Chapter 50 Fight or Defend

EPOV

"I am convinced she'll do well Renee. You saw her yesterday, not even a flinch the whole time. And this time we can break the trip and feed during the stops." I handed her my credit card and she wrote the numbers down on the little notepad. We'd just spent a good hour plotting the flights and organizing the stop overs we'd need to book for the honeymoon. All that was left to do was call the airline and book, which Renee would do so there would be no trace of the information in my thoughts for Bella to decipher.

"It's so romantic. You spoil her, it's so sweet Edward." She told me, her eyes shining brightly.

"I like doing it. She used to fight me for everything, every gift no matter how tiny, but now she is more accepting." I looked away to the trees at the back of Charlie Swan's yard and remembered the hours I'd spent there, watching, waiting. It was still hard to believe how far we'd come sometimes. And here I was sitting in the house, with her mother, organizing our honeymoon no less!

"She's not one for fancy though, is she? She always did prefer plain and simple, in everything. Clothes, food, everything." Renee said idly as she made a few more scrawled notes on the pad. "And you're sure you want the cleaning crew to come on those specific dates?" She asked. When I nodded she put tick marks next to her notes.

"I want to go for longer, there's no need to rush back, but I know she'll fret for the family if we are away for more than a week or so." I told her truthfully, knowing it may hurt her feelings. I watched her expression carefully, ready to intervene if she was offended or hurt. She was. Her brow creased and her eyes crinkled slightly. I reached across the little kitchen table and took her hand in mine softly, careful not to startle or frighten her. "Renee, listen to me please. I need to explain why Bella feels that way. It's no reflection on the life she led with you and Charlie before, when she was human, its because she's vampire now. She's craving her own kind at the moment because it's all so new to her still. She misses you terribly, I promise you that. She's happiest when she's with you and her father, more so now that her thirst is well controlled and she can have physical contact with you. I promise you, her attachment to my family, my sisters especially, is because they understand how she's feeling." I hoped I'd explained it properly despite it being on purpose that I'd made the initial statement.

I needed Renee to know that for now, for the next few years at least, Bella would be unable to be where the family were not. And I needed Renee to understand why.

She returned her eyes to mine and I watched as a single tear ran down to her chin. In her mind she had heard and understood all that I'd said but her heart ached for the daughter she felt she'd slightly lost. With a strained smile she patted my hand. "I understand." She said quietly. "I'm just being silly, I know." She said as heartily as she could manage.

"It's not silly. Don't ever think that. And please don't think that I don't understand the loss you're feeling. Oh I understand how happy you are to still have your daughter in your life but I also know that it's very difficult to reconcile that with the type of relationship you have with her now. But I promise, as she moves through this first difficult phase of adjustment that will get better too. Do you remember the night you arrived?" I asked and she nodded weakly, trying not to remember too many details of the first, horrifying night. "Do you remember how much it hurt to think that you'd not be able to see her for a year or so?" She nodded again and blinked hard, trying to remember that sting. "Well now, you've seen a lot more of her than I ever thought you'd be able to and you're going to be able to see a heap more of her than that as time goes on. And a baby too, grandma." I said playfully.

Her smile lit her whole face up and she began to laugh a little. "Grandma. Jeez, I never thought before…she's so young…a baby. I wish I could've met Nathaniel for myself, seen for myself that he's, you know?" she shrugged a little.

"You will meet him Renee. He and Carlisle's friend Aro are arriving the day before the wedding, they'll stay at the house for a few days so once Bella and I are away for the honeymoon you and Charlie can get to know him, ask any questions you'd like to ask. He's a lovely boy, no; I have to remind myself he's not a boy. He's a man." I laughed lightly.

"That's good to know. I'll look forward to that. Did you know that Phil declined the invitation?" She asked, changing tack subtly.

I hung my head, my anger still so close to the surface. I swallowed the small pool of venom his name had elicited and chose my words very carefully. "Yes, I did know that. I spoke with him earlier today. He won't change his mind. I'm sorry Renee."

"Yeah, well, he always was a stubborn shit." She giggled. "Don't beat yourself up over it kid, he wont take my calls and he's sent me divorce papers already. Good riddance." She mumbled.

