A/N: Thanks for the reviews, follow's and alerts;-)

Sorry for the irregular updates. School year is coming to an end and my finals are coming up. I hope to write more when school's over. I won't be able to write for at least a month. So please stick with me.

Huge thank you to my prereaders Dooba and Simaril, who took the time to read and beta this chapter.

Also thank you to Jezzeria for her advice

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.

On with the story... Back to newborn Bella

After I was sure Renesmee was settled and sound asleep, I got up and left the bedroom. I didn't want to leave her, but there were things that needed my attention. I felt the dormant frustration and edginess bubble up again. In a flash, I was on the porch. I noticed that night was falling; the sky had darkened. It made everything look different, more mythical. I stared at Jacob, softly hissing. He stared right back at me. His eyes were fixed on me, his jaw clenched.

I got antsy with the staring contest we seemed to be having. It put me on edge. I couldn't take it anymore, everything that happened beforehand with him preventing me from seeing my daughter, him wanting to keep her away from me… I was very grateful that the family stood up for me, but even if they hadn't, I would have fought him. While these thoughts passed in my head, a switch flipped. I growled and crouched down. I heard and felt people around me, but it wasn't enough to stop me. I lunged at Jacob. I ducked to avoid the closest vampire, who was trying to grab me. By the time I was off the porch, the female standing beside my target leaped. Her body was trembling terribly.

It was too late to stop my attack. Instead of hitting the male in front of me, I hit the female. However, she was a wolf now, a huge grayish wolf. I felt myself slam into her. Fortunately, I missed her head and her bared teeth. Her shoulder got the brunt of my attack. She yelped. We sprang away from each other, regrouping. During our collision, the male that I wanted to attack had shifted too.

I was just back in position when the voices around me registered. At least four people had caught up with us. The first male, the blond-haired one, darted between me and the wolves. He held his hand up, trying to keep the peace. I didn't care for his request, nor, it seemed, did the wolf, as we kept glaring at each other.

The male closest to me called to me. "Bella?" I whipped my head to him, still keeping the wolves and the other male in my eye line. The bronze-haired male came closer tentatively. His eyes held apprehension. My body was still ready to attack. He stopped just out of arm's reach.

"Bella, come back to me, please."

I hissed at his words.

I saw the female wolf being chastised by the russet-brown wolf, but she didn't let up. She turned her head towards me and bared her teeth. I didn't even get the time to do something before someone wrapped their arms around me, pulling me to his chest and placing his hands on my bare wrists.

I went ballistic at being restrained. I growled, wriggled, and kicked, but nothing helped. The foreign feelings washed over me. It was then that I realized who had grabbed me. This time however my body couldn't repel the calmness that washed over me. My muscles started to relax little by little.

I saw the female wolf walk back behind the russet-brown one, slightly limping on her front leg. Obviously, I did some damage. The third wolf – when did he shift? - A smaller, brown one went to her and nuzzled her head with his nose. My attention was drawn to the blond-haired male that stood between me and the animals.

I was still being restrained by the honey-blond male, while the waves of calmness kept washing over me. The male next to me took a step closer and touched my arm. Automatically, I hissed, snapped my head back to him, and bared my teeth. He held his hand on my arm though.

"Bella, it's me. Look at me."

His calm voice somehow soothed me. It was then that my mind calmed down completely.

The frenzied haze lifted from my thoughts. I was very wary and on edge because of the wolves, but everything came into perspective. I looked at Edward first. A small smile lifted his lips when he saw the recognition in my eyes. My mind was no longer solely focused on the wolves anymore. I felt like me again, a rational being.

I took in my surroundings. The ground was disturbed because of our feet shoving over it. It created a pattern of lines, some more pronounced than others. The trees seemed unharmed.

The one restraining me, Jasper, released me slowly. Probably sensing I was me again. He remained next to me though. He didn't trust the situation enough to step away. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea. Everyone was still in the same position.

