A/N: Hello my lovely readers! I apologize for the long wait. I have been sick on and off for the past two weeks so a sorry is in order! Here is another chapter for y'all! The next one is the big day of the up coming fight with Victoria. Until then... Enjoy!
Justin POV - December 1st
I couldn't concentrate at all today… The pack and my family are super pissed at me right now but I can't help being jittery. My wife and son are coming home today! Since Carlie had that talk with us Leah refuses to see me, I tried to explain that it changes nothing, that I will still be there for her. As the days go on, I appreciate her more and more. It really isn't that hard to love this woman known as my mate. Yes, there is still love in my heart for my wife but I have come to the acceptance that we both belong to different people. We have lived out the path that we were meant to and now there is something better ahead of us. I tried to explain this to my imprint but she's a stubborn one and refuses to even be in the same room as me. I already spoke to Bellie about it and I am so happy that we have finally reconciled our bond.
When I ran out the other day I was in fear and panic. Fear that I messed up Cassie's chance at happiness with Jacob. I mean she had my son, someone else's kid that could never and would never be Jake's. Cassie would be bound to me forever through our child. I didn't want to make her suffer anymore than I already have. Then the panic set in… Panic of not being a good father and the thought of not being known as L.J. father at all. I mean, I wasn't there for her entire pregnancy. Sure, her pregnancy only took 2 months but that just means that my son grows faster than any normal child would, like Cassie and my grandfather Isaac. L.J is probably older than a toddler by now but that's just a guess. Does he look like his mother? Or me? Question after question keeps racking my brain like crazy. Just when I was about to head over to Sam's place I catch a scent that has been imbedded in my brain and heart since the first moment I saw her. Cassie. They're finally here. With an ache in my heart I do the only thing my instinct permits me to, I howl in excitement and anguish.
The moment I stop my racket I see Sam coming closer, 'Are you okay brother?', this guy is always looking out for his pack. No matter what, I'm glad Bellie has him as a mate. 'I'm fine Sam. They're home, they're here. I need to see them Sam.' I hear his agreeance through our thoughts so we run towards Billy's house where the scent is the strongest. As we get closer I see Sue sitting on the back patio when Billy rolls out with Jake right behind him. Jacob is hold a little boy who looks about 4 years old, he has black hair and the same skin tone as Cassie. Then I see her and all I can feel in regret. She looks absolutely stunning with her turquoise spaghetti strap that stugs to her body nicely and a cute black school girl skirt with converse on. Her dance attire for sure, my wife, so beautiful and quirky in her own way. How I'm going to miss being with her.
Stepping closer to the group I take note that they are looking right at us. Sam does a silent communication with Jake before I turn around to change into my cut offs. I'm super anxious to meet L.J. for the first time. The first person I look at is Cassie, she looks so uncomfortable and I know that I am to blame for that. My beautiful, carefree Cassie is gone. "Welcome back, wife…" Oh man, I shouldn't have said that! Stupid idiot, that was selfish! I signed the papers already so I have no claim to her anymore. She's not yours anymore, Justin. "Hello, Justin."
No one said a word for a good while until Jake moves forward and surprises me, asking if I want to hold my own son. There was a moment of bitterness that pasesed through me, thinking to myself that this guy is closer to L.J. than I am but I swept that away as soon as I thought of it. This man is the one who rebuilt the woman that I destroyed by my stupid actions. I should feel admiration and gratification. I need time but I am sure it'll come. When I took Lucas Jayson White into my arms for the very first time, it was the absolute best feeling I had ever experienced in my life. This little being who came from mine and Cassie's love, he was so beautiful.
I only held him for 5 minutes before he started to wake up. The moment he opened his eyes I was slightly afraid of his reaction. Instead of screaming his head off like I expected him to, the kid just smiled and hugged me closer to him. Saying, "Hi Daddy, I'm Lucas." If you think holding your child for the first time is something, nothing prepared me for when he called me Daddy. I was in awe… Jake and Cassie showed L.J. who I was, told him all the good things about me at least. I was so happy that when the boy went to hug Billy for the first time I took Jake and Cassie into a big hug of my own with tears in my eyes. Crying my heart out in appreciation and sorrow. It was the most tears I shed since my brothers funeral. There are no words to express how I feel now that my son and his mother are home other than elation. I am so happy that my family is finally home. Now I just need to fix things with Leah. However, I'm gonna spend a little more time with my son before I have that final talk with my imprint. Life is going be different from now on and my mate is a main source of that life change whether she believes me or not. My main goal is to keep Leah and my kids happy and safe!
