Chapter 21! Uhhh, I kind of love this chapter. And it kind of sets of the end of the story. This one just may not as quite as many chapters as the first two, but we'll see where the characters take us.
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Please Enjoy!
A week later…
JPOV
Peaceful. That's what the past week had been. Ness and I had visited everybody, checked in on Seth, and made love every night. Even with Cricket and Trey in the house. In fact, the two of them couldn't keep it down in their room, either. Multiple times, Ness and I had to turn the volume up on the tv or the stereo just to drown them out.
Walker and I had discussed what to do about Tristan and Jane. Alice said they were still in Italy, and the Denalis still out of her sights, which meant they were still around werewolves. It seemed that Nessie's idea was the only one we had. We call Aro to let him know he had traitors in his midst and we'd only reveal them and their actions if he released our friends to us. Even Edward agreed. According to Alice, Aro still wasn't any the wiser about where Jane had been or what havoc she'd stirred up here. Although, she said his attention had been pointed here from the news of the killings back when we first got Walker.
Even Edward agreed with the plan. Maybe there was a way to get Tristan and the pack put down for good. That would depend on if Aro had softened toward us in any way over the years. Maybe he wouldn't try to go to war with us for fear of his death again. Especially now that we had more wolves. Walker's pack plus Emma and Calahan's. They hadn't celebrated the holiday since they were from Europe. They hadn't wanted to intrude even though Ness had invited them.
Aro didn't know we had allies, but Caius did. Alice said that he seemed to be uneasy from the whispers he heard from packs he was spying on.
All we had to do was call on Aro. Carlisle could get through to him faster than any of us. Out of all of us, Carlisle was the most civil when it came to the Volturi. Caden was ready to rip Caius a new one. And I was itching for a rematch with Tristan.
Right now, Ness and I were in bed after waking up. I was half sitting up, my back against the headboard. Ness was curled into my side, head resting on my chest, the sheet pulled up over her breasts.
"Ness, I just don't see why we have to do this so soon. I mean, Jane and Tristan are in Italy and away from us. That's enough for me."
She sat up on her elbow to give me a look. "Really, Jake? I want to start actually trying for a family, and I don't feel safe knowing those two and Nyla are out there. I want this resolved. If we wait, Aro will wonder why. Not to mention, Tanya, Kate, and Garrett are being held captive. I want them home. That's my-our- family, Jake."
"Ness, it's the holidays." As soon as I said that, I realized how selfish I sounded. "Sorry, don't say anything to that." I sighed. "Okay, I'll talk to Edward, Seth, and Walker. See what Carlisle says."
"Thank you, baby."
"I just don't want them here, near you, near my family. Seth won't be able to fight. We'll all tie him down first."
"Of course." A frown pulled her brows down, her lip between her teeth.
Reaching under her, I pulled her on top of me, skin sliding on skin.
Surprise replaced her frown. "What are you doing?"
Stroking her hair out of her face, I gently kissed her lips that were still swollen from last night.
"Before we jump back into the drama, I want to make love to you again. Slowly this time."
Pulling her down to me, I pressed lips gently into the skin of her neck, just traveling, tasting every inch of her. She closed her eyes, breathing deep and labored and shaking. My hands roamed everything my lips couldn't.
"Jacob," she whispered.
Gripping her backside with one hand, I used the other to position myself at her entrance. Once I was there, I put both hands on her backside and slid her down on my shaft. She gasped, eyes closed, lip between her teeth. So slowly, I slid into her, still kissing down her throat. Her knees braced on the mattress outside of my thighs as I gently thrust up inside her welcoming warmth.
When she arched, I took advantage and suckled on her breast, my tongue dancing over her nipple before licking my way up to the spot over her heart. Her hips undulated against me, her thighs gripping me, her inner walls sucking my shaft deeper inside her.
As she rode me, her hands reached up to grip the headboard, giving me more access to her breasts. Her hips met mine as I continued thrusting into her and she kept riding me, circling me, arching so that her sensitive bundle of nerves hit my lower stomach. Every time she did, her stomach quivered.
A slow burn was starting in my stomach, making it quiver like Nessie's. The heat from her stroked me as solidly as her flesh did, burning me to my soul. But not a bad burn. It was that burn that let you know this person was the right one for you, that this person was your soul, and you knew they felt the same thing deep inside where nobody else could touch them.
Without warning, I gripped her hips and rolled us, her nails taking some of the headboard under them. Skimming down the side of her body, my fingers gripped the back of her knee and hitched her thigh up over my hip, deepening the thrusts.
