Merged Souls REPOSTED

by baynewen

RE-POSTING Jacob and Tanya are crazy and evil. The Humans aren't so weak and Charlie saves the day. Bella and Edward are together but something is always trying to pull them apart. Lemons OCC Vamp B/E

7. Chapter 7

Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls

Authors Note: Thanks as always to P you know who you are.

Chapter 7

EPOV

Ah my sex kitten awakened and my cock thought it'd died and gone to heaven as she stroked it. And I couldn't take my eyes off of what her hands were doing to me. However I couldn't just let her jump me and take control, after all I was the man and vampire...hell who was I kidding I was totally whipped and she owned this man and vampire. Our first time was in a hospital bed and while it was mind blowing, let's face it, it was not the most romantic of settings. So now that my room oozed sexual oasis...Alice's word not mine...I wanted this to be slow, passionate and loving. And not about me blowing my load within the first 30 seconds of contact. I removed her hand from my excited member and kissed her fingers as I moved forward gently urging her back against the pillows.

My Bella was the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on and as my mate I would never tire of her scent, her taste or her touch. Just lying beside her I felt our connection. It was like a triple charge of electricity surging through my body. Right now I wanted to be massaging her perfect breasts and rolling and pulling a pert nipple as I suckled on the other. I wanted to be tasting her sex... hell I wanted my hands and mouth everywhere all at once.

But I couldn't decide where to start. Once again Bella made the decision for me by running her hands through my hair and tugging on it to pull me down to her mouth. She was such a sensuous delight, I never wanted to stop kissing those lips. And if my heart still beat, Bella would have stopped it with the look in her eyes. For centuries humans have tried to capture that look in poems, plays and music. But I never understood what it was until that moment. I could truly drown in the depths of her eyes with her beautiful soul calling to mine. Because her love for me was never ending. Our kiss deepened and eventually we both closed our eyes and gave into just the sensation of tongues touching, lips gliding across and sucking each other and owning the feelings the contact inspired.

Bella and I cuddled, caressed and teased until neither one of us could take it any longer. Once again Bella took the lead wrapping her sinuous legs around me and arching into my aching cock. We'd been into the heavy petting for so long I was afraid to look at my balls in case they had actually turned blue. Bella's warmth touched me immediately as I rubbed my tip back and forth through her folds. She was so wet and so ready for me. I couldn't handle it one more second and slowly sheathed myself in her depths as we both groaned with the sensation.

We started rocking into each other establishing a sensually slow rhythm. My brain was reduced to a puddle of sensation and emotion. All I could do was growl. I couldn't hear my family or any other sounds from the house or the surrounding woods. It was like there was only Bella and me in the world, lost in each others bodies. A prolonged feeling of bliss started to coil in the pit of my stomach which ignited a liquid fire deep within me. There was a new raw urgency to our movements and our moans increased in frequency and volume. Then we both felt it, the need for release and we exploded together. All I saw behind my eyes was a kaleidoscope of colours intermixed with pictures of my beautiful Bella. When I finally opened my eyes I saw her in the throes of passion and it was an amazing sight. She was beyond beautiful, beyond sensual and she was mine!

Because of my vampire nature I was ready for round two before she had recovered from round one. And Bella being Bella insisted that she was fine. But I was concerned about her health and how sore she might be and even though I had never had a better sense of my control she was still fragile. I tried to get her to sleep, but she begged me until we made love again. Then she wanted round three to be just about me but it was 2:00 am I knew she had to be exhausted and the Pixie would be unmerciful in the morning. So I started to hum her lullaby while I spooned her. I wished at that moment that I could sleep so I could dream of my love. But I was just as happy to lay there holding her and thinking of our future together. The light from the full moon cast a luminescence across her naked form something that was familiar but not. I placed my hand over her hip and saw the lack of contrast in our skin colour; this is what she would look like as a vampire and I held my breath just taking it all in. Wait, Bella was always pale but she should've still had a hint of richness to her porcelain tone that was lacking in mine. Yet it wasn't there tonight perhaps it was just a trick of the light. I'd have to ask Carlisle in the morning. I finally covered us both with the electric blanket and down duvet that Esme had thoughtfully provided.

It was about 5:00 am when Bella got restless and kicked the covers off. Turning onto her back she then proceeded to try and pull me to her side so that I was lying with my head on her chest, within licking distance of her left nipple and believe me I was so tempted. She settled down again but kept whispering my name. It was in between these whispers that I thought I heard another sound from her that I couldn't quite make out. At the same time I noticed Bella's body temperature was a little higher than usual, despite lying against my perpetually cold body. Oh god was she getting sick? Had she been exposed to some pathogen in the hospital? I tried to ignore these thoughts until I finally gave in and quietly called out to Carlisle.

Even though Carlisle was a doctor and very professional, it was still embarrassing having him slip into my bedroom in the early morning hours while I was lying naked with my equally naked and sleeping fiancée. After all he had been for all intents and purposes my father for the last 90 plus years.

Carlisle looked a little puzzled as I peeled back the blankets covering Bella. I explained what I had noticed so he looked and listened intently. Then he stood back looking rather perplexed. "Edward can you give me an hour and then meet me in my study? There's something I have to look into too."

I was horrified! What was wrong that he had to do research. I could get nothing from him since he was blocking me from seeing what he was considering to be the problem! "Carlisle, I can't lose Bella now, you know that!"

"Just relax son, if I'm right everything will be fine. Just give me an hour then come see me. I promise it will be fine but I want to be sure of my facts first. Let Bella rest while we talk." That was the longest hour of my life and when I arrived in Carlisle's study he was just getting off the phone. Who could he have been calling?

"Edward sit down, I was just speaking to Siobhan. Do you recall me telling you that we had worked together in Dublin for a few years before I came to America"?

He gestured for me to sit so I took the chair in front of his desk. "Yes."

He steepled his fingers in front of his face like he was gathering his thoughts, before he spoke. "Well it was during that time that Maggie joined Liam and Siobhan. Siobhan was working as a midwife in the poor house when she came across Maggie who was pregnant. Maggie had some unique complications that would have proved fatal, which is why Siobhan ended up changing her."

I had never heard the particulars of Maggie's change before. But I knew it was a sad story that mirrored Rose's in many ways. Yet Maggie never seemed melancholy and she adored children. Despite her traditional diet she supervised the running of a private countryside home for disenfranchised children. Carlisle then spoke about Maggie's passion for the orphanage and especially the outreach program they had established for special needs children.

It was at this point that he sighed and dropped his bomb. "Son those special needs children are found all over the world but they're not human. They are sought out by Maggie and her son because they generally lack living parents willing to care for their special needs."

I was getting impatient and wanted him to get to the point. "What are you talking about Carlisle? What does any of this have to do with what's going on with Bella? Just a minute did you say Maggie's son used to find these children or still finds these children? Did she change him once he matured. After all immortal children are forbidden?"

