We'll Be A Family
C14: Puppy Trouble
Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.
Alice's POV
A couple of weeks later Bella and I were relaxing in the living room, with Bella leaning against me and her legs in Rosalie's lap, her young mate sound asleep on my shoulder. "She looks so peaceful right now. I think she's finally getting used to the fact that she's halfway through her pregnancy." I said with a soft smile.
"It's not just that Ali. She's mostly just glad that her hormones are starting to even out, so I think she'll start developing her cravings soon, at least if the books I've read are anything to go by." Rosalie said with a soft smile.
I smiled at her as Bella stretched and opened her eyes. "Hey. Was I asleep for long?" Bella asked adorably sleepy.
Rosalie smiled and kissed her softly. "Only a couple of hours baby. You can sleep a bit longer if you want to."
"No, I'm okay. I'm a bit hungry though. Could I tempt you into getting me some burgers?" She asked with an adorable smile.
Rosalie smiled at her. "Of course you can. You know you can tempt me to do almost everything. Any type of burgers you want, my love?"
"I could go for a few double cheeseburgers, and perhaps some fries and a strawberry milkshake." Bella said excitedly.
Rose smiled and gave her a soft kiss. "Then I will go and get those for you, baby. Will you be okay for a while?"
She nodded and kissed me. "Of course I will. I have my sisters here, or did you have somewhere to be Ali?"
I shook my head and smiled at her. "I've cleared my schedule for you Bella. I'm all yours for today."
She smiled at me as Rose took her leave. "Then I am sure you wouldn't mind getting my laptop so we can order an outfit that is going to dazzle Rosalie for my birthday next week."
I'm sure I had a look on my face like I was just given the greatest gift in the world, which in my mind I was. I would of course have preferred going to the mall with her, but I knew there was no way we would be back before Rosalie, so I gave her a quick hug and flashed upstairs to get her laptop.
Within a minute I was back downstairs and back on the couch with Bella, and she wasted little time in cuddling up with me as she opened up her laptop.
"Are you okay Bella? It's been a while since I have seen you this cuddly, or excited about shopping for that matter." I asked softly.
Bella smiled at me. "I've become so used to being in a vampire's arms that it's just become second nature. Besides, you're comfy to lie against."
I smiled at her and then at the picture that was her background, which was her and Rose in their bikini's a couple of weeks ago, both of them having a hand on Bella's belly and smiling wistfully. "I still can't help but smile every time I see this picture. You and Rose look so happy."
"That probably because we are Ali. I couldn't imagine my life without her anymore." She said with a soft smile.
I smiled at that. "The same goes for her Bella. I saw so many beautiful things before you two got together and I'm honored to get to see all of those things come true."
She smiled at that as she opened up a browser. "So, what are we looking for. I put myself in your hands Ali."
"That totally depends on what you want to go for Bella. We can go for sexy, comfortable, casual or even something high end." I said with a soft smile.
"To be honest, I would like something sexy for Rose, but also comfortable that I will last through the party that I know you are planning for me." She said with a slight blush.
I thought about it for a minute. "So sexy and comfortable. I think we can work with that. As a matter of fact, I think I know exactly what we need to look for. Zara should have exactly what you're looking for."
Bella smiled and went to the website, where we spent a little while browsing before I saw the dress that would be perfect for her. "Be sure to pick a size larger than you're used to, that way I can make sure not to overemphasize your belly with the accessories that I plan to let you borrow. You will love the belt I have in mind." I said with a smile.
"You saw this didn't you?" She asked with a soft smile.
"Bits and pieces. You know I try to stay out of your future as much as I can." I said honestly.
Bella smiled at me. "It's okay Ali, when it comes to clothes I don't mind you looking into my future, since I have no fashion sense to speak of."
I smiled at her. "We'll get you there Bella. Just give me a couple of years and I'll have you blossoming in the beautiful flower that you are."
"I wish you good luck with that Alice. We both know I am still the human equivalent of the color beige." She said with a soft smile.
"I think that is not true anymore Bella. I am sure that the old Bella would never have been okay with wearing a bikini for her girlfriend, or would have suggested this for that matter." I said with a soft smile.
She nodded and smiled at that. "Fair, I probably wouldn't have done that if you hadn't been there to guide me."
I smiled as I pointed out a dress. "I think that will look very cute and sexy on you Bella. I'm sure it will blow Rosalie away."
She smiled at that. "Do you think I can pull that off though?"
"I'm very sure of that Bella. Rosalie is going to love it on you, especially when the outfit is completed with accessories." I said with a grin.
Bella smiled at that as Rose walked back into the living room, a bag outstretched in front of her. "Surely it doesn't smell that bad."
