Chapter 3! Soooo, I'm pretty sure none of you are expecting this chapter. But you know what? I ADORE this chapter! So many feels. So I am not gonna chat anymore. Just enjoy it. Also, just remember...I have no idea how any of this works. (You'll understand).

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Please Enjoy!

JPOV

Nessie and I had just finished lunch when she went to check our turned-off phones. Seth had ordered me to the last time we'd spoken, telling me he had everything handled and that I needed to relax. It had been two weeks since we'd flown into Hawaii. Ness and I had played, relaxed, and played some more. We'd done the tourist thing, going into the shops, eating seafood, and trying new things. Now, we were just going to spend our last week or so relaxing, lazing around the cottage, watching movies, playing games, hunting, or going to one of the two beaches we had access to. Ness had taken her camera wherever she went as well as a large beach bag that she could stash shells in. She said she was already planning a huge art project, kind of like her picture wall she'd had at the big Cullen house before we'd moved into the cabin.

Now, she walked back into the living room with a frown and the my phone pressed to her ear. "What about her?" she asked. "Hold on. I'm going to put you on speakerphone. Jacob's here."

I sat up in the plush chair I was sitting in.

"Jacob?"

I surprised to hear Seth's voice. "Hey, Seth. What's going on?"

"It's about time one of you answered your phone. Damn. Seriously." He sounded like he was worried and angry and, surprisingly, scared.

"Uh, you told me to turn off our phones, man. But forget that. What's happening?"

It sounded like he blew a breath into the phone. "Man, it's Shelby, Jake."

"What happened?"

"She went into labor."

"What?!" Ness and I said at the same time. I stood up to go stand with Ness, both of us staring at the phone, and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

"What do you mean she went into labor, Seth? She wasn't growing that fast." Nessie's voice was high-pitched and frightened. I tightened my hold on her.

He growled over the phone. "Yeah, well, apparently, the baby decided it wanted out. She started flaring up a day or two after you guys left. Carlisle's scared of the premature factor, but we won't know until the baby arrives. There is no stopping the labor."

"How's Shelby doing, man?"

There was a pause. And then, "Scared. She's terrified something will be wrong with the baby. She wants Carlisle to do a C-section but he thinks a natural birth would be better. She's allowing it. But…"

"But?" Ness urged.

"She wants you here, Ness. She's been calling out for you."

Nessie looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

I took the phone from her. "Hang tight, Seth. Ness and I are getting on the next plane out of here. Tell Alice-"

"She said she just booked the tickets. The flight's in forty-five minutes. Are you sure, Jake? You're on your honeymoon."

"Shut up, man. It's not like we can't come back. This is your mate and child we're talking about. We'll be on that flight."

"Thanks, Jacob." He sounded relieved, and like he might cry.

"Hang in there, Seth. Everything's going to be fine. Just stay with her. She needs you now more than ever, ok?"

"Yeah, yeah. I gotta get back in there. See you when you get here."

"Absolutely, my man."

We hung up. Nessie had already dashed into the room to pack. When I walked in, she blurred around me, tapping into her vamp side. While she did that, knowing she would work faster without me in the way, I called Gage and told him what was going on. He'd been in the car. I knew that because I heard the engine growl as he'd stepped on the gas. Within five minutes, our bags were packed and sitting outside. Gage squealed to a stop in front of us. I told him to stay in the car while I threw our bags in the back. As soon as I was in the car, he stepped on the gas and didn't let up until we stopped in front of the airport. He ran with us, carrying some of our bags while we got our tickets and went through security. As we were waiting to board, I looked at him with a smile and nod. He tipped his hat at us before disappearing into the crowd. Remembering, I looked around for Cricket and Trey, but there were too many people to sort through.

Nessie's hand gripped mine. I squeezed back looking down at her.

I lifted her hand to my lips. "It's going to be okay. Shelby's gonna be fine, alright? She's tough. And any kid of hers is gonna be the same. That baby's gonna fight, ok?"

