All things Twilight are the creative work of Stephenie Meyer and I just like to mess around with her characters and the plot.

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I was powerless to stop the slow destruction of my wife. A powerless vampire, it was uncanny. I was the weaker in this pairing. I was the ultimate predator and my prey was winning. It would have been phenomenal had it not been so tragic.

The bigger the demon-leech got, the closer Bella was to death. What little nutrition she received was taken by that thing. My wife was starving to death.

If I had never made love to her, succumb to my selfish desires, she would not be facing death. I took her choice away from her. Alice's vision of nearly a year ago – either I would kill her or she would be a vampire – had depended upon my control. Now it was time for my control to be tested. The decision lay before me once again, and I could not avoid the realization any longer – I would decide.

It would not be death.

Her soul, her goodness would not end by her becoming a vampire.

The fates had been cruel from the moment I'd inhaled the warm, entrancing aroma of her blood. It had always been me that would cause her to face her human death—not James, vans driven on slick icy roads, newborns or even the Volturi. Her destruction by the evil fate was set in place long ago and I would have to carry out the sentence on my wife.

Too good to die.

Too heroic to let another die.

I never understood her and that's why she faced death. I was beyond selfish, overconfident that I would protect her from her terrible luck – now it all seems so clear. She never needed protection from anything or anyone other than me. I could do one last thing to get that thing out of her.

I stayed in constant vigil at her side, always considering how to best discuss a discrete arrangement. Unfortunately, Rosalie was there as well. Had she not been, I would have ended this or at the very least had a moment to convince my wife - that's all I needed.

I begged Carlisle to assist. If he would get Rosalie away, we could have ended it. Carlisle was sympathetic but torn. He would do anything I'd ask but Esme would not allow harm to either Rosalie or Bella. No matter how much he loved me, he would never do anything to make Esme unhappy.

Now that vampire fetus had grown so large and strong that whenever it kicked it caused contusions. Her stomach was covered with bruises. The bruises I inflicted on the outside of her were barely healed, before that demon seed I'd placed inside began a new batch of bruising only this time from the inside. Like father – like monster offspring.

What little human strength my wife had, had dwindled. She could barely lift her head to do simple tasks, such as eat, which she'd immediately throw up. Every hour she was closer to death and no one would allow me to stop it.

I'd promised Kaure that Bella's pain would be mine too. I refused to hunt, my throat ached with the burning pain. My eyes were glossy jet black, a reflection of my thoughts. I was well aware that it would be impossible for me to starve myself, Carlisle had made it clear, the only way to end the existence of a vampire is to tear him apart and burn the pieces. I would happily bargain my life away in exchange for Jacob's help, for any help.

Bella would not voluntarily surrender. She had to be convinced, possibly manipulated to feeling guilty or benevolent. Those character traits could be my corroborators. I stared at her remembering all the trials we'd been through and this one was the worst. This one would end it all and there'd be nothing left but memories not held by either of us. It was all happening too fast.

My family's surveillance was constant, always ready with a helping hand or encouraging word for her, nothing for me but sad, pitiful thoughts. Bella fell in and out of sleep, a twilight sleep, awakened often by the punching and thrashing of the bloodsucking monster. The room was often quiet except for the sound of Bella's heartbeat and the groans from the movements of that beast. Each punch struck me, causing me the same anguish that my wife was too brave to release.

"Please, Bella." I pleaded.

"I won't, you know, I won't." Her voice was soft. The contents of her lunch came up and Rosalie was there with a small basin.

"Edward, you're causing her too much stress." Rosalie grunted. You need to accept this, for her sake, for your child's sake.

"Don't argue." Bella defended the both of us.

"You're dying – leaving me, dear." I continued my appeal to my cherished wife, unable and unwilling to hide my anguish.

"But the baby is thriving and that's what matters." Her eyes were sunken and the bony shape of her skull was visible in her cheeks. She was so very thin, emaciated. The pain and torment she endured was painted on my face.

I was on the floor in front of the couch with my head slightly suspended over Bella, barely above her legs. It was too much to consider placing even the weight of my hand on her already over-burden body, let alone my heavy head. Her hand rested on my face and even the stress from our recent conversation had overtaxed her.

