A/N: Hi all! Sorry for the delay, but you know...world order crashing, brewing pandemic...kind of got in the way LOL. This is totally a fluff chapter. I have a lot more coming ;)
Chapter Twenty-Six – By Fate's Hand
when you say you love me
know I love you more
when you say you need me
know I need you more
boy I adore you
- miley cyrus, adore you
oOoOo
I hummed in content as the frosty wind whipped my hair around, eyes focused on the curve of Jacob's back in front of me. His scent swirling around me, mixing in with the salty winter air, making me feel right at home.
On the hike up to the cliffs, it dawned on me that I was home. No place like La Push had ever made me feel so fiercely protective and grounded. I would fight for my home, my friends, my family and my life.
The Volturi would not take anything from me.
I could see Jacob's chest rise and fall, in even breaths as he took in the vast horizon of crashing waves. I found him the most beautiful like this, when he seemed to be completely entranced with his land.
We had a nice dinner at a local diner in Forks, nothing overly fancy. He tried to convince me we could go to Port Angeles but I insisted I wanted to stay close. I wanted simple tonight. Just him and I, at our favorite place.
Jacob's head turned over his wide shoulder, his face lit up in a handsome smile when he saw I was already staring at him.
"Watching me?" He murmured as he reached his hand out to me.
I put mine in his, letting him guide me to the edge next to him, leaning into his warm side.
"How could I not?" I told him with a content sigh as his arms wrapped me up tightly. I nuzzled against him as he rested his chin on the top of my head.
I listened to his heart, beating furiously against my head. Jacob's heart was always strong, but never this fast.
"Are you okay, my Jacob?" I questioned with a jutted lip, lifting my eyes to meet his above.
They were darker than usual, but he smiled brightly at me. "So okay."
"Don't lie." I pouted as I turned in his arms, allowing my hands access to his face. I rested them on each cheek, pulling him down to meet my lips in a soft kiss.
His mouth twitched against mine, forcing us both to grin like idiots. "I promise, Ness. I'm more than okay. Sometimes you just make me nervous."
My eyes furrowed as I he pulled away to look down at me seriously.
"I make you nervous?" I questioned, dumbfounded that Jacob even had the capacity to be nervous. He was always so collected and easy going.
He chuckled and brushed a hot thumb over my lips. "All the time. It's a good nervous, though. When you look at me first thing in the morning, or how hard you laugh at Billy's jokes. It builds up in the pit of my stomach and makes me want to shout into the sky how much I love you. You do the smallest things, and to anyone else I'm sure they wouldn't notice . . . but I can't help it. I see everything. I don't want to miss a second. So, it makes me nervous."
I smiled brilliantly up at him, crashing my lips back against his as I leaned on the tips of my toes to meet him. His hands sprawled over my skin, moving all around as our lips tangled against one another, softly at first, then quick and desperate. His tongue teased my bottom lip, nibbling and suckling to gain access, access I granted easily. It was as if our minds were connected, each action was met with a complimenting one from the other. I lifted my hips slightly, and Jacob grasped my underside to hoist me up and wrap me around his midsection to give me better access to his mouth. My skirt made it a bit difficult, but Jacob made do by pushing it up over my knees.
I pulled away, breathlessly, and gave him a lusty grin. "Jake!"
He grinned back, and nipped my neck before placing a soft kiss there, bringing his forehead against mine.
"That's my name." He teased, nuzzling my nose with his.
My eyes rolled, but I laughed anyways. Jake could be a goof when he wanted to be, despite the girls insisting he was always 'business'.
"I love you, Jacob Black." I told him confidently, kissing each cheek and hopping down from his grasp with ease. "Even when you tease me."
I watched intently as he licked his plump lips, my eyes trailing down to his hand that was fishing around in his front pocket. My eyebrows furrowed, then shot straight up when I saw he began to kneel down in front of me.
My jaw dropped, momentarily, before snapping shut and allowing my mouth to spread in a beaming smile. I reached out to him, letting him grab both hands with the one that wasn't still in his pocket.
"Jake . . ."
He cleared his throat, and held a little wooden box out in front of me with his other hand. I had no words. This is why he was nervous.
"I've been waiting for the right time to do this, Renesmee." He started, causing me to smile wider when he used my full name.