"Oh, Jacob," she sobbed, burying her face into my side.

Finally, we boarded the plane and I tucked her into my side. It was going to be a long flight to Seattle, then a short flight to Port Angeles, and then an hour or so of driving. Once we were in the air, I received a text. Alice saying Jasper would be at the airport, waiting. Ok, I amended in my head, less than an hour of driving. A Cullen, or Hale, behind the wheel of a car would make NASCAR jealous.

Eventually, Nessie cried herself to sleep, but the lines around her eyes and mouth were still tight with worry. I stroked her hair until it loosened up a bit. There was no way I could sleep.

Instead, I just looked out the window and watched the clouds pass by, worried about my pack brother and his family.

A few hours and car drive later.

RPOV

Without even waiting for the car to come to a stop, I threw the door open, jumped out, and flew for the house. Before I even got to the front door, I heard an agonized scream. The pack was gathered around the house in both human and wolf form. There were more inside as I burst through the door. Mom met me at the bottom of the stairs.

"How is she?" I panted.

Mom stroked my hair and pulled me into a hug. "Exhausted and scared, but your presence will help. Go on. We'll say hello later."

"Nessie Carlie Black! I can hear you! Get your skinny little ass up here!" And then she screamed again.

I rushed up the stairs, unsure whether or not my feet actually touched the wood. Out in the hall, Dad was leaning against the wall, a frown marring his features. I didn't stop to ask why he was in the hall. I didn't really care at that moment.

Shelby screamed again as I flung the door open. "I'm here. I'm here."

"Wash up, Ness," Carlisle called.

Instantly, I went to the sink he'd had Uncle Emmett install and scrubbed up the way he'd told me. Seth was there to put the gown around me. I offered him a smile, but he was too worried to reciprocate.

"I'm really sorry, Ness."

"Don't be. I'd rather be here right now, ok?"

Shelby screamed again, and we both rushed to her side. Her grip on my fingers nearly had me screaming. She was soaked with sweat, hair matted to her face and neck. Her emerald green eyes were pain and tear-filled. But most of all, her breathing was off with worry and fear.

"Shelby, remember the breathing we talked about?" I asked stroking her hair behind her ears. The hospital bed was raised up so she could recline, her legs raised in stirrups. A paper sheet was draped over her knees. Carlisle was dressed just as a doctor should be who was delivering a baby. Hair and mouth covered, gloves on his hands.

Gritting her teeth, she nodded. "Do it with me. Please."

I nodded. "Ok, but first...Carlisle, how are we doing?"

He glanced at me before his eyes went back to under the sheet. "I want to say about three more big pushes. The baby's head is starting to crown."

I met Shelby's eyes. "You hear that?" And then I looked at Seth. Shelby had gripped his hand, too, using us a leverage. I totally didn't mind. "Alright, Shelby. Eyes on me. Let's breathe, ok."

I started with the deep, slow breaths before going into the birthing breaths she and I had both learned over the internet. She hadn't wanted to go to the classes, so we'd researched on YouTube. Carlisle had taught me all about the procedures for labor because he thought that if I were in the room, I'd be the only sane one there. Seth and Shelby would be too worried to remember anything. And Carlisle knew Shelby well enough to know that she'd want me in the room.

"Alright, Shelby. On the count of three, I need a big push. As big as you can. Ok, one...two...three, push!"

Shelby's grip tightened on my fingers, nearly to breaking, as she gritted her teeth and pushed. When she got her breath back, she screamed and fell against the pillow. Carlisle looked up to me with a nod.

"Good, Shelby," I soothed. "You're doing great."

"Whenever you're ready, Shelby, we'll go for another, ok? Just say when. The faster we get this baby out, the sooner I can help, and the sooner the pain stops."

"Has she had any pain meds?"

"No!" Shelby screamed.

"She doesn't want them to hurt the baby," Seth said.

I gritted my own teeth against her stubbornness. "Shelby, come on. Just two more pushes."

