Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I just make them darker.
##
One more chapter after this, then the epilogue. Have a one-shot semi-lemon in the works, PLUS a Charlie/Sofia
one-shot. Board games are involved; Pre-Charlie joining the team.
Reagan, Beta Beta Beta! The woman who has suffered through more BS with this story than should be allowed.
Bit of backstory first, then it's all systems go!
##
EPOV
We need to backtrack a bit, to Chicago in late September. There's something you need to know about, a paradigm shift in my relationship with Sofia, regarding The Firm and starting our own coven.
And it happened, ironically enough, at a Cubs game, the night before we returned to Forks.
##
Sofia and I are at Wrigley Field, watching the Cubs/Brewers twilight double header; sitting in the same seats we did when we were human. Don't have to worry about the sun or drawing attention to ourselves because of our clothing being inappropriate to the temperature – it's cooled down a bit, so I have a long-sleeved thermal shirt under my throwback Wildfire Schulte jersey; black jeans, biker boots. She's wearing her Robin Yount throwback Brewers jersey, along with that battered and loved Brewers cap of hers, perched backwards on her blond noggin so I can see her baby blues; her pink Chuck Taylors and a new pair of jeans, up a size or two to fit over her baby bump, with ripped knees. Oh, and she's got a long-sleeved thermal shirt on as well, under her jersey, but it's pink, not black like mine.
Sitting to my left, just as she always has at Cubbies games; I've kept score at every one we've attended. She has no interest in this at all, doesn't understand why I would care about the results of a particular match up that was played over seventy years ago. For me, it's not so much about the outcome of the game, or who won, as much as it is the stats, and following the rise or fall of a certain player or club.
Besides, I'm going to use these to teach Nessie and the baby about math and statistics. They're going to need to know these things, so that if one day they want to start their own coven, they're prepared.
Anyway, we're watching the second game, and the Cubs are losing, which delights Sofia to no end. She's been so damn antsy this evening; can't sit still, keeps shifting in her seat bumping my left arm repeatedly like she's trying to get my attention or something.
"What's wrong with you? You want some Cracker Jack or something? Maybe a beer?" I tease, elbowing her right arm back.
"Oh ha ha Cullen, very fucking funny. You're a regular Jackie Mason, you are, asking the dead pregnant woman if she wants a beer." Muttering out of the right side of her mouth to me, shaking her head, as C.C. Sabathia takes apart the Cubs lineup.
The Brewers shortstop catches the ball and guns it to the first baseman, getting the second out. Damn, the Cubs bats just plain suck now. What the hell happened to them? It's all Lou Pinella's fault; he couldn't coach a tee-ball team consisting of five-year olds with any success.
Before I can open my mouth again, she turns back to me, eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, come to think of it, a beer would be great; I've been craving it, along with chocolate and Cracker Jack. So the next time the vendors come through, I'll have a Miller Lite and a box of Cracker Jack. You should get yourself a beer too, I remember how much you liked it." Huffs, then sits there with her arms folded across her lovely swollen breasts, waiting for my response
Is she fucking kidding me? She hasn't had a beer, Cracker Jack or chocolate in decades; she's technically dead, what's up with the pregnancy cravings?
A beer? She really wants a beer?
And that's when I realize that this isn't about beer or Cracker Jack. She's got something on her mind that's really bothering her, and since she's blocking me, I have no idea what it is but I have a sneaking suspicion I'm that something. Shake my head, look back at the game and then up at the scoreboard. Jesus, we're getting fucking hammered tonight.
Almost time for the seventh inning stretch.
She leans forward, watching as Sabathia strikes out the third batter, smiles in satisfaction, then sits back and touches my left arm with her hand, looks up at me, all serious now, no more screwing around about cravings for beer and junk food. Licks her lips and then utters Those Five Words No Man Wants To Hear.
"Edward. We need to talk."
It doesn't matter what state you're in, human or vampire; when your significant other utters those five magic words, you know you're in for a shitstorm of epic proportions.
##
The first time I heard those five wonderful words was in August of 1918, while we were eating dinner at her flat. Well, I was eating; she was picking at the food on her plate, moving it around like she was finger painting with her peas and pork chops.
Oh, how I remember that dinner, and all too well: "Edward. We need to talk."
"Sure honey, what about? Want some more wine?"