Bella/Belle POV - December 1st
'HOOOWWWL' Turning towards the loud noise in wonder I automatically look at my brother Seth to see if something is seriously wrong. The wolf just shakes his head when Carlie answers my silent question. "Aunt Cassie has returned. They're finally here." Hearing this news gets me excited beyond belief! They're back! Cassie, Jake, and little L.J.! I am not sure if I can contain my giddiness with such news on my mind but I suddenly hear menacing growls from all the wolves around us. Frowning at their weird behavior I finally catch sight of three vampires standing at a distance. Peter, Charlotte, and the mysterious Douglas Uley. My God, he like a splitting image of Samuel. This is incredible.
"Oh hush now! I wont have you growling at my family!" Listening to my daughters rant is amusing to say the least. I follow closely behind as I watch her jump into the arms of Peter. The act sure makes my insides warm up with love. I take note of the newcomers distance when Jasper joins the group. Douglas is being cautious knowing every word is being heard from all the others present. "Dougy, it's good to have you here. You really don't know how much I appreciate this." As they shake hands I notice Doug's eyes surveillancing the field. "No thanks needed Major, I know the prophecy and there is no standing against it or you." Jasper nods as he places his hands on Carlie's shoulders before speaking. "I understand your meaning. Anyway, I would like you to meet my mate and her mother, Carlie and Isabella. Ladies, this is Douglas." With a huge smile on her face she does the only thing that would surprise any vampire, she launches herself into his arms with giggles permitting out of her. Yes, the guys face holds uncertainty and shock. He looks to Jasper before embracing her lightly.
"Hello young one. It is wonderful to meet the blue eyed beauty." Breaking apart from Douglas she just shakes her head at his formality. "I hope I don't sound rude Dougy but we are family, literally. Do you not remember saving me and my mother from Nathan?" I figured Cassie would have told him if not Rose for sure. "I am not sure how much you remember from your human life but this is your home land, you are Douglas Uley, ancestor to my mothers mate." As Douglas stares at me, I can see the confusion and happiness in his eyes. Like he finally belongs somewhere. He finally understands why he is here now, destiny. "You are the mother I save from Victoria? You look and smell different. It seems that me saving you accomplished nothing… She still got her clutches into you did she not? I should have been there." Stepping closer to him, I gently place my hand on his cold arm. "There is nothing you could have done to change fate. Everything that happened was suppose to happen. My daughter is the blue eyed beauty because of it, I am the grey eyed pale face who is destined to protect the land of your people. Tragedy has to surface so the rest of the world can come to peace through her…" Facing my Carlie, I see the acceptance in his eyes. "Don't mind the boys papa, they are a little more cautious because of your eye color but that's just an instinctual thing. Other than that, Welcome to the Family!"
We spent another hour training before heading home. The packmates went back to La Push while the Cullen's, Whitlock's, and Dougy tagged along to my house. Upon arrival I had this intense relief run through me that I couldn't explain until I walked through the front door of my home. "Mama, Mama! Uncle Jake! Daddy is going to take me wolf riding! Can I go, can I go please?!" Listening to my best friends laughter makes my heart fill with intense joy. "Yes, son. You may go with your daddy. Be sure to be back by nightfall, do you hear me." Walking further into the room I see a beautiful little boy wrapping his arms around Jake and Cassie as he places a kiss on each of their cheeks. Speeding off down the secret passageway to the basement in pure joy. "Well, he sure is a handsome one isn't he sister?" Smiling at her with my arms crossed on my chest. I feel her in my arms within seconds as tears are running down her face. "Ellie, I am so sorry! I should have came home sooner but I just… I needed time away." Pulling back from her embrace I give her the sternest look I can muster. "Babe? Why are you even apologizing? You are my family, what my brother did was fucked up and I understand your choice. The only thing I regret missing was not being there for your pregnancy and L.J. birth. I mean come on! I have a nephew! This is awesome!" As we all laugh it off everyone settles in until the little boy returns to meet the rest of his crazy family.