighter, she squeezed her eyes closed and finally let go of her tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you for staying with me, for everything you did in that room. I wouldn't have lasted as long as I did if it hadn't been for you. I would have never seen Jacob again if you hadn't made sure I stayed. You are more than a bodyguard, Cris. You're a brother to me."
His hold tightened.
Ren felt Jacob's heat behind her. "We'd also be honored if you stood with our families at the ceremony. And possibly becoming Grace's wolf guardian."
Ren felt the shock move through Cris's body. She pulled back so she could stand with Jacob and look at him.
He stood there, gaping, eyes wide in surprise. "Stand…family…guardian?"
She'd never seen him inarticulate before. It was kind of amusing but more touching. He was like this because he was so emotional about their requests.
Jacob moved forward to put a hand on Cris's shoulder. "I have trusted you with Ness's life. You've watched over her, been her friend, and was there for her when I wasn't able to be in a very challenging moment. If that doesn't make you family, I don't know what does. As for guardian, you're the only logical choice, Cris, for all the reasons I just mentioned. I know you'll protect Grace with the same conviction that you watch over Ness. I know that my two girls will be safe in your care."
Cris's eyes watered. "I…I…" and then he dropped to his knees, putting his forehead to the ground at Jacob's feet. "It is a great honor, my king."
Jacob looked to Ren before kneeling down. As gently as she'd ever seen him, Jacob lifted Cris's face. "Just as you don't bow to Ness," he said softly, "you don't bow to me. I owe you the lives of my mate and daughter, as well as my own life. If I'd lost them, I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be here right now."
Cris sat up and sat back on his heels, tears freely flowing down his cheeks. Jacob gently pulled a sleeping Grace away from his chest and held her out to Cris. Cris just stared at her, blinking through his tears, and swallowing hard.
"Cris, though you're part of the pack," Jacob said, "you haven't had a family in a very long time. Take her. Please."
As Cris shakily reached out to take Grace, Ren had a revelation. Cris and Jacob were eerily alike. Though part of a family-like structure, both men had shied away from any closeness. She remembered what Cris had said about wolves becoming enforcers because they didn't want families. And then his story about Hannah. And over all these years, nobody had tried to fight to bring him into their lives. Jacob had become king and stayed alone for fear of ruining a female's life or physically hurting her.
And here was Ren, forcing both men into being family guys.
Grace turned her face into Cris's bicep and calmed back into sleep.
He choked out a soft laugh. "She's so tiny."
"And she needs all the protection she can get," Jacob said. "Say yes, Cris. I owe you so much."
"Odette and Mindy helped, too, you know."
Jacob nodded. "I do know. And I will find a way to thank them. Right now, I'm trying to thank you and honor you for the worthy male you are."
The two men stared at each other for a long moment, so many words between them without being voiced.
Nodding, Cris looked down to Grace again. "Yes. Of course, I will. It will be an honor."
"Good, then honor us even more and come out with us. Carry her up to the elders."
Cris looked up sharply and carefully held Grace out. "No, that I can't do, my lord."
Jacob growled a little, making Grace frown in her sleep. "My name is Jacob. And yes you can."
Ren moved forward, placing her hands on Jacob's shoulders. "Please, Cris. All this excitement is getting to me. I need to lean on Jacob. As her guardian, it wouldn't be too out of place for you to do it."
And it wasn't a lie. The stitches were starting to get sore with all the movement and her energy was flagging with all the emotions. If anything, all she wanted to do was have the ceremony and go home with family, leaving the pack to party all night.
While Cris teetered, she gave him the most pitiful look she could while leaning heavily into Jacob's back.
Eventually, the enforcer sighed, bringing Grace back into the crook of his arm. "Okay."
Jacob helped him stand with the precious cargo, and together they moved for the door. Jacob offered her his elbow. Smiling, she threaded her arm through his, resting her hand on his wrist. Cris came up to her right and offered his elbow, too. He was holding Grace the way Jacob had been with her tucked against his chest under his chin. She grinned up at him and took the offered arm. He didn't match the wardrobe what with his jeans and white t-shirt, but that didn't matter to Ren or Jacob.