Carlisle came around to sit on the front of his desk. "Edward, I'm not talking about immortal children or human children. I'm talking about human-vampire hybrids, it's rare but they do exist and Maggie's son is one of them. She was raped by a vampire in the streets of Dublin. He was interrupted or distracted before he could feed and finish her off. You know that some of us are sadistic in that sense and use sex as a prelude to the feast. Such was the case with Maggie's rapist. But the feast in this case never transpired. She went to the poor house when her parents threw her out of their home for being pregnant with a bastard child. That is where Siobhan found her near death and incoherent. It wasn't until she went into labour in the early morning hours that Siobhan realized what had happened. Up until that time the stories of these children were only a legend to both of us."

I was losing patience with Carlisle and he knew it. "Damn it Carlisle just cut to the chase, what in hell has this got to do with Bella?"

Carlisle reached out and put his hand on my shoulder. "Son I believe Bella is pregnant with your child. I'm surprised that none of us took more notice of the subtle changes in her skin and scent. I guess we all put it down to her recent hospitalization and the residual effects of the medications she was given. But I expect that over the course of the next few days we will see even more changes."

CarPOV

At this point my son was almost catatonic he said nothing he didn't move, he just sat there staring into space. After a while Esme came into the room, walked over and hugged Edward then said. "I sent everyone out to hunt including the wolves the last thing Edward needs is to deal with his siblings and the wolves. Besides I think they all need time to process this development themselves but for different reasons."

She pulled a chair over to Edward's and sat by his side and lovingly rubbed his back. She even tried to smooth his wild hair without much success. All the time with a huge smile on her face. After about an hour Edward started to move, he even blinked. Then he jumped up and made for the door I stepped in front of him before he reached it "Edward where are you going?"

He looked crazed. "To get Bella you have to get this thing out of her! I'm not ready to end her human life yet. Carlisle she has to graduate and go to college and ..." He broke down sobbing tearlessly onto my shoulder and I directed him back to the couch. Esme and I sat on either side of him and waited for him to speak. "We only made love the once in the hospital, and then again last night how could it happen... we can't ...well I assumed we couldn't... can we?"

He turned his head to look at me. "Well Edward it seems once was enough. You must have hit her cycle at the perfect time. And to answer your question yes we can. It's not something that is talked about a great deal and only a few of us know that it's possible. I'm sorry I didn't warn you it was part of what I wanted to talk to you and Bell about. But I never imagined it would have happened this quickly. If at all. You see not every vampire male is fertile. In fact it's rare and I know of only two others besides Maggie's rapist."

I could see he was having a hard time processing what I was saying and then he finally asked: "Do the Volturi know?"

"Yes they do son. Both Aro and Marcus have a child. They don't live with the Volturi and they don't know who their fathers are. And no one in the guard knows about them either. Believe it or not Aro's child was born as a result of him falling in love with his human singer. Suplicia, Aro's wife never knew and he has kept it from her for over a millennium. The child's mother died in childbirth. Aro had tried to change her but he'd arrived too late and she had lost too much blood. In the end it was probably for the best since Suplicia would have killed them both anyway. Their marriage is merely a political alliance and they're not true mates. I sometimes think that Aro's true mate was that human singer, who died. In fact Aro is a lonely and very unhappy man, not unlike Marcus. Yet it had been Aro's jealousy of Marcus and Didyme's relationship that prompted his decision to have his own sister, Didyme, killed. Caius had agreed with Aro because he feared the power of their connection. Caius and Aro are truly the real monsters of our kind killing for the sake of power."

"In Marcus's case the child was conceived after Didyme had died. Upon her death he went feral and mad with his grief. He left Volterra for a time and as in Maggie's case he raped a human, as well his feast was interrupted. However he was remorseful of what he had done because he felt he'd been unfaithful to Didyme. He returned to the scene of his crime and found the girl living on the streets of Rome. Uncertain what to do he kept to the shadows until she was unable to care for herself. Then he stepped in and provided her with food and lodging. And he waited. When the child was born he offered to change the mother but she was so horrified by all that had happened she chose death. Marcus took care of the child for a few years and he loved it dearly. But he was aware of Aro's secret and decided he too would keep his son's existence a secret. So he left him in the care of loyal friends in Gaul, and returned to Volterra. He is the only reason that Marcus has not tried harder to end his existence."

EPOV

I got up and walked to the windows looking out towards the river. "Okay Carlisle I think I understand what you're saying, but this is Bella we're talking about. I can't ask her to do this. I shouldn't even be considering it!" I started pulling at my hair while staring out the window and seeing nothing. "We haven't even set a wedding date. And you're telling me I'll have to change her before we're even married! I don't know if I can lay all this on her now. What with Charlie still in the hospital and our shared power, we don't even know how it works. Jacob is still roaming around and plotting who knows what. And I have never even considered the possibility of being a father. What will this do to our family? What will the pack think? Oh god Rose will be furious!"

Carlisle came over to me and rested his hand on my shoulder and said that we'd figure it all out together after Bella was awake. So it looked like we'd be missing today's version of the Cullen Family Orientation. Carlisle smiled down at me. "Edward don't borrow trouble son. We'll take care of Bella and everything else like we always do, together. And as far as Rose goes she was the first one to hear the news after Esme. And she was livid at first and felt it was unfair. But she talked with Esme and realized that this is as close as any of us will ever get to having our own children. So now she's actually thrilled that she's going to be an Aunt."

I paced at vampire speed back and forth between the door and the window "Maybe we should wait until Bella is farther along before we say anything to her. After all we have plenty of time." Carlisle's face went blank and his eyes were downcast "We do have plenty of time right?"

Carlisle shook his head "No son this isn't a human pregnancy. Edward, the child will be more immortal than human and the pregnancy will only last about a month at most."

I couldn't listen to this anymore, I threw open the door and rushed to my room...our room and went to lie down beside my love. I wished that I could sleep and then wake to find this was all a horrible dream. Carlisle left me alone with Bella but I couldn't stop thinking about so many different things but mostly about how Bella was going to react. Stupid vampire sperm. I should have asked Carlisle about it. Why didn't he warn us to use protection just then Carlisle's silent thoughts came to me as he was talking to Esme. "If I had known that Edward was going jump her bones that first night I would have talked to him sooner. Hell I thought his Victorian morals still ruled his libido! But I really thought he'd never touch her while she was still human. Oh hell I bet Bella wouldn't have cared one way or the other even if they had known."

And there you have it I'm 109 year old vampire frozen the body of a 17 year old, with a teenager's libido. Add to that my very hot and currently naked 18 year old fiancée of course she would get pregnant with my child after having mind blowing sex only once! And Despite everything I couldn't help but be just a little bit pleased with myself. Now it remained to be seen how Bella would feel about it and that scared the hell out me.