Her nails scraped into my hair, her head thrown back, eyes closed. "Yes, Jacob," she gasped. "So deep."
Those moans echoed in my ears, vibrating down my spine.
"I love you," I whispered haggardly against her throat. "My wife. The most beautiful, gorgeous, kind-hearted woman I know." Another deep thrust. "The only woman that can set my blood on fire."
The burn inside me intensified, stars winking behind my eyelids. My body was aching, shaft throbbing with every thrust, fighting through the constant gripping of her body.
"Jacob," she moaned. "My alpha. I love you, too."
That was exactly what I needed.
Growling, my teeth sank into her shoulder as my body burst apart. I froze, deep inside her as I pulsed out everything that I was, everything I could offer her. It wasn't just my seed. Every time we did this, every time she brought me to orgasm, I gave up even more of me, of who I was, to her. Only she could ever get me to this point, bring me to this vulnerability. And I trusted her with it.
Her climax struck not long after. She threw her head back and let out a hoarse yell. Those hands shot down to my ass where her nails dug into my flesh, keeping me deep inside her.
With our bodies locked together, I just watched her. How beautiful she was in the grip of her passion. She was all mine, and I would get to watch her like this for many years to come. All we had to do was survive this battle. If she was right about the plan, we would. And then we could really try for the family we both wanted. No more running around trying to defend ourselves. No more multiple shifts on patrol and no sleep.
Just more days of loving her, of peace.
"Jacob?" Her voice was rough, like sandpaper.
Shaking my head a little, I smiled down at her. "Yeah, baby?"
"You ok?"
Studying her sweat-soaked skin and hair, I nodded. "Yeah. I'm perfect. Just thinking about what we're up against."
Her hands stroked my face, thumbs over my lips and then under my eyes. She licked her lips. "You once told me that you believe in Cricket's visions, in her gifts. And now, knowing who she's related to, I do, too. She somehow had a vision of our son. If I remember correctly, before those amazing orgasms you just gave me, we don't have a son. Yet."
"I want one," I whispered, leaning into her touch.
She smiled. "Me too. A little boy just like you, causing trouble. Dirty all the time, throwing food."
I laughed, just picturing what she was both groaned at the sensation before I slid out of her.
Settling between her legs, I stroked her hair. "No, I picture you pregnant, round belly, can't get off the couch without help." She laughed. Scooting down her body, I dropped all my weight on her, my ear to her stomach. "My head in your lap, ear pressed to your belly, hearing him move, his heartbeat. All our kids. They'll all be special."
Breathing deep, her hands came up to play in my hair and over my shoulders. "All?" she asked. "How many do you plan on?"
My fingers traced shapes on her hip. "A few."
She chuckled. "A few? How many is a few?"
Turning my head, I pressed my lips over her flat stomach, and waggled my eyebrows as I said, "A whole pack," before I blew a raspberry into her flesh.
A laugh burst from her throat, her body squirming under me as I tickled her, blowing raspberries everywhere I could reach. The laugh was the carefree one I had missed so much.
"Stop!" she managed through her laughter. A deep breath, "Oh, god, stop! Jake!"
"Nope. Not a chance."
She thrashed under me, legs kicking out. I managed to lay on them as I pressed my thumbs lightly on the spot just over her hips bones. Another laugh was gasped out. Touch her sides just under her shoulders just right, she squealed.
"Stop! I can't...breathe! And I gotta pee!"
Laughing, I rolled over enough for her to squirm out from under me. Hopping off the bed, she ran into the bathroom.
In the tangled up sheets, I rolled over onto my back, putting my hands up under my head. Studying the ceiling, I took a moment to really think about being a dad. Walker and Seth made it seem so easy, yet Billy always talked about how hard I'd been to deal with. But maybe that was part of it. You loved your kids no matter what they did because they were a part of you. Whether their problems stemmed from genes or environment, it's all on you, on the parent. And you love them despite where their life takes them.
The bathroom door opened, and Nessie rushed out, jumped on the bed. Crawling on top of me, she straddled my hips, which were covered by the sheet. Smoothing her hands up my arms, she pulled my hands out from behind my head and laced our fingers.
"Whatcha thinkin' about?" she asked playfully. There were goosebumps on her arms. Apparently, she was cold. Hence the rushing to get back to bed.
"Parenthood," I answered.
Sighing, I zoned out.
She squeezed my hands. "What?"
"Are we gonna change?"
"How do you mean?" she asked softly.
