Chapter 10

I stood beside Edward and waited for the others to say something. I don't know why they didn't hear the extra heartbeat when they came in the house. But then again neither did Edward. I suppose it must have been the excitement of seeing me again after so long. It felt like an eternity before someone spoke.

"Really? That's . . . hmm. How do you feel about this," Carlise asked.

"I'm excited to be pregnant. But I have not told Jake yet," I answered.

"Why not," Esme asked.

"Well . . . ," I looked at Edward and hoped he would answer for me.

"Bella has not told Jacob because wolves use their imprints to breed stronger, better wolves. That is why they pick a particular female," Edward responded.

"You're his imprint," Alice screeched.

"No, no I'm not. He thinks I am. But I'm not. I'm Edward's mate."

They all smiled at me. I felt that way too. Just the simple thought of being with Edward again made me feel so happy and safe inside.

"Well, that's a relief. I still see you as one of us, Bella. That has never changed from the very first time I had the vision. I can't see with the wolves around so I have not seen anything from you since we left. I was asked not to look but sometimes things just come to me."

I turned on Edward. "You told her not to look?!"

Edward sighed. "I was trying to give you a normal life and with Alice looking for your future would not have given you a normal life. I am sorry for that, my love, but I thought you were happy."

"So how did you know about Victoria and Charlie dying?"

"Alice."

"You saw?"

"Sometimes but we still can get the newspapers and the internet. If I had known how miserable you were I would have been looking for you."

"It's ok. You were just doing as you were asked. I understand."

"Bella, how are you with everything that has happened and going on," Carlisle asked.

I walked over to the couch and I sat down. Edward sat beside me and took my hand in his. The others found a place and sat down. Esme smiled at me happily. The look of joy and contentment could be seen on all of their faces. I felt that way too.

"It has been hard, Carlisle. Though Victoria's death was a bright spot in my life, Charlie dying was a hard thing. I still have so much anger still for what happened. They didn't let me get to him in time. They sold his house even though I wanted to keep it. Any decisions about what occurred during and after his death and funeral were taken from me. Do you know they actually did not want Renee to come? I had a fit over that and they let this one pass. Then, of course, they blamed you guys for it all. Paul would not have been a wolf if you all had not come around. It was not your fault that Charlie was checking on a call and then Paul phased right next to them. He killed him and yet they want to blame you. They have drunk that Kool-aid for so long that they believe it. I have such a strong, unending hatred for Paul. He killed my Dad and he was too young to die."

Edward pulled me into his lap and cradled me like a child. I sobbed against his chest in sadness and in anger.

"Oh, Bella. That is horrible. I am so sorry you have had to do this by yourself. I am so sorry," Carlisle said.

I looked at him. "It's ok. I've got by."

Edward placed his hand on my chin and tilted it to look into my eyes. "You, my love, will never have to simply endure this ever again. I will do everything in my power to make you nothing but happy."

He placed his lips to mine and kissed me tenderly. I leaned back into his chest and sighed constantly.

"I hate to spoil the moment but you are pregnant with a wolf's pup. I think you need to decide what to do about it," Jasper added.

I knew he was right. I just didn't want to burst the bubble of love that surrounded Edward and I.

AUTHOR NOTE: Sorry this is a short chapter. Life happens and I have a 7 week old puppy and he takes up a lot of my time. This means your updates will not be a quick.