"I always wanted it to be this grand, unforgettable gesture. I kept going over and over in my mind on how to make it perfect, before I realized that no matter what I did . . . what I said . . . it would be perfect. Because I would be asking you. I had been lost for so long before you, baby. I had found myself, and found ways to be happy . . . but then I saw you and suddenly I found purpose. I found devotion. I found love. I love you, with every beat of my heart, every breath I take, every mile I walk. You are my light, my lifeline, my other half and my true soul mate. It didn't take long for us to be swept up in each others tsunami's, but it's our story and I wouldn't change a thing. I promise to love you with everything in me, and to always put you first. So . . . Renesmee, Nessie; will you be my wife?"
The tears were streaming down my face in steady currents. They were happy tears, of course, but I couldn't stop them from falling. I nodded furiously when Jacob opened the little wooden box, revealing a rose gold band decorated with six small leaves made of tiny diamonds, surrounding a round, bright diamond. It was simple, beautiful and utterly timeless.
"Yes, my Jacob!" I exclaimed in an excited whisper as he grinned back and wasted no time in sliding the ring on. "A million times yes!"
I threw myself into his arms, my chest erupting in euphoric laughter as he kissed me all over my face and neck.
I had been so wrapped up lately in the idea of living forever and the daunting shortcomings that came with never aging, that I failed to put one very important aspect on the table. Forever wasn't so scary if you were with the love of your life. It was as if every fear I subjected myself to, disappeared the moment he slipped that ring on. It was clairvoyance in the shape of a beautiful diamond ring.
"I love you, Nessie. You just made me the happiest guy on the planet." He told me seriously as he planted another kiss under my jaw. I pulled his face up so I could kiss him deeply, eyeing the sparkling ring that decorated my left hand. Butterflies exploded within me the moment our lips crashed against each other.
"I . . . love . . . you . . . Jacob." I told him between hasty kisses. We giggled and kissed, savoring every last second of this moment together.
Jacob had me straddled over his knee, hands firmly placed on the small of my back as our kissing grew fervent. I pulled away to catch my breath, noticing his chest was heaving with just as much intensity as mine.
"I'm going to be your wife." I announced, almost needing to confirm it out loud to believe it. I pulled my hand down from his neck to inspect the dainty jewelry on my finger, waggling it around to see it from different angels.
He grasped my hand and brought it to his mouth, placing a short kiss on the top of my knuckles and another on the ring. "My wife." He repeated, his voice sounding far off and dreamy.
"It's beautiful, Jacob." I told him earnestly.
He smiled and eyed the ring with a glint in his eyes. "It was moms."
My eyebrows raised high. "Really?"
He nodded, rubbing his thumb over my fingers gently. "The original diamond, yeah. I added the smaller stones. I wanted it to be sort of a dedication; to the years I spent without you. Six diamonds for six years, and the biggest one being the seventh year. The year I found you."
My eyes welled up, my sight of Jacob growing blurry from the salty tears brimming at my eyes.
"Oh, Jacob. That's . . . it's so perfect."
He smiled and his dark eyes lifted to meet mine. "You think so? S'not corny?"
I nodded, and kissed him softly. "No, my Jacob. It's perfect."
In one swift motion, he lifted me off the ground as he stood. I squealed, causing him to grin devilishly at me. "Come on, baby. We have a party waiting for us."
My eyes widened as I laughed whimsically when he hoisted me over his shoulder.
"Jacob Black!" I shrieked with laughter, which was received by a firm but playful swat on my backside.
"Yes, future Mrs. Jacob Black?" He questioned with a deep chuckle, tickling my sides as he jogged down the trail leading to the beach. I could smell the bonfire and hear the voices of our friends and family; surprising me as to how I didn't take notice before.
I knew why, of course. When I was with Jacob, looking into his eyes so deeply I felt as if I was swimming in his onyx pools, the rest of the world fell away.
"Oh, come on Jake! Put your poor fiancé down!" Emily chided from down the beach, which caused Jacob to chuckle. He dropped me down, cradling me in his arms bridal style. A fitting entrance. We were received by hoots and hollers from his pack brothers, causing me to blush wildly at the attention.
Jacob grinned, his smile purer and more brilliant than I ever had seen before. My face matched of course, despite the blush.
"Let's see a smooch!" Embry hooted from his spot next to the wild fire.
