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 37

Following the big fight and Jacob's trip to the spirit realm, everything seemed to finally go back to normal. Bella had recovered from being healed by Ephraim and Anais, though was still currently living in the Black household, as she was still too weak to move much further than the front porch on her own. Not only that, but she was also cautious of going anywhere with the knowledge that her baby (fully developed inside her somewhat flat stomach thanks to the quick healing of Ephraim and Anais) was going to be born at any time. Though she had been shocked by the news, she was happy that her baby was healthy and would soon be entering the world, whenever he saw fit of course.

She had been receiving plenty of visits from the Pack, Quil and Embry being constant visitors and making her laugh with every visit. Angela had also visited one day with Embry, him having informed her of the aftermath of the confrontation with Victoria. While she had been horrified to hear what had happened and worried sick out of her mind about her friend, she was glad that Bella was alright, as well as her baby.

One person that Bella had been worried about was Paul, especially since Victoria had essentially crushed his heart. She had been pretty sure he was dead, so she had shed happy tears to know that he was alive. Jacob, while knowing Bella was very forgiving of Paul and worried about him, had been surprised to see her cry so earnestly in relief at hearing that he was still alive. It had made him realize just how much she cared about him as a member of the Pack and his brother, despite their tense history. She had asked him to take her to see him or bring him to her, though like her, he was on bedrest and hadn't moved from where he was recovering at Old Quil's. However, he had taken her to visit him briefly, and Bella had hugged Paul and cried once again, Paul returning her hug with his own tears shining in his eyes, knowing it was due to her that despite his crimes, his brothers had forgiven him and that they still loved him.

Another thing that had come as a surprise concerning Paul was his surprise relationship with Leah. It was no secret that they had grown close during his time of recovery with the female Shifter taking care of him. But it was surprising just how much closer that they had gotten. The news of Paul and Leah being in a relationship went through the Pack quickly, and while it was surprising, no one was in more disbelief that Sam. In fact, he had all but demanded what Paul's intentions were with Leah, irking his ex with his sudden display of possessiveness over her. Paul told Sam he wasn't going to fight him over Leah because there was nothing left for Sam to fight for concerning her, and that if Leah wanted to be in a relationship with him, then it was her choice. Jacob had been present as to make sure nothing kicked off, especially with both Paul and Leah being rather hotheaded and Sam could get to that point if provoked enough. Sam was still not accepting of their relationship until Leah finally came out and admitted that she had Imprinted on Paul. When asked when it had happened, she said it had happened after he had woken up from being unconscious. Because Paul's wolf had been as injured as he was, neither of them noticed that she had at the time, but had accepted it nonetheless, though they hadn't begun their relationship until both Leah and Sue were sure Paul was mostly fully recovered. Jacob had considered it before saying it made sense to him and telling Sam that he needed to be supportive of whoever it was Leah decided to date, especially since she had finally accepted that Emily was the number one girl in his life now. Leah and Sam had had another deep discussion between them, just like they had before Paul returned to the Reservation, and Jacob was happy to see them hugging it out.

Jacob himself was enjoying having Bella back with him. He had been so afraid he was going to lose her, how close he had been to losing her; not just her, but their baby too. He had shed the tears of pain that he had held in when everything had gone down, and Bella had held him close and comforted him as he finished crying those tears. She whispered to him that she was there with him, that their baby was there, that they were both alive and well and weren't ever leaving him. After Jacob's emotional outburst, he had calmed down and had held her in relief knowing she wasn't going anywhere. At some point he had broken the news to her that Anais had taken back the power of the Alpha Female, and that Bella could no longer turn into her Alpha Female form. Bella had simply smiled and shrugged saying, "If she's taken it back, then that means that I used it as I was supposed to and no longer need to anymore. That must mean that Anais thinks I've done my job well."

Bella had then smiled playfully. "Besides, I think it's safe to say that so long as you're Alpha, I'll always be the Alpha Female."

And that was true. The Pack, while knowing she could no longer half-phase, still regarded her with the same respect they had given her as the Alpha Female, acknowledging her as Jacob's mate, and were all excited for the arrival of the baby Alpha. Speaking of babies, Sam and Emily had stopped by to announce that they were expecting as well. It was a surprise for sure, but Emily was excited about it. Sam was too, though Jacob could see the fear residing in his eyes about the prospect of entering fatherhood. Luckily for Sam, he was able to talk out his fears with him, telling him that most men weren't ready for fatherhood at any age, but those that chose to stay and help raise their child were more of a father than those that ran away. And if he knew Sam, Sam wouldn't run away. He had even offered for Sam and Emily to babysit and practice with his and Bella's baby when he finally arrived if it would help put Sam at ease. Sam had thanked Jacob heartily and accepted his offer before stating he and Emily were going to the Makah Reservation to inform her family of her pregnancy.

Yes, life seemed to be going on well for everyone and everyone was back to doing their usual routine. Jacob was glad that things had finally slowed down as well. It gave him time to think about something that he had been considering for a while, and he felt it was no time like the present to do it.

Bella sat on Billy's couch, silently watching television while rubbing her stomach. She had been having a few cramps here and there since late last night, and she was still experiencing them midday now. She figured it was nothing except nerves, as her nerves had been a bit haywire anticipating the birth of her baby, especially since Sue had said it could be any day. But two weeks had gone by and her baby didn't seem to be in a hurry to make his way into the world. She supposed it was alright and that she just needed to be patient.

She was so engrossed in the show she was watching, she didn't notice the sound of her father's police cruiser pulling up in front of the little red house. It wasn't until Billy rolled his way into the living room and announced that Charlie was outside did she finally blink and look away from the screen.

