Chapter Seventeen, Mother-Son Time

Valerie's P.O.V:

I was the only one at home at the moment so I decided to spend it relaxing in the garden with my son. A blanket spread out beneath us as he played with his toys, a happy smile on my face as I played with him and watching him play, lovingly. Jace was in a cute outfit that Jasper would love. He wore a white T-shirt with red 3/4 length sleeves and in red writing on the front that said, 'Just a good 'ol boy', blue jeans and brown cowboy boots.

Whereas, I was dressed in a red tartan skirt with black suspenders attached that I left hanging, red thigh high boots, a long-sleeved off-the-shoulder red top, my hair in braids to the base of my neck and matching red nails, eyeshadow, lipstick and black eyeliner and mascara. Jace's coat and my red leather jacket were say besides us just in case it turned cold. Bella was off in the woods even though I told her not to go but she never listens and Dad was off fishing with Harry.

"You've got to keep your shoes on, my love." I laughed, slipping his little shoes back on his feet.

"Mama. Dada." Jace asked cutely, playing with his wolf stuffy.

"Dada will be back later, my love." I said, kissing his cheeks softly, seemingly satisfied Jace cuddled into me as we played together for the rest of the day. Around lunchtime, we head back inside, popping Jace into his high chair so I can make both of us some lunch. Consisting of some ham sandwich squares on plain brown bread for Jace with some banana pieces and a few raisins and a bottle of follow on milk. While I had some orange juice, a ham sandwich on brown seeded bread and an apple, though I only ate mine after I helped Jace. Before we moved into the living room as it was starting to get chilly.

Jace and I startled awake. Jace waking up crying on my chest where we had fallen asleep on the sofa, the reason for us startling awake; was Bella. Who came charging into the house shouting for Dad who was in the kitchen with Harry sorting out their fishing gear. When did they get back? They must have come back when we were asleep.

"Shhh it's okay my love." I soothed, picking up Jace holding him close as we followed Bella into the kitchen.

"Dad! I saw them." Bella cried.

"What's the matter?" Dad asked concerned.

"In the woods. They're not bears." Bella started but Dad cut her off.

"What do you mean 'in the woods'? Bells, what the hell were you doing out in the woods? And I bet you ignored your sister when she told you not to go!" Dad exclaimed, looking as if he wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Thanks Harry." I said gratefully, when he took the dummy out of the steriliser and rinsed it off thoroughly before handing it to me. Popping it into Jace's mouth, which seemed to calm him down as he drifted back off to sleep in my arms.

"They're wolves. I mean, they're like huge wolves." Bella exclaimed loudly, making Jace whine in her sleep.

"Bella!" I warned with a growl, before soothing my son back off to sleep.

"Are you sure about that, Bella?" Harry asked, sharing a look with Dad and I which she thankfully missed. If she carried on Dad would have no choice but to set up a hunting party. But he and Harry would lead them away from the pack.

"Yeah! I just saw them. They were after...something." Bella cried hesitating slightly, I knew then she saw something else in the woods and I knew none of us were going to like the answer. Dad continued to ask Bella about what she saw, like Harry and I wishing she didn't insist about seeing the pack.

"Alright then." Dad sighed resigned. "Harry, up for some hunting? Get some of your guys together?"

"Sure," Harry said just as resigned as Dad. "I'll just go make the call." He said, leaving into the other room patting my shoulder briefly as he past.

"Right Bella, I want you to listen to your sister and stay in the house." Dad said sternly, as he followed in Harry's direction. Bella turned to face me and waited until she heard the door close before she said something that I dreaded.

"Laurent was there." Bella said. "He came as a favour to Victoria to see if I and most likely you and Jace were still under the Cullens protection.

He knew I wasn't anymore but you and...your son were or are...whatever. She, as in Victoria. Most likely wants to kill you two as well." She said, smirking as she left. As soon as left it felt like my whole world was crashing down around me, and I couldn't breathe my eye continuously flickering gold as I tried to get my wolf back under control. Sliding into a chair, holding Jace in my arms I fumbled for my phone that was on the table, barely seeing it and dialling Jasper's number.

"Hello darlin'! Darlin'! What's wrong? Please answer me!" Jasper's voice asked worriedly, when I didn't answer.

"She knows! Victoria! Laurent was here as a favour to Victoria! She wants to kills us Jasper! She wants to kill Bella, she wants to kill me and she wants to kill our baby!" I cried almost animalistic but trying not to wake up Jace.