"Jacob, you're making this harder for yourself. We tolerated you while Bella was changing, but not anymore," Jasper spoke up.

Again? Why did they tolerate him in the first place? He drove me insane with his behavior and his stench. I gagged at it. He was going to tell me, now! It took everything I had to ask it and not just go at him again. Maybe he would finally leave.

"Jacob… Why are you still here?" It was a simple question, but it meant so much. It was also a question to the Cullens. Why had they tolerated him?

Jacob seemed undecided at first, then he squared his shoulders and raised his head, looking right into my eyes. It was like he was searching for something. I didn't know if he found it. Before he could open his mouth, Edward interfered.

"Tell her the real reason why you are still here," he said through gritted teeth.

Jacob nodded stiffly. "Do you remember what I told you about Sam and Leah?" His tone was softer. It still had some determination in it, but it wasn't as authoritative anymore.

At his question, a growl came from Leah. I directed some of my attention on her. She was still quite hostile, and apparently, Jacob's question didn't help. She held one of her front legs off the ground. When she saw where I was looking at, she growled at me again.

"Leah!" Jacob reprimanded her. She grew quiet. He looked back at me, imploringly. I tried to remember but drew a blank. I shook my head, frustrated.

"It's a wolf thing… Sam, Leah, Emily?" He was very careful with what he said. He wasn't comfortable with me knowing. That didn't forebode anything good. I tensed slightly.

Edward was losing his patience. "Get to the point, Jacob!"

Everyone in my line of sight watched me intently. I tried to summon memories, anything that made sense. At first, nothing came up. I hissed from frustration. I tried again. Different very fuzzy images appeared: me riding a motorcycle with Jacob, me in a wedding gown dancing with him, me lying on a couch while he held my hand.

Nothing about those three names though. I shook my head again, indicating that I didn't remember.

"I get very fuzzy images… But none about those three…."

Jacob sighed, disappointed. "Do you remember anything at all about imprinting?" he asked. The two wolves next to him tensed up. Even the vampires that I could see were more alert; if that was even possible, because they were already alert.

I watched him while trying really hard to delve deeper in my head. New fuzzy memories appeared: Jacob and me walking, he was explaining something to me. I replayed it over and over, trying to grasp what he said. Only a few words stuck. Something about imprinting? That was the word Jacob used. I focused more on that particular memory. Jacob was pushing a motorcycle. He was explaining about Leah, why she behaved the way she did. He explained what Sam was thinking, his reasoning.

At that last bit, suddenly it clicked and more things fell into place. I puzzled it together: Jacob's posture, his presence after I woke up, his reluctance to give Renesmee to someone else, his attempts to keep me away from her. He had imprinted on her!

I snarled. My body tensed, ready to crouch. My teeth snapped closed. My inner beast was rattling, trying to take the upper hand. Edward tightened his hold on me. Jasper stepped closer, laying a hand on my arm. His waves of calmness were the only thing that kept my rage controlled.

"How dare you? I barely seen her and yet you already think you own her? She is MINE! MY daughter. You are not going to be around her."

"You remember then? Bella, you know we don't control it. I didn't choose this. It just happened. I had every intention to kill her when I thought you were dead. I stalked towards Rosalie who was holding her, but then she looked at me and… it just happened."

I snarled at him when he said he tried to kill her. I wasn't the only one; Edward hissed. He must have read it before in his mind, but hearing it out loud was another thing. From behind me, I heard two others hiss. A quick glance over my shoulder told me it came from Emmett and Rosalie. They probably didn't know that bit of information.

"You are pushing it, mutt. Don't you dare threaten my wife. If I had known you were stalking her, you wouldn't be standing here anymore," Emmett gritted out.

Jacob held his hands up again. "It was before I made eye contact with her. The moment I laid eyes on her, every thought of harming the blonde or Renesmee left my mind."

