I wasn't quite ready to release all my speed and leave Bella. I worried whether she could follow our scents back to the house, although that was a flimsy excuse. I wanted to stay near her. There was an aura that was exponentially Bella and the closer I was to her, the happier I was. But ultimately, I was competitive and the desire to win the spirited jog made me move faster. Minutes later, the only obstacle to victory was the river. My strategy was to run to the edge and hop across, landing victorious. I continued my momentum when I felt the wind shift and I saw my awesome wife flying over my head, poised to beat me across the river. At the same time, I caught the scent of Jacob on the other side of the divide.
Her early jump meant Bella would land head on with the blood flowing through Jacob's veins. She can test her restraint on me. Jacob thought. His peril and the temptation of Jacob's thudding heart to Bella was enough to force me to forgo my strategy. I sped up and literally ran across the river. I stopped a few inches in front of Bella, just after she landed from her elegant flight over the river.
"Ha!" Bella exclaimed, gloating in her victory. She cocked her head searching for me, startled that I was so near. I huffed at Jacob's recklessness as I held Bella in place.
"Don't breathe," I ordered. Jacob's loud thoughts rang in my head. I'm not letting her near the baby until we are sure that she won't attack.
For the love of all that is holy, why does he act as if my baby dearest is not my responsibility? I hated Jacob and his ludicrous insinuations. I'd kill him before I'd let him keep Bella away from our daughter.
Bella's eyes searched for the reason for my demand or perhaps she sought out the source of the thumping heartbeat. I watched as her eyes locked on something. I turned my head to confirm what she saw.
Jacob was standing guard between us and the house. His arms were crossed over his bare chest and his teeth were clinched. He appointed himself gate keeper. I debated whether to stop Bella if she attacked him or to attack myself. I steadied my anger, not wanting to ignite or confuse Bella further.
I turned and stood unyielding in and stared at Jacob. He was massive. His bare muscles and wide chest and blocked our view as well as the path to the house where Renesmee waited. I scanned the brush at the edge of the woods to see two Quileute wolves. It was Leah and Seth who were demanding that Jacob reconsider his plan. I ignored the wolves thoughts. Jacob took a heavy step towards us, squashing the innocent life beneath his enormous foot. His threatening size and blockade angered me further and I was unsure I could contain myself.
"Carefully, Jacob," I warned as I pushed my chest forward into an attack position, ready to defend Bella. I automatically growled as I listened to his suggestion.
Okay, I know I can't keep her away from Nessie, but we should test her first. Make sure she's ready. If she can control herself with my blood, then I'll let her see the baby, Jacob thought.
I bared my teeth and shook my head. He was making this more difficult than needed and usurping my authority. Bella didn't need to be tested by placing temptation at her lips, it was a fool hearty plan. Moreover, Renesmee was safe.
Bella couldn't be expected to hold her anger indefinitely, especially if she were pushed. Undoubtedly, this was a bad plan. A snarl came from the forest that echoed my beliefs. Bella had not taken a breath since she landed and I sensed her tension.
"Maybe this isn't the best way—" I began.
"You think it would be better to let her near the baby first?" Jacob interrupted. "It's safer to see how Bella does with me. I heal fast."
I turned around to look at Bella. She was stronger than they knew. She could handle seeing her daughter, a test wasn't necessary. She didn't need any additional lures interfering with her reunion. She was ready.
"I don't think so," I shook my head.
It won't hurt to try. If she doesn't attack me then I won't stand in her way, Jacob thought.
I considered that Jacob would be temporarily injured or killed. She had the advantage over him. I stared in my wife's eyes. She was amazing beyond belief and more than capable of passing this silly test, although failure would could mean his death. I could live with that.
I stepped to the side, "It's your neck, I guess."
Leah growled furiously. If she hurts him, I'll kill you, she threatened. I shrugged the ridiculous threat off.
I watched as Bella almost smiled, unsure. She seemed to recognize her friend and smiled fully. Jealousy cursed through my veins. Did she feel more for him now? I hoped not, for it would be unrequited and what would that mean for our family?
He smiled at her knowing full well that he had no right to taunt her with a useless test. I shook my head, ready to end his deception. Bella cocked her head to the side and a 'v' formed between her eyebrows. She was confused with Jacob's willing sacrifice or perhaps she was tempted by his blood.
