Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls
Authors Note: A very nice reader and exceptional person named Pienuniek encouraged me not give up. Thanks Pien!
Chapter 9
APOV
Rose and I had spent the whole day wedding shopping and my visions had not stopped. They kept coming fast a furious with all the decisions the Cullen men were making and unmaking. And then with Charlie! Well I just gave up the idea of even calling Edward about any of those revelations. Again they were just coming to fast. But despite everything Rose, Esme and I would be ready for the wedding.
Jazz had called and asked me to pick up a new phone for Bella and on our way out a gentleman approached Rose and me just as we reached our car. "Excuse me ladies, are you Alice and Rosalie Cullen?"
Rose frowned and got on her pissy bitch look. I answered: "Yes, can we help you?"
He backed up and raised his hands when Rose took a step forward and growled: "I have a message for you from a Mr. Black. He said it's open season on leeches, so you better let Bella go before some of your family starts going up in smoke."
Rose reached out and grabbed him around the throat while removing a gun from his waist band which she passed back to me.
"Does Mr. Black expect a response?" Rose sneered as she set him back down on his feet.
"Hey lady, I work for Mr. Rask, not Black so don't kill the messenger. I was paid to pass the message along. My job is done, I just want to get out of here. The man looked scared so now was the time to get whatever we could out of him. I pulled out my favourite motivator, money.
"Rose let go of the gentleman. Sir, this is $10,000 and it s all yours if you'd like to share what you know. Did you actually speak with Mr. Black about our family?"
He looked at the money with suspicion. "Yeah, and believe me the guy is nuts! He says that your holding his girl against her will, that you've brain washed her. He wants to get her back to deprogram her so she can have his kid. Lady, I don't know if you've seen this guy but he's huge! A real monster he's got to be on steroids. Maybe he has roid rage, that could explain a lot. But he's a real jerk and acts like a spoiled brat at the same time. He was going on and on about this babe like she was his personal property and not even a person. And then the next that she was a slut and with this guy just because of his money. Then next he says she's the love of his life his soul mate and that she's been kidnapped by your deranged brother and you're all holding her prisoner." The poor man was really terrified of us but I couldn't tell who scared him more us, Black or Rask.
All the man really wanted was to get out of here have a beer, find an honest PI Job and take his son to his little league game this evening. "I'm sure that's not the whole story, what else do you know?"
He shrugged his shoulders and said. "Mr Rask hired me to watch your family and I've been on the job for the last couple of weeks. That girl he's after, she's the other cute little brunette right? Honestly, if she's being held against her will I didn't see it. And I don't see how she's being motivated to stay by money either because she's not a shopper either that's for sure. And I'll tell you ladies is the god's honest truth, I've never seen two people look at each other the way she and your brother do and I mean never! And I've been watching people as a PI for 18 years. If I hadn't needed the job I wouldn't be here, Rask has a seedy reputation and Black is... well he's just nuts."
"Who did you report back to?"
"Mr. Rask took my report and then paid me to give your family this message. He was in a real hurry to get rid of me. I think he was expecting Black and he didn't want him to hear my opinion or see my report. Ladies Black is nuts and he plans on going up against your family. You all looked pretty normal to me and seem like good people. But you seem to have an edge and I get the distinct feeling that you can take care of yourselves especially if today is any indication. That's all I got ladies so if you don't mind I just want to go home and have a beer."
I laid my hand on his arm and placed the money in his hand but he tried to hand it back. "Mr._"
"Oh sorry Thomas, Robert Thomas"
"Well thank you Mr. Thomas and please keep the money. Now tell me do you like working for Mr. Rask?"
"No but it's a living. The guy is a crook."
"Mr. Thomas I know someone in Seattle who could use the services of a good honest PI." I pulled out Jenks card and passed it to him. "Here's his name and number. I can guarantee you'll get steady work, benefits and a better wage then Rask pays you." He looked a little skeptical before he looked at the card. "Take my word for it. I'm a little psychic when it comes to these things. I know it will be a perfect fit for you."
He smiled a little nervously, and looked at the name on the card. "J. Jenks... you know Jenks? Lady thanks... but he never hires off the street. He has to know you personally, or you need to be recommended by an influential client."
Rose laughed and said "That would be us, we're his biggest client. I'm sorry about the choke hold. Oh and Alice, give the man back his gun." Thomas left us after thanking us multiple times and warning us again that Black was nuts and that Rask was up to no good... something to do with the Rez down by Forks.