"No thanks. Edward, I..."
I was so fucking oblivious to what she was about to say I'm embarrassed about it to this day.
"What, you want a glass of water or something?"
"No, Edward. I don't want more wine or a glass of water. Edward Anthony, listen to me, this is important."
"Well, what is it then? Lose your appetite? Want something else to eat?"
Mr. Clueless, first name Edward.
"Edward. I'm late."
"Late? Late for what?"
Jesus, I was so naïve back then.
She looks at me like I'm a total fucking moron, which I was, when it came to that.
"Edward, I'm late. You know, my monthly? I haven't had it since right before your birthday. In June." Looks down at her hands, twisting her napkin in her lap, trying not to cry, but she isn't going to win that fight; her lower lip is quivering and she looks up at me with those beautiful blue eyes brimming with tears.
And that's when it hit me.
Oh my fucking God, she's pregnant. And I'm the father.
Oh Jesus, I remember thinking, I'm seventeen years old and finishing high school, and I'm going to be a father. My parents will kill both of us. Unless we run off, get married like I want to anyway, just move things up a bit, I have some of my money...
I sit there, having dropped my fork, splattering gravy onto the white linen tablecloth; running my right hand through my hair, stunned at her little revelation. I have to say something and 'Oh that's nice, honey, want more peas?' isn't appropriate.
"Well, uh, guess we'll get married a little sooner than we thought Fia."
Pushed back my chair and knelt in front of her, hugging her around her waist, resting my forehead between her breasts until she stopped crying and hiccuping. She was so upset; wiped the tears from her eyes, and smiled, told her how much I loved her and how happy I was that we were going to have a baby, all the while wondering how the hell we were going to tell my parents, and if they'd cut either of us off.
There was a lot of money at stake, and I wasn't due to inherit the majority of my share until I turned twenty-one, and I knew that Sofia got a monthly allowance from my father. She'd shared everything with me about their arrangement; she's no dummy, she wanted me to know, so I had some leverage if I needed to confront them about marrying her before I came into my money.
Holy fucking Christ, this could be a real mess.
But it didn't matter in the long run. One week later, as I was drawing our morning bath, she called out to me, after lying curled up in our bed, legs drawn up to her chest, crying softly, not wanting me to touch or help her.
I looked up to see her standing in the bathroom doorway gripping the frame, crying and babbling "Sorry, so sorry Eddie", blood pouring down her legs.
Our first baby, lost to both of us.
Just like our second.
Hopefully, the third time's the charm.
##
"Edward. We need to talk."
"What about?" Like I don't already know. See the Cracker Jack vendor, call her over; buy a box for Nessie, her first. I'll bring her here next summer; it'll be fun introducing my favorite sport to my daughter.
She glances at the scoreboard, then back to me. "Your Cubbies are getting hammered, Eddie." I have some concerns about your health boychik, especially your cycling. I have a proposal I'd like you to think about.
"Yeah, well, Pinella sucks as a coach, he's washed up anyway, hasn't been any good since his time with the Mariners." I feel fine honey that last cycle was so over so quickly, thanks to you. Smile at her, I really meant what I said, but I know where this is headed.
Rubs my arm, then links her hand around my bicep, squeezing it. "I would have to agree with you on that, for sure." Eddie, I'm wondering how you feel about us tag-teaming The Firm. You're so great at finding opportunities for us, and taking care of, uh, troublesome issues and I love negotiating and handling real estate stuff; I thought that if we combine our strengths, this could work to both our advantage, and the coven's as well. Squeezes again, smiling up at me, a nice warm smile, her eyes mirroring it, hope shining there that I'll agree to her idea.
I know what she's concerned about, and frankly, so was I; my little bout of Depression earlier this week had me thinking that maybe I really wasn't ready for this after all; at least, maybe not ready to run the whole show by myself.
"You know Kitten, I'm in total agreement with you too." Thank you for dealing with this in such a graceful manner Sofia. You're right, we'd be a great team together, a killer team, no pun intended. Lean over and kiss her forehead, then nuzzle her nose with mine.
She laces her right hand through my left, squeezes my hand then kisses me on the mouth, gently. No tongue, just a nice loving kiss.