I had to laugh at being called kid; I was older than she was!

"Will you be staying in Forks for a while then?"

"Yes, I think I will. It's not as bad as I remember it." She tuned out slightly, looking away over my shoulder, her eyes misting over as she thought of having to leave Charlie a second time. The errant thought hurt her I was shocked to notice.

"Good, I'll pencil you in to babysit some time!" I chortled.

BPOV

"I'm done Alice, really I'm done. If you won't tell me where he's taking me I'll just leave it to you to organize the clothes." I huffed. I was sick of shopping now. I couldn't even play the 'I'm tired' card anymore.

Alice laughed and told me that was fine, she had no intention of ruining the surprise of the honeymoon destination and she was hoping I'd let her do the shopping for it anyway. She could've just told me that before we got here!

"Come on, let's go. Edward is finished his business and he's going to start texting you soon anyway." She whispered as we began walking out of the mall.

"What business Alice?" I hedged, but she wasn't having it.

"Nope, my life isn't worth the wrath of Edward when he's in stealth wedding mode." She answered quizzically. It seemed she'd been nobbled!

The tiny trunk of the Porsche was overflowing with bags, we'd made four trips out there already, and now I had to sit with the last of the bags on my lap because they just wouldn't fit. We should've bought the Elise; at least it had a bit more room in the trunk.

I held on for dear life as Alice retraced the terrifying drive back to Forks. We stopped when we came to the turn off that led to the meadow and she let me run off and sate my burning thirst while she stayed with the car and phoned our ETA to the house.

When I returned, happy and fatter for the experience, she told me Edward was indeed home and was waiting somewhat impatiently for my return.

He was waiting on the sofa, two brown wrapped parcels in his lap. His smile was angelic. 'Thank god, come here beautiful.' He closed his eyes as he thought it; his pleasure at seeing me home safely was palpable. I dropped the shopping bags at my feet and flung myself into his lap. With my arms around his neck I pulled his lips to mine, losing myself in his scent.

"I'll just take these upstairs then Bella." Alice giggled and I waved to her over my shoulder with no intention of breaking our kiss.

'You have mail my love.' Edward told me between kisses to my cheeks, jaw and lips. Reluctantly I withdrew from him slightly and took the two parcels out of his lap.

"You still haven't succeeded in frightening the UPS man enough to make him come out here on a Sunday huh?" I giggled as I tore the paper of the first one. Edward huffed playfully beside me. Slipping my fingers under the lip of the pouch I tipped it and a tiny five-pointed star into my waiting hand. I held it out and let Edward clasp it to my bracelet.

"I shall play Esme's part. Read the note Bella, don't keep me in suspense." Edward chortled. I elbowed him and he huffed as he was supposed to, despite it not having hurt.

"Dearest Isabella, As the stars in the night sky make themselves known another day comes to an end. Now that all my days are spent by your side the twilight will never again be a solemn reminder of the day that has passed. In 14 days you will put the seal on the last days of my longing, as you become my wife, I will no longer fear the long nights of loneliness. Yours into eternity, Edward xx."

I leaned over and cradled his face in my palms and kissed him softly. "It's beautiful, just like you."

"I'm glad you like it. Fourteen days now Isabella." He said with a self-satisfied smirk.

"Two weeks. It's gone so fast, hasn't it?"

He nuzzled my neck and took my hand into his, rolling my rings as he always did, between his long fingers. "Not quite fast enough love." He chuckled. 'Come upstairs, let's practice the wedding night.' He thought evilly.

"Let me open this first, naughty boy." I pulled the other parcel into my lap and undid the wrapping. Inside this satin pouch was a tiny enameled four-leaf clover. I let him add it to my bracelet and then I held the envelope aloft. "Play your part Edward." I teased.

"Oh Bella, isn't he romantic. Open the letter, read it out so we can swoon at his devotion to you, you're so lucky." He sang in the weirdest impression of a woman I'd ever heard. A half dozen separate laughs came from various directions in the house, none as loud as Emmett's.

