Hey, lovely readers. Thank you all so much for sticking with me. I hope you're all enjoying the ride. Please let me know what you think in the review section. Your thoughts can only help me improve. XO
Bella was standing in the kitchen the following morning, cooking breakfast for everyone in the house. The others were still sleeping, though the scent of ham steaks and cinnamon rolls were sure to wake the boys soon. Sarah was moving all over the place. Bella could swear she felt lower down than she had the day before.
"Are you finally upside down, baby?" she asked, rubbing her belly with one hand while she flipped ham steaks with the other.
"That's a beautiful sight," a deep voice rang out as the kitchen door opened. Bella spun in surprise, grinning at her brother. Jasper walked across the kitchen, sliding the window open on his way. He sighed as he pulled her in for a hug.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, turning back to the stove.
"I decided I wanted to see my night owl little sister," Jasper said, chuckling.
"I am a night owl these days. Sarah seems to think it's time to wake up and tap dance on my bladder around two am. She usually calms down about six or so. I've been taking morning naps a lot lately," Bella explained, chuckling.
"You know, Ali is cussing up a storm about your baby shower. She wants to help," Jasper said, chuckling.
"It's going to be simple. Mary Alice Brandon Whitlock Cullen does not do simple," Bella said, chuckling. "Hence her ridiculously long legal name. I would love for her to just be a guest for once instead of doing all the work. You guys do enough for me as it is."
"Honestly, the best thing anyone can do for Alice is just let her be Alice," Jasper said, grinning. "But you're right. Simple is not in her vocabulary."
"Hey," Jacob said, grinning as he walked into the kitchen. He sat down at the table opposite Jasper and yawned.
"So I hear things are interesting around here these days," Jasper said, grinning back at Jacob.
Bella looked over at them suspiciously. What the hell has he told Emmett now?
"Jacob," she warned, shaking her spatula at him.
"What?" Jacob asked, chuckling.
Bella glanced at the counter, back to Jacob, and he burst out laughing.
"Did I miss something?" Jasper asked.
"Angela walked in on us yesterday," Jacob said, and Bella blushed. "She's still embarrassed."
Jasper barked out a loud laugh. "It's alright, sis. Everyone gets caught in the act at some point in their lives. Just be glad it wasn't Charlie."
"Oh, god," she groaned. "Thank god." She slid the last of the ham steaks on a platter and started on pancakes.
Jasper visited with them all through breakfast, spending most of the time chatting with Jacob and Embry.
"So, no Emily today?" he asked, winking at Bella.
"No, everyone is off on Sundays except for Patrol," Bella said, chuckling.
"Well, you'll have to tell her I said hello," Jasper said as he was preparing to leave.
The whole group was surprised as the kitchen door opened. Emmett practically took up the entire doorway with his impressive frame, grinning playfully.
"Hey!" Jacob yelled happily.
This boy is turning into his father. I can see it already.
Emmett hopped forward in surprise as Rosalie pushed him out of her way.
"Move, you big lug," she grumbled before giving Bella one of her dazzling smiles.
Bella waddled her way over to hug her sister.
"Here," Bella said, guiding Rose's hand to her side. Rose's eyes grew wide as she felt Sarah pounding away against her hand.
"She's so strong already," Rose said, chuckling.
"Yeah, don't remind my bladder," Bella groaned. "Or my ribcage. I swear she was trying to fracture my ribs yesterday. I just hope she's upside down now, and those are her feet instead of her fists."
"Bella, would you prefer Carlisle was there when you go into labor? I mean, I'm sure your doctor is more than capable, but …" Rose said.
"But Carlisle seems infallible, I know," Bella interrupted and chuckled. "I actually wouldn't mind. We are concerned about Jacob freaking out. Can you imagine him phasing in the delivery room? He's so protective lately. He can't help it."
"It's true. Some dude said hi to her in the grocery store the other day, and I damn near growled at the fucker," Jacob admitted. "My wolf is gonna go nuts if she's screaming in pain in there."
