The Alpha Female
JacobxBella
Rated M
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the franchise, as it belongs to Steph Meyers
The Alpha Female
Chapter 38
Bella took deep breaths as she fought through another contraction as she sat on the couch, gripping her stomach and rocking slightly. Closing her eyes tightly, she let out a slow breath while drowning out all the chaos around her. Well, it wasn't really chaos but Charlie and Billy were freaking out about what to do while Jacob had run out the door to go and get Sue and Leah. That had been ten minutes ago, and she had seen the Pack arriving out the window one by one, Sam showing up with Emily a bit after the rest of the Pack. She glanced over to Billy trying to calm her father down, all the while wondering where Jacob was with Sue and Leah. She knew the women needed to get the proper materials for a homebirth—no way in hell was she going to a hospital or clinic for other doctors and nurses to assist her and ask questions she couldn't possibly answer and they'd understand—but it shouldn't take this long. But then again, what did she know? All she knew was that her son was on its way now.
Looking at Charlie she said, "Dad."
Charlie looked at his daughter and walked over to her. Crouching down next to her he asked, "What is it, kiddo? Is there something you need while we're waiting? Water or something?"
"I need you to call mom. Let her know what's going on for me, please."
"Yeah chief, have you called Renee yet?" Billy asked.
Charlie's eyes widened briefly before standing saying, "No, I haven't. Let me give her a call."
Billy handed him the phone and watched as he dialed Renee's number before rolling over to Bella. Gently rubbing her shoulder, he asked, "How are you? The contractions aren't getting worse, are they?"
Shaking her head, Bella answered, "No, not really. But I'd really like for Jake to get back with Sue and Leah."
"They're on their way, don't worry. How about we move you to Jake's or the twins' bedroom, so you don't have to give birth in the living room. Or maybe the bathroom for a waterbirth if you're more comfortable with that? I can run some water in the tub."
"No, it's okay Billy. But maybe one of the bedrooms will work."
"What do you mean you're on your way here right now?" Charlie's voice suddenly broke through their conversation, pulling their attention towards him.
Bella frowned before asking, "What is it?"
Charlie listened to his wife for a moment, his chocolate brown eyes widening before he suddenly stalked to the window and looked out of it. In the distance, he saw a taxi approaching and asked, "You're pulling up in a taxi right now?"
"Mom is here?" Bella asked alarmed.
Billy sighed and told Charlie to hang up the phone while rolling towards the front door, opening it and telling the Pack to look alive, because they were about to meet Bella's flighty mother. Charlie, having hung up the phone to join Billy and the Pack on the porch told his best friend that his ex-wife wasn't that bad, only for Billy to raise his eyebrow at him. Inside the house, Bella groaned in both embarrassment for how her mother was going to make an impression on everyone outside, and due to another contraction.
The taxi stopped in front of the little red house, and soon Renee was stepping out of the car, a suitcase in hand. She thanked the driver and walked up to the house, only to stop in shock at all the muscular, good looking men present. She took notice of the woman with scars on her face before finally looking at Billy and her ex-husband. Addressing Billy, she said, "If your son looks like anything of these young men here, I can see why Bella chose Jacob over Edward. She's got fine taste, just like her mother."
"Oh my God," Charlie muttered while Billy gave a bemused smile in return to Renee.
Ignoring the Pack snickering, Billy greeted, "Welcome back, Renee. You look well."
"Thank you, Billy; as do you." Renee looked at Charlie. "Charlie."
"Renee," Charlie said.
"Where is Bella?"
"Inside. What are you doing here, Renee?"
"I thought I said so on the phone."
"No, you just let me know that you were in a taxi on your way here when I called."
"Oh. Well, I'm here to stay and help Bella with the baby for a few weeks. I had a feeling she was going to be giving birth soon, so I made some arrangements and told Phil I would be coming, now here I am."
Charlie's and Billy's eyes widened considerably, wondering just how in the hell they were going to survive a couple of weeks with Renee present in their lives again. They understood why she was here, but a couple of weeks? Were they going to make it through with their sanity in check?
Bella, who had somehow gotten to her feet and walked to the doorway, looked over Billy's head and said with a pained smile, "Hey mom."
