Here's the latest chapter. Still no dice on Fictionpad, but this is live everywhere else. Things are starting to get interesting.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 17
It had been hours since our last round of love-making. The sun was high in the sky, Bella's fingers caressed my stomach lightly.
"Did you know the Wanderers believe you shimmer in the sunlight?"
"It is a relic leftover from the Great Battle. The armor did shimmer in the sunlight, it distracted and even blinded some of the Wanderers if light hit it right. They believed it was our skin."
"Oh. What time does Alice expect you today?"
"Alice?"
"You've spent every day with her since Garrett's departure. If you need to go, I understand."
"This is where I need to be. We've decided most of the major things, from there we will need to train people to fight and have an heir to draw them back."
Bella winced again. She had done it a few times this morning.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm just feeling these little pinches. I think you broke something with your massive cock."
"Bella, I can't believe you. What am I going to do with you?"
"Hopefully more of that," she teased.
We spent the rest of the day lounging around and I was happy for the chance to reconnect. The next day we returned to our normal activities.
Jasper and Emmett had gone out into the city and informed the citizens that there were dark times on the horizon. Thankfully, they were loyal to our family and after the events of Bella's Courting they had anticipated that it would turn ugly.
Any resident who signed a pledge of loyalty would be trained to defend themselves. When Bella and I stood there to watch the signers a week later, we were shocked to see the square full as people pledged their fealty.
While we were meeting with our people an older woman approached Bella and tapped her on the cheek. "The new prince or princess will be well loved."
Bella stared after her, but I tugged on her hair. "We should go for a hunt."
"Okay."
We had gone further than normal, finding a few humans living on their own. Bella drank deeply from the first woman, but couldn't finish the second.
"Bella, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just feeling full."
"You would tell me if something wasn't right."
She smiled at me and nodded. "Yes, but there is no need to worry. I would like to visit with your mother. It has been a few days."
"Then why don't we return home."
Bella took my hand and we reentered the city. As we arrived at the residence, she sought out my mother while I tried to clear my head. There were so many possibilities and contingencies but we would have time.
A presentation would happen when the child was three months old. We would not announce the birth right away, as was our right, but we needed to give a month's notice of the ceremony. I would not give our enemies more than that.
I don't know how long I sat there before Bella returned.
"Is everything all right?"
"Do you know where Alice is? Esme wants to speak to both of us."
"She was with Rosalie, I can get her if you'd like."
"No need, Brother, I'm here."
When Bella and Alice disappeared into my mother's room, I began to worry. Something didn't feel right. Alice had seen the need to be here and that meant something was happening.
I paced the room until the door opened and Bella emerged.
"Please tell me what is happening?"
Bella took my hands and led me to our room, where she pulled me to sit on the couch. "I'm all right, I just needed some confirmation before talking to you," she paused. "I'm pregnant."
"Thank God. I thought there was a reason for concern." I pulled her to me and she allowed me to hold her close. "I will talk to Jasper and Emmett about collecting Wanderers. We have a room in the basement used for the purpose so a pregnant queen doesn't have to hunt."
"Edward, do you remember what the seer said today?"
"Yes the prince or princess will be loved."
"And."
"And what?"
"The prince and princess."
I thought back to that moment and stiffened at the words actually spoken. My mind had processed them in a way that made sense, not how they'd been said.
"That could be a reference to future children. Multiples for a vampire is rare."
"That was what your mother said, but it is possible."
"I refuse to jump to that conclusion."
"Edward, I was a twin, and for Wanderers it runs in the family line. Also, every pinch and twinge I've felt has been a pair of them. Alice confirmed it with her vision."
"So we will have to be extra vigilant, the pregnancy will be higher risk."
"Edward that isn't what I'm worried about."
"What is it?"
"My mother, Renee, gave birth to me okay because I was small, but my twin brother and her died during his birth. I'm afraid."
"You'll be fine."
"Edward, you can't know that for sure."
I placed my hand on her still flat stomach and met her eyes. "I have faith. The seer said our children will be well loved and while the pregnancy is taxing, the birth is not. Our children age rapidly, and are born smaller than a human baby."
"You'll stay with me for the birth?"
"Yes. I'll be at your side for the next month. But I must talk to Jasper and Emmett as I said. So give me a few moments and I will be back."
Rushing downstairs, I was happy to find the men I was looking for in the living room with my father. "I need you to gather Wanderers for the queen, she's pregnant."
"We'll begin at once. I'll select guards to help us." Emmett turned to Jasper and he nodded.
After they'd left, my father approached me. "You know the next month will be difficult."
"More difficult than usual, she's carrying twins."
"She's your responsibility now. Nothing can take priority over her until the children are born."
"I know. Now that I've made arrangements for her meals, I have no reason to leave her side."
My father's prideful smile was bright. "Good. And congratulations, Son."