I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Cheryl and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.

Ch. 18 (EPOV)

Emmett's shoulders sagged in relief. "Alrighty then shall we get this show on the road? What the hell is that?"

I snapped my head to Bella, concerned something was wrong. She looked down in alarm, then a curious smile spread across her face. She lightly traced with one finger a small bulge which was sticking out of her belly.

"I think it's a foot or maybe an elbow?" She shrugged as the bump disappeared.

"That's freaky. Did it hurt?" Emmett asked.

"No, I actually didn't feel it until you mentioned it." Bella stood and straightened her shirt.

"You didn't feel it protruding from your body?" Jasper questioned with a snicker.

Bella shook her head, and a faint blush covered her cheeks. "I'll be right back and then after I clean up, we can go." She headed for the stairs.

"Where are you going?" I blocked her path.

A brief annoyance flickered in her eyes. "I was heading for the restroom. You're not going to let me walk on my own two feet, are you?" She sighed.

"Not when it involves stairs." I scooped her up easily, taking them two at a time. "Besides I told you, you shouldn't be on your feet too much." I placed her down outside of the bathroom. "Wait for me when you're done, please."

Bella nodded her head as she went inside. I rushed downstairs and quickly cleaned up from the meal. Emmett and Jasper stood by the door and watched me.

"Dude, don't you think you're going a tad overboard?" Emmett commented.

"No not in the least. You know how clumsy she can be," I responded irritably.

"Actually, her balance has improved. With the exception of almost toppling the boxes on top of herself, which was more the store's fault than her own, she's been fairly accident free," Jasper pointed out.

I growled under my breath, annoyed they couldn't seem to understand Bella's and the babies' safety was at risk. From here on out there would be no chances. I'm sure Carlisle would agree to put her on bed rest to assure it.

"Her blood pressure has been up, and her ankles are swelling. She needs to stay off her feet." I forcefully tied up the garbage.

"But her…" Emmett started, and I tossed the trash bag at him.

"Bring this to the curb while I go get Bella." I went up the stairs.

"Fine. You're only going to drive her crazy if you hover," Emmett yelled in his head as he walked out of the house.

I ignored him and arrived as Bella was opening the door. She didn't seem surprised to see me waiting for her and wrapped her arms around my neck. I carried her straight to the car and to the backseat, where I figured she'd be more comfortable. I slid in next to her, allowing Emmett to drive.

"Aren't we going the wrong way?" Bella asked as we pulled away.

"We are headed to the house here first. I want Carlisle to check you out before we make a long trip. He's here with Esme. She wanted to clean up from the small fire."

"That's right. Did you lose a lot of things?" she asked in concern.

I shook my head. "Only my old couch and some clothes Alice would have burnt them anyway if she knew how out of season they were." I chuckled, leaving out I had luckily kept anything of value in a fireproof box.

I caught thoughts from Carlisle's mind as we drew closer to the house. Immediately, I grew irritated that I had been left out of the loop. Had I'd known, I wouldn't have brought Bella anywhere near here. Bella turned to me sensing my tension.

"What's wrong?" she asked nervously, glancing out the windows in concern.

"We need to turn around," I stated, glaring at Jasper as he spread calm throughout the vehicle.

Jasper turned to look at me. "Carlisle needs you present for the meeting. If you'd rather, Esme or Alice can take Bella…"

"Not happening. Bella isn't leaving my sight," I hissed.

"What meeting? What is going on?" Bella asked, and her eyes darted between the two of us.

"We didn't think you would, Edward, which is why we didn't tell you. You know we need your ability here for this, especially since Alice is going to be struck blind," Jasper insisted.

"Is it Jacob or the rest of the pack?" Bella asked anxiously.

"There's no need for a meeting," I snapped.

"Ed…"

"Stop ignoring me and tell me what is going on," Bella yelled, losing her patience.

"Love, it's nothing you need to worry about. Remember, you need to stay calm." I tried to soothe her.

Her eyes narrowed into slits and it would've been amusing that she was as dangerous as a kitten if her eyes didn't radiate hurt. "If you want me calm then you shouldn't be avoiding my questions and placating me." She turned away from me. "Emmett, tell me what they are talking about."

"Love…"

She held up her hand, stopping me. "Don't love me. You lost your chance…Emmett?"