"Like, are we still going to be this goofy, fun-loving couple? I mean, I know kids are going to make us mature, but are we gonna be like all those other serious couples? Or are we gonna be the cool parents?"
She chuckled. "I think we'll be the cool parents. Jake, we know when to be serious, but you and I have never had that 'no joke' mentality. You know, we can't go into raising kids thinking that we have to be the bad guys, that we know everything. We'll learn new things about ourselves and each other as we raise them. As they grow, so will we."
"You think?"
She shrugged. "It's what I believe." Tugging on my hands, she scooted off me. "Now, come on. I gotta fix us a good breakfast for the call we have to make today."
Quickly, she kissed me and then ran into the closet. A moment later, she came out wearing one of my flannel button downs(unbuttoned), a bra, and panties. A pair of jeans for me hung from one of her arms. After I slipped into them, she buttoned and zipped them for me while I buttoned up the shirt. Not all the way, mind you. Let's not get stupid. But enough to cover her up and leave a little cleavage.
When we finally made it to the kitchen, Trey and Cricket were sitting at the table, their heads bent together. Cricket looked up with a wide smile that turned wicked as she saw us.
"Have a good romp? Nearly got off just listening to you."
Nessie giggled as she skipped for the fridge.
"Even you can't ruin my good mood," I said to her playfully.
She snorted. "Of course not. You just got your family jewels polished."
Sitting at the head of the table with her at my right, I leaned on my elbow toward her. "Like you didn't polish Trey's last night?"
While she blushed, Trey looked up from his computer. "Hey! I did not ask to be brought into this conversation, nor did my family jewels."
I shrugged as Ness put a glass of tea in front of me. "Should have told your woman that before she brought up my sex life."
He gave her a look through his glasses.
She patted his cheek. "Don't pretend you didn't love every second of it."
A horrified look crossed his features. "What? Talking about their sex life? No, thank you."
"I meant ours, stupid."
Now a "duh" look was aimed at her. "Of course I love our sex life. What nineteen year old guy wouldn't? Especially when he's with the woman he loves."
Cricket gave him one of her rare, lovable smiles. "I love you, too, Trey."
"Aww, she does have a heart," I whispered over the rim of my glass before taking a sip.
And choked on it when she kicked my shin under the table.
"Now, now, you two," Nessie laughed as she placed a plate of eggs, bacon, and waffle in front of me.
"Thanks, baby," I said, digging in.
She smiled at me, but said, "Cricket, Trey, you guys want anything? I have plenty more."
"Oh, yes please. Looks awesome." She turned to Trey. "Baby." He wasn't paying attention, too engrossed in whatever he was doing. Sighing, she kicked him under the table. "Baby," she said sweetly as he jumped. "Do you want anything?"
"Uhhh, sure. Sounds good."
"Scrambled eggs ok?" Ness asked going back to the counter.
"Perfect," they both said in unison.
Nessie whipped up more food for the three of them. When she was done, her plate in her hand, I pulled her into my lap before she could sit down in a chair. My plate was clean so I set hers on top. She'd made extra for her plate knowing that she wouldn't eat it all, so I would get seconds. She knew me so well.
"So what were you two smiling about when we came up," she asked before taking a bite of waffle.
"Oh, nothing much. Just that whatever you two have come up with is going to work."
Nessie and I shared a look before she turned to Cricket. "You had another vision?"
The girl nodded. "Oh yeah." She frowned. "There was some fighting, but not everybody was involved. It was kind of like a fight ring. But in the end, we won."
"Anything else?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Nope."
"Know when this shindig might happen?"
"Sometime before Christmas."
"So, within the next couple of weeks," Ness said.
Cricket nodded. "Yup."
"Welp," Ness said, slapping a hand on my thigh. "Guess we better get dressed and get down to the house. Seems we got a plan to put in motion."
She hopped off my lap to hum her way back down to the bedroom while I finished up her plate. I could seriously get another taste of those swinging hips before we put that plan in motion.
Cricket was staring after her. "What the hell did you do to her?"
Smirking at her, I said, "Rubbed her the right way," before taking another bite.
RPOV
Even though Cricket had just affirmed that we'd be having some form of showdown with the Volturi, I couldn't bring myself to be pessimistic and morose. I was just in too much of a good mood. I hadn't felt this way since before everything started up and Jake had had to go to those stupid meetings with the Makah rez. Light and airy, I hummed as I got ready for the day. Dancing around the bathroom, I brushed my hair and teeth.
"You're in a very good mood."
Yelping, I spun around. Jacob was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, and a smirk stretching his lips.