"Did he hurt you or Jace, darlin'?" Jasper growled.

"No, he didn't come here. Bella went into the forest and came across him. Apparently he went to your house whilst and saw it was empty as you're all out hunting. He was about to kill her when the pack arrived. Most likely killing him." I said, still crying and growling not scared for my life but more for my son's life. They come near them and I'll do the same to them as I did to Edweirdo!

"I'm on my way darlin' don't worry. Carlisle is going to phone the Denali's. I'll be right there. I made you a promise sweetheart and I intend to keep that promise. I love you so much." Jasper said, his voice becoming more gruff, and I knew the Major was trying to come out.

"I love you so much too Jazz. Please hurry." I pleaded feeling an overwhelming sense of fear and anger at the thought of a blood thirsty vampire coming after me and my sister but more importantly my son, my sweet innocent son. All because Edward and Bella couldn't admit there was nothing between them but a blood singer bond and a toxic relationship.

"Val? What's wrong?" Harry's concerned voice asked, making me jump out of my skin as he and Dad came back into the kitchen after no doubt finishing their own calls.

"Princess?" Dad asked, as he and Harry crouched in front of me.

"The vampires that escaped last year are back. And are coming to kill Bella, Jace and I. They're coming to kill my baby all because Bella got involved with someone who had no mate bond with her." I growled, my eyes glowing a bright golden amber.

"It's okay sweetheart, I'll let Sam know and they'll hunt for the one they didn't kill today. They'll protect you three and Charlie. And they'll stand guard over you while your changing on the Full Moon as that's when you're at your most vulnerable. And I have no doubt Jasper is on his way back?" Harry asked, resting a comforting hand on my knee.

I nodded my head taking slow deep breaths trying to match mine to Dad's and Harry's so I didn't wake Jace and so I could get my wolf back under control.

"Good. Don't worry we'll catch her." Harry said, kissing my forehead.

"I've got to head to the station but I can stay until Jasper gets here if you want? You know I will do my all to keep my two girls and my grandson safe." Dad told me, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"No, it's okay Dad. I'm calm now and my wolf is back under control for the most part anyway. It was a shock and the way Bella said it is all." I refuted.

"Are you sure?" Dad asked worried. I nodded my head.

"Alright, I'll lock the door behind me. I know it won't really do anything but, it's mainly to keep Bella in." Dad said, making me laugh. "Harry and I will make sure the pack aren't caught. Try and relax." Dad said, kissing my head as he and Harry bid me goodbye leaving to get the hunting party ready that would be setting out tomorrow at dawn.

Not ten minutes after Dad and Harry left Jasper arrived. Obviously he had ran faster than the others to get back to us quicker. It was lucky my bedroom faces the back garden and the woods so he wasn't seen. Neither of us had to say anything, he just sat on the bed next to me taking both of us into his arms as we snuggled and that was how we stayed for what was left of the day.

The next day as it was still sunny Jasper and the others went back on the hunting trip as I went to the Rez spending it with Leah and Seth while the guys and Cara rested and had a lie in after chasing Victoria to the Canadian border. Later in the afternoon I went around to Emily's to spend some time with her.

"Hi Emily." I greeted, smiling happily at her as I pulled the buggy up the few steps of her porch.

"Hi Val." Emily greeted, with a wide smile. "Here let me help you." Emily said, lifting the bottom of the buggy helping me carry it up the few steps.

"Thank you. I've missed you. Did you have a nice honeymoon? I'm sorry it was cut short cause of Bella." I said, pulling her into a hug which she happily returned.

"Oh honey. I've missed the two of you too. The honeymoon was amazing and don't worry about it it's hit your fault and it was only cut short by a couple of days. Come, I've set up a travel cot for Jace in the spare room you use and set up the baby monitors." Emily said, pulling back slightly to look at me a wide smile still on her face.

"Thanks Em." I said gratefully, as we walked upstairs to the spare bedroom gently taking off Jace's coat, shoes, hat, scarf and cardigan and covering him in the blanket. Before we left we popped the dummy back in his mouth and made sure the monitor was working before gently pulling the door closed, leaving his clothes, coat and shoes on the bed.

"I'm so glad Leah and I are making progress but I'm surprised she's warming up to the idea quicker than I thought." Emily confessed, as we went back downstairs.