Still giggling I began to read, "My darling Isabella, The number 13 is sometimes seen as an unlucky number, but not for me. For in 13 days you will be my wife and I will have the honor of loving you forever. You were born on the number 13 and I've considered it the luckiest of all numbers since. I love you Isabella, with you beside me I'll always be the luckiest of men. All my love, Edward xx."

I wound my fingers in his hair and pulled him to me, kissing him soundly on his beautiful lips. "I am lucky." I whispered. "Now, let's get ready for the party."

EPOV

We were late to the party despite the fact that it was held in our own home. Our shower had taken far longer than I would've predicted previously.

I replayed it to myself a few times as I sat on the end of my bed putting my socks on. Bella was drying her hair in the bathroom and I could still taste her on my tongue, smell her on my skin.

We'd been called downstairs a few times already and it was safe to say that the natives were getting restless – pardon the pun – so we were trying to hurry now.

The impromptu party was a continuation of the celebrations from Thursday evening so it was fairly casual. The wolves had arrived by the carload, this time with their wives and girlfriends – and in Leah Clearwater's case with her new beau Jack – in tow. The lawn was now scattered with deck chairs and coolers overflowing with alcohol and soda. Alice had produced a stereo and Rose had resurrected the garden torches that now cast a soft glow around the area.

The noise was staggering. With the glass doors in our room open we could hear the racket being made quite clearly. Not for the first time I was glad we had no close neighbors.

Even if we did I had an 'in' with the local law.

"Hey, you can't use my dad for your own ends Edward." Bella pouted from the open bathroom door.

"I can too." I countered, childishly.

"Have you even paid your fine yet?" she asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Of course I have, I'm terribly responsible you know."

"Hmm mmm, you tell yourself that Mr 'I'm only hopping in the shower with you just now to save water and time Isabella'." She laughed.

"I said I was responsible, I did not say I wasn't a scoundrel." I stood and tucked in my shirt and clasped my belt, I was ready. "Are you ready love?"

"One minute." I heard the hairdryer switch off and then she was beside me. All warm and soft and oh god, if we didn't leave now I'd lock the door and…"Edward!" she yelled. "Behave, jeez."

"Fine." I huffed. "Come on gorgeous, lets go party hearty."

BPOV

"I think it's all organized now, but you'd have to ask Alice really. I just have to turn up." I giggled.

"We haven't even set a date yet, you'll already have your little one by the time we get around to doing it." Emily sighed.

I laughed along trying hard to imagine myself at her wedding with a small child in my arms. "Sam told you then huh?" She nodded, "I still can't quite get my head around it, you know?"

"Oh I know, trust me, I know. If you're like me you were just minding your own business and then one day bam!" She began to search the yard for Sam and he turned to look for her at exactly the same instant. They mirrored each others smiles and I couldn't help letting out the little 'aww' that came to mind.

"Yeah, I remember bam!" I giggled.

'Your smile is so beautiful Isabella.' I heard his mental voice but couldn't spot him right away. I tried to subtly scan the yard as Emily had done but didn't see him. I held my breath to block out the human scents near me and I concentrated on only the vampire scents in the area. There…north…I opened my eyes and looked to where he stood, leaning against the back of a deck chair, legs crossed at the ankle talking to Paul and Quil. Seth was sat in the chair he was leaning on. They were laughing and chatting about the cliff diving last weekend. Edward looked as though he was involved and engaged in the conversation but as his eyes met mine I knew he was anything but. 'Come to me, I need to touch you.' He stared at me as he thought it and it sent a tiny shiver through me.

I excused myself from the conversation with Emily citing the need to ask Edward something. She didn't seem to mind and she returned to the small group of pack girlfriends that were clustered around Alice and her stack of fashion magazines.

I stopped to ask my father if he was having a nice time but as soon as I could I was beside Edward, slipping my hand into his. Without breaking the circle of discussion he leant down and kissed me softly at the base of my neck, under my hair. I felt and heard him inhale strongly. 'Delicious.' He told me and I shivered again.

"What's Italy like Bella?" Seth tipped his head backward and asked me.

"Fantastic. I've never been anywhere so anywhere was going to be brilliant, but I loved it. I want to go again one day." I told him truthfully.