Nodding, she sat up. "Carlisle."

"Count of three. One...two...three, push."

She inhaled deeply and pushed for the second time. This time it didn't turn into a scream. She just fell back against the bed, breathing hard. Once that calmed, I started breathing with her again. Seth stroked her hair out of her face, muttering to her, holding her hand.

"You're doing good, baby. I'm right here, ok?"

"Don't go anywhere," she whispered against his lips.

"I'm not. There's nowhere else I want to be."

Her eyes closed as if she were exhausted. I couldn't blame her. I wasn't the one having the baby and I was exhausted.

"Ok, I've got the head," Carlisle said. "Just one more push, Shelby. One more. That's all I need."

Gathering her courage, she sat up one more time. Seth and I helped to keep her up by putting our free hands at her back.

"One...two...three, push, Shelby!"

Two deep breaths and Shelby let out a scream as she pushed.

I could tell the baby was out when she collapsed against us and Carlisle started doing whatever he needed to do after the birth.

"Edward, get in here and check her while I check the baby."

Dad darted in, pushing me and Seth back as he went over Shelby's vitals. None of the monitors had gone off but a vampire could tell if anything was about to go amiss before the machines did. He'd also started to clean Shelby up and the area around her.

I went to stand next to Seth, taking his hand. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Jacob in the hallway. Somehow I'd known he'd be there.

A loud screeching brought my attention back to the room. Shelby tiredly scooted herself up onto the bed with Dad's help. Carlisle grinned as he turned around with a wrapped up bundle in his arms. Seth stepped up to the bed next to Shelby, who held out her arms.

"I am very happy to present to you an extremely healthy, and beautiful, baby boy."

Seth and Shelby laughed in the way that told me they were relieved and happy and wanted to cry all at the same time.

Carlisle placed the baby in Shelby's arms, and she started to cry with her son. Seth stroked his son's face and Shelby's hair, kissing her forehead.

"Hello, Brayden," Shelby whispered.

Shrugging out of the gown, with happy tears, I walked out into the hallway. Jacob engulfed me in his arms, holding me tight.

"How is she?"

"Fine, now that he's here and safe. Though I bet she'll take the painkillers now."

He laughed, the rumble against my cheek comforting. For a while, we just held each other as noises and voices drifted out into the hall. They were changing Shelby's clothes and the bed sheets so that she could sleep in there just in case something happened.

"You did well in there, Nessie."

Carlisle's voice had me turning around but keeping Jacob's arms around me. I shrugged. "I just remembered what you taught me."

"Still, I was getting rather frustrated with her. Concentrating on the breathing helped. I just think Seth was lost. But you were a natural in there."

I smiled back at him when Shelby called for us.

"Ness, Jake, get in here."

We both chuckled as we walked in. Seth was holding Brayden, just staring at his son's little face. One tiny hand was wrapped around Seth's pinky.

"How ya doin', Shelbs?" Jacob asked as he sat on the side of the bed. He leaned over to hug her. They'd managed to get her into a plush robe.

"Tired, but happy. That little guy put up a hell of a fight."

"Sounds like someone else I know," Jacob joked.

Shelby just smiled at him before her eyes went back to her baby boy and his father.

"I'm a dad," Seth said in wonder.

"Congrats, man. He's beautiful."

A moment later, little Brayden started to yell again.

"He's probably hungry," Carlisle said from the doorway. "How do you plan to feed him?"

Shelby frowned, thinking about it. "I think I'll try breastfeeding first."

Carlisle nodded. "It is healthiest."

"Well, I think Ness and I will leave you to it. You guys need some time alone. We'll go let the others know that everything's ok."

Jacob stood up and hugged Seth after the baby was safely transferred to Shelby's arms. "You're going to be great, Seth."

"Thanks. And thanks again for ruining your honeymoon to get here."

Jacob and I shared a look. Finally, Jacob shook his head. "Are you kidding, man? This was the best wedding present ever. A new addition to the family? I will take that over secret beaches any damn day."