We pulled screeching out of the lot Rose was driving like a maniac. I tried to call Edward but he wasn't answering his cell phone and neither was Bella. I can't see them when their together because the babies block my visions. So I called Jazz and told him about our talk with Thomas, he said he would tell Edward and contact Jenks. He'd make sure that Thomas got work at the downtown office where Jenks conducted the legitimate branch of his businesses.
He also filled us in on the phone messages and the change to the wedding plans. I was incensed that the dog kept ruining all my plans! But there was still the big wedding to plan. And just then I had a vision.
"Damn it! Can this day get any worse?" Rose looked at me, "What's up now Pixie!"
"Phil's sister has come to stay with him so Renee can come to Washington to nurse Bella and Charlie! With Bella's baby bump getting bigger by the hour what are we going to tell Renee? I need to talk to Edward alone in order to see an outcome. Rose step on it! I need another vision before Renee books her flight." I called Jasper and told him to get Edward alone that we have a problem that I wanted to discuss without Bella.
Edward and Jasper were standing in the garage waiting for us. Bella was in the kitchen with Esme eating again, damn she has one hell of an appetite. Rose and I helped the boys with the bags while we filled Edward in on what Thomas had to say and my vision. Edward and Bella had already talked with Carlisle about Renee and how to handle her and the whole pregnancy angle. Esme was going to take care of it as one Mom to another. It was decided she would tell Renee that after Edward left Bella told the Cullen's that she was pregnant but she refused to let them tell Edward. And that was why the family had stuck by her, but she had been afraid to tell her own mother.
Edward wanted to tell Renee that the pregnancy was the reason he had left. But Bella didn't want Edward to look bad in the eyes of her Mom. He finally agreed with her that it did sound like something she would do. I saw that it would work but we'd have to warn Charlie that he was going to be in for the tongue lashing of the century. And Renee was also going to be a little skeptical about the dates. Carlisle would field that land mine.
BPOV
The babies were getting so big I felt like my belly was always entering a room first, of course Edward said I was being absurd that I was beautiful and glowing. But I was happy and I tried to stay away from thinking about the days ahead. As the family and pack dealt with the Jacob Black.
Billy had called to let us know that life in Scotland was good. He'd heard from Rachel and wanted to congratulate us on the babies and the wedding. He was even sending a gift for the little ones. Edward had been concerned about my reaction when Billy started to wax nostalgic about how he had thought at one time that any children I had, would have been his grandchildren. But I was fine, it didn't bother me because I had Edward and his family around me and I was secure in their love.
We learned that Rebecca and her husband were going to visit him next month. Apparently she had stayed away all these years because she thought Billy had preferred Jake to either her or Rachel. But when Jake had contacted them wanting to know where Billy was she realized that her Dad might have finally come to his senses. And Billy had the good sense to be worried about Rachel. "She can be a firecracker like her Mom and that will only push Jacob's buttons." It surprised me to learn that Paul had written him about the beating. He was shocked and disappointed by Paul's behaviour and in the fact that he hadn't retaliated. So he told us to be careful and not to trust him. We assured him we were aware that Paul was struggling with his loyalties but that Rachel was safe with us.
The call was short but I could tell that Billy was sorry for his part in all this. He had tried to call Charlie at the hospital but his nurse said he didn't want to talk to him. I told him I'd talk to my Dad for him and asked him to just give it some time. Then I filled him in on Charlie's condition and said good-bye.
Edward was kind of unsettled after the call wondering if we had said too much. He was worried that Billy might be gathering information for Jake. But Jasper calmed him down and we finally agreed that there wasn't much said that would give Jacob an advantage.
Twilight was descending as Alice and Rose finished putting me through the grind trying on maternity clothes it was such as waste of money for such a short time. I could have continued wearing Edward's clothes and been completely happy. After all I couldn't go anywhere now, for two reasons, one I was as big as a house and two Edward and Jasper agreed that it was too much of a risk with Jacob on the loose.
Once dusk had settled on the house, Alice, Rose and Esme whisked me upstairs to get me ready for my wedding. But I drew the line when I walked into Alice's bathroom it looked like a French salon, this was not happening. Alice could have her way when we had the big wedding but not tonight. Tonight I was in charge. I showered and dried my hair. I didn't even allow her to straighten it. Edward had asked for it to hang long with its own natural soft curl, I pulled it back a bit from my face and Rose secured it with an elaborate butterfly hair clip that she was letting me borrow.