If she resolved her confusion and discovered the truth, Jacob would not survive her wrath. I'd make sure he wouldn't.
He grinned wider and shuddered slightly. Then he insulted my wife. "I gotta say it, Bells. You're a freak show."
"Watch yourself, mongrel," I growled. He could have his test but there was no way he would insult her in the process.
Bella took a breath of air from the breeze behind her, it helped her to speak. "No, he's right." She smiled reassuringly at me, letting me know she was under control. She turned back to Jacob. "The eyes are really something, aren't they?"
"Super-creepy. But it's not as bad as I thought it would be."
"Gee—thanks for the amazing compliment!"
Their playful banter irritated me, but seemed to relax Bella. Jacob was being his usual self, the behavior endeared Bella and was familiar. I ignored my jealousy of her affections to him and waited with bated breath for him to reveal his abominable imprint.
Instead of a confession, he rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean. You still look like you — sort of. Maybe it's not the look so much as . . . you are Bella. I didn't think it would feel like you were still here." He smiled at his confession.
"Anyway, I guess I'll get used to the eyes soon enough," he chuckled.
"You will?" she asked, confused. There was no apparent reason for Jacob to be around us. The time for confession was at hand. He looked at me.
"Thanks," Jacob nodded. "I didn't know if you'd be able to keep it from her, promise or not. Usually, you just give her everything she wants."
His quip was an insult and discounted the numerous times I held my temper and desire. He assumed too much and knew nothing of the depth of my desire to protect her and how happy I would be if he wasn't around.
"Maybe I'm hoping she'll get irritated and rip your head off," I replied, even more annoyed.
"You just might get your wish," Jacob snorted out loud.
"What's going on? Are you two keeping secrets from me?" Bella queried, trying to make sense of the exchange.
I arched my eyebrow to Jacob letting him know he was on his own.
"I'll explain later," Jacob answered. Test first then explanations. "First, let's get this show on the road."
He walked towards Bella, slowly as if he was approaching a wild animal. I hissed and Jacob only grinned as he attempted to not look threatening. Leah stepped out of the woods to flank Jacob or possibly protect him. Seth much taller than Leah and stronger took position on Jacob's other side. Their staggered approach was intimidating. I crouched ready to defend Bella. This was not a fair test, it was more of a challenge, one I would not allow. Jacob immediately understood.
"Cool it, guys," Jacob yelled to Seth and Leah.
They didn't immediately stand down. We need you to lead this pack. We wont see you injured, Leah thought.
But, I wasn't going to allow Bella to be hurt. I stepped toward Jacob, tilting my head in challenge, a reminder that I was Bella's protector.
"Stay out of this." Jacob ordered his pack. He stepped forward and stopped close enough to Bella so that we both felt his body heat. I could smell the unmistakable scent of wolf, woodsy and rotted meat.
Bella swallowed dryly and steadied herself.
"C'mon, Bells. Do your worst," Jacob challenged.
Leah hissed, unable to defy Jacob's order to stand down.
Jacob was noticeable cautious, but determined. Bella, just as cautious, continued to hold her breath and stared at Jacob.
"I'm getting older here, Bella," Jacob taunted. "Okay, not technically, but you get the idea. Go on, take a whiff." He leaned closer.
Bella looked at me. "Hold on to me," she said and leaned back into my chest.
I did as I was told and held her arms, certain that if she wanted she could easily free herself and take my arms off in the process. I certainly wasn't going to lose an arm for Jacob though.
Bella wrinkled her nose when she took a small breath. She took a bigger whiff and cringed.
"Huh. I can see what everyone's been going on about. You stink, Jacob," Bella declared.
I burst into laughter, she was right. He stunk and so did his test. I released my grip and settled my arms around her waist. The audience in the house chuckled at Bella's remark. It was good to laugh. Seth joined in the laughter and came closer as Leah backed off. Stupid wolf, Leah grumbled. She stunk too, I mused.
"Look who's talking," Jacob said. He dramatically held his fingers apart and pinched his nose. I ignored the impudent child's attempt at humor.
"I love you," I whispered in Bella's ear and squeezed her closer. In her simple remark, she told me everything about the future of her relationship with Jacob. They would never be more than friends, if she didn't kill him when she found out about his imprint. I grinned, unfortunately Jacob grinned as well.