"Maybe you should have Carlisle do a home birth with you instead," Rose suggested. "Just in case."
"Would you be assisting him?" Bella asked Rose pointedly.
There is no way Edward fucking Cullen is coming anywhere near my freshly-born, blood-covered singer baby.
Or Vagina.
"Of course, Bella," Rosalie said. "Also, I'd be honored."
"I dunno, guys. I kind of like the idea of her being at the hospital in case something goes wrong. Sarah has been breech all this time. If she hasn't turned, it could mean surgery to get her out. With Bella having pre-eclampsia, the likelihood of her needing a cesarean is higher, especially if her placenta abrupts before she can go into labor," Jacob said.
"We could literally turn the nursery into a sterile hospital setting for the delivery. We have the equipment. Are you still taking the precautions with your blood pressure and diet?" Rose asked her
"Yes," Bella answered, frowning as she held up a bottle of sugar-free syrup. "No Ham for me, either. Too much salt. When this kid gets here, the first thing I want is Bacon."
"She really has been good," Jacob said, laughing.
"Except with staying off of her feet," Angela tossed out sarcastically.
"I like to cook. It relaxes me," Bella chuckled. "Angie keeps the house clean now, though. It's been a big help."
"That is because Angie's a fucking sweetheart," Emmett said and winked at Angela.
"Ha," Jacob said and chuckled. "She's as dirty as the pack, Emmett. You don't even know."
Angela gave them all a wide, proud grin.
"Good. Someone will need to yell at Uncle Emmett eventually, I'm sure," Rosalie teased. "Bella won't do it."
"Bella yells at everyone else," Embry said, chuckling.
Bella grinned at Emmett. Everyone knew she had a soft spot for her big brother.
"So, Jake, what do you say we go for a run?" Emmett challenged.
"Dude, let the food settle," Jacob chuckled.
"Please, I have seen you put away half a deer by yourself," Emmett said. Bella scrunched up her nose, looking at Jacob in distaste.
"Hey," Jacob said, laughing, "There were reasons I wouldn't talk to you until I had a shower and brushed my teeth that one day."
"I figured as much," Bella said, rolling her eyes. "Next time bring the deer home, and I'll cook it. You're supposed to share, greedy." There was a collective chuckle around the table.
"I shared," Jacob said, shoving Emmett to the side as he stood up. "Embry, you wanna come?"
"Run around in the woods acting like an idiot?" Embry asked, feigning offense. "Yes."
Bella, Angela, and Rosalie chuckled at them as they happily trotted out the door.
"I honestly thought I would never see the day that Emmett's best friend would be a giant wolf. It makes sense, though. He always wanted a dog," Rosalie teased.
"Are you coming to the baby shower?" Bella asked her.
"Wouldn't miss it," Rose said. "You know bases that aren't covered, we'll help with."
"I appreciate that," Bella said, "But, I think we're gonna try to swing it on our own. Learn some responsibility."
Rose rolled her eyes. "Please. You two have responsibilities coming out your hoo-has."
"Bella has a hard time accepting help," Angela said, nudging Bella with her foot.
"Oh, we know," Rose said. "That's why we made the garage and house offer to Jacob instead. We knew she'd go along with whatever Jacob decided."
"Seriously?" Bella asked incredulously. "I helped plan the house."
"After Jacob agreed to the offer," Rose said, giggling.
"Sneaky," Bella said, chuckling.
"Bella, honey, sometimes you just have to sit back and let people love you," Rose said. "Speaking of which, any luck on the house hunt for Embry?"
"Not yet," Angela said. "Though there might be a solution to that. His mom is talking about moving back up to the Makah reservation. Now that Embry refuses to stay with her, she says there's nothing left for her in this shithole. If she moves, the tribal council said Embry and I can take over that house."
"Is that what you want?" Rose asked her. Angela hesitated to answer.