Seth held out his hand. "He's your nephew, Jake. You've always been my big brother."

Jacob clapped his hand to Seth's forearm. "Brothers. Always."

And then we left to go let the others know that everything was truly okay. My want for a family became so much stronger, even though I wasn't looking forward to the labor. But the moment when Brayden had been placed in Shelby's arms looked as if all that pain was more than worth it. The feeling of your child safely in your arms had to be worth any amount of pain as long as they were okay.

ShelbyPOV

After I'd positioned my son where he needed to be, he did the rest, latching on and sucking. Seth sat down beside me on the bed, his lips against my sweat-soaked hair.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like my body's been ripped apart, but honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world." I looked up at him, grinning tiredly. "We have a son, Seth. A baby boy."

He stroked my hair. "I'm so proud of you, baby."

Before I could answer, there was a loud roar of cheers from downstairs. We laughed as the wolves went crazy with howls. The pack had to have heard Carlisle when he'd said Brayden was healthy, but hearing it from Nessie and Jacob, the alpha couple, completely verified it. No doubt those that weren't on patrol would be partying all night. I'd smelled so many types of foods cooking all day. Either Esme had been a nervous wreck since I'd gone into labor at two this morning, or she was preparing for a birthday bash. Probably both, I decided.

In my arms, Brayden released me and smacked his lips.

I laughed. "Just like his dad."

"Hey," Seth said with a chuckle.

Seth leaned forward to brush his finger over our son's cheek. "You're gonna be a boatload of trouble, aren't you, Bray?"

Brayden yawned and smacked his lips again. One little hand reached up to grip Seth's finger.

"Of course he will be," I said. "He's our son." There really was no way I could stop saying that. While I'd been pregnant, he hadn't been real, just an 'it'. But now that he was here, in my arms, he was very real. And very much my son. I knew I'd do anything to protect him, no matter the cost.

There was a knock on the door and I pulled myself back together, putting everything away, before Seth called out. When the door opened, my dad poked his head in.

"Hey. I know you're tired, but I wanted to check on you, if that's alright."

I smiled at him. "Absolutely. Come meet your grandson."

Before taking Brayden, he shook hands with Seth. "You're officially family now."

"I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't going anywhere."

They did their manly hug and backslap, and then my dad was holding his grandson. He rocked him, eyes softening. Gripping that tiny hand, he said, "Your dad better teach you about cars and football or we'll have issues."

We all laughed.

Seth put his arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry. I plan to. Besides, if I slip up, you're first on the list to take the job."

Dad smiled down at my now dozing son. "You hear that? Let's hope he slips up in at least one of those areas." He looked up at us. "He's beautiful, you two." Then he looked back down. "You picked some good ones, you know that?"

Seth grinned down at me and then kissed my forehead.

"Well, I know you two are tired and have some other visitors waiting in the hall. I'll see you later, baby girl, ok?" He handed Brayden to Seth before leaning in to kiss my forehead.

"Love you, Daddy."

"Love you, too, princess."

And then he was gone. "They're all yours," he said to whoever was outside.

A moment later, Leah came squealing into the room with her mother, Sue. Caden and Charlie shook their heads with identical grins.

"Are you up for all of us, Shelby?" Charlie asked.

I played it off. "Meh, I just spent-wait, what time is it?"

Charlie checked his watch. "Midnight."

I did quick math, and it made me tired. "I just spent ten hours in labor. I'm pretty sure I can handle some excited relatives. Besides, you're here for my kid. If I pass out, nobody cares."

Leah watched on as Sue rocked Brayden. "He's so...so...cute. And squishy. And pudgy."

I couldn't help but laugh, and it hurt my lower body. "That's what babies are, Leah."

"I've never been excited about kids. Don't get me wrong, I love Leila, but this one's my true-blooded nephew!"

She threw herself onto Seth before Charlie or Caden could get their hand shake/back slap in.

"I love you so much, little brother. And I'm glad everything worked out ok."