I have to admit though that the sapphire blue Chinese silk dress they had selected for the Civil Ceremony tonight was gorgeous it came to just to my knees with an empire waist and full skirt and had a heavily embroidered floral bodice. Esme gifted me with an antique set of sapphire tear drop earrings and a pendant that matched the dress perfectly and now rested on my considerable cleavage. Alice wanted me to wear six inch heals by some French guy. But I gave her, what Rose called, the stink eye and she produced a more reasonable pair of floral embroidered silk ballet flats.
Carlisle had agreed to give me away with Charlie's permission, so he met me at the bottom of the stairs. When I looked up, after navigating the final step, I saw Edward standing with Judge Gareth he was dress in a black tux, white dress shirt and a skinny sapphire blue tie. To see Edward everyday is like living with a GQ model, to see him in formal wear was a death sentence. I was ready to melt at my first glimpse.
Rose played the traditional wedding march as Carlisle walked me down an aisle that had been created in the great room by the use of dozens upon dozens of potted Vanilla Orchids, baskets of Calla Lilies and Freesia. The scent the flowers created was intoxicating scent and beautiful scene but it was nothing compared to Edward.
His smile lit up the room and the love in his eyes was hypnotic. We couldn't take our eyes off of each other and when I reached his side and Carlisle gave him my hand, I was lost in my love for him. We were both aware when the Judge was speaking but he had to indulgently wait until we could focus long enough to acknowledge him with our responses. Then it was over, Edward and I had exchanged the traditional vows and rings. I was now Mrs. Edward Cullen and I could not have been happier. Until he leaned forward and kissed me.
It started as the most gentle and chaste kiss reminding me of our first days together. Then it became more urgent marking the fear and the pain of having been apart. And then we deepened it together to convey our dedication to each other as mates, partners and parents. It was the perfect kiss until the wolf whistle from Emmett brought us back down to earth and made me blush crimson.
The judge stayed for champagne and cake and he told us how happy he was to be able to see such an utterly devoted couple pledge themselves to each other. We thanked him for doing us this favour and after speaking with Carlisle privately he left.
Edward clearly wanted to adjourn to our room but I was comfortable just sitting with the family for a while. Alice brought me as huge piece of French vanilla cake with, vanilla cream. Normally I'm a chocolate girl but chocolate wasn't really agreeing with me these days. I actually couldn't stomach any food that had a strong flavour these days so vanilla and bland limited my choices for human food but my O positive blood was just fine.
Jasper had brought his guitar into the room, quietly tuning it then running through some chords, when the babies started to bounce around, Edward put a hand on my belly and laughed: "What, do they want Edward?"
He gave me his lop sided grin and nodded: "It would seem that they are demanding a musical evening."
"That's fine by me." And I put my hand over his and looked down at my bump. "But they better take it easy on my bladder." Everyone laughed. Emmett got up and pulled out his drums. Edward and I went to his piano and Jasper finished tuning his guitar while the rest of the family sat on the sofas agreeing to sing along. The evening past swiftly as they played a full range of music from every decade from the 20's to present day. When I started to yawn, Edward ended the evening with my lullaby. We slowly made our way up to our room. I was tired but this was my wedding night and though Edward tried to convince me he was fine if I just wanted to go to sleep. I could see the 17 year old pouting in his eyes.
That was why I opted for a nice hot bubble bath in which he joined me. By the time the water had cooled we had done just about everything you can do in a bathtub in my condition and we had more water on the floor than in the tub. Edward wrapped me in a fluffy towel and deposited me on our bed, and then he rushed back in to clean up the water, using every towel we had, before he returned to me. I have to admit there is something very sexy about my husband doing chores in his birthday suit.
Edward brushed my hair dry while we talked to the babies, once they had settled down we talked about our future after the babies were born. Esme was already at work on a home school program, that would take into consideration the triplets interests, intelligence and capacity to learn and the whole family would have input. My only suggestion or I should say request was that enough time be left for them to just be children allowing them the opportunity to explore life. Tonight was perfect, I felt content and loved by a wonderful man. I had a family that I loved and that loved me back. My father was aware of all the weirdness in my life. And I might even keep my mom in it, if only for a little while. Edward had finished with my hair and was now running his nose up and down the back of my neck leaning in every now and then to give me light kisses. He was the most sensuous being on the planet and he was all mine. I turned in his lap and looked into his eyes. The mischievous 17 old had left the building. The Edward looking at me now was the strong, intense and deeply passionate man who just so happens to be a vampire. A thrill ran up my spine.