I was ready to run and find Jacob, potentially my only ally, when I heard his motorcycle turn off the highway. His thoughts were loud as usual. He was focused on murder. He wanted to kill me and the rest of my family. But he was alone and it wasn't until he thought about the decision of Sam, the alpha of the pack, that I understood why he was alone.

The pack is not attacking the Cullens without provocation. The spirit of the treaty remains. They are not a danger to our people nor are they a danger to the people of Forks. Bella Swan made an informed choice and we are not going to punish our former allies for her choice.

It was evident that the pack believed Bella was bitten, she was transforming, becoming a vampire. I found no solace in the decision by the Quileute leader, because soon enough they would discover that hideous beast devouring my wife. A new decision would be made, but for now Jacob obeyed the edict, technically the pack was not attacking, but he was coming to do violence on his own.

I saw his actions. Jacob had transformed into human form in order to avoid sharing his thoughts with the pack. He considered himself fortunate that he arrived undetected by the pack and it was too late to stop him from his murderous plot, he had crossed the outside of Quileute territory.

"Jacob will be here soon." I looked into Bella's usually elegant brown eyes and saw dullness. No one moved. "Carlisle would you be so kind as to handle it? He wants to check on Bella. I don't want to leave her side."

"Yes, Edward." He responded and went to the door. Jacob's thoughts were louder, burning with rage I will confirm that he had killed her, bitten her. Then I will kill him, maybe challenge him to a duel. Arrogantly, he'd accept and I'd kill that bloodsucker for murdering her.

"No, I want to see him." Bella demanded.

"You are under too much strain; it won't be good for the baby." Rosalie soothed.

"Edward, Please." She was too weak to argue with Rosalie, knowing I would allow her any request that would make her happy.

Of course, Bella seeing Jacob would make her happy. She loved him. I accepted that fact and counted on it as well. But he was full of rage and anger; it made him unstable, volatile and bad company.

"Jacob wants to see if you've been bitten. Carlisle can tell him that and he can visit another time." I told her.

"It could be a rouse. He is scouting out for the enemy." Rosalie added.

"No, the pack will not attack." I countered. "Jacob is here to confirm that Bella is still human." It wasn't necessary to share his additional angry murderous desires.

"Now is not the time to share your pregnancy." Rosalie continued to argue. That dog is unpredictable, we can't have him around the baby!

"She's right Bella. Now is not a good time for a visit, it will cause too many questions." Emmett agreed.

Rosalie went over to Carlisle and whispered for him to get rid of Jacob.

"Bella, he can come back later." I agreed.

Carlisle calmly opened the door, no knock was necessary, we all could hear his loud stroll. "Hello, Jacob. How are you?"

That smell is disgusting! I'll have to hold my breath. I was hoping it was Edward, ready to fight. He sent Carlisle, who is so . . . just so human or something. Carlisle doesn't act like the bloodsucker. I don't like this, planning to kill Carlisle and him standing here making small talk.

"I heard Bella made it back alive." Jacob said.

"Yes, but she is resting. Perhaps you can visit later?" Carlisle spoke evenly.

Postpone death – no, the time is now. It may be my only opportunity – you hear me you bloodsucking killer?

Rosalie returned to Bella's side propping her up on the couch. "I don't think the hound needs to know about the baby."

"It's best if he doesn't stay." I added.

Bella understanding the dismissal of her friend quickly countermanded, loud enough for Jacob to hear. "Why not? Are we keeping secrets from Jacob too? What's the point?"

Rosalie didn't respond, and I was silent as well. It was hopeless to argue and it just put off the confrontation that Jacob would have with me once he saw her condition—it was inevitable.

"Come in Jacob." Bella summoned. Jacob surveyed the room as he entered, and planned his assault. He counted the seven vampires and considered how many of them he could massacre after he assassinated me.