Taking a deep breath, the three of them rounded the corner to face the glass double doors. Outside, the pack was waiting. So many pairs of eyes tried to see into the building. Those who could see grinned and cheered.
Alex and Zeke were standing at the doors and each reached for a handle to pull them open at the same time.
The noise was deafening as they walked down the aisle created by the pack. There was a clear path from the door to the massive bonfire in the square where the elders were waiting, dressed in the same fabric but in dark gold.
As they walked, Ren felt hands on her back, brushing against her robes, skin, and hair. Looking over her shoulder, she saw them touch Jacob and Cris as well their families. They all looked a little nervous. Zeke and Alex kept the touching to a minimum. Ren was grateful and shot them both a wink.
Jacob tugged her forward when she tripped a little. "You okay?" he whispered.
She nodded. "Perfect." She leaned in a little, signaling him to come down to her. "Although, I'm getting a little worn out. I think the anointing is all the fun I'm willing to chance for tonight."
He nodded and kissed her temple. "Anything you need. The party will probably last a good week. We can join it later."
Eventually, they made it to the spot in front of the elders. As soon as they stopped moving, the crowd fell silent and the family fanned out around them.
Cris tried to hang back a little, but Ren pulled him forward.
The three female elders all shared a look. Idalina leaned forward. "It's not traditional for an enforcer to present the heir," she said softly.
Jacob stood tall and lifted his chin. "He is my daughter's guardian. Renesmee and I are honored to have him present our daughter to the elders."
Ren nodded in firm agreement. "Yes, we are honored."
The females and their males all shared glances before nodding uncertainly in agreement.
Carina's male held his hands out. "Bring the young forward, guardian."
Transferring Grace to the cradle of his hands, Cris stepped forward and bowed his head, offering the baby.
Jacob wrapped his arm around her. Ren rested her head on Jacob's chest as they watched.
The elder held Grace with gentle hands. "Tonight, we honor our king and queen! The birth was hard and trying on our queen. So much so that she was almost lost to us. But through sheer strength of will, she returned, demonstrating her power and commitment to her family."
Howls rang out through the clearing, choking Ren up with emotion.
The elder grinned out at all the glowing faces. "Tonight, we honor our king for his bravery and love. Since becoming a mated male and a father, he has grown closer to us. And because of his dedication to our pack, he and his queen have brought us hope in the form a tiny baby girl. My pack, tonight we welcome a very special life into our family. While all children born to the pack are gifts, Grace Devora Black is our heir to the throne, our princess!"
A loud battle cry went out and calmed.
"As our future queen, we shall all make a vow this night to watch over her, to protect her, and to teach her the ways of our people."
Another battle cry rang out.
One of the other males came forward with a small bowl of water.
"For our princess's first act as one of us, she shall be anointed with the blessed water of our people."
The crowd went quiet again as the elders moved up on the small platform they were standing on to be seen over the crowd. With all the moving, Grace woke up. At first, she was okay. And then the crying started. It was a high-pitched yell that made Ren want to run up onto the platform and snatch her baby to hold her close.
As if she'd made a move, Jacob's hand tightened on her waist. She looked up to see that his jaw was bugling. His other hand was clenching into a fist at his side.
He wanted to go to Grace as much as Ren did. He wanted to comfort her.
Holding onto him, Ren forced herself to stay put while they drew on her daughter's forehead with water.
Come on, she thought. Hurry up. I want my baby back.
She knew this was her separation anxiety, and tried to breathe through it. Grace was in her line of sight and would be back in her arms soon.
As soon as the symbols were drawn, Carina took Grace from her mate and tried to soothe her as she walked down the platform. The cooing didn't work, and Carina handed Grace over to Ren. Instantly, the connection was back. Ren held Grace close to her breasts, holding and rocking her. Jacob wrapped them both in his arms, the tension in his body easing as Grace calmed against his warmth.
Ren's energy was draining fast.
Jacob noticed.
"Carina," he whispered.
She leaned in. "Yes, my lord?"
"Can we hurry this up? Ness isn't feeling well, and Doc said she should rest."