"Okay, so I passed, right?" Bella asked, hopeful to see our baby. "Now are you going to tell me what this big secret is?"
Shit! Jacob was obviously nervous. "It's nothing you need to worry about this second. . . ."
Emmett chuckled loudly. The mutt is about to meet his maker. The thoughts of my family were anticipatory as Bella took in her surrounding, waiting for an answer. Then her eyes caught sight of herself in the reflection of the glass window. She searched for recognition but I realized that she wasn't looking at herself but just beyond the thin paned glass.
"Renesmee," she whispered. Bella tensed, but I wouldn't allow her to second guess herself. Renesmee was in reach.
"Come and see," I murmured. "I know you can handle this."
"You'll help me?" she whispered quietly.
"Of course I will." I moved to her side, pulling her to the house.
"And Emmett and Jasper—just in case?"
"We'll take care of you, Bella. Don't worry, we'll be ready. None of us would risk Renesmee. I think you'll be surprised at how entirely she's already wrapped us all around her little fingers. She'll be perfectly safe, no matter what."
We took a step to our daughter together. The way it should be, it felt so right, exactly as the fates intended, although they cut it very close, much too close for comfort. But all was forgiven as we took a second step, until Jacob appeared in our path.
"Are you sure, bloodsucker?" he demanded. I won't allow Nessie to be hurt! "I don't like this. Maybe she should wait-"
"You had your test, Jacob." I cut him off as I reminded him. I continued to pull Bella towards our house, undeterred by Jacob's wide stance.
"But—," Jacob began.
"But nothing," I interrupted. This had gone on long enough. "Bella needs to see our daughter. Get out of her way," I growled.
Jacob looked from me to Bella. It's not safe. He took off running into the house. I'm not going to let her hurt the baby.
I rolled my eyes at Jacob.
"Shall we?" I encouraged Bella.
She nodded, unsure of herself. It was Jacob's fault but I wouldn't let her miss her meeting with Renesmee. We squeezed hands and I led her into the house.
The family stood in a staggered line welcoming Bella and unnecessarily defending Renesmee. Rosalie was several paces behind the rest of them, farther away from the front door holding the baby. Jacob was standing in front of her, guarding but not entirely blocking Renesmee from view.
"I was out just two days?" Bella questioned.
I nodded. Renesmee had grown phenomenally since birth and Bella's confusion was understandable. She didn't recognize our child because the baby no longer looked like a new born of three days but appeared to be months old. We both admired our daughter's soft bronze-colored curls and her chocolate brown eyes. Renesmee returned our gaze with childlike wonder but with adult awareness and intelligence.
Renesmee reached toward us and realized that she could not join us. She touched Rosalie's throat. Rosalie patted Renesmee's hand against her neck and murmured, "Yes, that's her."
Renesmee locked her eyes on her mother and smiled showing her tiny white teeth and dimpled cheeks. Bella stepped toward her and unexpectedly for Bella everyone moved very fast to block her path.
Emmett and Jasper barricaded Bella's way, standing shoulder to shoulder, hands forward. Calisle and Esme flanked them. Unsure of Bella's reaction to their sudden movements, I gripped Bella on the tops of her arms. Rosalie backed away to the back door, her arms clutching Renesmee. Jacob moved, too, keeping his protective stance. Alice was the only one who held her place.
"Oh, give her some credit," Alice admonished. "She wasn't going to do anything. You'd want a closer look, too."
Bella relaxed and her body became sure. She knew everyone was on edge.
"I'm okay," she promised. I loosened my grip but her words wasn't reassuring to everyone, especially Jasper. I listened to Jasper's internal dialogue. I don't know, she isn't feeling anything per se. She likes the way the baby smells, but I'm not sure she has her thirst in check. She's still very confused.
"Keep close, though, just in case," Bella cautioned.
Renesmee began to struggle and reached for Bella. My daughter wanted her mother and they were in the way.
"Jazz, Em, let us through. Bella's got this," I ordered.
"Edward, the risk—," Jasper said. She's not letting me know her emotions.
"Minimal. Listen, Jasper — on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. . . ."
Everyone jumped to the wrong conclusion and reacted. Carlisle sucked in a shocked breath. Esme's face dropped in disappointment. Jasper's eyes widened, but he nodded just a tiny bit. She drank human blood and it's sated her thirst.