"What's wrong?" Bella asked her. "You guys don't have to worry. You can stay here as long as you need to. You already know that. So don't go moving into a place where you don't want to be."
Angela smiled at Bella gratefully. "There's bad vibes in that house, Bells. Too many bad memories there for Embry. The whole place reeks of cigarettes. There are holes in the walls."
"Ugh. She reminds me so much of Renee," Bella said.
"You'd be surprised what a good remodeling can do for a space," Rose said.
"Yeah, and the burden of a pregnant, jobless imprint," Angela grumbled.
"Maybe we can get you a fake ID, and you can tend bar for Paul," Bella joked.
Angie said, "That's actually not a half-bad …"
"Nooo," Bella laughed, "I was kidding. What do you want to do, Angie?"
"Bella, I wish I knew. That's the problem. I don't have a clue what I want for myself. I knew what my dad's plan for my future was. It was never what I wanted, either," Angela admitted, "But, at least it was a plan. Now I'm just … floundering. Though I'm still actually liking the bartending idea."
"You could work there when he opens the bar if he's serving food," Rosalie said. "You don't have to be twenty-one to waitress. Tell him I said he should hire you if he can."
"You think he'll listen?" Angela laughed.
"Paul likes to be told what to do," Rose said, chuckling. "He's got mommy issues."
(JPOV)
Emmett, Jacob, and Embry raced along the trails.
Dude, why are we going toward the Cullen house? Embry asked.
Shhh. Guard your thoughts. Follow Emmett. Don't think about what we're doing. Just focus on having fun, Jacob warned. Embry huffed in understanding and picked up his pace.
Emmett jumped over a creek bed, landing in a crouch on the other side. Embry blindly followed and crashed right into him. The two rolled across the ground as Jacob skid to a halt. A flash of white and copper slammed into Embry, pushing him away from Emmett.
Edward stood in front of his brother, seething.
Dude, it was an accident, Jacob yelled at him. Edward turned to glare at him.
"Woah, Woah. Bro, we're pals. It's fine. It was my fault," Emmett said standing up. "Embry, you okay, man?"
Embry huffed a yes at him before glaring at Edward.
"Dude, what are you even doing here?" Emmett asked him.
"Jacob didn't tell you?" Edward asked skeptically. "Why are you here?"
"Rose and I came to see Bella. We were just out fucking around for a minute," Emmett lied smoothly.
"Well, then, I'll let you get back to it," Edward said.
"Wait for a second," Emmett said. "Why are you here?"
"I wanted some time to myself," Edward said. "But, Jacob already knew that."
Tell him the rest, Jacob thought. Be my guest.
"I'll only be here a few days, and I'll move on," Edward said, "Don't worry." He was gone in a flash, running towards the Cullen house.
"Guys," Emmett said as he glared after his brother suspiciously, "I'll meet you back at the house. Or send Rosie over here, actually. I have a feeling he's up to some stupid shit."
Jacob nodded and took off towards home. He and Embry phased and dressed, heading inside. The girls were still at the table, Rose's hands around a coffee mug. To everyone but Bella's surprise, Jacob sat down next to Rose and held his hands out. She grinned and let him clasp her hands between his own to warm them.
"Emmett wants you to meet him out at the house for some reason," Jacob said and winked at her. Rose pulled her hands back and flexed them.
"Ahhh. Thank you," she said, chuckling as she stood. "I'll see you guys soon." Rose flew out the door and into the woods.
"What was that about?" Embry asked him.
"The hand thing? Her hands get cold. It hurts her," Jacob said sympathetically.
"The cold hurts them?" Embry asked.
"Just Rose, I think. Alice gets migraines because of her visions. Jasper can pick up on other people's pain, and feel what they are feeling, too. Everyone is different," Bella explained. She stood up to start cleaning up the kitchen mess.
"Hey, let me get those," Embry offered as he stood to help. Bella gave him a dazzling smile.