She bowed a little, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. "Of course, my lord." Then she bowed to Ren. "Your grace."
She went back up onto the platform and spoke to her mate.
He nodded and motioned them up onto a lower step.
As one unit, Ren and Jacob moved up. Cris came in to spot them, holding his hands out.
Carina's mate came forward. "Now, my brothers and sisters, we shall anoint our king and queen into the blessed occupations of parenthood."
Three war cries rose into the cold night air.
The male came forward, dipped his forefinger into the water and slowly reached forward, placing the tip over Ren's heart. It was a surprise. Last time she'd been anointed, it had been between her eyes. Apparently, it was different depending upon the type of celebration. Luckily, she'd left that shoulder bare.
It was also lucky that he didn't linger. He drew fast and smooth over her skin before dipping his finger and going for Jacob's chest.
And then it was done.
Cheers, howls, and screams rose up into the cold air.
Ren, Jacob, and the family were instantly surrounded by enforcers. Mindy and Odette showed up, staying close to Ren.
"Where are we heading?" Odette asked.
"Home," Jacob answered. "Ness and Grace don't need to be out in the cold right now."
As the crowd dispersed and the music started up, the entire group started to make their way through scantily clad wolves. Again, hands shot out to touch them, none of them harsh or unfriendly. And none of them reached for Grace, which was smart. Both Ren and Jacob were tense whenever a hand got too close to her. But Ren tried to smile at everyone, remaining cool and calm as they were herded toward the cabin.
What should have been a two minute walk turned into a fifteen minute jostle. Jacob stayed protective around her and Grace the entire way, pushing hands away without trying to offend anybody.
"Alright," Odette said when they finally made it to the porch and she jumped up. "Everybody in."
Jacob had had a request put in for a ramp on the new porch for Billy. So Grampa Charlie rolled him right up as they all piled into the house. When the door was finally closed behind them, Ren took a deep breath and looked down at her daughter. Who was fast asleep once more.
Jacob chuckled, running a finger down her little, pink nose. "She needs a diaper change," he said quietly and reached for her. "I'll do it. You go sit down and rest."
"But-,"
"Now," he said in stern tone. Before she could answer, he looked to Cris meaningfully and then back at her. With that look, he scooped Grace from Ren's arms and walked off toward the nursery while everyone else milled around, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Cris came up beside her, offering her his arm. He gave an expectant look with raised eyebrows.
Sighing, Ren took his arm and allowed him to escort her to the couch. "Thank you, Cris."
When she settled, he brought her hand to his lips. "Always a pleasure, Ren."
As he turned to walk off, she called him back. "Aren't you going to sit with us?"
He turned back and blinked at her like she'd spoken a foreign language. And then he smiled. "While I am deeply thankful and honored that you and Jacob consider me family, I do have a job to do. I am still the captain of my queen and princess's guard. I can't start slacking now." He bowed to her. "I'll be back later to check on things before I retire for the night."
This time when he walked off, he got a little bit further before she called him back.
He turned with a smirk. "Yes, Ren?"
Instead of returning the smile, she gave him her serious eyes. "You know you'll always have a place to stay in this house, right?"
They just stared at each other for a good three heartbeats before he bowed low again. "Thank you, Ren. I'll keep that in mind." And then he hotfooted it away from her toward the front door.
Slowly, everybody else started to trickle in from the kitchen. Man, it was good to be home, surrounded by family.
Rachel plopped down in one of the big comfy chairs. "Is he always that formal?" she asked nodding toward where Cris disappeared.
Ren sank down into the couch, resting her head on the back of it. She sighed and nodded as best she could. "Yeah. I have a feeling it'll take some time before he gets over it." Reaching up, she unclasped the headpiece and carefully laid it out on the side table.
A piercing cry sounded off in the direction of the nursery. Grace was awake.
Jacob appeared in the doorway. "I think she's hungry again."
Nodding, Ren made to get up.
Grama Esme shook her head. "Don't be silly, dear. You're exhausted. Jacob, just bring out a blanket. We're all adults and know what needs to be done."
