A/N: Hey my lovelies... I thank you so much for your patience! I am working on another chapter now and hope to have it out by tomorrow. The battle is almost here, Yay! But then again so is the mysterious Douglas Uley. I'll be sure to have him introduced soon! Until then!

Cassie POV- December 1st

Looking over to Jake as he drives us closer and closer to Forks I feel excitement and fear bubbling within me. I have missed Elle and Joseff terribly. They are my family, my brother and sister no matter the hardships that have occured between Justin and I, it doesn't change anything on my end of things. Justin has always been my light in life but sometimes unforeseen occurrences happen, like imprinting. Yes, the ache is still residing in my heart but I see this as a new future for all four of us including my son.

Over the past month with Jake and L.J. we took the time to just be a family and I have to say that it made my heart burst with such passion and understanding for my mate. Knowing that this amazing man beside me not only accepts all the baggage I have gone through with my husband but also accepts me for who I am entirely. One night I broke down and told him my life story since I was born. Rage, sorrow, happiness, laughter. Everything about me he now knows. Of course I already knew his story, the guy is like an open book wanting to be read but that's what I love about him. He is straight forward, no secrets. Just himself. Pulling up to his childhood home I am a little nervous. Carlisle informed me that everyone is training today and there are two wolves on patrol. It's still midday so if they haven't seen us by now they are bound to get a sweet surprise.

Unbuckling L.J from his car seat, Jake lifts my sleeping son into his arms as we head towards the house. As we enter I realize that Billy is not alone, "Sue, there is nothing we can do for Justin and Leah. They have to work things out on their own. I mean, not only does he have a baby with Cassie but with Leah having his second child as well. The boy has to work on whatever issues he has because we have a war going on and the drama is surely not needed in the packs mindset." Both of us stop dead in our tracks when we hear the words that just came from Billy's mouth. Leah is pregnant? Pregnant with Justin's child. Wow, this has got to be the best welcome home present ever! Yay…

"Knock, Knock… Dad! Is it alright if we come in?" Jake asks before we enter the house entirely. "Son? You're home! Yes, yes! Come in!" Seeing Billing wheel himself from the back porch into the house with the biggest smile on his face makes my heart happy. He must have missed Jake just as much as Jake has been missing him! Moving quickly towards his father Jake swoops in for a tight hug, or as tight as he can with L.J. still in his arms. "I sure have missed you son…" There is a silent moment of understanding between the two men before they part embraces. "You know I missed you old man! I'm sorry for staying away for so long. I hope you understand why I needed to do it though." My mate looks towards his father with sadness hoping that Billy isn't disappointed in any way. "Jacob. Son, I could not be any more proud of what you've done. You left with your mate, knowing that she was broken by another. You helped show her how beautiful she is and how much love you are going to give her for the rest of your lives. So no, I am not upset but I am proud to call you my son." I can clearly smell the salty tears that are about to spill down Billy's face but he wipes them away before speaking again. "So this is Lucas? Wow, he sure is a handsome fella." Smiling down at Billy with admiration I thank him for his kindness. Before we can get into another discussion there is a loud howl that breaks through the forest. "Guess the secrets out babe!" says Jake. Laughing at his bluntness we head out to the back porch where Sue is still sitting with a worried expression on her face. Suddenly a white and black wolf run through the tree line staring straight at us. Jake just pulls me closer as he inspects the situation, nodding towards the black wolf they both return into the trees before emerging seconds later. My body is stiff and my face holds no emotion at all as I take in the man in front of me. He looks just as perfect as the day we first met. But instead of having that mysterious spark in his eyes all I see is pain. "Welcome back, wife…" he says it so softly. There is no bitterness in his voice but nervousness. "Hello Justin."

Jake POV - December 1st

"Welcome back, wife…" Hearing those words from her husbands lips is like a punch in my gut. Technically Cassie and Justin are still married at least until December 3rd. I am not worried on my mates part because she has expressed her feelings regarding us being together. I did tell her that I wouldn't pursue anything until the two of them actually sat down and talked over everything that needed to be said. Now it is not just about the issue of him cheating on her but also the topic of their remarkable son, Lucas. There is an innocent child in the mix and having that connection to someone is bound to change something within you. For myself personally, I can cope because I've practically raised this beautiful boy. However, if you take into account Leah I know for a fact that this will be a huge insecurity for her. Knowing that her mate is forever bound to Cassie because of their child. I just understand how that girl thinks sometimes and with Sue here discussing her daughters drama with my father just proves my point. Hopefully with time those two can become as close as Cassie and I are.

Cassie. Loving her is not hard to do, she is amazing. There is so much compassion and love in that woman's heart that I am glad the gods chose her to be my imprint. How it came about sucks ass but I do not regret being her soul mate. It surely makes life look a lot brighter than I've ever thought possible. There is no doubt in my mind how much I loved Bella and Leah but Cassandra, she's my perfect match. Watching her with Lucas makes me excited for the day when we have our own children. I plan on marrying this fine ass woman and never letting her go. Coming out of my musing I see the intensity of the entire situation and decide to take the jump and extinguish this awkwardness.

"Justin?" The man looks at me with a tinge of bitterness before it disappears, "Would you like to hold your son?" The man's face holds shock and nervousness. Lucas shouldn't be waking up anytime soon. The boys breathing pattern hasn't changed either so it will be safe for the father to at least hold his own son for the first time. "I, I don't know…" Stepping closer to the anxious man I nod my head towards Lucas before voicing my words. "You see this boy Justin? He is yours, your boy. Don't be nervous, his little heart is very joyous when meeting new people. You must know though. He knows exactly who his father is. I would not let him be mistaken to who his true father was. Lucas loves the outdoors and since we were around the Cullen's & Whitlock's he transforms into a little pup. Don't look so surprised... Chasing rabbits and squirrels amuses him to no end. The kid loves playing in water, toy trucks and cars are his favorite right now, but most of all he loves horseback rides. Or wolf rides if you get what I'm hinting at." Justin looks awestruck, "Why, why are you telling me this Jake?" With a smile and seriousness in my eyes I share my thoughts. "Because brother, this boy will always feel like a son to me… Always. But you are his father, you will build that relationship and cherish it just as I have. Know this though, I will always be in his life just as I will permanently be in Cassandra's. We are stuck as one fucked up family but you know what… In the end, this boy and that gorgeous woman over there, they are my life. I would do anything for them just as you would. I will never replace your role as his dad- ever. But you need to acknowledge and accept my role in his life as well. The faster we accept this the better this will end for this tiny human right here. He deserves all the love we can give him. No hate, or bitterness, or jealousy. Just love." Giving him a moment to soak in my words I go closer so that Justin has better access to grab his son. With shaky hands he takes Lucas and cradles him like a newborn child. Holding his head close to his heart while he looks down with such tenderness and tears glistening in his eyes. "Hello, Lucas… I'm your father." Kissing Lucas lovingly on the forehead the tears start to cascade down Justin's face. I step back and take Cassie into a hug as she watches the display before us. "Thank you Jake… You're amazing." Pulling her closer to my heart I kiss the top of her head with a satisfied smile on my face. And with a content sigh I only think of one thing. Everything will be just fine...