Then he saw me and reconsidered his plan. I was half-crazed, I knew that. The monster inside of me was in total control, fighting hard to remove Rosalie and destroy that half-breed. Yes, Jacob saw me as pitiful and broken, but I wasn't, but there was no need to dispel his thoughts. I could have easily told him that what he was seeing was my unadulterated desperation to go to war. But why would I? Yes, the monster was in charge of the battle, my own ability was too weak.

Jacob then looked at Bella. He felt instant relief that she wasn't a vampire, but it was momentary. Bella she's still-- alive. Soft, peach colored and beautiful, yes she is human. Then he looked closer and was alarmed. Sheesh, her eyes! Jacob saw the dark black circles, the thinning whispery hair, and her ghostly pale skin. She's not dead but it looks like she'll die within hours. He did this! I read his gaze at me.

"What's wrong, Bella? Are you all right?" Jacob fell to his knees across from me leaning over the back of the couch, where Bella was propped up. Rosalie bared her teeth at Jacob, back away you stinking animal.

"It's okay, Rose. Help me up." Bella sighed, her voice was hoarse, as she began to rise out of her curled up position.

"No, don't move." Jacob urged. For the first time, Jacob considered Rosalie. What is with this crazy blond? Bella is afraid of her and she is playing nurse maid? What is going on here?

"I'm trying to answer your question." Bella responded as if she heard his unspoken words. Her feet slowly touched the ground as Rosalie held her from beneath her arms and lifted. The blanket that had covered her feet fell to the ground and her knees seemed as though they would not hold up her weight. She wore my too-large sweater snuggly over her maternity clothes -- she'd said she enjoyed the feeling of me wrapped around her and the baby. Clearly that was the only way I would caress that abomination.

The monster in me gloated that it would soon kill. I leaned further into the cushions, hiding the horror of her condition from my eyes. It was a short reprieve – Jacobs observations immediately erupted into my head. Her limbs were bone thin, barely able to hold her weight. Her face was wasted, ashen and the malnourishment was evident. Her stomach protruded from her body, much larger too large for starvation. There was no mistaking that she was pregnant—at least seven or eight months.

Jacob swallowed back bile as his stomach heaved. Pregnant? She couldn't be that pregnant, it's only been a month since I saw her last. Not him with her! Jacob's ranting continued to assault my mind, but the monster relished the words. The parasite got some and left his obscene spawn. It's killing her. I always knew he would kill her. The monster in me was glad to have Jacob's thoughts because it was a welcome reprieve from the fairy tale happy ending that my family portrayed.

I turned to look at Jacob, his body began to heat up, his murderous anger rising, soon he'd be unable to stop himself from phasing, something that could not happen in this room.

"Outside now!" I commanded him as I stood up. Emmett and Jasper both stepped forward, ready to defend. I quickly turned heading to the door and Bella reached her warm arm and touched me.

"No, Edward." Adrenaline was shooting through her system, which would excite that beast she was carrying. With the rush of adrenaline it would break bones.

I corralled the monster, "Don't worry, sweetheart, we are just going to talk. We both will be back, don't strain yourself." I looked into her eyes so she could see the truth and calmness that I willed. I was grateful that the monster was as good a liar as me.

She relaxed back onto the couch, Rosalie supporting her every move, and shifted her near weightless body toward Jacob. "Behave and then come back." She pleaded.

Jacob turned on his heels, 'Let's do this' he thought and walked behind me towards the door. Do you want us to come out too? Emmett thought. I quickly shook my head and both him and Jasper stayed put.

I kept walking out of the door, not stopping to turn around to make sure Jacob followed. I knew he would.

I lamented that I hadn't left her to him, her life would be filled with happy pregnancies and babies. She could still have that life, that potential. My human father brokered such contracts -- arrangements, protecting the privacy of all concerned, but especially the impotent male. Now, we could use in vitro fertilization, donated. It wouldn't matter. If Bella wanted a child, I could make that same arrangement – I would make that contract.

Jacob's furor was managed enough to prevent him from phasing, his mind focused on his good fortune at having me alone and he debated on the method of my execution. He was unaware that he'd soon be a collaborator with the monster.