Renee smiled at her daughter and walked up the stairs, passing her suitcase to Jared as she brushed past Charlie and hugged her daughter. "Bella sweetheart, I'm so happy to see you!"
"I'm happy to see you, too."
"Come on, let's get you inside and situated until the midwife comes."
As the two women disappeared inside, Jared looked at Charlie as he held Renee's suitcase and asked, "What do I do with this?"
Sighing, Charlie told him to take it to his home for the time being and where the spare key was to get inside. Jared nodded and took off into the woods, Jacob pulling up with Sue and Leah two minutes later. Getting out of the car Jacob asked, "How is Bella?"
"She's doing alright for the most part, son," Billy answered.
A loud yell of pain came from inside the house, startling everyone outside. Billy blinked before then saying, "Or the contractions are getting worse now."
Sue got out of the car with her bag of supplies and said, "It must be getting time. Good thing we got here on time. Let's go, Leah."
The Clearwater matriarch went inside the Black house, greeting everyone as she did. Leah stopped and gave Paul a kiss on his cheek before joining her mother inside. Jacob stopped by his father and Charlie and asked, "Bella really has been okay up until now, right?"
"Yes, I wouldn't lie to you about that, son," Billy replied.
Charlie gave Jacob's shoulder and squeeze and said, "Go be with her, Jake. She needs you and I think the baby does too."
Jacob nodded and went inside his home, going down the hallway to his bedroom where Bella, Renee, Sue, and Leah were. Bella was propped against some pillows on the headboard, her mother talking comfortingly to her while Leah was taking off Bella's jeans and underwear, placing a towel over her legs and waist, as well as another beneath her. Sue was getting out of her bag forceps, gloves, a bulb syringe, a stethoscope, a digital thermometer, a tape measure, and a freezer bag. Jacob also noticed wash clothes, a bowl of water and an empty bowl present as well.
Sue looked up from pulling her supplies out of her bag and said, "Jacob, come in."
Bella looked over and called out breathlessly, "Jake."
"Hey honey," Jacob said as he walked over to her. Taking her hand, he gave her a kiss on the forehead before saying, "It's time, Bells. He's almost here."
"I know, I can't believe it."
The sound of a throat clearing brought their attention, and they turned to see Renee staring almost intently at Jacob. Jacob, suddenly feeling nervous under the obvious scrutiny of Bella's mother, smiled almost sheepishly at her before saying, "Hi Mrs. Dwyer. I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Jacob."
Renee continued to stare at him for a moment before smiling saying, "I remember you, Jacob. I didn't know your mother well, but you look just like her. And of course, I remember you being stuck to Bella's hip and Bella only seemed to smile brightly whenever she was around you. And considering where you've both come now, I'd say everything is alright." She then clapped her hands together once. "Now let's deliver this baby!"
"Well, we have to make sure it's time first," Sue said. "Leah, how dilated is she?"
Leah peaked under the towel to check after putting some latex gloves on, Bella blushing in embarrassment at Leah looking straight into her intimate area. After a minute of observing, Leah pulled back and answered, "Eight centimeters."
"Already?" Bella asked.
"That means the baby will be here any minute, so let's get ready," Sue said, her and Leah grabbing what they needed and instructing Jacob to be by Bella's side to hold her hand. Renee, standing next to Jacob, looked at her daughter before saying, "This is so exciting! Though, I wish I had been able to not look pregnant like you do during my pregnancy."
Jacob and Bella glanced at each other briefly before Bella groaned in pain as a contraction hit. Suddenly, she felt the urge to push, feeling her son moving his way down to the birth canal. Gripping Jacob's hand tightly she said, "I need to push."
Leah checked under the towel once again before saying, "It's time."
Sue got into position between Bella's legs saying, "Alright Bella, when I say 'push', I want you to push and bear down, holding it for ten seconds, okay?"
"Okay." God, it hurt to even talk at this point.
"Okay then, let's do this. One, two, three, push."
Bella pushed, listening to Leah count to ten as Sue coached her through, Jacob and Renee giving her words of comfort. Even though she could hear everyone, it was almost like she couldn't hear them at all. It all sounded like it was drowned out, because all she could feel was the pain ripping through her. Everything seemed to stop in time for Bella, her not fully even remembering all that she was doing in that moment. It all became a blur, a blur filled with pain, muffled voices, and the sounds of her screams. Feeling something moving out of her, she let out a loud scream before it was drowned out by the sound of a baby crying.