"Sue and Harry think Leah will be the first woman to shift. She's stronger than what she should be and as displayed some behaviour like the boys and Cara have." I explained.

"Oh my poor cousin." Emily sighed, no doubt thinking of the pack bond. "Do you want to help me make muffins for Cara and the boys? I swear they're going to eat me out of house and home one of these days." Emily laughed, as we started baking. Laughing and sharing stories with each other but also keeping an ear on the baby monitor as we lowly played some music as we danced around the kitchen.

Just as we had placed some muffins on the table along with a long tray of sandwiches we heard some whooping from outside. Rolling my eyes I opened the door to Cara, Embry and Jared telling Bella not to stare at Emily.

"Can you boneheads keep it down!" I growled, my hands on my hips and my eyes glowing gold. "Jace is asleep!"

"Sorry Val."

Cara and the idiots apologised as Bella got out of her truck.

"Are you everywhere!? Why are you everywhere!? Why can't I ever get away from you!?" Bella shouted. Cara, Embry and Jared span around glaring and growling at my idiotic sister.

"I'm taking by the absence of Sam, Paul and Jake you did something to upset one of them. Most likely Paul. Meaning Jake and Sam had to save your sorry ass." I scoffed, raising an eyebrow at my sister. "So, I would suggest, not aggravating anymore werewolves dear sister, as you will not like the consequences."

"If anyone should get away, it's Val and Jace from you." Jared growled. "You are toxic Bella Swan. Val has grown up with all of us unlike you, she's our friend and will not be leaving if you don't like it get in your truck and go."

"What's going on?" Emily asked, popping her head out the door, looking from my angry form and golden eyes, to Cara frisking and being held back by her twin and Jared, to Embry and Jared who were almost shaking with their own anger. "Who's this?"

"Bella Swan, she's being a toxic bitch to her sister." Cara growled.

"Are you guys hungry? Like I have to asked." Emily laughed, trying to diffuse the tension in the three shifters. Which seemed to work as she led the way back into her house not saying anything to Cara, Embry and Jared about their language, everyone on the Rez knew it was true. No doubt from Dad, or Billy, or Harry and Jacob or even from Cara and Leah who had often seen it for themselves.

"Err ladies first, and save some for your brothers." Emily said, slapping Embry and Jared around the back of their heads. "Muffin." Emily asked, Bella as Emily, Cara and I both took a blueberry one knowing if we didn't take one now we wouldn't get one. Not that I can say much.

I stood in the kitchen talking to Emily as Embry told Bella all of their secrets.

"That boy never knows when to keep his mouth shut." Emily sighed, shaking his head.

"Would you shut up? These are trade secrets. Damn it! This chick runs with vampires!" Jared snapped.

"So does my sister and none of you seem to mind that she knows everything." Bella snapped.

"Well she's our friend, and she's actually a mate to Jasper which she can't help." Jared shrugged his shoulders.

"Some vampires can hear each other's thoughts too." I said, as Sam came in heading straight for Emily planting kisses all over her face. Shortly followed by Jacob and Paul who were roughhousing. Paul was sporting a new scar meaning Embry had won some money back after losing to me. Multiple times. Paul looked briefly at Bella apologising before he took a seat next to me so I was in between him and Cara while Sam hugged and kissed Emily.

"So can all vampires hear each other's thoughts?" Paul asked.

"No that's just Edward. They normally carry over something they had when they were human and it's enhanced." I explained.

"Jasper for example has the ability to feel and change emotions as he was very emphatic when he was human in the Civil War, Alice has visions but they're subjective and only show of what people decide, the path they're on basically. Iris has Telekenesis; Carlisle has enhanced control hence him being a doctor, Esme has the enhanced ability to love, Emmett has super strength, and he is stronger than what a normal vampire is. And Rosalie has enhanced beauty."

"So Iris can move things with his mind like Scarlet Witch?" Embry asked excited.

"Yeah basically." I laughed.

"Awesome." Jake and Embry said together, making us all laugh and shake our heads at the two minus Bella.

"Why the hell would you tell them their secret?!" Bella screeched. "They trusted us with their secret and you just blabbed it!"

"First; they didn't trust you. You went snooping. And second; Carlisle said I could as it would help catch Victoria. He thinks she has the ability to escape no matter the situation she's in as she hasn't been able to be caught."