I heard Rose call out to me mentally: "Edward, congratulations! You and Bella will be wonderful parents. And that baby is going to be so gorgeous! I just hope that the rest of us will be able to counteract its parent's predisposition for strange behaviour and odd personality traits."

I didn't respond to her not wanting to alert anyone in the family that she had complimented and then insulted the both of us in the same sentence.

At 8:30 am Bella started to wake up. She rolled onto her side facing me with the biggest smile on her luscious rose coloured lips. She slowly opened her eyes and as she stretched pulling the blankets off giving my 17 year old libido a shot in the arm which I really didn't need right now. So I quickly jumped out bed and headed for the shower. As I was running the water Bella came in apologizing for her morning breath thinking that was the reason I had left our bed so hurriedly.

Huh, our bed mmmm...No, no, no, no, the libido was in full swing again. Oh hell the damage was already done and Bella was standing there invitingly naked. And I'd love to try shower sex damn I wanted her and there was no hiding it and she knew it. So I might as well get what I can now cause who knows what the future holds she'll probably cut me off once she hears the news. The inner teenager was not impressed with that thought.

After brushing her teeth Bella started towards me then promptly detoured to the toilet to throw up. Okay so it looks like hot shower sex will be on hold indefinitely. I rushed to Bella's side and held her hair back. When she was done she got up rinsed out her mouth brushed her teeth again and turned to me. "Wow that was gross and totally unexpected. I'm so sorry you had to see that love. I don't know why I felt so sick all of a sudden? I was feeling fine a few minutes ago. Maybe I ate too much chocolate fudge cake yesterday it was really rich and it's been months since I've pigged out like that."

She stooped down to catch my eye but I couldn't look at her. "Hey handsome why so shy, what's wrong? Edward... Edward, talk to me baby. What's going on? I just threw up that should have you screaming for Carlisle by now, and asking me fifty million times if I'm okay. So what's going on? Come on you know something I can see it in your face, what's up mister? Oh my God! Did I pick up one of those superbugs at the hospital. Am I going to die?"

I wasn't panicked because I knew what the problem was but I was too chicken to tell her. So I screamed for Carlisle. I actually didn't want to tell her by myself so calling him now was just a precaution in case she fainted or tried to kill me.

"Bella, Carlisle has something to tell you." I handed her a robe and we walked into the bedroom and I sat down with her on the couch. Carlisle was there and was already giving me the stink eye. Bella jumped up, she was almost borderline hysterical. "Oh my god has something's happened to Charlie, what is it? I've got to get dressed and get to the hospital."

Carlisle reached out and snagged her hand directing her to sit back on the couch and I said: "Bella Charlie is fine. We'll go see him this afternoon."

She settled down and was chewing the daylights of her lower lip and she was looking from me to Carlisle and back again "Okay so what's the problem... have you found Jacob?"

I grabbed my hair and pulled then reached for her hands and said: "No, it's about you and me, but it's nothing bad...at least I hope you don't think it is."

Carlisle just sat there with a stupid lopsided grin on his face, looking at Bella and then at me. He smirked when I caught his eye and thought 'You planted the seed son it's time to reap your reward.' Great that's all the fatherly advice I get! I frowned in his direction. Oh hell, he was going to make me tell her! Okay I can handle this. When I was human I was already considered a man, so I can deal with this. There is nothing to panic about right ...wrong! I looked down at Bella's hands and her long slender fingers they were perfect to me. "Edward what is it? I can't take this much longer you're freaking me out! If it's good news it shouldn't be that hard to tell me."

I cleared my throat of the venom that had pooled because of nerves. "Bella... Carlisle doesn't think the vomiting is due to the fudge cake..." I took a deep breath and just as I opened my mouth I heard it. Carlisle's head popped up as well and he smiled, now I felt like I was going to vomit. I really wished I could just pass out. I looked to Carlisle for confirmation and he nodded we had both just heard the baby's heart beat.

I expected to have the family racing up the stairs at that point but I heard nothing. Either they hadn't clued in yet or were they keeping it to themselves. I decided to just get it out so I blurted. "You're pregnant ..." Then I stuttered: "I didn't know I would be able to, you know, get you in the family way. And I don't know if protection would have worked anyway. But I really don't think anything could have stopped us that night in the hospital even if we had known..." It was official I had reached the end of coherent thought so I could either go on babbling or just shut up... I selected to shut up.

I sat there gazing into her rich chocolate brown eyes and once again amazed at the depth of love I saw in them. Then she started to laugh, it wasn't hysterical laughter but genuine, joyful laughter, then she threw herself at me and crawled into my lap kissing me full on the lips. To say I was astonished would be an understatement. I hoped I hadn't just pushed my lovely bride over the edge, but had she snapped? "Bella love, are you alright?"

BPOV

Before Edward left me eight months ago I had always felt out of balance with him. He brought so much more to us than I ever could. I never knew how to equalize things. He told me constantly that my love was all he needed that everything else was meaningless and it wasn't until this moment that I finally realized he was right. But the old insecure part of my brain prattled on that this was the equalizer. I could bring him the one thing he never thought he would ever have. A legacy, a child that was biologically Edward's and mine. Crazy as it may seem I was thrilled and only a little afraid. I'm sure that's why Edward had wanted Carlisle here, not just because he was afraid of my reaction but because this pregnancy would be anything but normal.

I sighed and looked at my wreck of a fiancée, the poor man's hair looked like he was deranged. He kept pulling at it and pinching the bridge of his nose... my vampire was really stressed. I pushed up on Edward's chin so I could look into his eyes and I just about melted. Edward was afraid but he was also beyond happy, I could see that. That and the love in his eyes was now twofold. I kissed him lightly on the lips and said "We're going to have a baby? This is wonderful! And we're not alone in this you know, we have the family to help so we're going to be fine." I turned to Carlisle and asked what we should expect. Then I heard a resounding crash from downstairs like the front door had been broken open. Alice squealed and all of a sudden the bedroom door flew open with the family and the pack standing on the threshold. Alice was bouncing up and down on her toes. Rose and Esme were smiling and gazing at my belly but everyone else looked a little mystified.

I looked at Edward and said: "Go ahead Mr. Cullen they have as much right to know as anyone." He took a deep breath, kissed me on the cheek and I turned around on his lap to face the family. Edward kissed the top of my head and inhaled before he said: "Bella and I are going to have a baby in about 4 weeks." I smiled at them and felt a twinge in my gut and then everything went black.

Next thing I knew was that I could hear the soft velvet tones of the only man I had ever loved. I was going to have his baby and words couldn't describe my joy. As I came around I was greeted by smiles from all sides including the wolf pack. The only one hanging back was Cody, he had an angry but thoughtful look on his face. I had to remember that he believed Jacob when he said that I was his imprint so he must be very confused.