"So. That's settled then?" 'Killer team', you are such the jokester Edward Anthony. And that's just another reason I love you so bloody much. How 'bout a little snack before we head back to the hotel, you up for that? We're thirsty. Glances down at her belly.
The game's over, as far as the Cubs are concerned. Fold up my scoresheet, stand up and lead her over to the stairs, still clutching her hand, towards the exit, out to Addison Avenue. I'm buying us season tickets next year. No matter how terrible they are, they're still my team. Always were, always will be.
"A snack sounds fine Fia, and I know just the place where we can find one." Smile down at her again, flash her my teeth, snapping the box of Cracker Jack up in the air, catching it in mid-spin. She giggles and flashes me her sharp white teeth back, licks her lips, which makes Caesar twitch.
"'A killer team'." Shaking her head, laughing as I lead her off the curb across Addison.
Describes us to a tee.
##
SPOV
Since he took over the helm, his mental health has always been a concern of mine.
And the other night pretty much solidified that concern.
So I decided that if we ran The Firm, and our coven as a team, rather than a one-man show, we'd be in a better position to be successful, once we broke away from Carlisle and Esme.
I certainly didn't want to demand of him that we do this; he has his pride, like all men do, and I was not about to insult him. Besides, that would be stupid, and he's certainly not thick.
He's still a bit naïve at times but stupid?
Not sirree Bob, not my Edward.
A killer? You bet.
A smart killer, oh yeah; that's just another reason I love him so damned much.
And I wouldn't have him any other way.
##
DECEMBER
JAKE POV
I gotta say, I really like being married.
It's so nice to wake up and see Bella lying next to me, or in our new kitchen, making me oatmeal, which she's become so much better at making; knowing that we're bound to each other for life.
She's finally gotten over Cullen and all that crap he and Blondie Junior and the rest put her through, plus losing Charlie to them. She's all mine now, the way it should have been from the very beginning.
Got married down in Vegas, on Cullen's dime. Why not? Rented a car, went to one of those drive-through chapels; Bella wore her sweats I wore my Matt Hasselback jersey. Then we went to the Hard Rock, I had a few beers and she sat there and looked so pretty in the lights; her skin glittered, got a few appreciative looks from the other guys there.
The only bad thing that's happened is that my hours at the mill got cut back, but I managed to get a second job at the Evergreen 76, working about twenty hours a week, evenings. I don't mind, I actually enjoy it. Nowhere near as dirty as the mill which Bella appreciates.
Bella's working as well; got a job on a loading dock, working evenings for a local shipper. They like her, still can't understand how someone so tiny can lift such heavy containers, but she's a hard worker, keeps her mouth shut, so it's all good; even got a raise after her first month. Still have some of Cullen's pay off money stashed away, but every little bit helps.
Early December, no snow yet, another gray day, sun seems to have gone on vacation. Quiet morning; picked up this shift from the guy who usually works it, had some family issue to deal with. Not much traffic today, gonna sit back and watch the world pass by for a while after I get a few chores done.
Stocked the smokes and porn behind the counter, snuck a peek or two; Bella said she'd stop in, so I had to get that in before she showed up. Didn't want her getting pissed off about that.
Fuck, even her ex appreciates good porn; his collection is impressive, and he's dead.
##
Heard the sound of the Harley before I saw it; nearly smacked the back of my head on the counter top when I stood up to see if I was right about who the rider was.
Fucking Cullen.
On that custom Harley of us, running point, leading the Lexus. I can see Blondie driving, with Freak Show riding shotgun, Blondie Junior in the back, riding bitch. That's appropriate. And all dressed to the nines, typical. God forbid you should leave the house in sweats, ladies.
Holy fucking shit. Emmett and Jasper are on Harleys now as well, flanking the front end of the Lexus. Full leathers, jet-black Oakleys hiding those creepy yellow eyes of theirs; big black ass-kicker biker boots.
And fuck me, Seth, Quil and Embry on similar bikes behind the Lexus, flanking the back and sides. Dressed just like the rest of them. What the hell? Quil and Embry now? Seth was bad enough, getting sucked into that bunch.
Jesus, all we need now is, oh fuck...
Charlie.
Bringing up the rear in his cruiser. No siren or cherries going, but you know he's part of the train.
And guess where Cullen is turning?
Right into the gas station, the absolute last person on earth I want to see again.
Ever.