"I'm not ready for you to kill me yet, Jacob Black." I was soon at the designated place, the same spot we had stood weeks earlier on my wedding day, the position of the mediation. Soon the monster would control, but for now I had to keep Jacob from attacking, "You will have to have a little patience."

"Patience isn't my specialty." His words were full of promise, just as the monster had hoped. Yes, said the monster an alliance – me, you and Jacob.

I walked further into the wooded area, far enough so that only carefully tuned inhuman ears would overhear what was said. I turned and faced Jacob, hoping my sudden move would not begin a different battle than the one planned. He froze, unsure of himself because of the dispirited composure he saw. The monster laughed, it was in control now.

It was time to establish the contract to save my wife. The monster pushed my hand across my head, attempting to remove Bella's suffering from my mind. Before I could utter a coherent word, the monster buckled my knees and my body lowered, tortured by the stress.

Once again I saw my wretched self through Jacob's eyes. This leech – I've seen him arrogant, angry even sad but never broken. Jacob idiotically had sympathy for the misery he saw outwardly, oblivious to the monster's rule. "It's killing her, right? She's dying"

I could only nod, the monster would not allow my speech, but even had it, the words were too painful to speak. "My fault." I strained through my teeth. The monster forced my knees completely to the ground, total submission. I was easy pickings for a death blow. Had the monster counted on pity to prevent Jacob's the kill?

The monster set its plan in motion. "Yes. Yes, it's killing her. We didn't know pregnancy was possible. There has never been anything like me and Bella."

You should have left her with me. Jacob's resentment was evident in his loud thoughts.

"Yes, I should have." I answered his unspoken words even this wolf-child knew she would have been better off. She would not have agreed had it been offered. Against her best interest, she married me.

"So why hasn't Carlisle done anything? He's a doctor, right. Get it out of her."

"She won't let us." I gritted the words that made mine and my monster's failure known.

That's Bella – die for his demonic baby parasite, a martyr for his toxic love.

"You know her well. How quickly you see . . . I didn't see. Not in time. She wouldn't talk to me on the way home, not really. I thought she was frightened—that would be natural. I thought she was angry with me for putting her through this, for endangering her life. Again. I never imagined what she was really thinking, what she was resolving. Not until my family met us at the airport and she ran right into Rosalie's arms. Rosalie's! And then I heard what Rosalie was thinking. I didn't understand until I heard that. Yet you understand after one second." The mistakes glared at me like the single blinking red light on a dark and deserted road, visible from miles around.

"Just back up a second. She won't let you? Did you ever notice that she's exactly as strong as a normal hundred-and-ten pound human girl? How stupid are you vamps? Hold her down and knock her out with drugs."

"I wanted to . . . Carlisle would have . . ." I paused, considered my other blunders that allowed her to take control of their emotions.

What too noble were they?

The monster's ultimate failure gnarled my words, "No. Not noble. Her bodyguard complicated things." Another oversight, it underestimated Rosalie's tenacity to be a mother, even vicariously.

What's it to her. What does she want? Does she want Bella to die so bad?

"Maybe," She may like that as a happy side effect, so would the monster. "Rosalie doesn't look at it quite that way."

"So take the blonde out first. Your kind can put her back together." The wolf-child was reasoning with the monster. He didn't know. The monster was incapable of such a rational self-reflection that uncovered its failures.

"Emmett and Esme are backing her up. Emmett would never let us . . and Carlisle won't help me with Esme against it . . Bella eventually shamed the rest to neutrality. Now ending the pregnancy is impossible, unless she agrees. She will die."

My life would end, the moment hers did. Oh, the monster saw victory close at hand. I had already lost everything I loved and now the monster would ask my would-be assassin to help save not only her life, but mine as well. Only the monster would survive and it saw everything. Everything. I was so very arrogant believing the love between Bella and Jacob was so inconsequential when it can mean everything – now.

"We didn't know. . . I never dreamed. There's never been anything like Bella and I before. How could we know that a human was able to conceive a child with one of us –" I looked up at him, "Even you, Jacob Black, cannot hate me as much as I hate myself."

Wrong he thought, and he abandoned his examination of my failures, he saw the hopelessness of the situation. I should kill you now!