"Should I be grateful that you didn't kill her? If you had harmed her in any way and Edward wouldn't have killed you, I would have the moment I found out." My exclamation earned a growl from Leah.

"Are you not listening? I can't hurt her, physically or emotionally. She is my world now. She means everything to me. If she hurts, I suffer too," Jacob forced out.

My eyes narrowed again. He sounded too protective, too possessive. I replayed my memory of Sam and Emily and Leah. The more I tried, the fuzzier they became. I could still grasp the critical point though: a love triangle. A love triangle where Leah couldn't win because Sam couldn't help it. He couldn't deny his feelings for Emily, stronger than those for Leah. He loved her with all he was… Because Emily was his imprint.

"You love Renesmee. You actually love her. Are you in love with her?"

He held her before me. He fed her, took care of her, loved her, before I even had the chance to meet her. Did he seriously think he had any claim over her because he imprinted on her? My anger grew. Edward lightly squeezed my shoulder to keep me anchored. I was thankful for that, as I felt myself getting worked up again. It must be difficult for him, too. I saw his jaw clench and fingers curl into fists as he stared at Jacob, daring him to answer me.

"It isn't like that! Do you really think Edward would let me stay if I crushed on his daughter like that? And believe me, Edward would know if I lied, remember. He read my mind and saw what I felt for her. Think about it. It's the reason why you wanted me around while you were still pregnant. It wasn't you but Renesmee drawing me to her. I can't explain it, but somehow I already felt some connection."

I hissed at his frustrated tone. He had no reason to be annoyed with me. The nerve he had to say that Renesmee had a pull on him while she wasn't even born! Although Edward and Jasper did their best in keeping me calm, it seemed my anger was getting the upper hand.

Carlisle stepped in to diffuse the explosive situation. I wondered where he was during the buildup to this. He was almost too late. It wouldn't take much to succumb to my anger. Carlisle looked at me then turned his gaze towards Jacob.

"Enough of this! We aren't getting anywhere this way. We don't want another fight. Jacob, you better be careful with what you say and how you say it. This is not the time. Frankly, I think you have to go, at least for a while. You made some serious judgment errors."

Jacob had the decency to murmur an apology at his reprimand. Then Carlisle directed his gaze to me.

"Bella…"

Jacob wasn't calmed down completely it seemed, as his posture became dominant again. "You can't forbid me from being around her. I can't risk her safety-"

Carlisle held his hand up to stop Jacob's protest. I heard Rosalie scoff from behind me. I eyed Jacob. I was so angry and frustrated at him.

"Stop. Leave! It isn't a suggestion this time, Jacob. Get out, all three of you."

"And stay away!" Emmett growled from behind me.

I felt movement around me and suddenly all the Cullens – save from Esme – stood together on both sides of me.

Carlisle tried to be civil. "I'm trying to find a compromise here, Jacob, one that will work best for everyone, but if you are going to keep pushing, you'll lose. When it comes down to it, and I have to choose, then I will choose Bella. The whole family is prepared to stand with her. It would be nice if you were there but if you can't settle down, I don't want you on our property," Carlisle stated.

Leah and Seth growled at him. They were answered by growls from all the vampires except Carlisle. The situation was at a breaking point, and Jacob held the key. His answer would determine the whole outcome. If he chose to keep pushing, it would result in a fight between the three wolves and the Cullens.

He looked around to everyone. He seemed troubled when his eyes settled on the mansion.

The Cullens stood tall with piercing eyes. They were ready to fight if they were forced. Emmett flexed his arms, clenching and unclenching his fists.

Jacob's eyes moved back to Carlisle. "I want to stay. I can't leave. If you want Bella close to Renesmee, I will be there. I can't allow you to let them together without me being present. I won't risk it."

I hissed at him. He was talking about me like I wasn't even here, standing next to Carlisle. Edward tried to keep me calm by rubbing my palm. His expression was stern and directed at Jacob. Jacob didn't budge though. Carlisle interjected before tempers would fly again.