Falling back against the pillows, Bella panted and breathed for air, staring up at the ceiling of Jacob's bedroom as she listened to the sound of her baby boy crying. Turning her head, she watched as Sue took the forceps and clamped it on the umbilical cord, cutting off nutrient flow from the placenta before asking Jacob would he like to cut the cord. She watched as he did so, Leah wiping the baby off before wrapping him in a fluffy towel and passing him to Jacob to hold. The look of wonder, joy, and absolute love on her boyfriend's face as he gazed down into the tiny face of their little bundle of joy made tears well up in Bella's eyes, a smile appearing on her face.
Renee was cooing over the baby with Jacob, talking about how he looked just like his father and Billy, though she could also see hints of Bella from when she had been a newborn. Bella grunted as she felt the urge to push again, though it wasn't so bad. She did so again and released the placenta, Sue taking it and placing it in the freezer bag. As Sue and Leah began cleaning up, as well as measuring the baby and Sue taking the time to make sure there was no tearing on Bella's part, Bella called, "Jake."
Jacob looked up from his newborn son and looked into the tired eyes of his mate. Grinning, he knelt by her and said, "Look Bells, he's perfect."
Bella smiled too and held her arms out, Jacob placing the baby in the arms of his mother. As she held him close, she gazed into his little face, her heart blooming with so much love for the little being she held in her arms. The tears in her eyes spilled over onto her cheeks as she gazed at him, whispering in agreement, "He's perfect."
Renee, ready to break the news to everyone waiting, asked, "What are you going to name him?"
"I…I haven't thought about it," Jacob admitted. Though, considering all that they had gone through, it wasn't much of a surprise.
"I have," Bella said, her eyes not leaving her son's face.
"You have?"
"Yes, and I want to name him Ethan. Ethan Armani Black."
Jacob looked at Bella before nodding and smiling. "Ethan Armani Black it is."
Renee squealed before quickly leaving, Sue rolling her eyes and shaking her head before moving to take things out of the bedroom, Leah doing the same to help her mother clean up. Once they were alone, Jacob asked, "What made you pick those names?"
Bella was quiet for a moment before saying, "Victoria almost took him away from us, but he survived. Sure, he had some help, but he beat the odds. He's a fighter and I wanted him to have a name that said so. 'Ethan' means 'strong' in Hebrew, and 'Armani' means 'warrior' in Italian, so I put them together."
"Strong Warrior Black," Jacob said before smiling and kissing his honey on her lips. "It has a nice ring to it, and I love it. And I'm sure he'll live up to his name as he grows up."
Smiling in return, Bella gave Jacob another kiss before saying, "I love you, Jake."
"I love you too, Bells. And we finally have our little boy with us; our family is complete."
The two of them continued to dote on their little bundle of joy, completely oblivious to anything else around them. Bella did allow Leah to help her into some clean underwear with a large pad and into some yoga pants before leaving once again, leaving the parents to continue to love their newborn, but not before telling them that others would be coming in soon. However, just as she was getting ready to leave, Embry and Quil rushed into the room, their faces clearly stating something was wrong.
Instantly on alert Jacob asked, "What is it?"
Embry and Quil looked at each other before Embry spoke saying, "Vampires are here, just over the treaty line. Jared and Sam smelled them first and went to stop them, but they refuse to leave. They're wearing black and red cloaks and look very regal. The leader of them calls himself 'Aro' and demands to speak with Bella."
Bella felt her stomach drop at hearing that. Aro, the Volturi, they were here in Forks! They were here for her, and they wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Closing her eyes she looked at Jacob who was waiting for her to say something. Finally finding her voice she said, "I have to go see what he wants, Jacob. He and the Volturi are dangerous beyond any other vampires. I have to see them and try to explain the situation."
Jacob didn't want her to, especially considering she had just finished giving birth. However, he also understood the severity of not going to meet those leeches. Bella had already explained how she had gotten involved with them and knew they didn't mess around. Knowing their hands were tied, Jacob nodded and said, "Alright, we'll go. But Quil, Embry, the whole Pack comes as backup just in case something pops off."