Edward saw where I was looking and at first he frowned. Then he got up and went to Cody. "Cody, Jacob was wrong. He lied to you, and to himself. Bella and I have always belonged to each other and to no one else at any time. I understand that you're confused and hurt, but everyone in this room will help you and we will never betray your trust." Cody still looked confused but he almost smiled when he quietly offered his congratulations to Edward.

Just then my stomach didn't just rumble it roared and almost everyone looked shocked. Edward just chuckled and went to fix breakfast for me and the wolves. I still wanted to continue with the Cullen Family Orientation. So after the wolves inhaled the breakfast buffet. And Edward had fed me a delicious cheese omelet. The format for the day changed to 20 questions. And thrown in was the vampires reminiscing about the high and low points of their lives throughout the decades. When it came to lunch Esme ordered in like a gazillion pizzas for the wolf pack. All I wanted was another omelet but Edward kept making me drink glass after glass of milk. Esme told him to knock it off, so he finally made me another omelet and once I'd finished my eggs. Esme gave me a bottle of water and some strawberries to munch on.

As promised Edward and I went to visit Charlie later that afternoon. He was still in a lot of pain as well as being a pain. The Swans do not make good patients. When he saw us come in he took it down a notch to just whining instead of the bellowing we had heard when we first came into the ICU. His nurse Carol came into the room said hello to us and looked at Charlie with a smirk as she set some linen down on a chair. And it must have been the drugs because my Dad reached over and slapped her on the behind and she turned on him. "That will be enough of that Chief!" Charlie rolled his eyes but she winked at him when she continued: "So for all the trouble you've caused around here and for me in particular I expect compensation in the form of a dinner date once you're back to work. And that doesn't mean lunch at the local diner Charlie Swan!" He went to open his mouth but before he could say anything she jumped in. "But I can't date you while you're an active patient so in the mean time we need to keep it professional Chief. Keep your hands off the merchandise!" She smiled sweetly at him. He blinked and quietly said: "Okay."

Carol then looked at Edward and me, "Miss Swan, Mr Cullen I'm sorry you had to see that kind of behaviour from the Chief. But if the truth be told the man has been hitting on me for the last four years. I finally thought I'd got rid of him when you moved back to Forks but it looks like I was wrong. By the way I'm Carol Johnson. I used to be the ambulance dispatcher many moons ago and I remember you from your summers here. Well it was nice to finally meet you in person and Mr. Cullen nice to meet you, your father is a great doctor, I love working with him." She shook my hand and Edwards never saying a thing about his cold ones. Carol heard a call bell go off and left the room.

I looked at my Dad like I'd never seen him before. Edward just chuckled. So when I looked at Edward he nodded at Charlie who was staring at the door with a bemused smile. Well life was certainly changing a lot for the Swan and Cullen families. Edward and I had decided to not tell Charlie about the baby until he was up and around more. At least we hoped we could keep it from him that long. After all it still hadn't been decided how much we could safely tell Charlie even about the Cullen's. We had a nice visit with him. He and Edward talked fly fishing again and he asked about college selections which we dodged until it was obvious he was getting tired. His visitors were still restricted which suited me just fine especially with Jake still on the loose. So we finally left when he decided he needed a nap after a shot of morphine for the pain.

When we got home Alice was dogging our every step, orientation day had broken up after we left. And the pack had challenged the Cullen boys to a little game of football. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and rounded on Alice. "Alice I know you're bombarding Edward with something because he keeps wincing. So what do you want?"

Suddenly Esme, Rose and Alice encircled us directing us to the dining room. On the table were every bridal and baby magazine known to man. Some weren't even in English, for heaven sakes! Edward looked at me with those puppy dog eyes so we talked about the wedding, we set a date after we had discussed the details of my pregnancy and transformation. Edward and I both wanted to be married before the baby came so we were having a private civil ceremony next week at the Port Angeles courthouse. Then after the baby was born, and I had enough control, after my transformation to not eat the guests, we would have a big family wedding. I thought I would have been freaked by all this but for some reason I just couldn't muster the angst and much to my surprise Edward couldn't either.

Once the basic plan had been outlined the sneaky bastard disappeared out to play football. Leaving me with the detail demons. I finally gave up after remembering what my Mom had said about me and wedding plans. So I put my hands up to stop them from all talking at once and said: "Esme as the grandmother- to- be, you are in charge of all things baby related. You can enlist whomever you want and spend whatever you want. But Edward and I have veto rights. And I would like to be asked to go shopping not told I'm going. Alice you and Rose can be my stand in Bridezillia's my only stipulations are: I will not wear heels higher than three inches. I do not want to look like a Cinderella wannabe...or a marshmallow. The guest list and music will be approved by Edward and you will both be my bridesmaids as well as godmothers to our baby. Now go forth and plan. I'm going out to watch my sexy ass 'husband to be' play football." With that I took a bottle of water and an apple and escaped out the back to sit next to Carlisle on the porch swing.

When the game was over the pack decided they would BBQ. While that was under way Edward and I took a walk down by the river. After going a short way we sat down on a small bench surrounded by some of Esme's English Roses neither one of us felt the need to speak but I finally broke the companionable silence. "Why do you think we've changed so much? We fought all the time before you left about being together, having sex and the topic of you changing me was taboo. Guaranteed to make for an explosive conversation! You don't get mad at me anymore, and you don't run away?"

"Well love I haven't been back very long so give it a few more weeks and I'm sure we'll find something to argue about. But I've remembered your Dad's advice and I've been practicing how to grovel." I popped him one on the arm knowing I would hurt my hand but it was a reflex action.

He smiled that crooked grin of his and reached for my left hand kissing my ring finger. "Seriously Bella, I think we both went through our own kind of transformation during those eight months that we were apart. We both learned what was most important to us and that was our love. We need to be together and will do whatever it takes to make the other one happy. To put it into today's vernacular I think we decided not to sweat the small stuff and let the chips fall where they may."

"Using the vernacular Edward, really? Well obviously the Victorian is still alive and well, but I suppose your right. All I wanted while you were gone was to have you with me regardless of what I had to do and believe me I was willing to do anything. Did you know that Alice was helping me to lure you back?"

He caressed my cheek and gave me his crooked grin." Yeah I got that when she sent me the pictures of you sleeping."

"Sleeping? Wait she never took any pictures of me sleeping!" I turned to Edward to see if he was teasing me.

"Ah, yes she did love, and she even recorded your voice saying my name while you were dreaming. She knew how much that would mean to me. Watching you sleep was always one of my favourite pastimes."

I couldn't be angry with her, it would have been a waste of time especially considering the result. "Well damn that little Pixie she bought me all this sexy lingerie to wear for some seductive pictures and instead she sends you pictures of me in my ratty old sweats! Oh wait I get it! Because that was how you would remember me best, it would be familiar and comfortable. It would show you that I hadn't changed, that I hadn't moved on."

