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. 25

Once Angela and Ben left, Edward leaned in and kissed my lips lightly. "If you're not going to eat, how about a nap?"

"In a bit. I'm starting to get concerned about Charlie. Where is he?" I asked.

"Charlie…" Edward cocked his head to the side. "He's getting off the elevator and headed this way."

"Are you slipping?" I teased.

"I've been distracted. Besides, your father's mind isn't always clear to me. I have to search him out, unlike other humans," Edward explained. "He's about to ask a lot of questions. Are you up for this?"

"I'd rather get it over with. I don't know how much to tell him." I gnawed on my lip.

"Leave the explaining to me," Edward said.

"Are you sure Jacob's dead?" I asked as the realization was starting to sink in.

"Yes." Edward nodded with a solemn expression. "We tried to talk to him. But Bella…I don't know how to explain this—it was Jacob, but it wasn't. It was as if the human part of him was gone, and he was all wolf. But I still knew it was him because I've never read an animal's mind before. His mind was volatile and wild, and he was still possessive of you. I know this sounds horrible to say, but I think Charlie did the best thing he could for Jacob. I don't think any amount of medicine would've helped him."

"I don't know what to say," I whispered.

"I'm sorry. I know you wanted us to help him." Edward squeezed my hand.

I shook my head absentmindedly. "I think I'm numb. I mourned the loss of my friend a long time ago, but I can't take any pleasure that he's dead either."

There was a knock on the door and Charlie popped his head in. "Is this a good time?"

"Of course, Dad, come in," I greeted him.

"How are you, Bells?" he asked, sitting on the edge of his seat.

"Tired but good. The babies are good too. You've just missed them," I answered him.

"Maybe I'll visit them before I go," Charlie said distractedly.

"Are you okay, Dad?" I asked.

"No, I'm not. I have a ton of questions I want answered," he admitted, shooting Edward an agitated look.

"And we will be happy to answer them for you," Carlisle answered from the doorway.

Seth was standing behind him, wearing a set of Edward's clothes. They both entered the room and took seats. Charlie glanced at Seth before sliding away from him on the couch. Seth frowned and folded his hands on his lap. He sighed and looked around the room before his eyes settled on me.

"How are you, Bella?" he asked politely.

"Tired but okay," I answered.

"Alright, Chief, where would you like to start?" Carlisle asked.

Dad snorted. "That's the problem, I have so many questions, but I have no clue where to start." He glanced at Seth again. "Does your mother know what you can do?"

"Yes, Chief, she knows all about me…and Leah."

"Leah too? Can all Quileutes turn into wolves?" Dad asked.

"No. In fact, it's even rarer that Leah can. It is usually boys of the age that are considered to be old enough to be protectors for the tribe. You've known my dad and Billy since you were kids. Did they ever tell you about our legends?"

"Some but I always chalked it up to campfire stories. So werewolves…" Dad muttered.

"Actually, Charlie, the Quileutes are shapeshifters, able to change at will. Werewolves, also known as children of the moon, can only transform with the full moon," Edward explained.

"I see. And do the two of you also phase into animals?" Dad glanced at Edward, then at Carlisle.

"No. However, for your safety we can't exactly give you more details. There are those like my family who are considered our leaders. Their utmost concern is keeping the existence of us a secret and will eliminate any threat," Carlisle told him.

Dad's eyes narrowed. "That's not good enough."

"Dad…please," I pleaded.

He gave me a sharp look, then turned his glare on Edward. "But yet, Bella knows, and you have put her in danger."

"That's not fair. Edward tried to keep it from me, but I figured it out after Jacob told me about their legends," I defended Edward.

"More legends…are you talking about—"

"Charlie, again, not only would it be safer for you but for Bella as well if you didn't know too much," Carlisle interrupted.

Charlie pursed his lips. "Bella knows so you're saying she's in danger." He glared at them.

"Charlie, when I originally left Forks years ago, we did it for Bella's safety. I thought if I took myself out of the equation, she would be safe. It nearly killed me to do so, but I had convinced myself the mating connection only affected me, and she would be able to forget me in time," Edward explained.

"Mating?" Dad quirked an eyebrow.

"He means soul mates. And he was wrong." I huffed. "That's why I was a mess when he left—it was like a part of me was missing."

"I see," Dad muttered but wasn't appeased. "What made you come back?"

"Besides finding out Bella missed me as much as I missed her, it was when I realized her life was being threatened by Jacob," Edward answered.

"Charlie, Jacob was out of control and obsessed about Bella. You've seen it yourself. For a while, we thought he'd gotten over her after she moved away. But when he found out she was pregnant, he snapped. The Jacob I grew up with was gone and a stranger was in his place. He was volatile and almost killed Leah and Sam in his anger," Seth spoke up.

"So the other wolf was Jacob," Dad asked, but it sounded more like a statement. Anger…sadness and confusion flickered in his eyes. Edward had told me earlier that Dad has shot Jacob in the head, thinking he was rabid wolf.

"Yes. We wanted to help him, Charlie. I have heightened senses and I knew mental health wise something was very wrong with him," Carlisle explained.

"Are you saying I killed someone who was mentally ill?" Charlie paled. "Everything was happening too fast. He was charging at Bella and Edward. She was in labor—"

"Chief, you did what had to be done. As terrible as it sounds, it was self-defense." Edward reached for my hand. "Unfortunately, Jacob was beyond being able to be reasoned with. He was hell bent on hurting Bella and the babies."

"I still have to go tell Billy I killed his son." Charlie shook his head.

"Since I am the pack Alpha, I will take responsibility for telling Billy. I will explain to him how we tried everything to save Jacob, but he forced our hand. It is the truth," Seth stated.