##
Looks around before he steps off the bike, parking it in front of the Lexus, where no one can get to it; same with his brothers and my old packmates. Charlie pulls up behind them, parks the cruiser crosswise, so no one can get into the station from that entrance. Nice move buddy.
Blondie opens the gas tank flap from inside the Lexus; Quil pops off the gas tank cover, starts filling the tank. The other two look around, like they're watching for someone in particular, and I have a pretty good idea who that someone might be.
Cullen strides over to the Lexus; I watch the rear window slide down; Blondie Junior leans over towards him, smiling for all she's worth, that pouty red mouth of hers pulled back, showing off her unnaturally white teeth; I can't imagine how sharp they are. He leans over, glances around, then resting his arms on the window frame kisses her, real slow – I can almost see them tonguing each other; leans back after stroking her cheek with a finger, smiling at her. Glances around again, almost like he's sniffing the air, searching for a particular scent.
I know the two of them are doing that weird mind-reading-talking thing; she must have said something funny, since I see Cullen laugh, then run his right hand through that mop of hair of his, left hand on his hip, shaking his head at her. His brothers swarm around their wives; same deal with the smooching, but quicker; they both pull back and keep sweeping the area with their eyes, hidden under their shades, while they speak. What the hell, it's almost like they're guarding the Lexus or something.
Seth glances over at the doorway, then over towards where I'm sitting, watching them; lowers his shades a bit, frowning. I can't see his eyes but he looks different somehow, almost broader in the shoulders, slimmer through the hips, but more muscular at the same time. What the hell are they feeding him over there? I bet Cullen's got him on some whacked out diet or something, got him working out with weights, building himself up. And his hair, it looks thicker, with a sheen I'd never noticed before, longer, almost as if...
I wonder.
Naw, he'd never...
Seth pokes Cullen in the arm with his elbow, and then gestures towards me with his chin.
Caught me staring. Shit.
Charlie whips off his sunglasses, those huge ones the cops in Texas wear, glaring at me. Looks over at Blondie Junior, then steps over in front of her, crosses his arms across his chest, tells her to raise the window as Cullen and Seth both stalk up to the door. The rest of the guys literally circle around the Lexus; Blondie looks like she's ready to pull a gas and dash, starts gunning the engine, looking at Emmett who shakes his head 'no' at her; the five of them are standing with their leather-clad arms crossed against their chests, feet shoulder-width apart, like they're waiting for something to happen, something bad.
Turn towards the door; they're both in front of the counter before the little bells hanging over the door frame stop jingling; I'd forgotten just how damn fast they move, that bunch.
Standing there, staring at me, not saying a word. Still have their shades on, which makes me feel even more anxious; can't see their eyes, and that's both a blessing and a curse.
Damn, Seth even looks taller now than I remember. What the hell?
I finally break, I can't stand the tension; feel like the oxygen in the stores being sucked out some vortex I can't see, but can feel, and I'm almost dizzy from it plus the fear these two are pulsing out towards me. Or maybe that's Jasper doing that; that freaky Emo shit thing he does, fucking with people's emotions, their feelings.
"Uh, hey, Seth. Cullen." Nod my head at them, looking from one to the other, neither moving, much less breathing. Feel my hands gripping the edge of the counter, slowly squeezing it.
"Jacob." Cullen.
"So, uh what can I do for you, ah, two. Just the gas, or did you want a pack of Marlboro Golds too, Cullen?" Jesus Jake, shut the fuck up, he's going to think you're mocking him, don't want him pissed off at you.
Cullen sets his mouth in that creepy tight smile, slightly shaking his head at me, looks down for the briefest of seconds, looks back up at me. Seth shifts his weight from one hip to the other, then back, throwing me off further.
"Good one Jacob. No, just the gas, thank you." I look down and see that black AmEx Guardian card on the counter; where the hell did that come from?
Turn to run the card through the reader; I know it's good, Bella told me about it when she had that one he gave her, before that blonde bitch in the backseat there cut her off. Heard about that for a few days afterwards, pissed me off the way they treated her once that whore rolled back into town.
Rip off the receipt, hand it and the card back to him, along with a pen. Watch as he scribbles his name in that weird old-timey handwriting he has. Give him a cocky look, raising my right eyebrow.