When I could catch my breath and swallow my heart, I said, "Well, you and Cricket put me in it. First, the sweet love this morning. And then her vision that we'd win." I gripped my brush and bit my lip. "I...I just feel like this is almost over. Like we're finally going to be able to get on with our lives and start a family. Do you know how amazing it will be to have years exactly like the week we just had? No worries, no looking over our shoulders. Just days of being blissed out in bed. And then when the kids come along?" He came forward to wrap me in his arms. "I can almost taste it, Jake."
He kissed my nose. "Well, it's good to have this Nessie back. Hopefully, the call will go well today."
"It better because I'm not rehearsing."
He froze around me. "What do you mean 'you'?"
"I'm going to talk to Aro."
He shook his head. "Oh, no you're not."
Stepping out of his embrace, I went back to the mirror to finish brushing out my hair. "Oh, yes I am. I'm going to be the one to talk to him. It was me he was interested in to begin with. Remember? And he liked me. I think."
"Ness-"
"No, Jacob. I want to do this. Please." Putting the brush down, I turned to face him, leaning against the counter. "Since you and I had that big talk, I haven't questioned your orders. I've done everything you ask. And now, I'm asking you to trust me. To trust that I can be as strong as you, as brave as you."
A couple heartbeats of him staring at me passed before he sighed. Again, he took me in his arms. "Okay, baby. Okay. I've never doubted your strength. If you say you can do this, then you should do it."
"Thank you."
"I just want to keep you safe."
I laughed. "I think we both need to get over the fact that I'm not glass anymore, Jake. You can take me out of the bubble wrap. I gotta scrape my knee some time."
He shuddered playfully. "Ugh, I hate scraped knees."
Shaking my head, I reached up to kiss him. "Go put a shirt on and let's head down. I wanna get this over with."
"Yes, ma'am," he muttered against my lips.
I rolled my eyes and pushed him away.
Ten minutes later, we were on our way down to the house. Cricket and Trey had decided to come along. Ever since they'd started staying here, they'd been recluses, hibernating in their room. Probably catching up on sleep and jewel polishing.
Cricket wrapped her arm through mine. "So, who are you going to talk to again?"
I rolled my eyes. "Aro. The leader of the Volturi."
"And what does he look like again?"
"Tall, pale, dark hair. Red eyes. Creepy," Trey said without looking away from his book. "At least, that's what I remember."
I was impressed. He hadn't really shown that he was paying attention. Cricket gave him a dirty look.
"Why do you keep repeating questions?" Jacob asked.
She shrugged. "Just making sure."
"Of?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
"My vision. He fits the description."
"Can you tell us who all will be fighting?"
She shook her head. "Only glimpses. Jake, I definitely know you are. And Ness, too. The only other two I saw were Caden and Shelby."
I frowned. "Shelby?"
"Oh yeah. But other than that, that's all I got."
Jacob's arm squeezed my waist. "So Ness is fighting."
Cricket's expression sobered up. "'Fraid so, my friend."
The rest of the walk was spent in silence as we all contemplated the coming fight, except for Trey, who was buried in his book. According to Cricket, he liked to read unusual things, liked to know random facts.
As we approached the kitchen door, Dad came out of the house.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked.
"Dad, this needs to happen. We've got to settle this. No more running around, trying to figure out what the hell is going on."
Exchanging a look with Jacob, he nodded. "Okay. Carlisle is dialing as we speak."
Going up on my toes, I kissed his cheek. "Thanks, Dad."
Knowing that I was about to be talking to the vampire that was considered top royalty, I still wasn't nervous. Instead, that happiness and strength was still alive in me. Aunt Alice took my hand to lead up the steps to Carlisle's office. Jake, scowling, followed us. Jake and I sat in the chairs opposite the desk. Cricket and Trey snuck in, standing against the bookshelves. She studied the portraits, frowning up at the same one that Caden had had a fit over.
"Yes, I am aware it is late, but seeing as how vampires do not sleep, I do not see why I cannot speak with him. Tell him it's urgent from Carlisle. Please and thank you."
My grandfather's tone was sharp and irritated. I tried to hold my smile back, but it was hard. Despite his civility, he wanted justice as well.
In a moment, his expression changed as if he were standing in front of someone important. "Aro, yes, I apologize for the late hour...If you're sure...Good, good. My family and I have recently come into some information, my granddaughter having come into most of it...Yes, Renesmee...Of course. She's here ready to speak with you."
Jacob gripped my hand and nodded to me.