"My death would hasten hers – nothing either of us are prepared to do. Killing me now doesn't save her."

"What does?"

"Jacob, you have to do something for me?"

There was utter disgust in his thoughts at any goodwill towards me. "The hell I do, parasite!" The monster would not be deterred it would have victory by any means necessary.

"For her?"

"What can I do that you haven't already tried?" I tried to stop her from loving you – It's too late.

"You know her, Jacob. You connect to her on a different level – I don't even understand. You are part of one another. She won't listen to me, because she thinks I'm underestimating her. She thinks she's strong enough for this . . ." The monster encourage me to set forth the terms. "She might listen to you."

"Why would she?"

He didn't refuse. There was a glimmer of hope, something unseen in days. Yes, victory was within hand, it might work. The monster clung to it, like it was the only air available in the vacuum of space.

Are you crazy? Can vampires lose their minds?

"Maybe." My body rose to face Jacob like a man, to plead for my wife's life. "I don't know. It feels like it. I have to try to hide this in front of her, because stress makes her more ill. She can't keep anything down as it is. I have to be composed; I can't make it harder. But that doesn't matter now. She has to listen to you!"

"I can't tell her anything you haven't. What do you want me to do? Tell her she's stupid? She probably already knows that. Tell her she's going to die? I bet she knows that too."

"You can offer her what she wants. I don't care about anything but keeping her alive." The monster forced the words out of my mouth with great elation. "You can offer her the life I could not, children or even provide her a – discreet opportunity to bear healthy children. If it's a child she wants, she can have it. She can have half a dozen babies. Anything she wants, even puppies." Jacob was beginning to understand, processing the request. The monster reveled at the shock on Jacob's face. It was easier to allow the monster control.

"But not this way! Not this thing sucking the life from her while I stand there helpless! Watching her sicken and waste away. Seeing it hurting her. You have to make her see reason, Jacob. She won't listen to me anymore. Rosalie's always there, feeding her insanity—encouraging her. Protecting her. No, protecting it. Bella's life means nothing to her."

Jacob's words were caught in his throat, only grunts coming forth. That future life – Bella, me, kids enjoying the Beach fire - her happy that's what I wanted. That future life will never exist. Was he saying that? Was he giving her up? Or did he think she wouldn't mind sharing?

"Whichever. Whatever keeps her alive." The monster saw an agreement on the horizon.

"That's the craziest thing you've said yet.

"She loves you."

"Not enough."

"She's ready to die to have a child. Maybe she'd accept something less extreme."

"Don't you know her at all?"

"I know, I know. It's going to take a lot of convincing. That's why I need you. You know how she thinks. You can make her see sense."

The monster watched Jacob's fantasy. Jacob imagined Bella pregnant with his child, Bella making love to him and then returning to me. This isn't a future I would've imagined, it's not mine. I tried to keep her away from you and she decided to love you anyway. "Make Bella see sense? What universe do you live in?"

"At least try."

"Where is this psycho crap coming from? Are you making this up as you go?"

"I've been thinking of nothing but ways to save her since I realized what she was planning to do. What she would die to do. But I didn't know how to contact you. I knew you wouldn't listen if I called. I would have come to find you soon, if you hadn't come today. But it's hard to leave her, even for a few minutes. Her condition … it changes so fast. The thing is … growing. Swiftly. I can't be away from her now."

"What is it?"

"None of us have any idea. But it is stronger than she is. Already. Help me stop it. Help me stop this from happening."

"How? By offering my stud services? You're really sick. She'll never listen to this."

"Try. There's nothing to lose now. How will it hurt?" The monster was relentless unashamed, it wanted that half-leech dead.

It would hurt me. Hadn't I taken more than enough rejection from Bella without this?

"A little pain to save her life? Is it such a high cost?"

"But it won't work."

"Maybe not, Maybe it will confuse her, though. Maybe she'll falter in her resolve. One moment of doubt is all I need."

"And then you will revoke your offer, right? 'Just kidding Bella, Jake.'"

"If she wants a child, I won't rescind." My words were forced through my teeth with such force, venom fell to the ground. A growl of satisfaction was growing in the monster.