"Right now, I want you out. You ruined your chance. This night, you will leave."

For a moment it seemed like Jacob would refuse, but a look at the united front of vampires changed his mind.

His shoulders sagged. "Fine, but first thing tomorrow, I'm back here."

I snarled. He backed away, looking at me and the other Cullens. With a last look at the third floor of the mansion, he turned around and ran into the trees. I heard clothes ripping followed by and chilling howl. The two other wolves cast a last glance at us before running after Jacob. We stood there a moment watching the spot where they disappeared between the trees, then everyone relaxed at the same time. For now, it seemed, we could live in peace. Tomorrow wasn't certain.

It was then that I became aware of my throat; it hurt. I inhaled deeply and whimpered as a searing hot pain flared up. I grabbed at my skin. Immediately the others concentrated on me again. I turned towards Edward.

"I'm thirsty. Please, it hurts. I need food!" I became frantic from the pain.

Edward took my hand from my throat and tugged me towards the trees on the other side from the mansion.

"Come on, let's go hunt."

We ran through the forest. Different smells assaulted me. Different sounds invaded my ears. My thirst drove me forward. My sole focus was hunting.

We sped in silence. I noticed suddenly we were being followed. The smell of three individuals reached me. I halted abruptly and spun around, crouching and hissing. My companion halted too and stood beside me.

"It's okay. It's just Jasper, Carlisle and Alice. They won't harm you. They are just to make sure no accidents happen. Calm down."

It didn't calm me down at all. The male next to me tilted his head, like he heard something. Then he took my hand and began to run again in the direction we were heading.

"Forget about them. They will stay back. You must be so thirsty. The sooner you feed, the sooner we can go back to Renesmee."

His words didn't do much to me. They just made the burning sensation more pronounced than it already was. I didn't care for everything around me. The male running alongside me urged me to locate a thumping sound. I focused all my attention on that. Sifting through all the noises of the forest. Finally, I heard it, thumping sounds coming from our right. I took off. I inhaled and multiple scents invaded my nose. I sped up till I saw what was ahead. A small herd of deer was grazing. I stopped and lowered myself. I stalked them, using the trees as cover.

They hadn't noticed me. I zeroed in on a deer on the outside of the herd. I looked at the path towards it, seeing some twigs and small stones. I went for the kill, avoiding the obstacles to remain quiet. The deer spotted me too late. By the time they made the move to sprint away, I was already on top of the one I picked out.

I heard bones crack while I wrapped my arms around her body and sunk my teeth in her neck. I gulped quickly. The warm fluid rolled over my tongue and soothed my throat. It didn't taste that nice, but it helped. All too soon, the body was drained. It was when I dropped it that I saw I wasn't alone. The male who accompanied me stood a few yards away with another deer. The animal was still alive but in shock. The male pushed the deer in my direction and nodded. I didn't understand his motives. Was it a trap? Would he attack me if I went after his meal? The deer remained still. It couldn't move, it was so petrified. The male cautiously nodded again towards the animal and took a step back. Was he offering me his meal?

The frantic thumping of its heart lured me in, and in a flash, I was next to it. I grabbed it and sunk my teeth in its neck. I gulped until all the warm fluid was gone. When I released it, I saw that I had crushed its windpipe. It tasted the same as the other one. While it wasn't delicious, it still soothed the burning sensation in my throat. I stepped away from the body.

My mind was more at ease now that the overwhelming thirst was quenched.

I looked up and saw Edward standing there. I smiled timidly. He approached me with a small smile on his lips. I wanted to hug him but he held me at arm's length. I didn't understand.

"Is your throat better?"

I nodded.

"Your clothes are ruined, love. The others are nearby. Do you want to clean up in the river near the house or do you want to use the shower? Alice has clothes and towels here if you want to use the river," he said with a smile.

I looked down at myself, seeing my bloodied and torn clothes. If I washed off in the river, I could return home and go straight to Renesmee.