Carlisle scooted the rotary phone over the desk and handed me the receiver.
Taking a deep breath and straightening my shoulders, I took the phone. "Hello, Aro."
A creepy sigh drifted over the phone. "Ah, Renesmee. You sound all grown up."
"Yes, sir. We believe I reached my maturity a year ago."
"And what age is that, my dear?"
"Nine years. I turned ten in September."
Surprisingly, I was calm with all the preliminary questions, but Jacob was not. He was huffing and puffing next to me. I just smiled.
"And you're fully matured? As well as mentally?"
"Yes."
"Fascinating." There was a rustle, and then he was repeating everything I'd just said, but it sounded distant as if he were talking to someone else. And then he was back. "Sweet Renesmee, congratulations on your marriage. I'm sure our invitation was just lost in the mail."
Panic started to set in. I could feel myself hyperventilating. But then Jacob's hand rubbed up and down my arm soothingly. Another deep breath, and I could answer him. "We felt that it would only upset you seeing as how you and the werewolves have differences of opinions. Even though my husband and his pack aren't the type of wolves you're used to. I apologize if you were expecting one."
Silence for a moment. "Fair enough, young one. Now, you're grandfather, my dear friend, has told me that there's something you need to tell me."
"Ah yes. We've had some issues with some european werewolves and we think that someone in the Volturi helped them. Without provocation, we've been attacked. I was almost killed, twice. A very dear friend of mine was very close to death, but we managed to bring him back in time."
I didn't want to tell him about Seth. If they knew how potent the werewolf infection was, they may fear that a better rival could be born even though we didn't know how Seth was affected.
"Do you have proof of these accusations?" His voice was soft and serious.
"My memories, which I can't share with you over the phone. I promise you that I would not be making these accusations unless I was sure. If you looked, I'm sure you'd find that Abigail is missing."
A long silence this time.
"Yes," he said slowly. "I was told that she was given time to travel."
He hadn't exploded yet from what I was saying. Instead, he seemed to be listening, to be taking it all in. Key word: seemed.
"I'm afraid not, Aro. She saved my life but it was clear she had been tortured. Starved. And she told me who had done those things to her." Before he asked, I continued with, "I would prefer to see you before revealing names, to show you."
I waited for his reply. He liked the extended silence, probably hoping I'd squirm. Well, not today. Gripping Jacob's fingers, I gave him an enthusiastic smile.
"What exactly are you asking of me? Of us?"
I thought about this carefully because if he came out here, I'd need something to say to him to convince him to give us the Denalis.
"Some of our family is missing. The Denalis. I'm sure you remember them. We want them home, and we know that they're in Italy, and not for vacation. Their home was torn apart. My husband and I just want our people safe. In these nine years, we have never given any reason for these attacks. I've never been a threat to our secret. It was the antagonistic wolves who hurt those people that you no doubt saw murdered on the news. That wasn't us. We did everything we could to prevent anybody else from getting hurt. All we want is to live peacefully on our little slice of land. Please. I'm asking you to help us stop these attacks. People will continue to die bringing our secret that much closer to public knowledge."
Appealing to his need to feel high and mighty, I felt my speech was pretty awesome. Jacob and Carlisle shared a grin.
"Get 'em, girlfriend," Cricket whispered.
Aro's silence ended, and I was forced to pay attention. "And when would you have us come out there? It is awfully last minute."
"And I understand that. Truly, I do. But the only way this can be resolved is if we get your help as soon as possible. Lives will be saved and the media will once again ignore us."
A sigh floated over to my ear. It sounded like a surrender type of sigh. "Very well, then. You are quite the negotiator, Renesmee Cullen."
You ain't seen nothin' yet, I thought with a smirk.
"I feel that talking with my brothers would yield the same conclusion that I have come to. Therefore, I shall gather our people and be on our way."
With no doubt that his people included Jane and Caius, my day was a little brighter. And with the mention of the Denalis, I made sure that he would look for them to see if I was right, which would then lead to him finding Tristan and Nyla. No doubt, he'd bring all that he found. Aro was big on evidence and proof.
I grinned. "Thank you, Aro. Your presence will be a relief."
Cricket silently gagged.
"Very well. If that is all?"
"Of course. I understand you're busy."
"Goodbye, young Renesmee. It has been a pleasure."
"Goodbye, Aro."
I hung up the phone to pure silence in the room. Everybody was staring at me as I muttered, "Dirty old man." I shivered. "Bugh."
Jacob leaned toward me. "So?"