"We are meeting with the pack of puppies. The new leader called Carlisle this morning hoping to talk," Emmett answered her. "If she's this mad now, you better hope she doesn't find out about you putting her on a fake bed rest. Or the fact, you lied to her about not leaving to hunt Jacob down yourself," he added silently.

Bella relaxed against the seat. "Is that all?"

"Did you forget they kidnapped you? I don't trust them, and you shouldn't be anywhere near them," I stated.

Bella took a deep breath and reached out to touch my shoulder. "The pack kidnapped me because they were forced to. They are just as upset with Jacob—he has been controlling them as puppets. We should work with them to be on the same page. I'll be safe with everyone around, since there are more of you than wolves. I'll stay in the house if you want me to. However, Jasper is right, they need you. With you seeing into their minds, you'll be able to learn if you can trust them or not," she said quietly.

I relented since part of me knew she was right, although my urge to escape with her was still stronger. "You have to remain in my sight at all times. And I'm sorry, I wasn't purposely ignoring you. I was upset my own family purposely didn't tell me about the meeting to get us here."

Bella quirked an eyebrow and seemed about to say something before changing her mind. She nodded her head and turned to glance back out the window. My brothers didn't bother to hide their snickers.

"You realize you're the pot calling the kettle black right?" Emmett teased.

"Shut it," I muttered in annoyance and was surprised by Bella's light giggles.

Emmett pulled into our driveway and the first person I saw was Rosalie standing on the front stairs with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Her eyes looked sorrowful and she immediately began to plead with me to give her a chance to explain.

"Save your explanations," I told her.

"You promised to listen," Bella reminded me.

"And I will—but she owes it to you too, not only me," I stated as the car came to a stop.

While I helped Bella from the car, Emmett went over to Rose. She gave him a hesitant smile and touched his arm before walking over to us. Emmett watched us with nervous eyes, torn between standing between me and his mate but knowing she needed to do this on her own. Jasper hovered nearby, leaning against the hood of the car.

"Bella, I am so sorry I didn't get there in time. I know we both disagree about you being changed, but I would never leave you in danger's way on purpose," Rose told her honestly.

Bella nodded in agreement. "I believe you. What happened?"

"I was out hunting with the others when Carlisle and Edward disappeared in Alice's vision. She asked me to go take Emmett's place because she thought we would need his muscle. And I agreed so I ran back to the house as quickly as I could for the car since Alice said the sun would come out at some point." Rosalie paused.

"And I swear when I initially sent her, I saw her arrive. She was hanging out in the apartment while Bella was two down, watching a little boy." Alice walked up beside Rose.

"Then what happened to change it so quickly?" I demanded, trying to hold my temper.

"I was heading out of our drive when two large trees came crashing down, blocking my path. One of them flattened the front of my BMW. I jumped out in time. I smelled a wolf but didn't see it. I was about to follow it when I realized it was either a trap or a diversion. So I ran as fast as I could into the city, but once I was around humans I could only move so quickly. I was still a couple miles away when the sun came out, and I was trapped in a stinky fast food place. I tried to call Alice, but I realized I left my phone in the car charging," Rosalie explained and showed me everything in her head. She was speaking the truth.

"I'm glad you weren't hurt," Bella said softly.

Rose shifted her focus off me and looked at Bella with surprise over her concern. Emmett wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him.

"Me too. Although, I bet Rose could have kicked that wolf's ass," Emmett said proudly.

"Thank you for explaining. I'm glad you didn't follow the wolf on your own. You're probably right about the situation. The wolves seemed to have figured out how to work around mine and Alice's abilities," I said.

"I agree. Although most the pack seems to be on our side, I don't think anyone should hunt alone until Jacob is dealt with. No matter how strong they think they are." Carlisle gave Emmett a pointed look.

"Like one wolf can take me down," Emmett scoffed jokingly, although he was going to take the precautions.

"Winnie the Pooh took you out," Bella teased.

Her comment caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh at the dumbfounded expression on Emmett's face. Even Rose started to giggle as her tension was now melted away. Emmett's grin grew as he prepared his comeback.

"It wasn't Winnie the Pooh…it was Yogi." Emmett pretended to be offended.

"Who?" Bella asked.

"How can you not know Yogi? Best cartoon bear ever," Emmett scoffed.

Bella shrugged. "He must be before my time, old man."

Emmett stared at her wordlessly then broke out into laughter. "Finally, someone in the house has a sense of humor. Glad to have you in the family, Mary."