"Edward says you don't know where you're going on your honeymoon?" Paul asked and I nodded that he was right. I'd been digging through Edward's head for clues but had to admit it was a halfhearted attempt at best. I really was looking forward to the big surprise.

"That's pretty cool dude, making it a surprise. Tough to organize with her in your head though right?" Quil asked with a smirk.

"You've no idea." Edward drawled. I laughed because he really did look and sound like he hated me being able to read him. Maybe he really did?

"Now you know how everyone else feels." I said smugly. The boys cracked up in agreement.

The rain set in at about 1am so the party wrapped soon after. More congratulations and words of support and encouragement were given to both Edward and I as the last of the guests made their way out the driveway.

"Come upstairs love." Edward took my hand and led me to our room. I thought he'd want to go to bed, insist I sleep after all day shopping and then all night at a party but instead of pulling me down beside him on the bed he pulled me down on the sofa.

He fiddled with the remote and soon the sounds of his musical compositions came out of the stereo softly. I was just about to ask what he felt like doing when he slid his palms under my jersey and spread his fingers over my belly. It was so lovely to watch him close his eyes and wait so patiently for the baby to move or kick.

I slid down deeper into the back of the sofa so that my bump was stuck out in front of me fully. We both held our breath waiting.

As Esme's lullaby built to its crescendo the faintest nudge grabbed me, making Edward suck in a long slow hiss over his teeth.

'Was that?' he asked wide-eyed but still silently so this would be just between us.

I nodded and put my own palms against his, holding his hands there. We waited again, holding in our breath. I felt a new movement, a sort of rolling under the surface of my belly button. I closed my eyes to see if I could feel it again and when I did Edward's hand jumped slightly under mine. 'So amazing…I wonder if he, or she, knows who I am?' he speculated in his head.

"Talk Edward." I told him, taking my hands away.

He shuffled down the sofa further and came to kneel between my knees. He put his cheek on my stomach and began to hum softly along with the music. I felt the baby roll again against my belly button and Edward smiled up at me with the most adorable grin. "Hello baby…beautiful baby…all safe and warm in there…" he kept humming and the timbre of his voice began to change as he crooned against my bare skin. "I can't wait to meet you…hold you…tiny baby…" he began to rub soft circles with the pads of his fingers, kissing in the places his fingers left their heated trail. "Everyone is so eager to meet you…I know your momma is too…she's so beautiful baby…she's going to be the best momma in the world…we all love you so much baby…" he crooned.

I began to run my fingers through his hair as he spoke. I could feel the baby rolling and nudging me as his lips brushed across the tiny bump.

His kisses began to change, I don't know when, and he began to press his fingers into my hips, sliding me further and further down the edge of the sofa until his head was hovering above my centre instead of my stomach…his cherubic face twisted into a cheeky grin as he lowered his mouth to cover me on the outside of my jeans.

'I love you Bella.' He told me as his fingers began to undo my pants.

EPOV

Jasper was at the house researching and Carlisle was at the hospital for his normal shift. Alice had begged off the hunt saying she had dress fittings with Renee and Esme to sort out today.

So that was how Emmett and I were stood watching Rose and Bella as they ran back from their hunt through the clearing. I knew they'd be okay if they stayed close because I'd be able to still read Rosie even if I couldn't read Bella.

Emmett and I were just shooting the breeze talking about traveling after the baby was born and strategizing about how we could make that possible when I felt the first flutter of brain activity near me.

I could clearly hear Rose and Emmett, this was a new voice. For half a second I thought it might be the baby but as the thoughts became clearer I realized it was an adult voice and one I didn't know. It was a male vampire. He was running, very fast along the opposite edge of the river to where we stood now. He knew we were here, he was watching as he ran. This was James.

The instant I had a take on the mental voice I began calling for the girls. One look at my face was enough to put Emmett into his crouch and as Rose and Bella dashed to our sides they too took up defensive crouches. Bella had read the problem in my mind and as I took out my cell phone and dialed home she filled my brother and sister in quietly.

"Jaz, get everyone home, lock it down. Two miles North of our clearing, across the river, traveling alone." I snapped it shut not waiting for an answer. I looked to Rose, "Get home, and stay inside. Have Jasper come at him from the North East." She nodded and Bella was about to protest when I snarled at her. She took Rosie's hand and headed for home without a whimper.