He hugged her back. "Love you, too, Leah. But you're cutting off my oxygen."

"Sorry!" She pulled back quickly. "Can I hold him?"

Seth smirked. "What am I gonna say? No? Come on, Leah. He's my son, your family. Of course you can."

"Feels good to say that, doesn't it?" Caden asked, offering his hand.

Seth took it, and they did the bro-hug. "Weird as hell, but good. I honestly never thought I'd be a dad, but this is amazing."

"Nothing quite like it," Caden said in a wistful tone.

Immediately the room layered in sadness and sympathy.

"I'm sorry, man," Seth said.

Caden shook his head and smiled at Brayden. "Don't be. I miss my son very much. But I hold onto the hope that I'll someday avenge him, and Alora."

Seth clapped him on the shoulder. "After this mess with Tristan is over, I'll personally help you find the bastard that did it. I swear it. It's the least I could do. You've saved me and my family by helping us."

"Thank you. That means a lot. But first, Leah and I have to leave. Soon. No doubt Tristan is also gathering other packs to his aid. We should have gone a while ago, but decided to stay when the baby started growing faster."

"Well, then, thank you for staying. It means a lot to both of us."

"I have a question," I said, interrupting them.

Caden arched that brow at me. "Yes, luv?"

And then I thought of something else. "Ok, two questions. Will I shift now? And what about Brayden?"

As all eyes went to him, Caden sighed. Brayden was reluctantly passed on to Charlie.

"Both of those are difficult to answer. I suspect that you will shift eventually. Maybe not with this coming full moon or the one after, but eventually. Once the pregnancy hormones get out of your system. Your wolf is very dominant in your mindset, especially since you now have a son. That's a big deal. And speaking of Brayden, he comes from two different types of werewolves. There's no telling which gene will be dominant. But I can say that no matter which way it goes, he won't shift or phase for years. I've been told that the wolves of La Push didn't phase until their late teens. With our type of wolf, the pup won't shift until around ten or eleven. So never fear. I think you have time with him before his world gets weirder."

That eased me a little. I at least wanted to get shifting down before my son did. Even though Seth was also a werewolf, Brayden could be my type. Maybe a mix of both. Who knew.

Out of everybody that had held Brayden, Caden was the most careful. But then again, he was the godfather. I was almost sure that he'd never expected to be affiliated with the word "father" again whether it was daddy genes or legal means.

"Hallo, Brayden. I guess you and I are going to be spending some time together. I have a responsibility now, I suppose." He pulled Brayden close. "Don't worry, I'll take care of your mum. We'll get her sorted long before you're running on all fours."

Ok, my heart melted a little...oh, alright, I was close to tears. Dammit.

A throat cleared from behind everyone. They all turned. Carlisle was standing there.

"I'm sorry, guys, but I would like the new mother to get some rest. She's been through a lot today. I'm sure she's tired." He smiled. "Don't worry. Shelby and Brayden will be here tomorrow."

Everybody said their goodbyes before filing out, giving last waves and smiles. I collapsed against the bed while Seth walked around with Brayden. Carlisle came over, watching the monitors.

"How do you feel?"

"Like I could use that pain medication now."

He chuckled but went for the medicine cabinet. Coming back with a syringe, he filled it up. "Alright. You ready? It'll knock you out."

I sent an anxious look to my mate and our son. Seth caught it.

"It's ok, baby. I've got him. We're gonna spend some time getting to know each other. And we'll stay in the room. If he needs to feed, I'll wake you up."

Carlisle smiled down at me. "It's ok to be anxious being away from him. You've had him inside you for months, protecting him. Now he's away from you. But I assure you, in this house, and with Seth, he's perfectly safe."

I bit my lip. "I know. I just-it's so hard to believe that I'm a mom. I don't wanna wake up to know this was a dream."

The doctor chuckled. "He'll no doubt be up in a couple hours to wake you up for feeding time. This medicine won't last long in your system. You'll wake up."