"I don't understand what you find appealing about this. It truly smells like dirt to me." Rosalie said with scrunched up face.
Bella smiled apologetically at the blonde as she took the bag, and I couldn't help but concur with Rosalie. It really did smell awful, but Bella seemed to enjoy it and that was what mattered.
Bella's POV
While I enjoyed my meal, Alice brought my laptop back upstairs, undoubtedly ordering the dress at the same time, and I couldn't help but smile at the look of disgust on Rosalie's face. "I'm sorry love."
"It's okay baby. I knew your cravings would start soon, and I had an inkling that it was going to be junkfood. I'll get used to it soon enough." Rosalie said with a soft smile.
I smiled at her as I continued munching on my fries with relish. "You know. I was thinking, now that we're expecting twins, we should perhaps look into another room for them, it might be a bit cramped if they're both in that room."
"I was thinking the same thing, and Esme is looking to add a room for the before they are born, and while it might take some rearranging, I think our dear mother will think of something beautiful for her granddaughters. I couldn't imagine anything else at the moment." Rosalie said with a soft smile.
I nodded at her as Esme and Sulpicia walked into the room. "What is that god awful stench?" Sulpicia asked with the same expression Rosalie had.
"Your granddaughters were apparently craving junkfood, so I went and got McDonalds for Bella." Rosalie said with a smile.
Esme smiled at that. "We expected that you would get your cravings soon sweetie. It's okay. We really don't mind it, as long as it stays healthy. You know I don't mind cooking whatever you want."
I smiled at her. "I know Mom, but this was the first time it was so powerful, and I really wanted burgers and fries. I couldn't wait any longer."
Esme smiled as she took a seat next to us. "I've personally never really had a problem with the smell, but my dear wife is still a bit new to this type of junkfood. She of course prefers high class meals." She said with a teasing smile to Sulpicia.
Sulpicia only huffed as she took a seat next to Rosalie. "Well excuse me for having standards."
I smiled at that. "But mother, it's so good, are you sure I can't tempt you to try a french fry?" I asked with a sweet smile, which I had learned the ancient vampire was mostly powerless against.
Sulpicia smiled and picked up a fry, pulling a face as she tentatively tasted it. "Honestly, this is not bad, but it is something I would rather avoid. I really don't want to tempt the fates."
I smiled at her. "Sorry Mom, but I just wanted to see the look on your face. I would never ask you to eat something other than humans."
Sulpicia and Esme smiled at that. "Thank you dear. I am usually not opposed to human food, but I could never stomach that greasy stuff that is so popular these days." Sulpicia said with a soft smile.
I smiled and went to hug her. "It's okay Mom, I usually am not a fan of this stuff either. But apparently it is what your granddaughters want at the moment."
The two women smiled and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "We'll let you enjoy your meal in peace. We have to call Didyme for the latest reports."
I nodded and smiled as they left. "I'm going to go too. Jazz is back and I need some Jazzy time."
"Please Ali, I don't need any visuals on you defiling our brother." Rosalie said with a smile.
"Who said anything about defiling him? I just want my cuddle time with my Jasper. Cuddling with you is amazing, but as you well know by now, nothing can replace the arms of your mate wrapped around you." Alice said before flitting upstairs.
I just smiled and cuddled back against Rosalie with my milkshake still in hand as Victoria strolled into the living room. "Someone's had burgers by the smell of it. Were you hungry, little bird?"
I smiled at her as she took a seat. "Not so much me, but your nieces certainly were, and apparently they had a hankering for junk food."
The redhead smiled at me as she took a seat on the other couch. "Well it's not that long before they're here, so we were all wondering when the legendary cravings would hit you. What does it feel like. I'm so curious."
I smiled at her. "It's probably not unlike the burn you guys feel. Always there simmering slowly, but it hits so powerful out of nowhere."
Victoria nodded at that, looking far more serious to be believable. "What are you planning Vicki. I know that look." Rosalie said suspiciously.
"Nothing bad Rose, I promise. I'm just thinking of the seemingly so many similarities between a pregnancy and the life we have." Victoria said softly.
Rosalie's look softened and she smiled at her. "I've noticed the same, but I have also seen that Bella's pregnancy so far has been fairly peaceful, and because of it the symptoms, so to speak have been a bit lessened. I remember that my friend Vera was very sick in her first trimester and absolutely miserable in the last, but I have to say that at twenty five weeks, Bella's cravings have started early, but that might have something to do with her being pregnant with twins."
"I'll be very honest and say that it was something none of us saw coming, but I'm so excited to meet them both." Victoria said with a bright smile.
I shared a look with Rosalie, who only smiled and nodded at me. "We've noticed, which is why we have a question for you. Would you like to be a Godmother to one of our baby girls?"