As the door opened and her father stepped in, Bella smiled and greeted, "Hi dad."

"Hey kiddo," Charlie replied with a smile, moving to the couch to hug his child. Pulling away he asked, "How are you? And the little one, how is he?"

Bella had informed her father of what had transpired with Victoria and how both she and her baby had almost died but had pulled through. Charlie had been appalled and angry, but that had soon changed to relief and elation that his daughter and grandson—a grandson!—were alright in the end. After that, he had threatened Jacob with bodily harm if he allowed Bella to put herself in mortal danger ever again.

"I'm okay, and he's doing good too. Though, my stomach has been cramping since last night."

Charlie and Billy looked at each other before looking back at the brunette. "You might be in early labor, Bells."

"And if that's the case, it won't be long before your water breaks," Billy added.

Bella shrugged. "Maybe, but who knows for sure? Sue said all pregnancies are different and unpredictable. And mine sure isn't normal."

"Well, you're not exactly normal either, Bella," Billy said in jest, a teasing smile on his face.

The brunette stuck her tongue out at the man, causing him and Charlie to chuckle in amusement. The moment was interrupted when the front door opened, and Jacob stepped inside. He greeted everyone before looking at his girlfriend. Clearing his throat he asked, "Bella, can I talk to you in private for a minute?"

Bella, noticing the nervous air about her boyfriend, frowned and asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah it's fine. It's just…I have something really important to talk with you about."

"Okay…"

Billy and Charlie shared a look before excusing themselves, stepping outside onto the porch to give their children privacy. They already knew what was going to happen and didn't need to be present for it. This was Jacob's moment, and they were going to let him have it.

Once their fathers were gone, Bella asked, "Is it something bad? Did something happen?"

Jacob blinked before shaking his head. "No, it's nothing like that. It's just…well, there is something that I've been thinking really hard about and I'm positive about it now."

"Okay. What is it, Jake? You are kind of beginning to scare me."

Jacob took a seat next to Bella on the couch, making sure to face his girlfriend as he did. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak. "Bella, we've been through so much together in the past few months, too much to be reasonable, really. But we've always come out on the other side of any situation stronger than before. You've always been on my mind and in my heart. You are my best friend, ever since we were kids and making mud pies in the dirt. Even way back then, I've always thought you to be the most beautiful girl in the world and always wanted you in my life. I would dream of the day that I would one day call you my girlfriend and maybe even my wife but was never sure it would happen, especially with you being with that bloodsucker."

He let out a small chuckle. "So weird how you going wolf would get things moving between us."

Bella let out a small laugh, though her heart was racing in her chest. Jacob's words…where was he going with this? Was he…?

Jacob took another deep breath before continuing. "Bella, what I'm trying to say is that I love you. I love you so much and I've always loved you. And being on this journey with you turning into the Alpha Female and everything following really put things into perspective for me, things that I was already sure about, but are now solidified. I love you Bella, and I want to be by your side forever, to raise our son together for the rest of our days on this earth. I don't want anyone else but you in this life and the next, and if you'll have me, I promise to always make you the happiest woman on earth and give you everything in my power. Isabella Marie Swan…" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple gold band with three embroidered pink flowers and tiny diamonds in the center of each flower. It was simple, but beautiful, and it had once belonged to his mother Sarah Black. Billy—after being asked to have it to propose to and marry Bella—had given it to Jacob, stating that Sarah had told him to hold onto it until he was sure Jacob was ready to put it on the right girl's finger, then their son could have it. His nerves beginning to really kick in, Jacob slid off the couch and sank down onto one knee, holding the ring up as he looked into beautiful chocolate brown eyes. "…will you marry me?"

Bella stared at Jacob in awe and in shock, her mouth hanging open slightly. She had no idea what to say, how to respond. Jacob had just proposed to her! He had laid his heart out on the table—like plenty of times before—and had put the ball in her court, waiting anxiously for an answer. His words had touched her heart and she knew that she loved Jacob more than anything in the world. But marriage? That wasn't something that she ever considered and hardly believed in. Marriage hadn't worked out for her own parents; would it work out for her? But she also knew her response was important and would either make or break Jacob. One thing she had learned the hard way was that if anyone had the power to hurt Jacob, it was her. She held his heart in her hands and she had been careful not to hurt it, loving him unconditionally and she knew she always would. But again, marriage? Was she ready for such a big commitment? When Edward had proposed—more like demanded—she had been just as shocked but was instantly inclined to decline. But with Jacob proposing, her heart was beating a mile a minute and the butterflies in her stomach erupted something fierce.

Looking into his brown eyes, she could see the anxiousness in them hiding behind all the love he held for her. She smiled, having never felt so loved than she did now, but knowing that like her, he held her heart in his hands, and she wouldn't give up Jacob for the world. She loved him as much as he loved her and she couldn't see the rest of her life unless he was in it by her side.

Coming to a decision, the brunette opened her mouth to answer, only for a surprised gasp to escape her lips. Surging forward, she gripped Jacob's shoulders as he exclaimed her name in surprise. When asked if she was alright, Bella looked up into Jacob's concerned eyes as a warm wetness spread between her legs. In a slight whisper, she answered, "The baby's coming."

Author's Note: This was going to be the penultimate chapter, but I had to divide it into two. The continuation of this chapter will be the following one, and then the epilogue. This story is almost over! (cries dramatically) I hope you all enjoy this chapter and stay tuned for more to come. Love, SehunsBae37.