Jacob looked to Ren for affirmation. When she nodded, he disappeared into the room and came back with a yellow blanket and Grace. As soon as Grace was transferred, Jacob draped the blanket over her shoulders and chest. She really didn't care that they all knew she was about to breastfeed her daughter. All she wanted to do was get the baby fed and rest. She wasn't even hungry.
Jacob collapsed next to her, but careful not to jostle them. He slid his arm around her shoulders.
"You guys sure know how to throw a party," Uncle Emmett said.
Jacob chuckled tiredly. "Yeah well, they need it. This pack has needed something good to celebrate for a long time. An heir to my throne is the best something to them."
"Jacob's the best king these wolves have had in centuries," Odette said from her space near the fireplace. "And Ren is the best kind of queen."
Everyone's attention swung to her.
She shrugged. "Just call it how I see it."
Ren managed a smile. "Well, thank you, Odette. That means a lot to both of us."
"Speaking of which," Jacob said, giving the she-wolf a very direct stare. "Just as with Cris, I owe you big, Odette. For your part in helping Ness. Anything you want, name it."
Clearly stunned, Odette just blinked, her eyebrows in her hairline. Then she got a hold of herself and cleared her throat, her brows now pulling down low. "Just take care of the two of them and raise that little girl right."
"That's it?" Jacob asked.
Shrugging, she looked away. "That's all I've got, Jacob. We've had our ups and downs, you and I. And I regret the things I've done and said. But I won't regret pushing you to get mated. You found the right one. The pack now has what it's always wanted for you. You're happily mated and now have a child. Getting here, to this day…none of it was easy for anybody, most of all the two of you. I can't ask of anything more from you than that you protect your family, even above us, and raise your daughter to be the kind of ruler you've been to us. All we want is to see you, both of you, in her."
From her spot leaning on the wall, Mindy nodded. "I agree. I know I haven't been here long, but from the stories I've heard about this pack and of you, Jacob, I think a little joy is needed all around. War might be coming for us, but for right now, we have a little peace. I think the best you could give us, Jacob, is to enjoy it. For us all to enjoy it."
Jacob hugged Ren closer to him as the room went quiet. When Grace was done feeding a moment later, she rearranged herself and shook the blanket off. All eyes moved to them. Ren looked down at her baby girl.
War was closing in on them. Blood, death. It was knocking on their front door, but Mindy was right. At the moment, they all had a slice of peace, the calm before the storm. This was the time to enjoy what they had and to breathe deeply the free, clean air. It was also time to start finalizing plans.
Ren knew that it was unlikely she and Jacob would make it to the end of the battle with Rex and his wolves. There was no way Ren was going to go hide in a bunker underground while her husband was up here dying. No way in hell. She knew that other survivors of the pack would raise Grace. She'd already spoken to the elder females. Rajani, Carina, and Idalina had all sworn oaths to care for Grace if something should happen. But the thought of leaving Grace made it hard to breathe. Not to mention, she and Jacob had yet to talk to their families about evacuation procedures. That much more on their plates would make it way too real to deal with right now.
Uncle Emmett clapped his hands and stood up. "Alright, let's stop with the moping. This is supposed to be a happy day. My niece and great-niece are alive and healthy and now at home. It's a time for celebration. I mean, you do hear that party out there, right?"
"And what do you suggest we do, Emmett?" Ren's dad asked.
Emmett grinned. "We eat. Play games. Pass the kid around. Ren is too tired to go out there tonight, so we take care of her and Jacob."
He was interrupted by a sharp knock on the front door before Cris came in to announce that Lucy, Sadie, and Theresa were outside with their men.
Jacob studied Ren for a moment before he nodded to Cris. "Let 'em in."
One of them must have heard because Lucy busted inside. "We brought food!"
A cheer went up in the house and everybody laughed.
Chuckling, Jacob kissed her temple. "I'll go get us some grub."
She leaned into his touch. "Thank you. Not too much for me, though. I'm more exhausted than I am hungry."
He didn't like it, but he nodded and went for the kitchen.
"May I?"