Her smiled widened at that. "Of course. I would love to. I'm honored that you both think I am worthy enough."
Rosalie smiled at her. "You, like the others we asked were very much a no-brainer. They will have two Godmothers each after all, and I'm sure we can figure out the details when they are born."
"Can I hug you two? I know you have a thing against physical contact from anyone besides Bella, but I really want to hug you two right now." Victoria said buzzing with nervous energy all of a sudden.
Rosalie only nodded and helped me to my feet, the redhead hugging us both. "Thank you both so much. You don't know what this means to me."
"We do, and that's why we asked you together with Jane, Alice and Heidi. I know you'll be an amazing Aunt, for both of them." I said softly.
She smiled at me and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. "I promise to reward the trust you've shown me, not just today, but ever since I met you."
Rosalie smiled at her as we retook our seats. "Perhaps you two should go for a day out together. It's been a while since you two had a sister day."
We shared a look and smiled. "Yeah, we should do that little bird. A spa day is exactly what you need."
I only nodded and smiled as we fell into more easy topics of conversation, although most of them were still centered around the babies.
Rosalie's POV
The following day the entire family was relaxing in the living room, being cuddled up to their mates in one form or another, except for the twins and Heidi of course, since they were without a mate, but even they added to the domestic feeling by sitting close to Bella in one way or another, while my young mate slept against me.
Suddenly a cacophony of growls resounded through the living room, startling Bella awake. "What's wrong, who died?" She asked sleepily.
I smiled at her, despite the foul scent that started to permeate the house. "Nobody died yet love, but Jacob and the pack are here, undoubtedly to harass us into a new treaty, which I think will not work out in their favor."
"I'll stay close to you love. You don't even have to ask. I do however want to come and see. If only because I have a few things to say to Jacob Black." She said with a soft smile.
I nodded and helped her to her feet as we followed Esme and Sulpicia outside, the two women having adopted their regal faces.
Outside the entire pack had gathered, all of them in their human forms at the moment, and I could see the shock on Sam's face as he took in how much our family had grown and that Carlisle wasn't here to speak for us.
"What is this Esme. Where is Carlisle?" Sam demanded.
Sulpicia growled at him. "Quiet pup. You are not in the position to make demands. First you are going to tell us what exactly you are doing here upsetting this household."
Sam growled at her. "We smelt a human here and that in and of itself is a violation of the treaty, so I ask again, where is Carlisle. He has things to answer for."
Sulpicia glared at him. "Carlisle is dead and your treaty is void. Now if you want to create a new treaty, you will do so with me, and I suggest you take that, because the alternative will be something you will not enjoy."
Sam growled at that. "We are not going to make a new treaty, we are just going to end things now."
Sulpicia grinned maliciously at that. "Very well. Rosalie, would you please take Bella inside. She doesn't need to see this."
I nodded at her as I led Bella inside. "I knew it was Bella is smelled. Bella what have they done to you?" Jacob asked with a growl.
Before I could stop her she walked up to Jacob, but still keeping behind the rest of the family. "They have given me what no one else has ever given me. A loving family and a safe environment, without expectations."
He growled and I could see he was close to phasing. "Wait a minute, you're pregnant? How is that even possible?"
Bella glared at him, and I couldn't help but get aroused at the sight. I had learned a while ago that an angry Bella is a sexy Bella. "What happened to me is none of your goddamn business anymore Jacob Black, because I am sure that you would've done the same given the chance, so I suggest leaving us the hell alone from now on, unless you all want to die here today, either way I won't lose any sleep over it."
I smiled proudly at her as I led her inside and to our bedroom. "Are you okay baby?" I asked her softly once we were in bed with each other.
She nodded and kissed me softly. "I'm okay love. I just said some things that I really needed to say to Jacob. It was bad enough that he tried to force himself on me once, and I have no doubt he would've done the same as those bastards did and I will sleep better knowing that there will be one less threat to our happiness, but more importantly, to our little girls."
I smiled and kissed her softly as we relaxed against each other. "What do you mean he tried to force himself on you, love?"
She sighed softly at that. "The last summer I was here, which was about three years ago, he tried to kiss me out of nowhere, and then played it off as nothing when I slapped him, even tried to blame me for it, said I invited it, while I was just being nice to him."
I couldn't help the growl that ripped from my throat as Bella wrapped her arms around me as I could hear the whines and whimpers of the wolves, who were probably under Jane and Alec's gift. "Every fiber in my being is screaming to rip that pup apart for what he did. But my heart is telling me to stay here and protect you."
"The family can handle them love. I would rather keep you close too so I know for sure that you will be okay, although I will admit it is hot hearing you be so protective of me." She said with a soft smile.