"That would be great, Embry. Thank you. I think it's time for my morning nap, anyway," she said and yawned. Jacob stood and held his hand out to her.
"Can one of you guys come to wake us up if Rose and Emmett come back?" Jacob asked.
"Sure, sure," Embry said as he started running water for the dishes.
Jacob led Bella to their bedroom and curled up next to her on the bed. Facing him, she snuggled as close as her belly would let her.
"I bet I know why Emmett wanted Rose at the house," Bella chuckled. Jacob froze.
Shit. Did Rose tell her?
"Poking the bear," Bella giggled.
Wait. "What?" Jacob asked, "Poking the bear?" He sighed in relief.
"When Alice set up that graduation party, Rose said it was a great opportunity to poke the bear. I didn't know what she meant by it until later that night when she and Emmett came back inside with leaves stuck to them," Bella explained.
"I still don't get it," Jacob said.
"She calls him Grizzly," Bella said. "They were fucking in the woods." Jacob roared with laughter.
Poking the bear, huh? "I'm going to have to give Emmett so much shit about this."
"Don't tell him I told you," Bella warned, chuckling.
Jacob kissed her forehead and held her close. For once, Bella fell asleep before he did. He was too busy worrying about what was taking so long and what would happen if Edward's presence became a problem. Finally, Jacob closed his eyes and managed to doze off.
A light knock at the bedroom door woke him what felt like a short while later. He was surprised to look out the window and see it was near sunset.
Shit, now I'll never sleep tonight. Jacob climbed out of bed, careful not to wake Bella. He stepped out of the room and shut the door behind him quietly.
"They're back," Embry whispered. Jacob followed him quietly to the kitchen. The look on Rose's face filled him with dread. Something was very, very wrong.
"Guys, what's going on?" Jacob asked quietly as he and Embry sat at the table.
"Where is Bella?" Rose asked.
"Still sleeping," Jacob said.
"We've got a real problem on our hands," Emmett whispered. "And you're not going to fucking believe it."
"If it's something your dumbass brother did, I'll believe it," Jacob grumbled.
"I think we need to get Sam over here," Rose said. "I trust the pack. I want them here."
"If we call for them, it will wake Bells up," Jacob said.
"Bells is already up," Bella said sleepily as she walked around the corner. Her curls were wild around her head, sticking out in random places. She was instantly awake once she registered the solemn faces around the room. Jacob sighed in resignation and rubbed his face. He scooted his chair back and beckoned for her to come and sit on his knee.
Oh well. She would be pissed if she found out later, anyway. I just hope she doesn't go into labor when she finds out he's here with his new human.
"What's going on?" she asked Jacob as she sat down.
"Embry, will you go round 'em up?" Jacob asked. Embry stepped out back and phased long enough to howl for the pack. He came back in and sat down, staying pushed away from the table. A groggy Angela walked into the kitchen in her pajamas and looked around curiously. Embry held his arms out for her to come and sit on his lap as well. "We're gonna need all the chairs in a minute, Ange."
She smirked and walked over to sit on his knee.
After a few minutes, everyone impatiently waited around the kitchen for Leah to show up. She finally stepped through the door, her hair dripping and t-shirt clinging to her.
"Seriously, Leah?" Paul grumbled.
"What? I was in the shower. Not much good with soap in my eyes, am I?" Leah snapped. "What are we all doing here, anyway?"
"I asked for the pack to come," Rosalie offered. "I don't know if we'll need to involve you all or not, but you should hear the truth from us."
"You guys are scaring me," Bella said. "Please just say what is wrong."
"Edward has a new singer, Bella," Emmett said.
"I heard," she said. "Did he hurt her? Is she okay?" Jacob hugged Bella to him, rubbing her back.
Worried about someone she didn't even know. Jacob glanced around to find the same looks on his brother's faces. Typical Bells.