Jacob thought, Ew, that's disgusting. Emmett shrugged, no big deal. We all can't be perfect. Rosalie was indifferent, so what, that doesn't mean that the baby is safe.
"Edward!" Carlisle admonished. "How could you be so irresponsible?"
"I know, Carlisle, I know." I accepted my blame, but not ready to reveal the truth. "I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safe zone before I set her loose."
"Edward," Bella called. She wanted to take responsibility for her own actions.
"He's absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella," I grinned. "I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone I've ever known doesn't change that."
Alice rolled her eyes. Edward! You let her ruin her dress and now she's dressed in your shirt. She looks like a derelict from some cheap science fiction sex movie and you're teasing everyone. She was not fooled by my attempt at humor. "Tasteful joke, Edward."
"I wasn't making a joke. I was explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. It's not my fault everyone jumped to conclusions."
"Wait," Jasper gasped. "She didn't hunt the humans?"
"She started to . . . she was entirely focused on the hunt."
"What happened?" Carlisle interjected. This is remarkable, earth shattering if what I think you're telling us.
I reenacted the event, adding movements to increase the thrill of the story. "She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped right out of it. I've never seen anything to equal her. She realized at once what was happening, and then . . . she held her breath and ran away."
"Whoa," Emmett murmured. "Seriously?"
"He's not telling it right," Bella exclaimed. "He left out the part where I growled at him."
"Did ya get in a couple of good swipes?" Emmett asked eagerly.
"No! Of course not."
"No, not really? You really didn't attack him?"
"Emmett!" Bella protested.
"Aw, what a waste," Emmett groaned. "And here you're probably the one person who could take him—since he can't get in your head to cheat—and you had a perfect excuse, too." He sighed. "I've been dying to see how he'd do without that advantage."
"I would never," Bella glared at him, offended.
"You see what I mean?" I asked Jasper. I touched his clenched fist.
"It's not natural," Jasper whispered.
"She could have turned on you—she's only hours old!" Esme scolded, putting her hand against her heart. "Oh, we should have gone with you."
I enjoyed the trick I pulled on my family, but then I heard Renesmee. Mine, my mother. At the same instant, Bella leaned forward to get a better view. They both were impatient and I didn't want to deny either any longer.
"Edward, Please?" Bella begged.
Jasper didn't move. They all refused Bella passage. It was Alice who finally convinced them to allow Bella through. "Jazz, this isn't anything you've seen before," Alice said quietly. "Trust me." Their eyes met for a short second, and then Jasper nodded. He moved out of our way, but put one hand on Bella's shoulder and walked with her.
Bella took slow, deliberate steps, a reassurance that she was under control. Everyone moved with us as Rosalie stood firm while our daughter who struggled to reach Bella. A high ringing wail escaped Renesmee frustrated lips. It was the first time she voiced herself. The sound was a cry for something and we all surrounded the child, except Bella, who was ignored.
It was Jacob who spoke first, his self appointed guardianship annoyed me.
"What's the matter? Is she hurt? What happened?" Jacob shouted, making the rest of us more anxious. We each tried to sooth the baby and I reached for her but Jacob lifted her out of Rosalie's arms before my hands could make purchase. I growled.
"No, she's fine," Rosalie reassured us.
Renesmee touched Jacob's cheek, I want her.
"See?" Rosalie told him. "She just wants Bella."
"She wants me?" Bella whispered.
"Of course she does," Esme thought.
I realized my error in leaving Bella's side and darted back to her. I pulled her forward.
"She's been waiting for you for almost three days."
In true Bella fashion, she patiently assured us all. "Jake — I'm fine."
Renesmee whimpered and eagerly stretched her little hands, grasping into fists again and again. Mine, mine. My heart ached at the separation between her and her mother. Bella was hesitant while Renesmee was eager. Our little girl, so dazzling beautiful, recognized her mother from the moment she heard Bella's voice. A flash of the horrid scene of Bella, laid out on the makeshift operating table, pale and covered in blood, too weak to hold her head up played in Renesmee's thoughts. I shivered, grateful that she now had a new reality of her mother, but she she had perfect memory.
Renesmee grunted again, leaping forward towards Bella and away from Jacob. The child had no sense of danger only want. Mine, mine. Her thoughts were complex in the love and desire she had for Bella, yet simple in the need to be held and to hold.