"I'm glad we can all laugh." Carlisle chuckled. "How are you feeling today, Bella"

"I feel a little tired, but okay. Edward mentioned you were going to put me on bed rest. Do you think it will be the rest of the pregnancy?" Bella asked.

Carlisle kept his facial expression blank. "Bed rest, Edward? She appears fine to me."

"I need to keep her safe," I whispered too low for Bella to hear.

Carlisle's thoughts told me he understood but wasn't happy with lying to her. "I think resting as much as possible for the next few days wouldn't hurt. Then we will revisit how much activity you should be able to do."

Bella seemed happy with his response as she leaned into me. I glanced quickly at Alice as her eyes became unfocused. She frowned and rubbed her head.

"The wolves should be here in about five minutes. Or at least I think it's them," she muttered unhappily.

"Let's get you inside, dear, and I will stay with you," Esme suggested, coming up beside Bella.

"Thank you, Esme. But Edward doesn't want me out of his sight while they are here." Bella laced her fingers through mine.

"I understand." Esme gave us both a warm smile.

I carried Bella to the porch and set her on the bench. As I straightened up, I heard the wolves two miles out. I took a protective stance in front of Bella, hoping to block her from them as much as possible. I didn't care if we were on the same side or not.

"They are within two miles," I warned the rest of my family.

Everyone came closer to the house to help shield Bella. Carlisle stayed out front with Jasper and Emmett flanking him. Esme and Rosalie stood on the stairs above them while Alice took a seat next to Bella.

The wolves paused long enough for Seth to phase and slip on a pair of shorts. He emerged from the woods with confidence, but there was hint of nervousness. Leah followed closely behind him. A few others remained hidden but watching. Seth had left a wolf behind to watch La Push.

"Leah, stay back. This is supposed to be a friendly meeting." Seth looked down at her.

Leah gave an unhappy huff and sat on her haunches. Seth took a few more steps forward and stood tall, then held out his hand.

"We didn't get to meet properly yesterday, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Seth Clearwater," he announced.

Carlisle stepped forward, waving off my brothers. "Pleased to meet you, Seth. I am Carlisle and behind me are the members of my family."

Seth seemed surprised at first at the word family. "I like to start off by thanking you for helping both Sam and Jared. It was an unexpected kindness but one very much appreciated."

"I was happy to help. How are they both doing?" Carlisle asked. After taking care of Sam, he had reset Jared's leg, which had healed wrong the first time.

"Jared is as good as new. Sam should be up in a few days. Which is great because I have a feeling we are going to need him." Seth explained.

"They've lost Jacob," I muttered.

Seth's eyes shot to me apologetically. "Unfortunately. Our minds are no longer connected, and he dove into the ocean, so we lost his scent. We doubled back to La Push because we didn't want to leave it unprotected."

"I think that's more than understandable," Carlisle agreed. "I have to warn you about Jacob." I read where this was going and frowned.

"I meant what I've said yesterday. If Edward wants to avenge his mate, even at the cost of Jacob's life, then we won't stand in his way. Jacob has betrayed us all," Seth stated.

I was surprised by his announcement. Apparently Jacob really had gone too far. I had assumed they would have pleaded for mercy on his behalf. Which still might happen after Carlisle revealed his theory.

Carlisle briefly hesitated. He was torn by what I wanted and what he felt was right.

"Tell them," I agreed, taking a step back and holding Bella's hand. I had a feeling she would be upset by this news.

"I think I know why Jacob has been acting irrational. The smell of his brain chemistry was off, and I believe that is what's effecting him," Carlisle stated.

"Wait…so you are saying Jacob is sick? Like Schizophrenia?" Seth asked.

"It could be Schizophrenia, or it could be a delusional disorder. I wouldn't know unless I ran tests. I do believe Jacob has some type of neurological disorder which has caused him to become delusional and violent," Carlisle explained.

"So Jacob believes his own delusions are reality?" Bella asked, biting her lip.

"That would certainly make sense of a lot of things. When we would see his thoughts, they seemed real, but we knew they couldn't be. He truly believed he had imprinted on you." Seth looked back at his sister and the others. I knew from their thoughts they agreed with Seth.

"You said the same yourself, didn't you," Bella asked me, and I nodded in agreement.

"Can Jacob be cured?" Seth asked.