I met each person's gaze before grinning. "Tristan and Jane will be here before Christmas." And then I frowned. "Never thought I'd be happy to say that."
Laughing, Jacob scooped me up off the chair and into his arms. "I knew you could do it, baby! I'm proud of you."
Carlisle stood up with a grin. "You must have really convinced him if he agreed to come before the holiday."
"I just thought that if I could appeal to his kingliness, then maybe he'd feel the need to come out here. And I think it worked."
"Cricket!" Trey yelled.
Jacob and I turned in time for me to see him catch her. It looked like she'd fainted but he warned Carlisle away.
"It's ok. She's good. It's a vision."
Carlisle knelt down beside her anyway as Jake slid me to the floor. Aunt Alice was at her niece's feet.
"Does this happen often?" my grandfather asked.
Trey's glasses slipped down his nose as he shook his head, eyes worried, hands stroking her hair. "Only when she forces a vision. After it comes, she's helpless until it ends. I've only seen her do it a couple times." When Carlisle went to move her, Trey snarled, "No! If you move her, she'll go into a fit. Leave her alone."
I turned to my dad while the doctor looked her over. "What is she seeing?"
He frowned. "She's trying to see if you actually persuaded Aro to come here before Christmas."
"And?"
He shook his head. "I can't tell. Not yet."
"That's because it was her specific request for the vision," Trey said. "Once she knows, the vision will end, and you'll know."
"I don't understand why she would do that when I can," Aunt Alice said. "He hasn't made the decision in concrete yet, although he is leaning toward it. They don't celebrate Christmas."
"I…wanted to know...for myself."
All heads turned back to Cricket. She had a hand up to her face, eyes still closed.
"Trey?"
He stroked her hair and lifted her head into his lap. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."
"That...sucked."
He choked out a laugh. "Well, you were the idiot with the bright idea."
"Oh, shut up and get me off the floor. You know I need something to eat after that."
Carlisle helped Trey get her up.
Jacob tightened his hold on me which grabbed my attention. He looked down at me. "I need to call a meeting of all three packs. We'll ask Caden to call another one of the packs that's on our side to see if they can get here before the Volturi."
Dad came to stand with us while Alice, Carlisle, and Trey helped Cricket down to the kitchen. "Maybe we could call our friends from last time to come witness."
Jacob shook his head. "No. I don't know these new wolves. Wouldn't want to chance a fight breaking out before the real battle has begun. It was different back when it was just a few of us and all on the same side."
"Good point. When do you want this meeting?"
"As soon as possible. Everybody needs to know what's going on, and we all need to start thinking of plans. This time, we invited them here. The ball's in our court."
"But that could easily change. If we've been growing, building an army, then so has Aro. Especially after what happened last time. Of course, I don't think that he'll guess about the other packs. But we can't forget that he creates vampires for power. Remember what Abigail said about that one that could strip a power from a vampire? That is an incredibly rare ability. Aro's been shopping."
Jacob smiled. "Well, then, I guess we'll just have to surround all the gifted vampires with wolves during this visit. If we can flood the woods around Forks and the rez with wolves, I think we'll be just fine."
"I agree with Jake."
Dad frowned. "It seems too simple."
"Hey, sometimes, simple works, Edward. One can always hope."
"Alright," I said. "Jacob, you call Walker. I'll call Caden. Let's set the meeting for later tonight. We want to have everybody as prepared as they can be for this visit."
Jacob leaned in for a kiss as he took his phone out of his pocket. "Absolutely. Tell them six?"
I nodded. "Six is good. Why don't we meet down where Walker's and Calahan's packs are so they don't have to move two hundred wolves? We can go to them."
"Sure."
Getting out my own phone, a wave of optimism came over me as we started putting the plan in motion. Hopefully, it wouldn't fail me.
"Hey, Caden," I said when the line was picked up. "Good news."
Later that night...
JPOV
"Hey, Jake?"
Turning around on the large stump, I saw Embry with his hands in his pockets. Tricia was rubbing his arm.
"What's up, Embry?" I asked as I jumped down. We were just waiting on Walker to show up.
As I waited for an answer, Embry wouldn't meet my eyes. Instead, he cleared his throat multiple times and dug the toe of his boot into the ground.
Tricia tugged on his arm. "It's ok, Embry. Just ask him."
"Ask me. Whatever you need, it's yours."
Closing his eyes, he blew out a breath forcefully. "Ok, uh. I need to make an announcement to our pack before the meeting starts. Or after, if you prefer. Since most of ours is here except for those few on patrol, I figured it would be best."