"The river. When we get home, I want to see Renesmee."

Edward nodded, took my hand and together we ran back to the river. When we arrived, I saw a pile of towels and clothes neatly on the forest floor. I looked around but could see the others. Where were they? I sniffed and smelled them but they weren't that close.

"They are burying the deer you drained. You have privacy, don't worry."

At Edward's words, I calmed down and undressed. I was fully aware that he was behind me. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw he was turned away. I stepped in the water. I submerged myself completely. Underwater, everything sounded different.

I heard the water rushing over me, lapping at my body. It was a strange feeling. It should have been cold, but it wasn't, a nice thing about being a vampire. It was quite loud. It was like I was standing under the shower. It almost overrode the noises of the forest. I emerged my head from the water. I looked for Edward and saw him still standing in the same position. He looked so handsome. His bronze colored hair stood in all directions, his shoulders broad and pulled back, his hands in his pockets. It took everything I had, not to leap at him.

Warm fuzzy feelings coursed through my body. It tingled, made me feel happy and a little hot, and bothered. I emerged completely and got out of the river. As I neared him, he turned around. His eyes roamed over my naked body. When they reached my eyes, I saw they were black. I gulped and clenched my thighs.

He swallowed and looked into my eyes.

"Bella, don't you want to go back to your daughter?" he asked.

Like a switch was turned the warm fuzzy feelings disappeared. All my thoughts revolved around my daughter. I wanted to go back to her so bad. I nodded. He motioned to the piles of towels and clothes.

"Get dressed and then we'll go."

I turned towards the towels and picked them up. The material was so soft. I let my fingertips glide over the fabric. I could feel the texture of cotton. I brought it to my nose and inhaled. A wave of freshly washed cleanness invaded my nose, making me exhale relieved. It didn't smell synthetic like washing powder, but it actually smelled natural. It was nice and comforting. I buried my face in the fabric. Edward chuckled. I looked at him curiously.

"Do you like the towels?"

"They are so soft… and smell so nice…" I said totally in love with the towels. He grinned at my enthusiasm.

It was so smooth as I wrapped it around my body. I wanted to secure the towel, but when I pulled the ends together in front of me, I heard a tearing sound. Immediately I looked down and saw that I had torn the towel in two.

"You are stronger now. You have to learn how to control your strength. It will take effort from you. You have to think while you do it. Think like you are holding something really fragile."

It was frustrating. I held the torn towel in front of me, inspecting it. It was useless now. Annoyed I threw it away. In my annoyance, I used too much strength apparently, as I heard the fabric tear more. I eyed the second towel. Slowly I reached my hand out and let my fingers rest on it. Very softly, I curled my fingers so I held some fabric in my hand. So far, so good. I concentrated on my hand as I lifted the towel. I heard a little tearing sound. The muscles in my fingers relaxed some of its pressure in response. When the tearing sound stopped, I brought the towel towards my body. Now came a tricky part: wrapping it around me and securing it. I looked up at Edward.

His eyes were dark as he watched me. I didn't understand and tensed a little. Before it got too much, he spoke.

"Relax, Bella. I'm not angry. It's just that… You look very appealing right now… without clothes on… I'm sorry; it is totally not the time for this…"

I realized that I was still naked and the warm feelings came back. Edward gulped.

"Bella, remember Renesmee? You want to see her, don't you?"

His question brought me back to the task at hand: getting dressed. Renesmee! I wanted to see her. All my thoughts revolved around that longing. In my eagerness, I was too rough with the towel and it tore a little further.

"Careful. Fragile thing you are holding. Handle it very delicately."

His reminder made me aware of my overuse of strength so I concentrated again, being careful. Very slowly, I succeeded in wrapping and securing the towel around my body. I bend to pick up another towel from the pile to dry my hair. I tried to rub my hair with the towel but it tore. I growled in frustration. Edward came closer to me, taking the fabric out of my hands. He started to dry my hair smoothly.