Ren looked up to see Grampa Carlisle standing over her. She realized he was requesting to hold Grace. "Oh, sure." She lifted up the baby and transferred her.
Carlisle held her close. "She's beautiful, Ren."
"Thank you." Though he hadn't been able to be at the birth, he'd sat down to talk to Doc about everything that had happened. Apparently, Doc was all too happy to educate someone on pack births. It made her think of Dr. Marsh.
Her mother popped up next. "Ren, sweetie, why don't we get you changed into something a little more comfy?"
She looked down at herself in the purple fabric. "That sounds wonderful."
Ten minutes later, she was walking out of her bedroom in a comfy pair of cotton pants and one of Jacob's many flannel shirts. With the buttons, it was easy access for Grace's feedings. And it was just plain comfy.
Jacob grinned from his spot on the couch. "Hey, beautiful."
She took her plate from the coffee table and, sighing happily, curled up next to him. The heat coming from his was very warm and very cozy. It made her want to go to sleep. "Hey, handsome."
Leaning over, he put his lips to her ear. "I love you."
She smiled tiredly up at him. "Love you, too, baby."
While she ate, Ren laughed and talked, watching her family pass Grace around. Lucy, Sadie, and Theresa came to sit on the floor in front of her protectively. She knew they were watching everyone who came close to her or who stayed around too long. As mothers who no doubt all had tough labors, they knew how exhausted she was and were determined to shield her from anything that could wring her out even more.
Eventually, Ava climbed up onto the couch to wedge herself between Ren's butt and the couch. Linley, Henry, and Lydia all followed suit. Henry sat on the other side of Jacob while Lydia sat maneuvered between Ren and Jacob. Linley sat with her sister behind Ren's legs.
Chuckling, Paul lifted Grace just a little. "I think this one's going to be the first of many for the two of you."
Jacob looked to his brother-in-law. "Hopefully not for a while. That one has caused enough trouble already."
The room went into another laugh.
Finished eating, Ren put down her plate and cuddled with Lydia as she watched her family. The Blacks and the Cullens were finally getting along. The tension between Jacob and her dad was gone, and they laughed easily together. Grandparents spoke with grandparents, swapping stories and pictures. Mindy and Odette were tucked into a corner, their heads close together as their eyes scanned the room. Grace was sound asleep as she was passed around, absorbing so much love and happy thoughts.
It was a blessing to sit here surrounded by her growing family.
Overall, she thought, not a bad homecoming for her and Jacob. Or a welcome to the family for Grace.
#######
JPOV
Later that night, after everyone had either gone home or crashed in the extra rooms, Jacob lay in his bed for the first time in a few days. He and Ness were on their sides with Grace snoozing on her back between them. Ness had just fed her and she'd conked out seconds after being burped.
"She's so small compared to you," Ness whispered in the dark.
Jacob smirked. "And yet, she's this huge presence in our lives now."
Ness leaned over to kiss Grace's forehead. "We made this, Jacob. You and me."
Instead of looking at Grace, he watched Ness. Every line of her face, he committed to memory as best he could. "Yes, we did. It's hard to believe that just months ago, we weren't saying we loved each other. And now, I couldn't imagine not loving you. How I didn't from the first moment I saw you is a mystery to me, Ness. When you coded on that bed, I…I felt my soul shatter so hard that it felt like there was glass inside me, ripping me apart."
Her eyes shimmered in the light that filtered in through the window.
Jacob reached across the space between them to skim his knuckles down her cheek. "I didn't know how badly I feared the pregnancy until I scented it on you that day. The fear was…indescribable. I wanted you locked up in a safe place as soon as possible. And though you did come back and were safe, I still almost lost you two days ago. You're so strong, Ness. So much stronger than I'll ever be. I wish I could find words other than 'I love you'. They just don't do justice to what I feel for you. And now for Grace. I feel like I could take on the world to protect you, but logically, I know I can't. And that's what scares me the most."