He leaned in and kissed me quickly. "Bingo! And it worked. Those pictures and your voice finally broke my resolve, love. I was already on my way to the airport to come home when Alice called me about...well you know what."

We found out after Carlisle came home from making rounds that Charlie would be moved out of ICU the next day. Apparently he wasn't too pleased about it, until Carol told him that she'd visit him on her breaks. He wanted a private room, but Dad's insurance didn't cover private rooms, so he told them to bill his future son-in-law Edward Cullen. They had checked with Carlisle since they didn't know Edward had his own money and he agreed without batting an eyelash. I had to laugh, it would seem that my Dad was not shy about taking Edward's money unlike his daughter. But I was getting better with the whole richer than the Queen and Bill Gates combined thing. I just didn't want to know how much things cost.

Then we talked about the next steps of his recovery. Carlisle and Edward had offered to have him rehab here but he turned them down, saying that one Swan per Cullen home was more than enough. Besides he wanted to be in his own bed and with the comfort of his own things around him. It was finally agreed though that Edward would hire a visiting nurse and home maker to care for him and the Cullen's would bring him back and forth for his therapy appointments. Dr. Stanley had signed off on his case and Carlisle was now his primary doctor, he could do his follow up checkups at home. And I had a funny feeling that Carol might have found a new job. According to Carlisle Carol was just a temp doing a maternity leave, that would be finished in another two weeks. Just about the time Charlie should be discharged.

Edward and I went to visit him after one of my therapy sessions, but Dad's mind wasn't so much on his recovery as it was on Jacob Black. Edward assured him that the family were very capable of protecting me. Charlie was worried that Billy had lied, that he knew where Jacob was and would help him get to me. Edward told him that Carlisle had spoken to Billy at length, and he didn't think that would be an issue. But we all knew that Billy was still having a hard time seeing Jacob as the bad guy.

Carol and another nurse came into the room with fresh linens and a tray with Jell-O, broth and juice on it. Charlie made a funny face at the tray, "Oh joy, lunch!" Carol smiled and put it down on a table. "Well Chief, that's all you're getting for a few more meals until we can see how you handle it. But first Janet and I are going to get you out of bed, into that chair so we can make your bed while you enjoy your lunch." Charlie growled at her but he was smiling. Janet asked us if we could step out for a bit since they were also going to change Charlie's dressings and give him a bath. That sent Dad into a slew of unintelligible words.

Edward and I retreated and decided check out the cafeteria. But once through the doors we both gagged and opted to walk through the gift shop instead. While winding our way around the little shop we stopped by a display of knitted baby jackets and booties. Rachel Black was behind the counter of the shop dealing with a customer when we came in. She hadn't noticed us. But I jumped when she came up behind us and asked if she could help. When we turned around she gasped then smiled and jokingly said: "Isn't it a little early in your relationship to be thinking about children?" When neither of us said anything she frowned and looked extremely sad. "Oh my god Bella, you said Jacob had never touched you in that way! Are you okay honey?"

Edward in his usual take charge attitude said: "We were visiting Charlie and got kicked out while he's being bathed. So we've just been wandering around and daydreaming about the future."

Rachel looked a little shocked but tried to smile as she looked at Edward. "Okay, but you guys can't have children...can you?"

I smiled then and took Rachel's hand and whispered: "You'd be surprised what they can do." Her eyes got really big so it was my turn to ask if she was okay. There were tears in her eyes when she said: "But Bella, the legends...!"

I took her hand and smiled. "Are just that, legends. Nothing bad is happening here there is no demon spawn just a baby that will be exceptional because his father is. I'm...we're going to be fine."

At first she looked unconvinced then said. "Dr. Cullen is a good man and my Dad told me he loves you like a daughter. He would never let anything bad happen to you I know that."

We both nodded and a tear slid down her cheek as she hugged us both. "Rachel, you can't tell anyone though especially your Dad or Paul. I'm sure you can guess this will not be a typical pregnancy."

Rachel laughed. "I guess not if Edward's little swimmers are that potent."

I'm sure I turned fifty different shades of red and I thought if Edward could have, he would have been just as red. But instead he wore an ear to ear grin so I elbowed him and whispered: "Rather proud of yourself aren't you. Knocking up your fiancée first time around?" He looked down at me and just nodded. With that Rachael and I broke out laughing, with Edward standing there holding my hand and grinning like he'd just won the lottery. Another customer came in, I kissed Rachel on the cheek and we headed back to Charlie's room.

Charlie was sitting in a chair eating some broth, "What happened to the Jell-O Dad?" Charlie made a face and swallowed another spoonful of broth.

Carol came in with a container of red Jell O. "Oh his highness doesn't like yellow Jell O, its red or nothing. I had to go down to maternity to get this Chief so you better appreciate it cause that's the last one."

Edward and Charlie talked some more about fishing and different lures, the odds of the Mariners making it to the playoffs and cars. I grew a little suspicious about that last topic. Edward loved cars the faster the better and Charlie loved classic cars. I could see the wheels turning in my fiancée's head. Then he suggested that Charlie might like to hang out at the Cullen's when he was better. That Rose was the mechanic in the family. And she had a restoration project going on with a 57 T Bird, Charlie's eyes lit up. I knew that Rose didn't have any such project going on. Hell, since Edward had left all she'd done was routine maintenance on the Cullen cars. Edward's phone rang and when he answered it was a text from Alice. "Rose is on it, and says she'd love to do it, but you're paying for everything. Oh and bring Pizza home, lots and lots of Pizza! The other pack people are here, talking to Carlisle it looks like it could be a long one, something about a new treaty."

Edward's smile turned to a frown. He looked at Charlie and told him that we needed to leave. That some issues had come up with Jacob's pack and they were meeting at the Cullen house. Dad looked worried, "Edward maybe Bella should stay here."

I shook my head, "No Dad I'm safer with the Cullen's."

Edward reached into his other pocket and pulled out another phone handing it to Charlie, "All our numbers are already programmed, call us anytime. I'll call later and let you know what's going on. No more secrets! Secrets was what got us into this trouble in the first place. And it won't happen again."

Charlie nodded his thanks and out of the blue asked how to use the games apps, like his life depended on knowing that. Edward looked a little disbelieving as he went over the apps with him. I hadn't bought the lame brain, urgent need to know how to use the phone games. Dad was stalling for some reason but we needed to get home. "Dad you can't keep us here by playing stupid with the phone. We really have to go."

Edward smiled at Charlie "Good try Chief, I guess you daughter has your same super detection gene. But we really do have to go." He looked at me and grimaced. "And apparently we have to get lots of Pizza on the way home. Where do we go for that?"