"Don't worry, love. You will get the hang of it. It's difficult in the beginning. You did a good job so far. You only destroyed one towel. There are still some towels left, Alice must have seen your struggle with it, hence the spare ones."

His comforting voice and words soothed my frustration. Now I was glad that Alice stayed with me during my first shower. I would have destroyed the whole bathroom and all the fabric in it. It still annoyed me though. I hoped that I would master my strength soon so I could get things done myself.

"How long does it take to control my strength?"

"With some practice you'll get it right. We are all here to help you with this. You are indeed physically stronger than us but it's seven against one. So if things got out of control, we will be able to stop you. Plus if Jasper can get close enough, he can calm you down."

At Jasper's name I hissed softly. Edward looked deep into my eyes.

"Jasper isn't your favorite person right now, is he?"

It wasn't really a question, more a statement which I nodded tersely at. Jasper didn't seem so happy with me; it wasn't all from my part. I saw his black angry eyes boring into me, heard his cold voice and his commanding tone. His behavior combined with his scars triggered my defense mechanism. I didn't even have to think about it, it just happened.

"We will have to find a solution to that though. He will be very helpful with your struggles."

I narrowed my eyes, not convinced that Jasper would 'help' me. He would more like demand my obedience. Besides, right now, I didn't care. I had a little girl waiting for me. Thankfully, Edward didn't say anymore and continued to towel dry my hair. The feeling and movement of the towel felt nice, almost calming. I stared right in front of me. The flowing water was loud, but I heard the forest noises over it. Combined with the experience of my hair being dried, it relaxed me. My lingering anger about Jasper ebbed away.

Once my hair was almost dry, I shook my head, making my long hair cascade down my back. I combed my fingers through it to untangle it. Sometimes I was too forceful and pulled too hard on a knot, making me wince. When I was done untangling my hair the best I could, I unwrapped the towel and started the very difficult task of drying myself off. I managed to do that but when I was done, the towel was also torn. I dropped it by the already torn towel. Flickers of frustration mingled with the calmness in my mind.

I eyed the pile of clothes warily. This would be a disaster waiting to happen. Unfortunately, Alice wasn't here to help me this time. I was annoyed by the time this whole ordeal took. It was precious time going to waste.

I inhaled deeply, held it and breathed out slowly. I kept my focus on Renesmee. I had to do this right. I picked up the first clothing article, my underwear. My panties weren't that much trouble when I stayed focused and monitored my strength the whole time. My bra wasn't so easy. I wanted to clasp it closed on my back, but tore the straps. I growled in annoyance before throwing it on the pile of destroyed towels. When I went back to the pile of clothes, I spotted another bra. Alice must have seen it.

Somewhere in my mind, a small part was embarrassed at the thought that she had seen all this. The biggest part was annoyed and frustrated though. I looked at Edward to see him standing turned away again, his hands balled in fists in his pockets. Why would he…? O..oh, I was still naked except for the panties. A tingling feeling settled between my thighs.

"Bella…" Edward groaned. I watched the back of his head, confused why he reacted this way.

"Bella, if you keep this up, we won't be going to Renesmee. I can't control myself much longer. Please get dressed now, love." His voice was strained.

Right, my daughter. I was losing precious time. How could I forget her so quickly? I had to get dressed, now! With new focus, I picked up the bra, studying it closely. I had to monitor my movements when I closed the clasp. I put it on my body backwards. Now I could see the clasp on my stomach. Very carefully I brought the two endings together. I tried matching the two plastic hooks from the one side to the two little plastic loops on the other side. I maneuvered them until they were in the right position to hook together. It worked. The plastic parts were slightly deformed but the clasp held so it wasn't a problem. I moved the bra so it fitted correctly. I rolled my shoulders in relief.