I stopped as Bella took the last step to Renesmee and closed the distance. She reached her hands forward and gently pulled our daughter to her arms. Jacob passed Renesmee to Bella, but he did not release his grip. I'm not letting go - just in case
Renesmee looked up and smiled. Mine, she cooed silently. Renesmee wanted to talk to Bella. Her tiny hand was placed on Bella's face and images were flashed to Bella. Bella gasped, sending me into alert. My grip on Bella tightened and I watched Renesmee explain her memories of her mother. I wondered if Renesmee was successful in penetrating Bella's mind. The two had a strong bond, but Bella was immune to mind reading. I anxiously looked into Bella's eyes for the answer. I saw bewilderment, perhaps she did see the images. Renesmee's hand dropped from her mother's cheek and smiled wider, dimpling again.
"What . . . was . . . that?" Bella stuttered, confirming that she wasn't immune to Renesmee's talents.
"What did you see?" Rosalie asked curiously, leaning around Jacob. The mutt was still holding my daughter.
Renesmee sent her thoughts where no talented vampire had penetrated and I was fascinated by the realization. Something was different about Renesmee's abilities or her bond to Bella. The disparity was beyond my grasp.
"What did she show you?" Rosalie asked again.
"She showed me that?" Bella whispered, amazed.
"I told you it was hard to explain," I answered. "But effective as means of communications go."
"What was it?" Jacob joined in the discussion. I held my irritation.
"Um. Me. I think. But I looked terrible," Bella answered, indulging Jacob.
"It was the only memory she had of you," I explained. "She's letting you know that she's made the connection, that she knows who you are."
"But how did she do that?"
Renesmee played with Bella's hair. She had shared enough of her thoughts and was happily comparing her own locks to those of her mother's.
"How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future?" I asked, not expecting an answer. "She's gifted."
"It's an interesting twist," Carlisle interjected. "Like she's doing the exact opposite of what you can."
"Interesting," I agreed. "I wonder . . ." I didn't finish my sentence because Carlisle was shouting silently in his thoughts distracting me from my own. Do you know how amazing this is? She can connect to anyone. This child is a phenomenal, barely three days old. What more can she do? As soon as she is old enough, I can think of a few images I'd like for her to share with humans, that is if she can control her thirst. Imagine how she will help the confidence of others. My granddaughter is awesome!
I chuckled at Carlisle's ramblings and his use of more modern terms, but my eyes were on my girls. I watched my baby dearest caress her mother's face.
"I remember you, too," Bella told Renesmee quietly and kissed her forward. Bella smelled our daughter without any noticeable problem. A smirk crossed Bella's face. Oh how I wished I knew her thoughts.
"She's fine," Alice murmured. I nodded my head in agreement.
"Haven't we experimented enough for one day?" Jacob asked, ruining the reunion. He interjected his irrational need to protect Renesmee. "Okay, Bella's doing great, but let's not push it." I shook my head and glared at him to back down.
I then saw the others, their presence no longer needed or wanted. We were all within touching distance of Renesmee. Although, Bella was handling this reunion exquisitely, my family wasn't. They crowded her space, tainting the moment for . Worse of all was Jacob. He hadn't explained himself to Bella as he had promised and Bella had a confused frustrated look on her face. I glared at them all. Apparently, Bella felt the same irritation but Jacob was clueless. He fixed himself more solidly in the close knit circle where we all stood.
"What is your problem, Jacob?" Bella demanded. She brought Renesmee closer to her and Jacob tethered himself to Renesmee, who was contently sandwiched in the middle.
For the love of it all. I bared my teeth and hissed. "Just because I understand, it doesn't mean I won't throw you out, Jacob. Bella's doing extraordinarily well. Don't ruin the moment for her."
"I'll help him toss you, dog," Rosalie promised. "I owe you a good kick in the gut."
While we glared at Jacob ready to destroy him, he looked at a dimpled faced Renesmee. There was no doubt that he would brave anything to ensure her safety because here he stood, surrounded by eight different vampires, his natural enemy. The gaze was one of care and protection, it radiated an imprint.
"No!" Bella gasped.
By George, I think she's got it, Emmett mused. Jasper held onto Bella as I reached around and secured her chest.
Oh shit, Jacob thought as he saw understanding in Bella's eyes. He moved Renesmee to his full embrace and attempted to step back. His retreat was blocked by Rose and Emmett. His eyes widened. Renesmee whimpered from the loss of contact with her mother.