I laughed, grabbed Charlie's phone and called Big Al's Burgers and placed a huge order for delivery. Al balked until I told him the tip he'd get for the delivery. "Believe me Edward Pizza will not be enough to feed that crowd." Thank god, Al agreed to deliver because neither Edward nor I would be able to stomach the smell of greasy burgers or melted cheese in the car. Edward had once let me eat a burger in his car and insisted that he could still smell it three months later! He had to send the Volvo out to be detailed twice.

Carol came in with Charlie's pain medication, and told us he would be moved to a private room this evening, when her shift was over. So if he didn't mind she would stay with him until visiting hours were over and help him figure out his new phone. Oh yeah Carol had the hots for my Dad and it seemed like he felt the same way about her.

When we got home Emmett came out to tell us that Big Al had just delivered. Edward kept swatting at his hand as he tried hanging car air fresheners around our necks. "Man you're going to need these, it reeks in there! Between the food and the puppies it's disgusting! Rose has all the windows open, but it's not helping."

By the time we got in the house the wolves had descended on the dining room like they hadn't eaten in a month. The new additions to our usual group included Paul, Jared and Brady. Despite the feeding frenzy you could see that Leah and Seth were keeping a pretty close eye on the new comers along with Jasper and Emmett. Rose was walking around spraying air freshener on the furniture and in the air. I couldn't help but let out a snort, she looked over at me and grinned. "Maybe I should have got that spray that gets rid of pet odors?"

This time it was Leah who snorted then said."Nah it doesn't work even on those sickly sweet odors." Both women fell into a fit of laughter.

The new comers just frowned at them and Paul let out a disgusted grunt. Leah turned on him: "Oh come on Paul that was damn funny! You're on our turf now so get over it. You wanted to talk, so talk! And just so you know, we..." and she pointed at the pack, "voted against having you come here. But Carlisle is too polite to say he doesn't trust you as far as he can throw you. But believe me when I say it: this family will defend itself, and we will help them. Understand?"

Paul grimaced but sat down grudgingly thanking Esme and Carlisle for the food and the chance to meet. Suddenly the front door banged open. Sam was standing there with Emily, Rachel, Kim and even little Claire. "Hi guys sorry for not knocking but this place feels almost like a second home these days. Besides it's raining cats and dogs out there and the girls are drenched." Alice and Esme went to get towels, then he turned back to the door, "Oh yeah not only do the girls need to be part of this but I brought the council members too. You do remember them Paul don't you, Old Quil, Sue Clearwater and even Billy Black?"

I stiffened at the mentioned of Billy's name and was surprised when I saw Carlisle carrying Billy into the great room. I needed time to pull myself together so I offered to help Esme make coffee and tea. I even rooted around the big chest freezer they had in the pantry and found some frozen pies and cakes along with the left over ice cream from Emmett's soda shop. I brought them all out Esme and I plated everything and then went to join the group in the great room. Extra chairs had been pulled from the dining room and elsewhere and those without chairs sat on the floor. Emmett had lit a fire and it was nice and cozy even with all these people. I felt safest sitting on Edwards lap while he sat on the floor leaning against the love seat where Carlisle and Esme sat. The three council elders were on the couch nearest the fireplace, sipping coffee and eating cake and ice cream. Old Quil seemed to really love the left over cinnamon buns that Edward had made that morning for the wolves' breakfast. No one was saying a thing but almost everyone was looking towards Edward and I.

EPOV

Watching and listening to the wolves would have given me a headache if I was human. Paul and Jared were the worst. Brady was just happy be able to sit and talk with Cody again, they had been best friends since kindergarten. Cody used to escape to Brady's house whenever he couldn't stand his Mom anymore. Brady seemed like a pretty easy going kid, always wanting to do the right thing and eager to help people in need. He had a very placid mind that was concerned only about school and getting a summer job. Then out of nowhere he looked at Carlisle and thought about how much he wanted to be like Dr. Cullen. Apparently this was a shared dream of his and Cody's to become doctors and run a free clinic on the reserve. And then travel the world working for Doctors without Borders.

Jared was hostile towards us but didn't know what to believe anymore. He as worried about Kim sitting so close to Alice, and that she was still giving him the cold shoulder. She'd been doing that ever since the whole debacle with Jacob's obsession over Bella had started. Jared loved being a wolf but he loved Kim more. He wanted to be able to stop phasing, open a garage and get married. He was a very good mechanic. Everyone on the Rez had always thought Jacob had the mad car skills. He was okay with the basics, but Jared was actually working on redesigning an engine cooling system for a corvette he had found abandoned and bought at a police auction. I liked him. He and Rose should talk and depending on what happened today I'd make sure that happened.

Paul however was all over the map. He knew more about Jacob than any of the others but he wasn't ready to give it up. I kept seeing different places in his mind but nothing consistent. Paul loved Rachel, but he felt that he was her inferior and not her intellectual equal. He thought the only way he could impress her was to be a powerful member of the tribe. Jacob had promised him power. But since the dressing down she'd given him and Billy at the hospital she wasn't even talking to him. He was pretty sure that she would leave him, even if she did love him especially if he didn't get his act together.

His thoughts never stayed focused for very long but Paul kept coming back to this and different schemes he had considered to impress Rachel. The only one that made him smile and he dismissed it every time was him in standing in a big commercial kitchen directing staff, tasting soups and sauces, cutting meats and making confections that patrons applauded. He wanted to be a chef and own his own Bistro. But he thought that Rachel would think that it would beneath her to marry a Chef once she became a lawyer. I did an internal head shake while I looked at him and a line from the Wizard of Oz started to loop through my head, 'If I only had a brain'. Maybe I should clue Rachel into his dreams. Maybe I should make like the Wizard and grant all their wishes. They were all reasonable dreams and if they were willing to work hard they could be achieved. I'd have to talk this over with Bella and the family later but my inclination was to help the others and let Paul sink or swim on his own.

Old Quil cleared his throat interrupting my musing. He turned and actually glared at Billy there was a silent warning in that look. Billy sank further into his seat. I gathered he had been included in their party as a courtesy, and that his position on the council was apparently in jeopardy if he didn't behave at this meeting.

Old Quil started to speak."Esme, Carlisle and children." He chuckled at his use of the word children. "Sorry, I mean no disrespect to any of you, but you play the role of children to the outside world and I have no other word to call you. First I wish to thank you for your hospitality. And secondly I promise not to waste words on idle chatter, we want to re-write the treaty." Carlisle opened his mouth but Old Quil raised his hand and continued on, "We have only three stipulations. One: we continue to keep each other's secrets. Two: no red eyed vampires, friend or enemy, will hunt anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula and go unpunished. And three: we will always aid each other in times of trouble. The old borders and stipulations of the previous treaty are dissolved. You need to know that those within the tribe that have the right to vote about this have agreed to these changes, all that remains is for the Cullen's to agree.