Nodding, I sank down into the bed, all the aches and pains groaning in unison. I hissed, truly feeling the after-pain for the first time. As Carlisle pressed the needle into my skin, I watched my boys as they strolled around the room. It didn't take long to kick in, and when it did, I didn't fight it.

SethPOV

I took a breath of relief when Shelby's eyes closed for good. I could tell she was exhausted and in severe pain, but she'd wanted to stay up to see the people closest to us. I'd wanted her to pass out a while ago, but there was no way I could tell her what to do. She'd just spent ten hours bringing our son into the world. She had my complete respect. Not that she hadn't before, but damn.

Brayden cooed and yawned in my arms, little hands grasping. I put my forefinger against that tiny palm, and he grasped it, settling back into his blankets. He hadn't yet opened his eyes, but Carlisle had told me not to panic about that as he'd walked out. Sometimes it took babies to adjust to being out of the womb.

There was a soft knock at the door. I looked at the bed. Shelby was still passed out. I would have gone out into the hall, but I'd promised her I'd stay in here with him.

Going over to the door, I whispered, "Come in."

A moment later, Mom snuck into the room. Her eyes went to the bed as she closed the door quietly.

"Hey," she whispered with a smile, eyes going to Brayden. "How is she?"

"Hey, Mom. Exhausted. I'm glad she let the doc knock her out. What's up?"

"I just thought I'd come see you alone. Your dad would have loved this."

I looked down at my son with new eyes. What if I died and left him? It made me miss my dad so much more. And reminded me of the promise I'd made to Shelby to always come back to the two of them. Oh, yeah. I'd claw my way out of Hell itself to get back to them both. "Yeah, I know. I miss him. But you, me, and Leah will have stories. As well as Charlie and Billy."

She nodded. "Yeah." She held her hands out. "May I?"

"Oh, sure." I lifted him up away from me to hand him off, but he woke up and let out a small squawk. Quickly, I pulled him back, both mom and me looking over at Shelby. She frowned and shifted, but didn't wake up. I looked at Mom. "Sorry."

She smiled. "It's alright. He just knows his dad is all."

"I think it's my body heat, Mom."

Shaking her head, she stroked his cheek. "No, he knows it's you. Trust me. You were the same way with Harry."

I gave her a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"When Brayden first started the kicking, Shelby told me that every time you got close or you talked, he'd start kicking up a storm, moving around. You were the same when I was pregnant with you. Any time Harry came into the room, or he started talking, you'd kick up a fuss. And don't think I didn't test the theory with other men. It was always Harry." She smiled. "Trust me. This baby boy knows his daddy."

I looked back down at my son cradled in my arms. He'd fallen back to sleep as soon as he'd been pressed back against my chest. Just like his mother did every time we went to bed.

I laughed. "Like father, like son, huh? I can use that now."

Mom laughed, tears filling her eyes. "Well, I suppose I'll leave you to get some rest." She rested her hand on my cheek, thumb stroking under my eye. "Get some sleep, honey. I'm so very proud of you, and you are going to make a wonderful father. He already loves you."

"Thanks, Mom. I love you."

"I love you, too, baby."

And then she was gone. Rosalie had rolled my favorite recliner in here, and now I knew why. Gently sitting back, I hit the button so the chair would fall back. Repositioning Brayden, I laid him out on my chest, making sure that his face was to the side. He was fast asleep, breathing even. I smiled as I looked down at his head. He'd been born with some hair. Not a lot, but enough to know it was going to be pitch black like mine, like Shelby's.

I softly kissed the top of his head, the skin silky smooth.

"Good night, Brayden. Daddy loves you. Very much."

So how was that for emotionally awesome? I teared up a lot during this one. Shelby's eyes are finally opened to what she is and what she isn't. Mommy issues will come up. We may even get to meet her mom. Shelby'd been hinting at that in my head while she talks to me, but we shall see. Please review. I love to hear what you have to say, good or bad. Love all of you! Yes, even you. xoxoxo