Wondering about what announcement he could have, my eyebrows rose as I looked at Tricia. No ring. "Announcement?"
Embry laughed and Tricia smiled.
He shook his head. "Nothing like that. Not yet. Although her mother is hot on my ass."
"Ah, future mother-in-law issues. Gotta love 'em. But hey, do what you have to. I don't mind."
"Thanks, man."
We bumped fists just as Walker came up.
"Sorry. Haleigh didn't want to leave. Had to bribe her with chocolate."
We laughed.
I clapped a hand on his shoulder. "They key to a woman's heart. Remember that."
"Oh, I will." He clapped his hands together. "So, what's up?"
"Uh, before we get to the meeting, Embry has something he needs to say to the pack."
"Sounds good."
I motioned Embry to the large stump. He took a deep breath before kissing Tricia and stepping up onto it.
"Hey, guys," he started as Walker, Tricia, and I walked around the stump to stand with the other wolves. Nessie's fingers laced with mine. "Ah, before Jacob tells us what he needs to, I have something that I need to tell my pack." He turned so that he was facing them more, but not completely excluding the others. "Uh, I was going to do this before Thanksgiving but Seth's healing was more important. But, uh, yeah. So, after I phased and since my mom was Makah, you all wondered who my dad was. It was gossip on the rez."
Now my pack shifted uncomfortably behind me. Was he really about to tell us who his dad was? The runners up were my dad, Sam's dad, Quil's dad, or Seth's. I swallowed hard as Nessie squeezed my hand.
"Before my mom took off back up north, she decided to tell me as a final blow for me not going with her." Looking panicked, he swallowed hard. "So, I guess I'll just say it like this. If my mom and dad had married, my last name would be," he met Sam's eyes, "Uley."
My body went slack as all the tension left me. Emily gasped while Sam just gaped with Leila in his arms. A moment later, he handed his daughter to Emily before going to stand in front of the stump. Embry jumped down, never breaking eye contact. They just stared at each other for a long moment before Sam pulled Embry into a tight embrace.
We all relaxed. For a moment, none of us had known how Sam would react to being told he had a half-brother. Of course, it was known that Sam didn't like his dad, that man was a player. So it really wasn't a surprise that Embry's dad was Sam's.
Behind me, a baby squealed happily. Ness and I laughed when we saw it was Brayden in Seth's arms.
"You tell 'em, little man," I said as I started clapping.
Sam grinned and hung an arm over Embry's shoulders. "I always did think you looked like me."
Laughing, the walked over to their women. Emily clutched Embry with her one free arm. Sam hugged Tricia.
"Floor's all yours, Jake," Embry said to me.
I chuckled as I hopped up on the stump. "Alright guys! That was some great news! Now, Ness and I have some more news and even though it won't sound like it, it is good." The crowd calmed down and was once again silent, eyes on me. "I want all of you to be prepared for what's going to be happening soon. Nessie spoke with the leader of the Volturi." A few hisses whispered through the crowd. "But when he comes, he will no doubt be bringing our enemies, placing them right into our hands. Jane." My wolves growled at her name. "Tristan." All three packs let out growls. "Caius." Now, they snarled. "All three delivered to us. But what I'm asking each every one of you to do is to think on a situation in which we won't have to go to war. That needs to be avoided at all costs. If war does happen, innocent people will die. So I want us all, myself included, to think of a way to get Aro to hand over our enemies, one of them his own brother. A way for us to mete out our own justice. Any and all ideas are welcome."
"When will they come?" Calahan asked, his hands gripping his son's shoulders.
I nodded to him, but before I could answer, Alice stepped up beside me, placing her hand on my shoulder. She had the answer. Aro had made his decision.
"They will arrive in two weeks time. The week before Christmas."
A murmur swept through the crowd.
"Guys, I know that's rough. We all celebrate the holiday in our own way. I understand, and I don't like it either. But, I was told that we would win whatever type of fight does break out. A friend of mine and my wife has visions, too. Somehow, one of us comes up with a plan that will avoid war and just a small fight happens. I trust her visions. So please, as I said, any and all ideas are welcome." I looked to Caden and Walker questioningly. "You guys have anything to add?"
They both shook their heads.
I turned back to the crowd. "Okay, that concludes the meeting. Thank you." I looked to Calahan. "All of you. We really appreciate your support in this. It means a lot. Maybe I'll even find a way to repay you."
He nodded to me, a small smile playing over his lips. "You are a good man, Jacob Black. You've allowed us into your home, offered us a safe haven. That is payment enough."