"Rose," Bella gritted between her teeth as her body shook with anger. "Take Renesmee," she ordered.
Rosalie held her hands out and Jacob handed my daughter to her at once. They all took careful steps backing away from Bella. I clinched my embrace and held my wife in place.
"Edward, I don't want to hurt you, so please let go of me," Bella warned. She knew.
I questioned the sanity of letting go, but Bella seemed self contained. Again, I would not risk my limbs for Jacob, who was in big trouble. I deliberated how to prevent his destruction, when I wanted to assist. Together, Bella and I could rid ourselves of the troublesome dog. I sighed not sure I could allow her to have eternal guilt for killing Jacob, even under these circumstances.
"Go stand in front of Renesmee," Bella advised, reasonably.
It was enough of a distraction to jar me from my fantasy of Jacob's demise. I released her to her own devises and left Jacob to face her wrath on his own. Renesmee needed my protection, as Bella stated.
Bella leaned into a crouch, taking slow stead steps toward her prey – the object of her anger.
She gnarled and from her throat she barked, "You didn't."
Foolishly Jacob did not protect himself but raised his hands in defeat, as he backed away from Bella's approach. His words made it worse. "You know it's not something I can control."
"You stupid mutt! How could you? My baby!"
Jacob backed out of the front door as Bella stalked him and half-ran backward down the stairs. "It wasn't my idea, Bella!" he shouted.
"I've held her all of one time, and already you think you have some moronic wolfy claim to her? She's mine."
"I can share," he said pleadingly as he retreated across the lawn.
"Pay up," Emmett said to Jasper. We all stood on the porch watching the confrontation. I told you she would attack him within three minutes of finding out. This ought to be good. Emmett thought.
"How dare you imprint on my baby? Have you lost your mind?" She was furious, barely containing her anger. Her steps were certain as she hunted him into a defenseless corner.
"It was involuntary!" he insisted, backing into the trees.
Then he wasn't alone as Leah and Seth approached. I stepped down from the porch, shaking my head sympathetically at Jacob. I was certain Bella could take on the two huge wolves, as well as Jacob, but more certain that she wouldn't attack him. They would not stop a mother protecting her young, especially when the mother was a newborn vampire. Jacob and his pack would all fall within seconds of Bella's attack, if she chose to do so, but we could not allow an attack. Leah stupidly snapped at Bella. A fearsome snarl ripped through Bella's teeth back at Leah. Bella returned to her advance to Jacob. I shook my head, this was digressing quickly, but Bella was amazingly constrained.
"Bella, would you try to listen for just a second? Please?" Jacob begged. "Leah, back off," he demanded using his alpha authority.
Leah stopped and bared her teeth at Bella. Bella's intentions were uncertain, as she weighed her options. She ignored Leah.
"Why should I listen?" Bella hissed.
"Because you're the one who told me this. Do you remember? You said we belonged in each other's lives, right? That we were family. You said that was how you and I were supposed to be. So . . . now we are. It's what you wanted."
That was a bad move. Bella wasn't able to process her fading human memories very well, she barely remembered Renesmee. Her thinly contained rage was obvious, yet she hadn't snapped.
"You think you'll be part of my family as my son-in-law!" she screeched.
My body shivered at the thought of Renesmee marrying Jacob. I stepped closer to the stand-off and listened to Jacob's thoughts. He was disgusted at the thought. Bella's fists clinched and her jaws were tight as a growl echoed in her throat.
Emmett laughed. There's no stopping her now, Jacob is going down.
"Stop her, Edward," Esme murmured to me. "She'll be unhappy if she hurts him."
But I didn't want to stop her, nor did she need help. Her anger would not push her beyond what she was capable of handling. Her hands were in front of her, worrying her fingers and clinching, it was her calming mechanism from her human life. Yes, she was still self controlled.
"No!" Jacob was insulted. "How can you even look at it that way? She's just a baby, for crying out loud!"
"That's my point!" Bella yelled.
"You know I don't think of her that way! Do you think Edward would have let me live this long if I did? All I want is for her to be safe and happy — is that so bad? So different from what you want?" he argued.
I looked at Jasper. "Amazing, isn't she?" I said, proudly.
"She hasn't gone for his throat even once," Carlisle agreed, sounding stunned.