Stop messing with my head leach. I should just kill you now.

"Not now. Not yet. Right or wrong, it would destroy her and you know it. If she won't listen to you, you'll get your chance. The moment Bella's heart stops beating, I will be begging for you to kill me." I pledged and the monster lied.

"You won't have to beg long."

"I'm counting on it. Then it's a deal?"

He held out my hand so we could shake. The monster rejoiced. "We have a deal."

We walked back to the house. Jacob convincing himself to back out of the deal, but he continued to follow me all the way to Bella's side. My family, surrounding Bella, was beyond suspicious.

"We're going to let Jacob and Bella speak privately."

"Over my pile of ashes." Rosalie growled at me. But the monster relished her anger, it could be silenced so quickly.

I turned to my wife. "Bella, Jacob wants to talk to you. Are you afraid to be alone with him?" She looked around the room.

"Rose, its fine. Jake's not going to hurt us. Go with Edward."

"It might be a trick." Rosalie warned.

"I don't see how"

My monster lied casually, "Carlisle and I will be in your sight Rosalie. We're the ones she's afraid of."

"No" her eyes sadden with worry over me.

"I didn't mean it like that Bella. I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Bella agreed to talk to Jacob alone. Rosalie wouldn't leave until after I left the house first. We walked to the same place I had been with Jacob.

Outside, Rosalie, glowered at me. "Whatever you're up to, it will not work." Idiot. Moron. Her tone was arrogant, threatening.

I took a step toward her, the monster ready for a kill. Emmett blocked. I spoke to her through Emmett. "You will not have her life. It is not yours to take."

"Edward, don't you see, she gives it freely for your child? You should stop this depraved psychotic vigil and allow her the joy – it's a new life, a life worthwhile."

"You don't know that."

"You don't know it's not." She bravely stepped around Emmett, "Your wife is doing the right thing – if it was the other way around, I'd do the same thing."

"This is not your life, stay out of hers!"

"She's made her choice."

"It's not because of Emmett that I don't . . ." I was forced to stop, the monster would not allow me to reveal its plans. "Her wishes won't bind me much longer." I threatened.

Idiot. "You have everything and you behave like a spoiled child." Grow up!

It was the kettle and pot. But her words did not alter my desire to stop that thing from killing my wife. I turned my attention to the open space, it was too crowded – it was all in Jacob's hands now. I took off running, clearing my mind of the thoughts of vampires, clearing away the monster.

Even now, on the verge of her death, Bella's thoughts eluded me. I read Jacob's mind.

You're dying for nothing Bella! Nothing!

You're not strong enough to keep your heart beating. That's a load of crap, Bella. No normal person can do it.

I didn't go far, nor was I gone long. I had to stay in sight of Rosalie, for now.

Listen to me Bells. Don't do it that way. Don't wait until it's too late, Bella. Not that way. Live. Okay? Just live. Don't do this to me. Don't do it to him. You know what he's going to do when you die. You've seen it before. You want him to go back to those Italian killers?

The run cleared my head of the monster's twisted logic, just enough to hear that Jacob was unsuccessful. The monster's plan had failed once again. It makes no difference, though, does it?

Through Jacob's eyes, I saw her shake her head. Although I couldn't hear her words, it was obvious "I love him," as she pointed to her stomach.

I finished my last lap, running toward the front door, just as Jacob phased into wolf form flying from the porch. I would go in and stay with my wife, knowing that this would be our last hours together.

I could hear the pack, relieved that Jacob was still alive, unsure whether his killing spree was successful. Then silence as they saw Bella through Jacob's memory, her mottled body, rent with malnutrition – pregnant. He showed them my cold soulless stone face, a waste of desperation. Rosalie crouched over Bella's limp body, protecting the thing growing.

There was a unified shock that rumbled through the pack. Wordless, shock.

!!!!

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E/N – I'm not sure this is as good as it should be, it seems choppy but I didn't want to keep you waiting, so I'm posting it. Comment, please. Tell me what you think will make it better. Edward's headed into some serious stuff and I need some encouragement. Thanks.