I smiled at that. "I can smell that love, and may I say that you have definitely ruined my panties with that glare you shot Jacob."
She smiled and kissed me softly. "You've said several times that I am very good in ruining your underwear, so this hardly comes as a surprise, but I could be coerced to do something about that." She said as she let her hand trail over my leg.
I only smiled and kissed her softly. "While I certainly wouldn't be opposed, it is probably not the best idea with all of the emotions running so high after today."
Bella smiled and cuddled into me. "I know, I was only teasing. I'm more than okay with cuddling with you until Mom calls us down for dinner."
"I think they're already busy with the clean up. I can't hear anything else at the moment." I said with a soft smile.
"You know, I just realized another benefit of me being pregnant. Cleaning of any kind doesn't really apply to us at least until the girls are born." She said with a soft smile.
I smiled at that. "I am willing to bet that you don't have to do any housework while you are still human, baby."
"That I am more than okay with that, I did enough of that for Charlie and Renee, but I hope I will be allowed to change a diaper or two." She said softly.
"I think that we'll be allowed a lot when caring for our daughters, I have a feeling that Esme and Sulpicia will allow us the full motherly experience and will stand by with advice where necessary, although I will admit that it will be interesting to see how everyone will react to that first diapers. I happen to know that those are the worst ever in terms of smell and consistency." I said with a soft smile.
Bella smiled at that. "I've heard and read the same, and to be honest it is not something I am looking forward to, but I'll have to get used to it. We'll be changing diapers for a while."
I just smiled and kissed her softly as we continued to bask in each other's presence, until Esme called us down for dinner.
Bella's POV
After dinner Sulpicia and Esme sat us down. "In light of everything that has happened today, we have been forced to make a couple of changes. The puppies were as expected very hostile and none of them survived our encounter, and to be sure, we are going to be moving to Denali within the week, just to be safe. We think it is safer to do that now while you are still relatively mobile then to wait until the last month of your pregnancy. Tanya and Athenodora have graciously agreed to let us live there for a while, and when the girls are here, we'll start looking into a permanent location where we can settle. A lot of planning goes into relocating a family our size after all."
I smiled and nodded at her. "I understand Mom, and I don't mind relocating for a few years. I hope no one was injured today?"
"No sweetling. The wolves were not prepared for Jane and Alec. It was a very easy fight all in all. We had more trouble cleaning up the bodies and getting rid of the stench." Sulpicia said with a soft smile.
I smiled at her. "I think I should be glad that I will never know what they smell like."
Esme smiled at me. "Think wet dog but stronger. It's really a pungent smell for us."
I scrunched my nose at that. "That's gross. I'm glad they won't bother us again."
Everyone smiled at that. "We're glad for that too sweetie, but I am surprised that you're so okay with this. Jacob was your friend, wasn't he?" Esme asked softly.
"He hasn't been a friend to me in a very long time. I meant what I said to him that he would've done the same as those bastards did to me, because he almost went that far once about three years ago." I said softly as I cuddled further into Rosalie.
There was a cacaphony of growls coming from everyone, and Esme was by my side before I had time to blink, pulling me into her arms. "It's okay sweetie. He can't hurt you anymore."
I relaxed in her embrace. "Thank you Mom. I'm sorry I brought all these problems on the family."
Esme smiled sweetly at me. "My dear Bella. This is far from your fault. What happened today was bound to happen at some point. The puppies were always too demanding of us and while I had to hold my tongue while Carlisle was around, I no longer had to. I will not have anyone disrespecting our family."
I smiled at her. "Still, I feel that so many of the bad things that happened recently are my fault."
"No they're not sweetling. They would've happened regardless of your presence or knowledge. Don't blame yourself for this." Sulpicia said sweetly.
I just smiled as she wrapped her arms around me as well, and I just couldn't help but relax in their arms, when I felt a weird flutter in my stomach, making them both smile. "It seems your daughters agree Bella. You should not blame yourself." Esme said with a soft smile.
I nodded and pressed a kiss to their cheeks. "I promise to try Mom, hormones make it a bit difficult though. I'm just so overly emotional."
"I know how you're feeling sweetie, and we're all here for you if you need to talk." Esme said softly.
I smiled at that. "Can we just have a family game night or something, just to get all of our minds off the things that have happened?"
Esme and Sulpicia shared a look and smiled. "Of course dear. I think we've all earned a night where we can just be a family together."
I smiled and gave them a last squeeze before cuddling back up to Rosalie, who immediately wrapped her arms around me in a comforting hug, while we quickly made teams for our first game, and for the first time in a long time we could all just let go and be ourselves, even if it would only last a short time.