"Fine, you win this one," Emmett said grudgingly to Jasper. It had been a tense five minutes.
"You're going to stay away from her," Bella hissed up at Jacob.
"I can't do that!"
"Try. Starting now," she growled ready to force the separation and enforce her command.
"It's not possible. Do you remember how much you wanted me around three days ago? How hard it was to be apart from each other? That's gone for you now, isn't it?"
I wasn't sure where he was going with this, but it wasn't looking good him, although Bella seemed to consider his words.
"That was her," Jacob told Bella, as he pointed to Renesmee. "From the very beginning. We had to be together, even then." He pointed between the two of them.
"Run away while you still can," Bella threatened. She wasn't falling for his ridiculous theory.
"C'mon, Bells! Nessie likes me, too," Jacob insisted.
Bella stopped. She froze. "What…did you call her?"
Jacob took a step farther back, managing to look sheepish. "Well," he mumbled, "that name you came up with is kind of a mouthful and—"
"You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness Monster?" she screeched.
And then, my well controlled, amazing wife lunged for his throat. I didn't predict that the nickname would make Bella snap. In fact, I thought it was an acceptable pet name. After I made sure Renesmee was secure, I rushed to Bella's side, too late to stop the bones from cracking in Seth's legs as he leapt in front of Jacob.
She crouched ready for another go at Jacob. I grabbed Bella around her waist, lifted and turned her away from Jacob. "Bella! She's watching." I screamed. Bella relaxed into my arms. It was enough to break off her attack. "Run," I whispered and freed her from my hold.
She took off towards the river and like an experienced hurdler she bounded it in one jump and continued her run through the forest. I stepped to follow but I heard a resounding 'no.' I turned and saw Renesmee struggling in Rosalie's arms. No, mine. Mine. Renesmee thought.
"You've got to take her with you." Rosalie dashed to my side and handed me the baby. Renesmee placed her hand to my face and showed me her new image of Bella. It was nearly as disturbing as the original one. Bella's teeth were bared and her face was contorted into pure hatred, it was the last few moments of Bella's attack. Just as quickly, Renesmee flipped the image to their reunion, the moments of their embrace. She wanted her mother.
I want her too.
I shifted Renesmee in my arms and found Alice standing beside me and slung a diaper bag over my arm. "She's waiting for you . . . both." Alice smiled. I saw Bella in Alice's thoughts and gasped and the serene picture. Stop admiring your wife and go.
I took off running. I knew the sun rose and set with my Bella, at least in my world it did. I was so arrogant, even from the moment I first saw her in the crowded cafeteria. I thought I could resist and now that she was no mere mortal, I had to be with her, it was ridiculous for me to resist. Renesmee was unable to resist as well.
I held the baby to my chest and ran. We crossed the river and sprinted through the forest until we were where we were supposed to be. I stopped. The trees hid us from view but Bella's presence was evident. We could smell her scent in the path she took. There were newly felled trees, strong with their familiar scent of pine and oak, strewn along the trail as she destroyed them. Mostly, we knew she was near because her ranting and frustrations were loudly melodic.
We were just far enough away from her, unseen, but she could sense our presence. I admired the best thing that ever happened to me. Her controlled rage was beyond endearing. I listened to her screaming, angrily.
"I never should have returned to Forks. Edward and I should have continued on to Alaska until I was old enough and weaker. Jacob could be dead and how would I explain that to Billy? The entire family would be charged with murder, especially because I wouldn't be able to be around for the investigation. That was so stupid of me.
"Imprinting on a baby! What was that boy thinking? I could still kill him. Telling me it was destiny, as if I didn't understand my feelings. Yes, I could kill him, dead. I should have killed him. Ahh!"
She lurched forward and ran to a sapling and lifted it from the roots. She swung it like a bat and it hurled through the air where it landed a few feet away from us.
"I know you're there," she whispered.
She turned and paced on the far side of the meadow. She walked a semi-circle, keeping a distance. "You should take her home where she'll be safe."
Unfortunately, Renesmee didn't agree and reached forward. How could I deny my daughter any longer? I carried her cautiously toward Bella and we stopped in the middle of the meadow, amongst the knee wildflowers.
"Take her back," she asked again.
"She doesn't want to be away from you. Neither do I."
"It's not safe," she murmured.
"There is no safer place than by your side. We belong together."