"That actually makes sense, as she's harder to catch than others we've dealt with." Sam agreed, nodding his head.

It was a few days later, it had started off as a nice day sunny but partly cloudy, but the weather was drastically changing turning stormy as the rain started to come down. I was curled up with Jasper on the sofa watching Jace spin the toys on his walker, while the others were helping the pack trying to catch Victoria. I had no idea where Bella was she left hours ago and wasn't returning anyone's calls. When my phone suddenly ran.

"Dad, are you okay? Wait! What?! Is he okay? Please tell me he's not?" I asked, tears falling down my cheeks dreading the answer.

"Oh thank Merlin!" I cried, sinking bonelessly to the floor crying with relief and fear. I barely noticed Jasper slipping down besides me taking me into his arms. I felt bad for overloading him but I couldn't help it, Harry had a heart attack because of Victoria. "Are you sure he's going to be okay Dad? They what? Do I need to come over? Okay, please keep me posted Dad and give them my love. I love you." I cried, leaning into Jasper as he rubbed soothing motions on my back but didn't use his gift on me.

"What happened darlin'?" Jasper asked, even though I knew he heard the conversation.

"Victoria went to attack Dad but when Harry went to shoot her she picked him up and probably went to attack him if Jacob and Cara hadn't gotten her off of him. But he had a heart attack. Luckily Dad was there and helped him until Carlisle got to him. It wasn't a fatal one thankfully but it was touch and go for awhile but Carlisle said he'll be okay with rest. Dad's over at the Rez helping Sue while Carlisle tends to Harry, as Leah and Seth shifted when they heard about Harry. They couldn't catch Victoria she dived into the ocean." I explained, still feeling heart broken about my uncle.

"He's going to fine my love. Harry is a fighter especially if he tried to take on a vampire with a shot gun to save his friend." Jasper soothed, kissing the top of my head. "And Carlisle will look after him and won't let anything happen to him. As for Leah and Seth they're going to be just fine, they have an amazing support network including you who is an Alpha." Jasper said, kissing me softly. "Now how about we get this lil wolf some dinner, a bath and then bed?"

The night seemed to get worse as Bella with all her idiotic decisions decided to go cliff diving during a storm just see something, apparently. So Alice had had rushed round to mine to find out if we knew or heard anything from Bella. But not too long after Alice had arrived Bella turned up with Jacob who had pulled her out of the sea and who looked kissed as hell. I knew it meant he was late on his date with Angela.

"What the hell were you thinking Bella?" I demanded, as soon as she walked through the door. "Are Dad and I not under enough stress worrying for Harry, that you decide you want to add more by cliff diving in a storm?"

"It's was fun." Bella said carelessly.

"Pull the other one Bella because I'm not buying it!" I scoffed.

"Bella! What have you done?" Jake asked agitated. He thought he had seen her true colours before. But now, it seemed like there was a load more to it. "What the hell is wrong with you Bella? You are seriously not right in the head!" Jacob exclaimed.

"I have never known two people, who were so toxic towards each other, that they're prone to dramatics and life threatening idiocy. Not only for themselves but also for those around them." Alice ranted, as she stormed back into the living room after talking about Victoria with Jasper in the kitchen.

"You planned this didn't you?" Jasper asked, glaring at her no doubt sensing something in her emotions.

"I want Edward back! It's not fair that you two get each other! When you two killed him!" Bella screamed, pointing at me and Jasper.

"Well, you can't so grow up!" Alice shouted. "You best hope Bella that you haven't given us all a death sentence!" Alice shouted infuriated.

"You know what? Just go to your room Bella or go to the kitchen I can't even look at you right now!" I growled, my eyes gold. I knew her stupid plans weren't over yet, I just had a feeling. Bella huffed and stormed into the kitchen and slamming the door behind her.

"Send Harry and Sue my love, and Leah and Seth too. Tell them I'll be there as soon as I can." I asked Jake, just before he left.

"Don't worry Val, I will. Go get some rest your exhausted, I'll let Charlie know about Bella too." Jacob said, before taking off into the forest.

"Thank Alice." I said hugging her, just as she left too.

"Come on love." Jasper said, kissing my temple lovingly as he led be upstairs to bed where I collapsed falling asleep before my head even hit the pillow after checking on Jace kissing him goodnight and changing into pyjamas. Can we just get one day with out drama? Without Bella's drama?