Jacob chuckled and swiftly planted me on my feet. Our eyes met briefly, just enough time to say I love you with our gazes before our lips came together in sweet embrace. Cheers and hoots erupted, causing us to break away in laughs. My human friends rushed over to me, all bundled up in winter apparel. My heart warmed knowing they were braving the winter chill to celebrate with Jacob and I. There were several smaller fires surrounding the largest one, though. This created a hub of warmth for all of us, even if the pack stood around casually in jeans and t shirts. I was surprised they were even dressed in that many layers; most of them went shirtless everyday, despite the weather.
"Let me see, let me see!" Rachel squealed, grabbing my hand and bringing it up to her face to closely inspect it. "Oh! It's gorgeous! Great job, baby brother."
Kim butted in between Emily and Rachel, bringing her head close to peer at the ring as well. "Wowie!" She gleefully cheered and grinned up at me. "I love it."
I nodded, returning my own smile. "It's beautiful. Jacob told me there's seven stones for the seven years it took to find me." I gushed shamelessly. "He's so romantic."
I could see Jacob blush crimson from the corner of my eye, and felt a squeeze on my backside. I giggled and fidgeted, just before he guided me over to Billy and Sue.
"Son, I hear congratulations are in order." Billy happily exulted, taking Jacobs outstretched hand in a solid grasp. "Renesmee, you have carved a place in my heart and I'm happy to welcome you into our family."
I touched Billy's cheek tenderly, a single tear slips from my eyes as ours lock. "Thank you, Billy. Truly. Thank you to everyone, for embracing me into your tight knit community." I said the end a bit louder, turning to eye the pack and all of the imprints of age.
I felt a squeeze on my shoulder, looking up to see Seth beaming down on me. Jacob released me into the arms of his beta, who picked me up in a Seth sized wolf hug before dropping me down and gave me a long noogie on the head.
I swatted his hands away and pointed a finger menacingly. "What did I say about the hair!" I warned with a teasing glint in my eyes.
He let out a deep belly laugh, "This is like, my triumph too! I've been here since day one; I MADE YOU TWO."
Jacob flicked Seth's ear, which prompted Seth to fake punch at Jacob. "Yeah, sure, sure."
Sue stood behind Billy, eying me intently but when she noticed my glance gave me a warm smile. Seth insisted she had a good place in her heart for me, but no matter how much I tried to get my grandfathers wife to warm up to me past simple friendliness, it was met with abrupt awkward tension.
"Congratulation's, Jacob and Renesmee. This is a unity not only for you two, but the tribe as well."
Jacob's hold on me tightened, and I watched the strain in his eyes as he gave her a tight smile.
Before Jacob could reply past a nod, hot hands pulled me away from Jacob and hoisted me in the air. "I got the Alpha's wife!" Embry chimed with snickers, running with me over his shoulder with Brady and Collin trailed after
I shrieked and pounded his back, shooting a glance up to Jacob mid laughter. His mouth was dropped open in shock.
"Jake!" I playfully yelled in his direction, causing him to break out in a smile and take off after us.
Embry tossed me, and I landed with ease. "Bet you're too human to catch up to us!" Embry snickered and shoved Jacob with his shoulder.
Jacob shot me a glance, an eyebrow raised but let out a deep laugh despite his confusion.
The evening was full of playful banter, and endless amounts of laughter. I had a smile plastered on my face all night, my cheeks even began to ache. It was a good ache. A happy ache.
Jacob squeezed my waist, placing a single kiss on the top of my head before leaving me to go talk with Sam and Sue.
We happily chatted, all of us giddy and beaming with excitement. Kim had insisted she help me plan, I informed her that my family were actually sticking around for a bit, and I knew without a doubt they'd want to help wedding plan as well. Mostly my crazy pixie aunt. This was met surprisingly well from them, and no one looked uncomfortable to my relief.
I felt the tug in my chest, and my eyes snapped up to meet Jacobs across the fire. He gave me a soft smile, and mouthed 'I love you'.
I bit my lip, but couldn't fight the smile, and mouthed 'I love you, too' back.
As Kim and Rachel bickered about bridesmaid dresses, I honed in on the conversation Jacob was having. I knew it was rude, and probably wouldn't go unnoticed by Jacob that I was listening, but curiously beseeched me.
"This changes the basis of the treaty, and you know it." Jacob said, his voice tremoring.
Sam grunted, in agreement with Jacob. I could see in my peripherals their body language was tense. "This is a binding between two families, Sue. Despite what they are."
My eyebrows furrowed as I stared off into the fire, zoning out harder to get a better listen.