And then say the Single Most Stupid Thing I Have Ever Said:
"So, what's with the 300 deal out there? Protecting her Cullen? Waddya do, knock her up or something?"
In the next second, Seth has my head down on the counter, fucking growling at me, pressing down on my neck with his hand, causing me to sputter and gasp; hard...to...to...breathe...dark...
"Seth. Stop." Cullen, commanding him; Jesus, if I wasn't about to pass out, I'd be impressed.
Feel the blood come rushing back to my head, so shocked at how swift Seth came down on me, I can't move.
"Jacob. Look at me." Now he's commanding me.
Do as he says, shaking my head, trying to get the mothballs rearranged in there, focus on his eyes, now no longer hidden by his shades.
And do not like what I see there: Anger. Controlled but there, feral and primitive.
"Our affairs are none of your concern Jacob. I have my reasons." Doesn't move his mouth much when he says this, almost like he's a ventriloquist.
Seth hasn't moved an inch since releasing my neck; he's coiled like a Spitting Cobra, ready to spring again at Cullen's command. Jesus, maybe he did...
And that's when I know I'm right: She's pregnant. And I know exactly who'd love to hear that little bit of news.
And who else would too.
And here's where I say Jacob Black's Second Most Stupid Thing Ever:
"What's it worth to you Cullen? I'm thinking, oh, say one hundred large." Heh, he'll pay, I know he will, I've got him by the short ones and those icy balls of his.
You'd think I'd have learned by now not to fuck with that bunch, especially him.
He glances out the door at the Lexus, at Blondie Junior; I know they're talking to each other, I see her move her head just a bit, then roll her eyes, say something to her sisters, who burst out laughing. Turns back towards Cullen, tilts her head down, narrows her eyes, smiling, watching him.
Turns back to me, smiling and showing his teeth, which is not a good sign, especially where I'm concerned.
"The question, Jacob, is what's it worth to you?"
Oh oh, I didn't expect that response.
"You heard me Cullen. One hundred grand." But I'm not so cocky now. I should have just kept my mouth shut.
Seth shifts, ever so slightly, almost like a breeze drifting by me.
Cullen leans over, fingertips lightly resting on the edge of the counter, staring into my eyes; dazzling me almost. I can't look away, I feel mesmerized.
"Oh, I don't think so Jacob. In fact, I know what it's worth to you. And my family."
I just don't learn. "Yeah? What's that Cullen?"
Leans in closer to me, drawing me into those amber eyes of his, can't look away, it's like he's got a laser beam on me, dragging me deeper into his gaze; whispers to me, so softly I have to strain to hear him, while wishing to God that I had never opened my mouth in the first place.
"Your life. And your wife's."
Pushes himself away so smoothly, like a silk banner in the air. Turns back towards the Lexus, nods his head, then looks back at me, shades back in place.
"Have a nice day Jacob."
Turns on his heel and exits the store, headed straight for his bike; doesn't look at the Lexus. Guns the throttle, looks back towards the store, waiting.
"Jake."
Seth. Still standing there, staring into my eyes, squints for a second.
"Don't fuck with him man. Don't do it."
Puts his shades back on; he's out the door onto his bike in an instant, like he never was standing in front of me in the first place.
Watch as they leave, that phalanx protecting their Queen and her unborn heir.
Realize I've been holding my breath; blow it out, shaking.
Stunned at the sight of Seth's amber eyes, dark and dead.
And knowing he's right.
I'm a dead man walking.
##
SPOV
Christmas was wonderful, as usual.
Alice and Esme go all out decorating the house, Christmas trees in nearly every room, including the cottage. Nessie has the cutest one in her room, all pink bows and fake candles and unicorns.
Edward and I decided not to exchange gifts this year; between my pregnancy and buying his old home back, and getting married again, we figured we couldn't top any of that. Besides, when he handed me the envelope with the title to the house in both our names, I made that 'squee' sound that drives him nuts, except this time, he picked me up, carried me up to our suite and showed me just how happy a Christmas I'd given him.
Several times, as a matter of fact. A new personal best for me: Five unicorns to his two; always the gentleman, caring for his wife's needs before his.
Anthony slept great that night.