He held up his hands in a gesture to stop anyone from responding. "Before you say anything I would like to share a story with you that came to me from my great great grandmother Dovie. She once met a golden eyed vampire, who was not a Cullen. His name was Rolland. She came across him one day, walking in the woods near her village. To make a long story short, she befriended him. He was a kind man and well educated. And they would debate great issues about the heavens. Though she was a woman he treated her with respect and as an equal, but he was a very sad man. His mate had been killed by a red eye many years before, while he was off hunting. And though Rolland had hunted that red eye for many generations, he always eluded him. He had heard that the red eye and his mate had finally met their match here on the Olympic Peninsula. That a group of shape shifters had killed them after they had ravaged their village. He wanted to thank those shape shifters and ask them to help him die. With the death of the red eye he had no reason to remain on this earth, and he wanted to join his mate in the afterlife. Dovie was so moved by his plea that she went to her husband and explained about her friend Rolland. At first he was outraged that Dovie had befriended a bloodsucker. But he agreed to meet with Rolland. And after walking and talking with him for many days he found out for himself that Rolland was truly a good man. It bothered him to think of destroying such a pure soul but to ease Rolland's pain he agreed. He transformed into the wolf then ripped Rolland to pieces as Dovie threw them into a fire. This story is rarely told because we all have secrets and some of them are hard for us to believe. So as with many other things we choose to forget. But I did not forget. What it comes down to is you cannot always tell the good from the bad without getting to know them first. I know you Carlisle Cullen and you and your family are good people."

Carlisle looked shocked and sad. He had once known a Rolland when he first came to North America. It must be the same man in the story. Carlisle had spent a winter with him and his mate Elise. He said that Rolland and he had argued all the time about Carlisle's lifestyle. But Carlisle had finally grown tired of Rolland's constant ridicule, which made him leave. Carlisle sat with a half smile on his face and said: "It must have been Elise. She would have gotten him to try it. She went hunting with me several times and said he would eventually try it, if for no other reason than to prove to himself that he was right. But he would need to think on the other things we had argued about. She knew her mate and she knew he was baiting me just for the sake of lively conversation. Even so I made up my mind to leave that spring. I never saw or heard from them again. But it's nice to know that in the end Rolland believed me."

Old Quil's brow furrowed and he asked. "Believed what Carlisle Cullen that he could live on the blood of animals?"

Carlisle's mind was far off but he focused on Old Quil. "No. It was that he finally believed me that if he and Elise were to die that they would be together in the afterlife. That they had a soul."

I looked at Carlisle with wonder and he seemed to understand what I was asking, "Edward, I'm more proud of the fact that Rolland finally believed that he had soul, then in the fact that he changed his diet."

Carlisle looked at each member of the family and then me asking with just that look for our vote. I was silently tabulating the votes for him and the comments for later. Lastly I turned to Bella and asked for her vote. She was quiet for a moment then looked at each of the council members when she looked back at me she just nodded. It was unanimous. The treaty was ratified with a handshake. Carlisle assigned Rachel and Rosalie the task of writing it all up and it was to include Quil's story so his words would never be forgotten. Both sides would retain a copy. Today we became allies, perhaps one day we would be friends.

Billy motioned for Bella and me to join him by the couch. But she declined and when he reached for her hand she withdrew it. He settled instead for asking for our forgiveness and understanding. He was going away for a while. He would be staying with a cousin who had been bugging him for years to come try the fly fishing in Scotland, of all places. Apparently one of Billy's relations had married a Scotsman but that branch of the family had returned to Scotland not having found the streets of America paved with gold. This cousin actually ran a very successful fishing lodge in the highlands and being a widow herself she had been bugging Billy to visit. "I'm Going to Scotland can you imagine? Carlisle was kind enough to hook me up with a motorized wheelchair and while I'm there I'm going to see a friend of his in Edinburgh who might be able to help me walk again. But in fact Bella I don't want to be here when Jake comes back and starts in again. And he will be back Bella, but I can't sit by and watch it happen this time. My stay in Scotland is an open ended invitation so I don't know when or if I will be back. I'm even taking my carving tools with me. Apparently there is a huge market for my master craftsman skills. So maybe I won't come back. Effie and I once had feelings for each other and we are both lonely people now."

I could see that Bella was happy for him and glad too that he wouldn't have to witness his son's disgrace. In many ways Billy had suffered enough. Jasper looked my way with a huge smile plastered on his face. He and Emmett had invested in a series of outdoor adventure schemes and wildlife preservation projects in the British Isles. And this lodge just happened to be one of them, it seems it was actually more of a resort now with the recent infrastructure improvements. There was even a small private airfield that had opened nearby so business was booming. Of course Emmett saw dollar signs with the addition of Billy to the staff not only was he a master craftsman in carving. He had some wicked fishing skills as well. And with his knowledge of wood lore he was a naturalist by birth and desire.

I'd really had enough for one day. Bella was yawning and the pregnancy had to be taking its toll coming so soon after her near death experience. So I asked for us to be excused from any further discussion. Besides I could easily hear them from my room. I didn't need to be present to comment. The wolves and vampires would easily hear anything I had to say. Right now all I wanted was to be alone with Bella to revel in her touch, her smell and her taste. To talk about our plans and desires for the future. Despite my lack of judgement when I left Bella, she had thrown herself into her school work and would graduate with honours. But there was still college to decide on though not in the near future. And we had the Renee issue hanging over our heads. How much should we tell her? What would be safe?

Bella gladly let me carry her to our room. She asked me to bring her to the bathroom, and to get her pajamas while she got our shower ready. What...did that mean, I was invited to join her? I shook my head it couldn't be true. So I gathered up her silk pajamas lying on the bed and placed them on the bathroom counter and turned to leave. But two very warm arms encircled my waist, and her very naked body pressed against my back while she pushed the bathroom door shut. Yes! The shower and Bella were steamy hot, my cock was as hard as a steel rod and straining against my fly. Bella was a sex goddess and angel wrapped into one. Yet she didn't have the faintest idea what she was doing. It just all came naturally, without a single thought. Her coy shyness and determination just made it all the more sensual. Despite having heard the sexual thoughts of so many others, for over 90 years, I was still as much a novice as Bella when it came to putting it into practice. And so far Bella seems to have been taking the lead in our intimate relationship. So it was now my turn, after all this was my fantasy.

Bella gave me a smile, then let her hands drift down to the hem of my shirt, but I removed it slowly for her so she could eye fuck my abs and biceps. After I kicked off my shoes and removed my socks, I let her continue to undress me. She was stunned momentarily when she found I was going commando again. But then her smile brightened even further as she reached for my, now raging and painful, erection but I stopped her hand. I stepped out of my jeans, lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around my waist. I hissed softly when she rubbed against the head of my cock, making it twitch. She giggled and I frowned down at her. She knew exactly what she was doing, the little witch. Well, two could play that game! When I stepped into the shower I pushed her back flush to the tile wall and easily slipped one of my fingers between her folds. Awwh she was so ready for me, hot and wet. I inserted a second finger and her head tipped back, hitting the tile. I thumbed her clit and she let out a sexy groan and arched her back to rub against my erection. It was so damn perfectly timed that I almost came then and there. But I was able to get myself under control and inserted a third finger, still stroking her clit with my thumb. Then I set a slow but steady rhythm while she writhed on my fingers it was so fucking erotic!