When they were out of earshot I turned to Emmett. "Alice wont have seen this, she has no scent marker for him, we're on our own. Say so if you want to go home and defend."

"Fuck that." He snarled and I could read from his brain that he was eager to have this done now, if possible.

"Go south, come up through the pass where the river narrows, if he's fast Jasper will pick him off as he comes to the mouth of the river. If he's a bit slower we'll have our chance at him nearer the beach. Good luck bro." We bumped fists and then we were running.

I flew along the river until I could hear him more clearly then I jumped from the nearest clear spot I could find and landed on his side of the river. He was maybe five hundred yards ahead and traveling fast. The bastard had stopped running to listen to us planning so he knew we were coming at him from different directions. He was laughing at me in his head as he ran, taunting me, telling me he'd have my woman and my baby and there was fuck all I could do about it.

His thoughts were clumsy though, addled. He hadn't expected us to give chase, he thought we'd spot him or hear him and then herd the girls home to defend. He had no intention of coming near our home, he was alone, and he'd never take that risk. But he was on a scouting mission and he'd gotten what he came for. He knew the boundary to our territory now and he also knew we were going to be proactive, we'd give chase when he threw down the gauntlet.

My cell beeped insistently and I pulled it open as I continued running. "What?" I barked.

"I'm with Bella," Alice told me, succinctly and to the point, "Rose and Carlisle are heading to their nest to patrol. Wolves on alert, Esme with Renee and Charlie."

"Right." I told her and snapped it shut again.

I wanted more than anything to be the one protecting Bella but if I had this chance to end James now I'd take it. I ranged my hearing out around us and picked up Emmett's thoughts a mile and a half to my right, he was coming around as planned, coming at him from the south east, trying to shepherd him towards either Jasper or myself, giving him no choice but to engage one or all of us.

A few seconds later I picked up Jasper. He was running like the wind along the river on the home side waiting for his first glimpse of James so he could cross and pick him off. James was still running for the end of the landmass. He was planning to hit the end of the spit and hit the water; he knew we'd never catch him if he took to the waves. A vampire could swim to Europe without ever needing to surface.

'Fuck you Cullen's.' James said with a matching evil laugh and I heard the mighty splash as he jumped off the bluff and into the ocean.

Fuck.

The three of us met on the bluff a few seconds later. We all stood watching as the dark shadow that was James swam just below the surface out towards the open water. Emmett was itching to follow but we all knew well enough there was no point.

"Fucker." Emmett spat in disgust.

"There's three of them Em, you'll get your chance my brother." I snarled. "That's two of them that's fucked with me. I'll show no mercy now." I hissed.

"You mean you were planning to before, fuck that." Jasper growled.

We all thought the same thing at the same time, we didn't need to say it out loud.

We'd tear those fuckers apart and enjoy doing it.

BPOV

With the metal shutter down over the windows I couldn't watch the river or see when they were returning, I was blind for the first time ever. I hated it.

"They're coming back, running, fast. Four minutes." Alice told me bluntly then ran to get her phone. I listened as she dialed my parents house and then Carlisle.

We'd meet in the dining room as normal.

They had to come to the front door to get in so it took a few seconds for Jasper to reach for Alice and for Edward to reach for me, normally they'd all barrel through the backdoor and grab their mates in relief. It felt like an eternity until he had me in his hands, running them over my face, my shoulders, my arms and then my belly, assuring me that he was fine, that I was safe.

I heard a similar scenario being conducted between Jasper and Alice as they each made sure their spouse was in tact.

I felt so bad for Emmett, who was pacing on the front stairs waiting for Rose and Carlisle to come home. When he heard them coming he shot off the steps and I watched as he sprinted to Rose' side and catalogued her limbs and face with his huge hands before sighing in relief and kissing her passionately.

Carlisle looked all of us over in turn, asked me if I was okay and then he went to the stairs to wait for Esme. We all headed inside when her car came up the driveway. Their desperately whispered assurances floated into the house and each couple smiled tenderly at their mate as the same words of love and relief were whispered four times over.

With us all seated the meeting began in earnest.