"We'll do it together," Dad said solemnly. "So is the threat to Bella's life over? Or is she still in danger from your leaders?"

"If they find out about her knowing too much, or even you, they may act. This is why the less you know the better. We will be leaving the area soon and taking Bella with us to not attract attention of being in one area for too long," Carlisle explained.

"Why does it seem like you're about to tell me I won't see my daughter again." Charlie's eyes darkened and Seth's narrowed slightly.

"I'll be able to call, but I may not be able to visit in person," I explained, shooting Seth, then Edward, a nervous glance.

Seth had been fairly non-judgmental of the Cullens, but I wasn't so sure he would take me being changed well. There was the treaty, and now I feared we'd said too much.

"Are you leaving on your own free will?" Seth looked directly at me, ignoring the vampires in the room.

"Yes, I've always known my path in life was beside Edward. No one is forcing me to go. I truly believe I am doing the right thing," I told him.

Seth was silent for a moment, then he met Edward's eyes to silently communicate something. Edward smiled slightly and gave him a small nod of the head.

"Charlie, if you can agree never to ask questions about things that seem out of the ordinary, then in a year or so, we can make an occasional visit," Carlisle told him.

Dad was silent for a few minutes and I wondered if it was all too much for him. "If keeping my daughter in my life and her staying safe means no questions, then so be it." He turned to me. "What are you going to tell your mother?"

"I was hoping she will accept the idea I'm traveling and too busy to visit. I don't think she can handle more," I answered.

"You're probably right." Dad sighed. He looked as tired as me.

"Charlie, if you have any more questions, I'll be happy to answer them at the house. But Bella has had a very long day, and I think she could use her rest," Carlisle gratefully suggested.

"I think it has been decided the less I know the better. As long as Bella is safe and happy that's all that matters." Charlie stood.

"Can I still get a ride home, Chief?" Seth asked.

"Of course, but no hanging your head out the window." Dad smirked.

Seth stared at him, blinking wildly before he started to grin and chuckle. I couldn't help but to start to giggle. Both Carlisle and Edward looked highly amused.

"Wow, already with a joke." Seth got out of his seat.

"Don't forget, Charlie, I do believe there's a leash law in this state," Edward joked.

"Suddenly everyone is a comedian," Seth deadpanned. "See you guys around."

"Thank you, Seth, for everything," Edward said, and Seth nodded in acknowledgement.

"Bells, do you need anything before I head out?" Dad asked.

"No, but would it be okay if I spend a few days at home?" I asked.

"Of course, it's still your home. Edward, I assume you'll be coming too." Dad turned to him.

"Yes, Chief." Edward glanced at me with concern and confusion sketched in his eyes.

"I'm heading home too. Another doctor will take over for the night. I'll see you both in the morning," Carlisle announced.

Once they left, I relaxed against the pillow and yawned. Edward moved my food tray away and adjusted the bed for me.

"You can go too, if you need to. There isn't a threat anymore, so I should be safe," I told Edward.

"Why are you so anxious to get rid of me? Have I done something to upset you?" Edward furrowed his brows, looking upset.

"No not at all. I just want you to be comfortable. I'm sure being here isn't easy for you, especially with all the blood." I blushed.

The pinched look left his face. "Love, I am in control. The smell doesn't bother me, I promise."

"You still haven't explained why that is?" I was confused.

"First of all, even though your blood still sings to me, the urge to protect you after I almost lost you is much stronger." Edward took my hand and kissed the back of it.

"Is there more than one reason?" I questioned.

Edward grimaced. "Vampires are only attracted to fresh blood. And right now, your body is expelling dead blood, which isn't as appealing."

"Are you telling me I stink?" My eyes grew wide in horror.

"Not as bad as the wolves." Edward shrugged and gave me an apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to offend you, which is why I was never going to say anything until you asked directly."

"Wonderful. I guess that's even more of a good reason to stay with Charlie. I didn't think it was wise going back to your house while actively bleeding. But now, knowing I smell like rotten meat, there's even more of one." I wrinkled my nose.

"So, that was your reason. It makes sense now," Edward commented.

"Well, let's just say I learned the hard way the last time. I'm not scared of Jasper, but I didn't want to force him out either," I explained.

"That is very thoughtful of you." Edward leaned down and kissed me.

"What was the silent conversation with Seth about? He figured out I was going to be changed, didn't he? Are the wolves going to try and stop it?" I pulled away.

"He did. And no, since you are making the decision of your own free will, he won't contest it. However, don't be surprised if he asks again when I'm not around," Edward told me.

"I'm still not changing my mind." I grinned.

Edward's mouth lifted into a crooked grin. "I know."

He leaned in and kissed me more heatedly. His lips moved against mine while one hand slipped through my hair, supporting my neck. His other hand palmed my breast, making me moan. My heart thumped wildly, and he broke away.

"Breathe, Bella." He nuzzled my cheek and kissed along my jawline.

"It's a little hard to when you do that," I said breathlessly.

Edward sat back in his seat and chuckled. "Sorry, love."

"I didn't mean stop." I mocked pouted. "Now that I'm not pregnant, we don't have to be as careful."

His smirk grew. "I don't think a hospital, right after giving birth, is an appropriate place. Too bad you decided to go to your father's house rather than the empty one in Forks." He winked at me. "But in all seriousness, there's a reason they say six week rest. By then, it will be almost time for our wedding."

"Well, if I've waited this long, I guess six weeks should be nothing," I stated.

A/N: Charlie is still in a bit of shock after everything that happened. Also Seth isn't going to stand in Bella's way of being changed. We are close to the end. I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.