Bella was flushed from the hot water and her arousal. Looking at her like this was making the knot in my belly coil. Then I felt her tightening around my fingers and her breathing sped up so I dropped to my knees and started lapping at her clit. I wasn't about to miss one drop of her sweet nectar. When she came, she came hard, panting and screaming my name. The 17 year old in me was very proud that this gorgeous and sensual woman was screaming his name. And she was tugging so hard on my hair, that if I had been human, I'm sure I would have had bald spots. It was glorious and I was in heaven.

As I stood up I removed my fingers and sucked them clean one at a time. Bella just stood there water sliding down her neck and dripping off her breasts. Her eyes were half lidded and when I had finished sucking the last finger she slammed her lips into mine. Running her tongue along my lower lip begging for entrance. I opened my mouth and our tongues collided, it was like fireworks and she let out a deep and throaty moan when she tasted herself on my tongue. Suddenly it all felt wrong. This was the woman I loved and treasured, who would soon be the mother of my child. What was I doing pushing her up against the shower tiles and fingering her? The inner 17 year old had to be put in his place and the gentleman that loved this woman needed to put in an appearance.

So scooping up Bella bridal style I managed to wrap her in a bath sheet and carry her to our bed. She looked stunned, perplexed and I think maybe a combination of hurt and pissed. Oh shit, what had I done! "Edward, what the hell just happened in there?"

Yep she was pissed! Maybe if I played dumb she'd think it was cute. "Ah Bella, I'm sure you know what that was."

Nope from the look on her face she wasn't buying it."I know what you were doing with your fingers and tongue. But I mean why did you put the brakes on? Where did the horny teenager disappear to and who let the Victorian into my shower? Do you really have a multiple personality disorder?"

Damn she knew who that was in the shower. Wait has she been talking to Emmett about me? "Very funny love, I just decided that acting like a sexed crazed 17 year old was hardly the way I should be treating the mother of my child and future wife."

She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a very uncommitted look. "Okay I can see what you were thinking and that's a very nice sentiment." Then She lowered the pitch of her voice as she continued. "But the fact is: I am a teenager and you will always be a teenager. So shower sex is good and not disrespectful. Don't get me wrong it's very sweet that you felt that way. But I give you fair warning now. Do. Not. Ever. stop again when you have your hormonal, pregnant, teenage wife all worked up! Shutting it down is not an option and could cause you bodily harm. So now that you have me on the bed you will finish what you started in the shower, right?"

I guess this is where I grovel or do I just agree "Yes?" Then I leaned over her and..."Oh Damn!"

"Edward, are you okay what is it?"

"Damn it all to hell Carlisle would like to see us now." I looked at her heaving breasts and the 17 year old was back and he was pissed. He wanted to lick that nipple while his hand palmed the other breast, he had plans, damn it! Oh god, I can't get dressed with a hard on. I looked at Bella, she looked confused and upset, so in vampire speak I called out to Carlisle: "Dad we'll be there in about half an hour, we have a problem that we really have to take care of first."

I heard a small chuckle from Carlisle and then a booming laugh from Emmett. "Hey Eddie is it a small problem or a big one." Then I heard a resounding smack, Rose had hit Emmett in the back of the head.

I whispered "Thanks Rose!"

She answered back: "Don't mention it."

After both of our inner teenagers were sated, we dressed about fifty minutes later, and went down to Carlisle's study where he greeted us at the door. "Well Bella, we haven't had a chance, with so much happening, but I would like to conduct your first prenatal exam today." He knew how she hated hospitals and doctors but I wondered how she would react when she heard his suggestions. "Obviously you can't go to the hospital. So if you have no objections I will be your OB/GYN. I assure you that I'm certified in that specialty as well as emergency medicine and general surgery. Edward and Rosalie will be assisting me, they're both competent physicians in their own right."

My poor Bella looked somewhat embarrassed but finally just shrugged her shoulders squeaking: "Okay?"

We would be assisting Carlisle in the delivery so we needed to follow her prenatal exams. Carlisle told us that after her exam he had some additional information, about this kind of pregnancy, that we needed to discuss, particularly in regards to diet. Once Bella had changed into an examination gown I noticed something that the horny 17 year old had missed. Bella had a baby bump it was small but well defined and we both eyed it with amazement. Obviously Bella had missed it as well but it was definitely there.

I was watching Bella look at Carlisle, she was frowning and he was looking perplexed. I tapped into his thoughts "Edward, tell me what you hear when you concentrate on the baby." So I concentrated on the baby, there was a heartbeat and it was extremely fast and irregular holy fuck! ... There was more than one heart beat! I looked to Carlisle, he was smiling and I was terrified. Bella just kept looking at each of us her frown getting bigger.

Rose looked really frustrated and was tapping her foot. Bella shifted her gaze to Rose and said: "Those two are having one of their silent conversations again aren't they?" Rose nodded. "Well it's damned annoying, so knock it off you two!" Rose burst out laughing at Bella's comment. She could hear the heart beats just as well as we could and suggested we get on with the rest of the exam. She pulled the ultrasound machine into position, and warmed the gel for Bella's comfort.

Carlisle started to move the wand around looking at the screen to see what he could pick up. For some reason Bella's uterus was denser than a human's should be. It was most likely due to the fact that I was the father. An outline could just barely be seen of three babies. Carlisle sighed. "Bella, I think this may be the only picture we're going to get your uterus it's changing and I think will only become denser. He took a deep breath and without looking at Bella asked: "So Bella, do multiple births run in your family?"

She looked at me in total astonishment and whispered: "Well my grandma Swan was a twin, she had a brother who died in Vietnam." Thank god it wasn't my fault that we were having more than one child... that was all Bella's fault.

Carlisle printed out a picture and smiled saying: "Well kids it's a good thing that vampires don't need to sleep because it looks like we'll all be very busy."

The others were listening in and I heard Jasper say. "Okay Emmett, Esme time to pay up, you owe both Rose and me."

I cocked an eye at Rose and she huffed: "Well you two never do things in a small way. And I figured that with you having been sexually repressed for so long and with your luck all your little swimmers would reach the egg at the same time. So pouf multiple birth! And you didn't disappoint me little brother." She smiled after doing a fist pump. "But really Edward, Bella, the rest of us couldn't be happier for you both. You'll be needing lots of help with three babies and it's also the closest Alice and I will ever get to experiencing motherhood. But I give you fair warning these kids are going to be so spoiled!"