Edward started us off. "James was watching us from the other side of the river though I didn't pick up his thoughts until he was closer. He watched and waited while we set our plan in place and then he took off running. He was surprised we gave chase, he expected us to retreat and defend here at the house. He had no intention of coming here, from his thoughts he didn't think about the houses location so I don't know if he knows exactly where it is, though he'd have no trouble finding it from our scent paths." Edward ran his hand through his hair and then squeezed my hand, hard.

"He's fast. Really fast. He hit the water at the end of the bluffs and we had no hope from there." Jasper finished.

"By the time Rose and I got to the nest it was empty, so I have no idea where the other two were while James was scouting. Their scents are fresh though, they've been there last night, maybe this morning." Carlisle told us.

"There are no strange scents near your parents house Bella. Nobody but us or the wolves have been there." Esme reported, much to my relief. "You should call your mother when we're done dear, she was quite concerned."

"I will, thank you Esme." I told her. "Edward what did you hear from him?"

"Not a lot. He was just intent on running. He cursed the family name as he jumped so I guess they all know we're part of one family now." He told me. I could read in his mind that James had been taunting him about the baby, and me but he didn't want to tell the others that so I kept quiet too.

"Well, I'll call the pack and see how they faired. Although I'm sure we'd have heard if the other two showed up anywhere near the Rez just now. You did well today boys, lets keep our eyes and ears open." Carlisle shot each of the boys a proud look and they nodded to him in turn.

"Will you have time to meet with us today Carlisle?" Edward asked and I realized he wanted us to have our normal exam. We hadn't done that since before we went to Italy.

"Let me ring the pack then come and see me."

"Thanks." Edward pulled me to my feet and led me to our room.

EPOV

"Let me hold you." I begged her as we stood at the foot of our bed. I just needed to feel her, hold her. I lie back on the bed and held my arms out to her and she lowered herself until she was tucked into the crook of my neck. I kissed her hair and began to stroke her shoulder.

"I'm fine Edward, really." She told me in a hoarse whisper.

"I know…I just need a minute Bella." I told her. She kissed my chest and took a fistful of my shirt, holding herself to me tightly. I inhaled her scent and closed my eyes contentedly. I only truly felt whole when she was near me, where I could touch her and smell her. I'd never be at peace until she was out from under this threat. I had to stop it and soon. I'd ask Emmett and Jasper if they were interested in a spot of hunting.

"Forget it Edward, you aren't going looking for trouble from them. Promise me you wont provoke anything." She said sternly and I huffed.

I refused to promise something so idiotic so instead I distracted her with my lips.

An hour later we were both sat in Carlisle's study, Bella in the visitors chair, me on the sofa.

"I've put on more weight over the last two days than I have all the previous week dad." Bella told Carlisle who noted it on her chart.

"It was to be expected Bella. Nathaniel confirmed for us that the baby would grow two thirds faster than any normal human baby would, so that puts you at around 20 weeks if you were still human. That's halfway. I'd expect you to be putting on steady weight now and filling out just as you are." He slid the growth chart across the desk and we both studied it again. This time we weren't scared or bothered by the blue line. We knew what to expect now.

"Can we try an ultrasound Carlisle?" I asked. I'd been researching too and I knew that at around twenty weeks human women went for a scan to make sure that all was well. I also knew that the sex of the baby could sometimes be known then.

"No way Edward, we are not finding out the sex, it's to be a surprise." Bella scolded me.

"Okay, but can we try?" I asked Carlisle again.

"It's worth a try although I have no idea if it will work. I'll set up the appointment for Tuesday." He scribbled that down on the chart and asked if there was anything else we wanted to know or share.

I looked to Bella and we both smiled. "Nope." She answered as casually as she could. Carlisle wasn't at all fooled but said nothing.

"Well then, I'll see you both in the morning." He dismissed us and went back to the huge volume he had open on his desk. 'You'll tell me when you're ready I'm sure Edward.' He thought as I left the room.

"Night dad." Bella called as she left the room.

We ran up the stairs and both sunk onto the sofa, eager for a repeat of this afternoon's closeness with our child.

As the first strains of the concerto came out of the stereo I put my lips on Bella's ever growing belly and waited.