The two other Shifters nodded before leaving, Leah following behind them. As they left, Jacob turned back to Bella who was looking back down into Ethan's face, their little boy sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms. Chocolate brown eyes looked up into his own brown ones, worry the main emotion present in them, though there was also fear. In a low voice she said, "They're here for me. They're here for me to fulfil my deal to them. Jake, I don't want to, I can't."
Gently taking her face in his hands, he pressed a kiss on her forehead before saying, "It'll be okay. We'll just see what they want and tell them that the deal you cut with them in no longer valid. And if they refuse to listen, then we'll try to cut a deal of our own."
Bella stared into his eyes for a moment before nodding, turning her attention back to Ethan. She wasn't sure it was going to work, but they could try. Jacob too wasn't sure it was going to work, but they had to try. No way in hell was he going to let them take away the love of his life, not when they finally had their son. No, he'd go down fighting first before he allowed that to happen.
Jacob, Bella, and the Pack hurried to where the Volturi were waiting with Sam and Jared holding them off. Jacob carried Bella there, much to the protest of Renee—her wondering where they were going when Bella should be resting—while Billy and Charlie allowed it, the men seeing the grave looks on their faces. Before long they came upon the Volturi, only to see the two wolves writhing in pain on the ground and whimpering terribly. Gasping, Bella pushed against Jacob's chest to be put down and cried out, "Stop!"
Jane glanced at Bella as she was put down by her companion before stopping her attack, leaving Jared and Sam panting where they lay on the ground. Bella glared at the little vampire before turning to look at Aro who was staring at her curiously. In a tight voice she said, "Aro."
Aro smiled and greeted, "Bella, so lovely to see you again."
"I wish it was."
Caius tilted his head. "It seems you have grown claws since we last met. Though, with the current company you keep, it is no surprise. I cannot believe you fraternize with such vile creatures."
The Pack growled in response to that, glaring daggers at Caius and the other vampires of the Volturi guard. Aro nodded before saying, "Though, we have already seen you are not traditional Children of the Moon. Anyway, that is not the business we have come for. Bella, we stopped by the Cullen home, but no one was present. We've come to make sure the deal you made has been carried out."
Shaking her head, Bella said, "No, it hasn't. A lot has happened since that time in Italy, and things have changed. The deal is null and void and I won't be turned into a vampire."
The Volturi guard stared at her in shock at her boldness while Aro, Marcus, and Caius all raised eyebrows at her. Marcus looked at the brunette before turning to look at the young man next to her. Seeing the bond between them, he was almost overwhelmed by just how powerful it was, it nearly knocked him over. Taking a step back he said, "That is a very powerful bond you two have. It is almost like…it is a mate bond, but I've never seen one so powerful, so strong before."
Aro, surprised by this, turned to Bella and asked, "What happened to dear Edward if you are with this young specimen?"
"He's dead; I killed him myself," Bella answered, her answer shocking the Volturi.
"You…you killed Edward?" Aro asked incredulously.
"Yes, with my bare hands."
Demetri, who had been silently observing, smelled a scent that was overshadowed by the horrendous dog smell and the smell of the human's blood. It was a sweet scent, the scent of sweet milk. Taking a deep whiff, Demetri realized the smell was coming from the brunette standing with those werewolves. Taking in her appearance, he noticed she looked tired, though still standing strong, but the scent was definitely coming from her. And along with the milky scent was the smell of a fresh newborn.
Realizing what no one else had, he said, "Aro."
Aro turned his attention to Demetri and asked, "What is it, Demetri?"
"She's had a child recently. I smell it coming off her."
Jacob tensed and wrapped his arm around Bella, holding her close and the Pack moving in close around them while those leeches stared intently at Bella. Several beats of silence followed before Caius finally said, "It seems there is indeed much to discuss."
"Yes, it does," Aro said, complete seriousness overtaking his features. "Care to fill us in one what has been happening as of late, Bella?"