"I guess that depends on how you look at it," Rosalie grumbled. Emmett reached over to squeeze her hand.
"Ed decided to take off with this one and marry her," Emmett said. "And she's pregnant."
Jacob was grateful his arms were already around Bella as she slumped against him.
"Shit," Emmett growled, and Jacob was sure the instant panic on his face matched his own. Jacob lifted Bella into his arms and carried her into the living room, laying her on the couch.
"Bells, honey," he said as he tried to rouse her. Everyone had followed them into the room, watching anxiously.
"Em, crack the window, will you?" he asked as Bella began to stir. Jacob tucked a pillow under her head and sat next to her, putting her legs in his lap.
"What happened?" she asked as she tried to sit up some. She braced herself against the corner of the couch, looking around.
"Guys, have a seat," Jacob said, chuckling. "You passed out, Bells."
"I did?" she asked, blushing. He watched a multitude of emotions cross her face as she remembered. "Oh my god, Jacob," she said sadly. "That poor girl is going to die. He's killing her, and he doesn't even care."
"We tried to talk her into terminating, but he's got her head so full of bullshit," Emmett said.
"He was listening," Jacob said to Emmett. "The night I talked to you and Rose outside of the house. That mother fucker was listening. He did this shit on purpose. He took exactly what I told you guys, and fucking ran with it."
"I think he's lost it," Emmett admitted. "I mean it. He kept talking about Alice's visions of him with a wife and a child."
"Yeah," Bella admitted, "With me. He told me Alice saw those things for our future when we were together. I asked him how it was possible and he said that he thought we would adopt."
"I guess you weren't the one Alice was seeing, after all, Sis," Emmett said, scowling. "There is more, but I don't know how you're going to take it."
Bella sighed. "Just say it."
"She could pass for your sister. Like, a taller, skeleton version of you with straight, dark brown hair. Her fucking name is Billie."
"You can't be fucking serious," Sam said, shaking his head. Jacob was remarkably calm, all things considered. He was much more concerned with how Bella was processing all of this information.
Her ex-boyfriend had found himself a look-a-like of her to pursue the ending he had lost with Bella.
Bella looked positively ill.
"She's going to die. Renee said that vampire pregnancies always kill the human," Bella said.
"She believes he can turn her at the last second. After giving birth," Rose said. "Bella, I don't know what to do, here. I believe it should be her choice, and I understand her desire to have a child, but we don't know how this is going to end or what to expect from a half-vampire child."
"Leave her alone," Leah said clearly. Everyone turned to look at her. "I mean it. If it's a monster when it gets here, we'll kill it. But whoever this girl is … it's her fucking body. It's her choice."
"You can't seriously mean that you think her dying to give birth to a monster is okay," Paul said.
"Women die giving birth every day, Paul," Bella said softly. She looked down at her own swollen belly and sighed. "Leah's right. Rose is right. She deserves to enjoy what little life she has left. That's the least we can give this poor girl. Let her do that with her child."
Sam nodded in agreement, and Jacob assumed he was thinking about how Sam would feel if it were Emily.
"If he is unable to save and turn her, what then? What if this baby comes out a little blood-thirsty monster?" Jared asked.
"Then we put it out of its misery," Emmett said. "When children are bitten, they stay children forever. They are the very most dangerous of our kind and forbidden. If that is what this child is and we don't kill it, we will all be condemning ourselves. It is against our laws to keep immortal children. I won't bring that kind of fight to your doors."
"And what if this Billie girl dies?" Paul asked.
Emmett hung his head sadly, unable to say what they all knew to be true. Yes, Jacob knew all too well what Emmett's unfortunate plans were for his beloved brother. Jacob looked Rose in the eye and could read the confirmation there as well.
If this girl died giving birth to his monster child, Edward Cullen's reign of terror would finally end. Edward Cullen would be put out of his misery.
One way or another, she would be the last victim he would ever have.
PLEASE REVIEW :)