Carlisle shook his head. "No. This will be something he will have to live with for the rest of his life. There's help though. There are medications that can be tried and therapy sessions. But the catch is Jacob would have to be a willing participant."

"Then we should help him, shouldn't we?" my angel said softly. "If he was doing all these things because he was sick, then shouldn't he get a chance to get better?"

Seth looked at his pack and received nods, some more reluctant than others. I knew my Bella's heart was in the right place so I hid my disapproval. If it was anyone else, I would agree with them.

"You don't agree." Bella tugged on my arm.

"You have a big and forgiving heart. But any risk to your safety, no matter how small, is too much," I admitted.

"No one is asking for Bella to be put at risk. I'm sure everyone understands that you will put her first no matter what, son. But there is the chance he will no longer be a threat to her if he agrees to treatment," Carlisle assured me.

"The only problem is I don't see how we'll be able to convince Jacob to get help—that is if we ever find him. Jake might listen to Billy, so I'll try and talk with him," Seth admitted.

"Please, keep us informed if you see him or require my help," Carlisle offered.

"I'll be in touch. If Jacob should resurface, we will help. We owe it to Bella to protect her after what she's been through. We should be getting back though," Seth concluded.

He knew some of his brothers were anxious to get back to their mates. They didn't trust Jacob not to hurt them. Seth and Leah left quickly with the rest of the pack to their homes.

"Well, I think that was a worthwhile conversation," Carlisle stated. "Did we miss anything we should know about?"

"Not much, Seth was pretty much an open book. Not all seem on board with helping Jacob as he has burned some bridges," I told him and turned to Alice. "Leah was in the library the day we heard Seth on campus. She overheard you talking about your vision going blank, that info got passed on to Jacob."

Alice grimaced. "Wonderful."

"Are you ready to head home?" I asked Bella.

"I just need to use the restroom." Bella stood and stretched.

"Go ahead, dear. The downstairs has everything you'd need," Esme told her.

Carlisle waited until Bella disappeared into the house before speaking. "I'm sorry, Edward. I know you don't want to help Jacob."

"I don't. But you're right, he should have that chance. I know Bella wants that too—it's her caring nature." I sighed.

"Esme and I will finish cleaning up here. Edward, take your time driving Bella to the house. The rest of you go ahead and make sure the driveway is cleared up and the house is safe before they arrive, please," Carlisle ordered.

"On our way," Emmet said, and they left.

Bella returned a moment later and looked around curiously. "Where is everyone?"

"They went ahead. Are you ready to go?" I asked.

Bella nodded. "I am. Do you think we can find a Wendy's? I have a craving for a frosty and fries. Can I have fries?" She looked at Carlisle.

"As long as you go easy on the salt," Carlisle informed her.

Bella waited for me to carry her to the car and settled in as I went to the other side. As we were pulling out of the driveway, she stifled a yawn.

"Sorry," she apologized.

"Don't be. Please nap if you want." I turned the stereo to softer music.

"Maybe I will. Hopefully, I will have another good dream. Don't wake me this time," she joked, closing her eyes.

I smirked, then thought about what she told me this morning about her dream. Or more so what she tried to show me before I had to stop her. The look in her eyes when I had to deny her made me feel like a monster. She only wanted to be loved and I couldn't give it to her. Even small steps weren't going to be enough to satiate either of us for long.

I could change her. A large part of me wanted to, but to do it so we could have sex seemed wrong. It would be nothing but selfish—I would be a true soulless monster.

But Bella believed I had a soul. She sounded so convincing too. I would also be giving her what she thinks she wants. She would be safer from threats like Jacob. I came close to losing her again.

"Marry me, and I'll agree to change you," I said, knowing she wasn't asleep yet.

"What?" She opened one eye and looked at me.

"Marry me first, and I will change you."

A/N: This should answer the question about Rosalie. I'm sure I'll get a mixture of responses if it her excuse was valid enough. How about Jacob though? If he is sick does he still deserve a chance to get himself some help? And yes, Edward pulled the whole 'Marry me and I'll change you' line. He still mostly canon Edward after all. Bella's response next chapter.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Side note: I'm a judge and banner maker for A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Valentine Edition. Submissions are open to Feb. 10th. Check it out here: Facebook Dot Com /groups/ 460094101314978 or fanfiction dot net /u/ 13011621/ APictureIsWorthAThousandWords