Emma leaned into her mate's side and nodded. "I agree. Now our son can play in safety. As can all the children."
I smiled in return. "That might be true, but I won't rest easy until this is over. With any luck, we'll all make it through, and then we can talk about territories."
He held out his hand to me. "I look forward to it," he said as we shook hands. "We thank you, and the Cullens, for all your help. We will stand by you."
"Thank you."
As the wolves dispersed, one of Calahan's females came up. "Hey, Calahan, Em, some of the kids want to go into town. Mind if I take them?"
He thought about it before nodding. "Take Raul with you. Jacob, I would like you to meet one of Emma's nurses, Marcia. With us, the nurse is basically the babysitter, and does whatever the Alpha female needs."
Marcia was tall, dark headed, and curvy. Barely twenty, if that. And I definitely didn't like the way she smiled at me.
But I shook her hand anyway. "Nice to meet you."
"Oh, no. The pleasure's allllll mine," she purred.
"Marcia," Calahan said sharply as I took my hand from her grip. "Take Garrett and the rest of the children, and go."
At the crack of his voice, she lost her oomph. But gained a little back as she turned away, a little smirk on her face where Calahan couldn't see it, before she took Garrett and joined the other kids.
"I apologize for her," Calahan said as I turned to see where Nessie was. She was chatting with Christa. Thank god she hadn't seen that. "We've told her that this pack is not like our kind of wolf, that you are already mated to one and only one woman. In our world, many pack leaders take more than one mate to have several offspring. If she approaches you again in such a manner, she will be punished."
I turned back to him. "Uh, no. That's ok. I think I can handle her." I smiled. "So I take it you're a one woman man?"
"Yes. I grew up human. A lot of pack leaders were born wolves."
"And I wouldn't tolerate another woman in his bed," Emma said sweetly, trailing her nails over his neck. "I'd kill the bitch."
Calahan and I both chuckled.
"What's so funny?"
Nessie's voice wrapped around me just as her hands slid around my waist. She came around to tuck herself under my arm.
"Nothing," I said, still chuckling as I kissed her temple. "Just that I think you and Emma should spend some time together."
"Oh, indeed," Emma said with a smile. "I'd really like to hear how you beat Jane and Tristan, dear. That seems like a wonderfully bloody tale."
Nessie shrugged. "It kind of was. A couple groin shots, a busted nose. Jane was pissed she couldn't get past my mental wall."
"Ooo, I wonder if those can be taught."
Ness shrugged again. "I don't really know. My grandfather says meditation and yoga might help. I've never tried it."
Emma's expression turned thoughtful. "Hmm, we women should start a club of some sort. I would love to set down some roots here, especially since we're here. Calahan and Garrett like it here, so if you and Jacob will allow us to stay, we would love to."
My wife's excitement increased. "That sounds fun! I would love to do that. The boys should have a day to themselves and the girls should, too."
Calahan and I shared a look and an eye roll.
"Ok, ladies. First we must survive the coming battle."
"Exactly," I agreed. "Are your wolves still on for patrol tonight?"
Calahan nodded. "They're ready for their run."
"Good deal. Now, I think it's time to go home and eat."
"Isn't that the truth," Calahan agreed.
It was the women's turn to share a look.
"I don't know about yours," Emma said, "but mine could eat us out of house and home. My son, too."
Nessie laughed. "We don't have kids yet, but Jacob could definitely eat a hole through the fridge."
I shook my head. "It's the high metabolisms, woman. But I want some tacos."
"Ooo, tacos," Calahan said. "I miss tacos."
Ness and I laughed while Emma scolded him.
"You're more than welcome to join us," Ness offered.
Emma shook her head. "Oh, no, we couldn't-"
Reaching forward, Ness took her hand. "Oh, yes, you can. You didn't come to Thanksgiving, and your mate wants tacos. Tacos are a specialty of mine."
Calahan and I followed as Nessie dragged Emma back toward the house.
"Besides, if we're going to be friends, you better get used to me cooking for you. I like cooking."
"And thank god for that," I muttered to Calahan. "I hate cooking."
Calahan nodded in agreement. He leaned over to me. "I think we just made a mistake putting those two together."
"I think you're right," I said, staring after them.
We both shook our heads in unison as they trudged on ahead of us.
It was nice to know I wasn't alone in this boat.
So, who likes Emma? (ME!) And who got the "uh-ohs" from Marcia? Teeheehee! Next chapter is gonna be a good one. Please review! I love to know what you have to say! Love you! xoxoxoxoxo