"Cold ones, on our land?"
"For the wedding . . ." Jacob trailed off.
"The entire tribe will be in attendance, Jacob. This will not go unnoticed." Sam warned.
"That's the point. I want them to know they do not have to be afraid of the Cullen's. Their morals-"
"Morals?" Sue repeated, her voice raising an octave. "Vampire's do not have morals."
I couldn't help it, my head snapped in their direction, my eyes narrowing at the three. Jacob saw, since he was facing me directly. I knew he had been watching me.
"Renesmee is half, and she's going to be my wife. A chief's wife. Do not disrespect her again, Sue. If you would take the time to see who she is, you'd know how kind hearted her nature is and that she embodies the spirit of every imprint with natural grace. She takes this seriously. Our culture is just as important to her as it is to me. You're the only council member who won't agree to this."
My heart warned at Jacobs proclamation; he was fiercely protective. My stomach also clenched at his dominance, I'd definitely have to bring that up later . . .
Sue sighed, long and drawn out. "We will meet with the Cullen's to discuss your new treaty, Jacob."
Jacob had only spoke of the treaty a few times previously, but always got irritated over talking about the specifics of what he called 'pack politics'. I knew Grandpa made the treaty with Jacob's great grandfather, and they weren't allowed on La Push, simply because they were vampires. I understood the basis of it. Vampire's and werewolves don't mix.
Unless you're a half-vampire and the imprint of an alpha werewolf.
Then they mix.
So, now, a new treaty needed to be made because technically, our marriage and my entire existence null and voided the old treaty.
I had zoned out in thought, so badly I hadn't realized Jacob was walking up to me.
"You ready to go home, honey? It's been a long day."
I looked around and noticed many of the pack members had left, and only a few imprinted pairs remained, nuzzled up in front of the fires.
I nodded, hugging the girl's goodbye before letting Jacob lead me away from the beach back towards Billy's house.
"Should we call my parents?" I asked suddenly, Jacob's conversation with Sam and Sue sparking my need for approval from my vampire family.
"If you want, honey. Or we can go over first thing tomorrow." He suggested, his arm coming to wrap around my shoulder, his hand hung down against my forearm. My skin rippled in goosebumps as he brushed his fingers against my arm every few steps.
I sighed, and rested against him as we walked. "Jacob, do you ever wonder why you imprinted on me?"
I briefly looked up at him, to see his expression to be exactly what I picture; horrified.
"No, never."
I smiled at his devotion.
"I do." I offered lightly. "Deeper than surface level why. More like soul level why."
Jacob nodded slowly, trying to wrap his head around what I was saying.
"I was thinking, it's interesting how your great grandfather had made a treaty with Grandpa and daddy 70 years ago and now you and I are getting married. Descendants of that original divide."
Jacob stopped walking and faced me, his face engrossed in my deductions.
"What if this is why. To bring everyone together, despite who or what we all are. To look past it for love. Because love conquers all. I think that's why you imprinted on me. We needed each other to learn about not only ourselves, but our history and unify it."
Jacob's mouth fell open in shock. "Nessie . . . how long have you been thinking about this?"
I shrugged. "Since you told me. It makes no biological sense, since the elder's originally told most of you this is purely an evolutionary pairing. We are proof it goes past that. Unless your spirit ancestors wanted to create a super hybrid, but I doubt they're cunning like that." I offered with a small smile, the joke making Jacob chuckle.
"You really are just so extraordinary; you know that right?" He mused, pulling my body hard against his.
I smirked against his lips and pulled on his shirt to bring him closer. "You flatter me too often."
He nibbled my bottom lip before pulling it between his teeth. "Not enough."
"Can we go see the house?"
Jacob hummed in approval as he dragged his nose across my cheek and squeezed me tightly against his fiery body. "I suppose . . . it's still pretty gutted though."
I smiled flirtatiously, despite his warning. "It doesn't need to be finished for what I want to do to you."
A low growl rumbled within his chest, right against me. I smiled triumphantly.
"You are trouble, Mrs. Black." He chuckled and bent down to sweep me into his arms.
My heart skipped at what he said, but I still had a teasing fire within me. "Future." I corrected. "Future Mrs. Black."
I tickled his sides, trying to get him to release his hold on me but it only tightened it.
"Won't stop me from calling you that." He said with a booming laugh as he took off in a jog with me still in his arms.