Bella took a deep breath and began speaking, telling the Volturi all that had happened in the past few months. Needless to say, the vampires were shocked when she told them about her Alpha Female transformation and all that had transpired with it. Aro though seemed to be most upset that Carlisle had neglected to inform him of all that had happened, as well as furious that his old friend and his family had taken off without so much as a word. Despite the fact of Edward being dead, the three leaders were impressed with Bella for taking him out on her own, though doing so in response to him not leaving her alone and wanting her new mate dead. They listened silently as Bella told her tale, all the way up to the birth of her son. When she finished, they were all silent for a moment before Aro turned to Marcus and asked, "Just how strong is the bond between Bella and Jacob?"
Marcus looked at his brother answering, "The strongest I have ever seen. The one she had previously pales drastically in comparison."
"But he is a Child of the Moon. We can't allow this," Caius said glaring at the Pack, even though only two of them were transformed.
"But not fully like Aro said, Caius."
"They still have the capability to kill us."
"Caius, enough," Aro said hardly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Caius scowled and looked off to the side, doing as Aro said. Aro turned back to Bella and Jacob before asking, "What did you name your child?"
Jacob frowned before answering, "Ethan Armani Black."
At hearing the middle name, Aro smiled and said, "Such a lovely name, though I think 'Armani' should be the first name. But a good choice in Italian name. I'm sure Bella chose it."
"She did."
"Well, I believe congratulations are in order for the birth of your son. Now, on to the matter at hand. We have come to see if the deal Bella agreed to had been carried out, but it has not been due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. However, with her being the mate to an Alpha, being this Alpha Female, as well as having his cub, it seems to have put a stopper to the deal. As you said Bella, it is null and void. My only concern is that Carlisle and his family have fled instead of facing me with this information like you have. So, I have come to a decision."
Bella held her breath while holding tightly to Jacob's hand, he and the rest of the Pack waiting in anticipation.
"Bella, you are a free woman once again, though I do suggest you stay out of the world of vampires once and for all. Stick with these wolf children and nothing else in concerns to the supernatural, and live happily with your Alpha mate and child. As for Carlisle and his coven, once we have found them, we will deal with them accordingly."
Bella blinked before asking, "You mean you are going to punish them?"
Marcus frowned and tilted his head. "Would you rather we didn't?"
Caius scoffed. "Weak girl."
"No, it's not that. It's just, the only one that needed punishing was Edward and I took care of him already."
"That may be so, but Carlisle allowed such foolishness to carry on for far too long to get to this point. I must take punishment on his actions, or lack thereof," Aro said. He then smiled gently at Bella. "But if it makes you feel better, I won't harm them."
That didn't make her feel better. Just because Aro wouldn't didn't mean anyone else in the Volturi wouldn't either. Her eyes drifted to Jane who was glaring at her, and she glared at her in return. She didn't want the Cullens to be hurt, but she also understood that something had to be done. But she was happy that she was lucky enough to walk away from this without anyone getting hurt.
Aro nodded before saying, "Alright, our business here is done. We will be off now, and Bella, live a long, happy, miserable human life. Ta-ta."
The Volturi all turned and took off into the woods, quickly disappearing from sight in a blur of black and red. Once they were gone, Bella let out a sigh of relief and leant against Jacob tiredly. Jacob held her close before looking at the Pack, telling them to head back to Billy's. They all began leaving, Jacob waiting until he and Bella were alone before lifting her head and kissing her sweetly on the lips. Pulling back, he placed his forehead against hers, staring into her beautiful chocolate eyes.
Bella smiled and whispered, "It's finally over."
Jacob smiled and replied softly, "It's finally over. Come on, let's go home."
He picked her up and began walking back to his house, happy that everything seemed to turn out alright. It was silent for a while before Bella suddenly said, "Yes."
Stopping, Jacob looked down at the brunette in confusion before asking, "Yes what?"
"Yes, to marrying you, silly," Bella answered with a sweet smile.
Jacob's eyes widened before he laughed and spun around in a circle, Bella giggling as she held onto him. Stopping, he kissed her deeply before saying, "I knew you would. I can't put the ring on your finger right now, but I will when we get back."
Nodding Bella told him that was fine before laying her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes to the gentle rocking of each step Jacob took. The smile on her face grew as she thought of their future together with little Ethan with them. Finally, her luck had turned around for the better and life was finally going to be perfectly happy.
Author's Note: This story is almost officially over and done with. It's been a long journey for Jacob and Bella, but they've made it. Please stay tuned for the epilogue soon to come. Love, SehunsBae37.