Fiercely, Ness reached across to grip the side of his face. "Stop it," she hissed in the dark through her tears. "Stop. Please. I'm here now. If you think I came back just for Grace, you're mistaken, Jacob. I came back for you. I've spent so long trying to get you to heal yourself that I didn't realize until that moment that I was the reason you were taking better care of yourself, that you were starting to forgive yourself because of me. If I left, I would be leaving you all alone to raise Grace if you could even stand to look at her. It took me until that moment to realize that I'm your light, and you're my dark. We balance each other. How could I leave you to try to be both for Grace? I fucking adore you, Jacob. This whole time, you've been good to me, even though you won't agree with that. Sure you were an ass from the beginning, but I learned early on the why of it."
"What about the rape?" He looked down to Grace, glad she hadn't been conceived in that one horrific moment.
Ness made an irritated noise in her throat. "If you don't drop that, Jacob, I swear I will find a way to physically beat the crap out of you. I'll get Cris to do it. I thought we were past that? Grace and this house are our new beginnings. I don't want that horrid incident anywhere near Grace or in this house. Do you understand me?"
He just stayed silent, watching his baby girl sleep.
"Jacob," Ness hissed. "Stop beating yourself up over it. It's over. Shadow and I have talked about it. You and I have talked about it. It's over. Please. Let's just move on. You're a different man now. I know that it will never happen again. Don't forget that I still remember the horror and despair on your face when you were talking me into letting you take me to Doc. That expression will forever be burned into my brain. And the fact that you were willing to let the pack sentence you to death over it. I still hate you for that, by the way."
That made him smile a little.
Ness's thumb stroked over his jaw. "Please. Let's enjoy this time now. We love each other. We love our daughter. We have this beautiful house, a loving family. If my dad can forgive for what happened, then nobody's holding it against you except yourself. It's time to let go, Jacob. It's time to leave the past where it belongs. I need you here with me."
Looking at her, he knew he was still weak. The past still haunted him, haunted his dreams. But she was right. The only way to let it go was to move forward. And there was no one else he'd rather do it with.
Ness rolled out of bed and reached down for Grace. "Come on. Let's put her to bed and then you're going to hold me all night."
Taking a deep breath, Jacob decided it was time to let go. She was giving him the choice. He made the decision that as soon as he got out of this bed, the discussion was over and he would never mention the assault again. Yes, it would still haunt him, but he promised himself that whenever he caught himself thinking about it he would find another memory, a happy one.
Rolling out of bed, he walked over to her and together they went into the nursery. It was painted a soft purple with yellow and blue accents. From the door that led into their room, the crib was on the left in the corner away from the window. Ness had run soft white strands of Christmas lights along the lip of the molding around the ceiling. There was a switch for them that hung down discreetly in the corner. The dresser/changing table was beside the door to the closet of the room.
Without saying a word, they changed Grace's diaper and put her in some sleeping clothes. Jacob was the one to gently lay her down in the crib. She didn't wake up as Ness turned on the mobile that was attached to the crib.
Jacob pulled Ness against his chest, stroking her hair and kissing the top of her head. It seemed like forever since he'd done this without a baby between them. Together, they stood there just watching Grace sleep.
Who knows how long they stood there before Ness patted his stomach and said, "Come on, let's go to bed. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed."
Jacob pressed his lips to the top of her head. "I hear that."
Leaving the door cracked open behind them, they crawled back into bed and both let out identical sighs of relief. They looked at each other and laughed.
Lying beside her, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. "You're right, baby. It's time to let go, and I promise I'm done with the past. All of it. I have a family to think about now, and I want to be a better man for you and Grace."
Rolling onto her side, she swam through the sheets to cuddle up under his arm. "You're exactly the man we need you to be."
Jacob stared down at her sleepily. "Man, I love you."
Smiling through her exhaustion, she kissed his pec, her eyelids drooping. "I love you, too."
Seconds later, her breathing was evening out, expression going slack.
Suddenly bone-deep tired, Jacob comforted himself by stroking his thumb down her cheek and sinking into the warmth of her breath on his skin.
They were finally home, and the healthy heartbeats of his two girls were his new lullaby.
Hmm, I just love daddy Jacob. You guys know what to do! Please review! I love them as much as I love y'all! xoxoxox!