"I attacked Jacob and I almost attacked you. I don't want her to be next. "
"She is safe, Alice has seen it. As for Jacob, he asked for it. I was never in danger." Renesmee squirmed in my arms and reached for her mother.
"You know I can't control my emotions. I snapped. I could have killed him."
"I can rectify that."
"Edward!"
"He knew the risks and purposely goaded you. You did what I wanted to do for the last three days. But I'm not here to waste time having our first moments as a family ruined by him. Trust me Bella, you can handle this."
"You don't know that, Alice could be wrong."
"I know it because I know you. I know your kindness, your strength, your ability to love beyond reason. You have no sense of self preservation, especially when it comes to protecting those you love. We will always be safe with you."
She unconsciously paced near us, hesitant to look in our faces. She stopped a few inches away. She was so close. Her back was to us and a warm breeze waved her hair. Renesmee reached out to grab the loose tendrils and I did too. Her scent wafted around us and the soft strands fell away from our fingers as Bella pulled from our reach. It frustrated us, but we would wait.
Bella had ended all my loneliness and given me not only love but so much more – a family of our own. My one hundred and nine years of waiting was more than worth it, it was meant to be. The marvelous harpy fate pushed close to the edge, but never allowed our love to fail. Even Jacob was a part of the plan and I could not begrudge anything of the past, it brought us here - to our meadow, with our daughter. I had everything I never knew I wanted.
"I'm going to sit down now and I hope you will join us," I invited.
I bent by knees and placed the diaper bag on the ground. I unzipped it and pulled out the blanket I knew was there from Alice's earlier vision. More adept than any father of three days, I spread the red checkered cloth over the flowers and created a small floor. I sat with Renesmee in my lap.
Mother.
"She will join us soon," I comforted the impatient baby.
Mother.
"Patience, Baby Dearest." I reached for the bag and retrieved a small toy, but Renesmee wasn't distracted. I laid her down on the blanket and she rolled her head to watch her mother.
Bella paced the meadow, quietly.
Renesmee kicked her legs and waved her arms around, as she tried to reach for Bella again. Since I had the baby on the blanket, I decided to change her diaper. I grabbed the wipes and pamper.
"What does she smell like?" I asked Bella as I removed the small baby bloomers that covered the diaper. I hoped this simple act would encourage Bella to join us. Bella stood still. I watched as her shoulders rose, taking in the air around her. That's right, trust yourself to enjoy our scent.
"It's sweet and familiar. Nothing like earlier when we were hunting and I had to run away from the hikers. But . . ."
"Hmm." I flipped the soiled diaper to the side and with vampire speed, the baby was fresh as new. I pulled down the skirt of her sleeveless summer dress. "All better, my Baby Dearest?" I cooed to Renesmee. With her legs free, Renesmee kicked her feet out desperately trying to reach her mother.
Bella turned to face us. "I can hear her heartbeat and the blood flowing through her veins, it's not really appealing," she chimed. Bella slowly bent her knees and folded her legs down on her haunches with her hands on her knees. Her hands cupped her face and our eyes met. Her eyes locked on Renesmee.
Trust yourself, Bella.
I took Renesmee's feet and circled them around one another. My eyes focused on Bella. "The wheels on the bus go round and round," I sang. Renesmee looked at me and smiled. I focused on my baby dearest. "We've got to give your mother a little time. Let's play." I continued singing. After three rounds, Renesmee bored and turned her head to her mother. I followed her gaze and watched as Bella sat on the edge of the blanket and cupped her hand to touch Renesmee's soft copper curls.
With that single touch, Bella wanted . . . more. She lifted up the baby and they fit together perfectly. I moved to Bella's side and wrapped my arm around her waist as she cradled Renesmee in her arms. Together we sat quietly, cuddling and sharing the first moments of our family. The sun dipped below the tree line and brought twilight to the meadow and the first stars to the sky.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star . . ." Bella sang softly and I enthusiastically joined.
The End.
Amigas,
Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting this story. There will not be an epilogue.
I started writing this for my kid and now after nearly a year, I'm glad to mark the story as complete. When I look at the earlier chapters, I'm amazed at how awful I was. I'm glad I used SM's format, it helped with my writing process. I have found my voice and I will continue to write, but no more EPOV of SM's stories. I invite you to read my other stories.
Please take time to leave a comment.