Next, I picked up a shirt. It was soft and felt nice to touch. It had a V-neck but otherwise looked quite plain. It was beautiful but nothing fancy or complicated. I put my arms through the short sleeves and slipped it over my head. I ran my hands over it to smooth it out. This went alright, didn't tear it or anything. With renewed hope, I picked up the next item from the pile: pants. This was rougher. It didn't feel as nice as the fabric of the shirt. I balanced on one leg while putting my other in the right pipe, and then I put my other leg in the other pipe. It was a tedious job to keep my strength monitored while I pulled the pants up. I realized that it was a pair of dark jeans. The only thing left to do was close the zipper and the button.

I grabbed the zipper and started pulling it up. I felt the material give way under my fingers. A soft growl of frustration escaped my lips.

"You're doing okay, love. Almost done. You can do it."

Edward's words of encouragement placated me. I looked up and saw he had turned back around. He was facing me. When my eyes met his, I saw love reflected in them. It gave me courage to try again. The zipper was a little deformed, but it stayed zipped-up. The button took more work, but again Edward soothed me with encouraging words. Once I had that done, I smiled, happy that the difficult task of dressing was almost done. I looked back at the now decreased pile. A jacket lay on top. I grabbed it and saw it was an open jacket. It was made of soft but durable material. It could be closed with button but it could also be worn just hanging open. I was very happy. I closed my hands and shoved them through the long sleeves. I shook my upper body a little so the jacket fitted correctly.

The only thing left of the pile was a pair of open flat shoes. I stepped in them and wiggled my toes. They felt fitting but not too tight. I was elated. I did it. I grinned at Edward, who smiled back.

"Alice tried to pick out clothes that weren't too difficult to put on. So no expensive designer clothes or fancy blouses with buttons. And no heels, as you might break them off."

He seemed quite amused with that. At first I didn't understand what was so funny about that. Edward raised his eyebrows. I shook my head, I couldn't remember. Apparently it was an inside joke but I didn't get it. It annoyed me a little. Edward, sensing my shift in emotions, quickly changed the topic.

"Don't worry, you'll understand later. Let's just say that she had to restrain herself in shopping for clothes. It's for the better though. Are you ready to go back to the house, seeing our sleeping daughter?

I eagerly nodded and took his outstretched hand. We ran back towards the house. The forest around me, although very enchanting in the nighttime, held no appeal to me. I just wanted to go home. It didn't take us long to get back to the lawn. I leaped on the porch. I saw the rest of the family in the living room through the windows.

The dimmed lights created a homey-feeling. I soaked it in. I didn't dwell on it too much though. My attention was drawn to the third floor. I heard her heartbeat and breathing coming from our room. I inhaled deeply to sniff her unique scent. I was very happy when the foul stench of the wolves was diminished. It was still there, lingering around the house but not so potent.

I moved in a straight line towards our room. I had only one thing in mind: seeing my daughter. Being away from her made me anxious. I couldn't fathom that I forget her for a moment in the forest.

I watched Renesmee sleep in our bed. She looked so small in the big bed covered with the blankets. Her lips were slightly parted, and I heard every time she breathed out. I could see her body moving with every inhalation of air. She seemed far away in dreams. Edward came up behind me and embraced me, putting his head on the top of my head. He put a light kiss on my hair.

"She is so beautiful, Edward. Look at her. I can't even imagine something wrong with her."

I started panicking, the conversation with Carlisle running through my mind. She grew way too fast. She was something unknown. There were no answers, at least not that we could find. I knew the others were reading everything they could find that may clue us in. How do you protect someone you love from a danger you didn't know? I couldn't bear the thought of losing her. My muscles tensed.

"Sshh, love. We'll figure it out. It will be okay. So far, she looks healthy. Let's focus on that. No matter what, she's still our little Renesmee," Edward soothed me, squeezing me.

I nodded. He was right. No matter what was wrong with her, we would always love her. She was our daughter. We stood in silence in the doorway, looking at our peaceful sleeping daughter. I could stand here all night long.

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