As a family we exchange gifts on Christmas Eve; watching Nessie open hers is always the high point. No pony, even though she asked Edward several times over the past few months for one, but she did all right this year. Gets another bedroom in a bigger house, that's a plus. Alice is already working on the renovations for the new house, along with myself, and it's going to be spectacular, makes the main house here look like a one of those cookie-cutter houses out there in Levittown.
We celebrate my birthday on Christmas; Edward and Carlisle have always done this for me, want my day to be special.
"Fia, can you come down here honey? We have your present."
Everyone is downstairs in the main room of the cottage, waiting on Orca here to waddle down the stairs. I feel like Violet Beauregard when she becomes the blueberry – wide and ungainly, and I have four months ahead of me; I can't imagine how big I'll be by then. Eddie will have to use a catapult to get me upstairs.
Big smiles all around; Nessie is hopping from foot to foot she's so excited, holding onto Charlie's hand. Seth has the goofiest look on his face, like he's drunk or something. Edward's so pleased with his progress; he's a natural, like the two of us.
Seems like everyone is in on my present except me.
Edward and Carlisle are just freaking grinning at me; what the hell are they up to? Did Eddie have a little chat with him; convince him to...?
Naw. No way.
"Sweetheart, we have something for you this year from all of us." Carlisle.
Holds a small box out towards me, wrapped in rose-colored paper, with a creamy ivory lace bow around tied around it; whatever's in it, it's heavy. I shake the pretty box, trying to figure out what it is.
"And we have to take a trip to complete this Kitten." Edward's green eyes shine at me in anticipation of my reaction to their gift.
"Really? Huh?" I can't imagine what they're all up to.
"Open it Mommy, come on."
Tease her, "Oh, I don't know, maybe later Ness Ness" grinning at her.
"Mommy, please!"
"Oh okay, if you insist."
Pull open the bow, and then tear off the paper; I've never been one for subtlety when it comes to opening gifts.
Nestled in a bed of soft ivory silk is a rose-colored piece of...granite?
What the...? I get a piece of granite for my one hundred eleventh birthday?
"Edward? Daddy? What? I don't get...?" I'm speechless; there's a first.
Edward walks over, places his hands on my shoulders, smiling down at me.
"Kitten, remember that night on the slab, the night we dug for Night Crawlers?"
"Uh, yeah Eddie, so?"
"So, I remembered when you said you couldn't find your parent's graves, and well, this summer, when I drove out to bring you home, I took a little detour that night."
"You did? Huh?" Boy, am I on the Clueless Train or what this morning?
"Yes, Kitten. I made a stop before I got to the bar. Poked around the woods a bit." Teasing me...wait for it, wait for it...
"And?" Come on boychik, out with it.
"And, I found where your parents are."
Well, fuck me seven ways from Sunday backwards with a Shop Vac.
I'm stunned. Look down at the piece of rock in my palm, and then realize what this is part of.
A tombstone: My parent's tombstone.
He found them, for me.
Oh my God, I want to cry, I'm so happy and sad at the same time. Anthony takes that moment to perform both a kick turn and a Double Gainer, making me wince.
Thanks buddy that one hurt.
Sorry Mom. Getting tight in here.
It's going to get even snugger in there.
Great...
My eyes travel across the room, from Alice to Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie, Seth, Charlie, Esme and Carlisle, and then finally to Nessie and Edward.
My family. For better or worse, thrown together for reasons unknown to me or to any of us.
"Oh Eddie. Thank you baby. So much." I whisper, feeling so loved at this moment, by all of them.
But especially by my dearest treasure, the greatest gift his father could have ever bestowed upon me.
My Edward, my beautiful green-eyed boy.
##
A/N: C. C. Sabathia is a Major League Baseball pitcher; he played for the Cleveland Indians as well as the Milwaukee Brewers last season. I believe he's now playing for the Yankees.
Next chapter: Baby day! Eddie gets to put on his Doctor Cullen, OB/GYN hat.
Thanks as always to my beta and BFF and partner in crime, Reagan O'Connor. Now that Stripped is nearly over, she'll have lots of time to start writing our shared opus, The FF That Has No Name But
Will Be So Fucking Funny, You'll Wet Your Tar-Zay Panties.
And always, my girls from the UU group on Ravelry, and my readers all over the globe.
Chapter 30, hopefully next week. Check out The Screamers and the last chapter of Wide Awake in the meantime!