He was staring at my cleavage and baby bump alternately and the his grin started out small and became almost predatory "Bella, do you trust me?"
Was this man serious? "Edward, I won't dignify that question with an answer."
Now his grin got even bigger, but his eyes were filled only with love. "Okay darling, then turn over and get on your knees, I think this might be more comfortable for you."
As I positioned myself he placed a kiss on my back and I took that moment to look over my shoulder at him. I have no idea what he saw in me, but I saw the sexiest man alive and we groaned simultaneously. He helped me get comfortable and reached around, palmed my breasts and made that purring noise of his which only made me wetter. Then he reached down to massage my clit while pressing his rock hard erection into my back side, he repositioned himself and began rubbing himself against my folds and slowly pushed into my depths and paused.
It was torture, it was beautiful and I was so wet, he leaned forward to nibble on my ear. "Ahhh Bella, so wet for me my love. So hot and ready for me. Do you want this Bella? Tell me love how you want it, tell me."
I couldn't take it any longer and slammed backwards into Edward. I could barely get out a response I was so turned on but I managed to eke out a whisper. "Hard Edward, I want it fast and hard and now!"
And he didn't disappoint, we established a steady rhythm and every time I was about to fall over the edge he would stop, pull out slightly just keeping us both just on the edge. I was going crazy, "Edward, if you don't fuck me now, you won't touch me again until after these babies are born." That got his attention! I got it fast and hard and we both fell over the edge together. Edward roared my name drowning out my own scream. "Is it my imagination or are we alone in this house?"
"The family felt we deserved some alone time. After all it is our wedding night but they haven't gone far I can still here their minds but they can't hear us." He rolled me over and pulled me into a spooning position and chuckled: "Emmett is bugging Alice to give them a play by play of our play." I flashed him a pained looked. "Love it's the price Alice pays for being a psychic. But she's very good at blocking out our activities and just looks for our futures once we're done. Like now she's let them know that we're fine and very happy and that they can come back."
I got the impression that Edward wasn't being completely honest. He looked a little worried and not the... damn they know what's going on in our bedroom kind of worry. "Edward, what aren't you telling me? Remember we said no more secrets!"
Edward exhaled and raised up on his elbow looking at me. "Your right love, I'm sorry. Carlisle and Esme stayed within hearing range the whole time. Alice can't see your future and she can't see mine if I'm with you. The babies seem to be blocking her visions." At first I smiled, but then I saw how this could be to our disadvantage particularly at this time with Jake out there. "Don't worry Esme and Carlisle are on their way back and the others are going for a quick hunt."
I pushed back against Edward's body and he let out a low growl "Edward, am I feeling what I think I'm feeling against my backside?"
"Yes love. I'm a vampire and we have a very quick recovery time." I gasped, and he laughed which did very strange things to my body with his erection planted firmly along the crack of my butt. "I'm fine Bella not to worry. I just want you to sleep. In fact I'm really quite content and satisfied right now." And then he started to hum my lullaby. I was smiling and feeling quite content myself that my vampire husband still wanted me, even though I was as big as a house.
EPOV
Once Bella was sound asleep I dressed and slipped down to the great room, the family were all back now. But we had company Rachel was laying on the couch. She had been badly beaten and was unconscious. Jasper had found her at the edge of the woods surrounding the cottage, where she and Paul have been staying. Carlisle said we needed to move her to the hospital ASAP and had called an ambulance. He had also called Leah and Sam. Quil was on duty at the hospital and had been alerted to what was happening when Embry joined him. Esme would drive Carlisle's car to the hospital and stay with Rachel. After the ambulance left with Rachel and Carlisle, I called Billy and told him what had happened. He faxed his power of attorney to the hospital giving Carlisle the right to make all decisions regarding Rachel's care in his absence. Thank god Jacob was still a minor and legally couldn't assert any rights and Paul wasn't married to her yet. Billy also agreed that it wouldn't be wise for him to come back at this time but we would stay in touch daily and let him know what was going on.
Leah and Sam arrived at the house. But neither of them had been able to contact Paul. He either hadn't phased or he had changed his loyalties back to Jacob. But Sam had found his cell phone crushed by the side of the road where his trail had ended. He must have been picked up by a car. It didn't make any sense for Paul to leave Rachel like that unless he was the one that had beat her. Jasper said it had been a wolf but with so many of them in the area their scents were overlapping but he definitely said he'd got a whiff of Black on her clothes. So what had happened to Paul that he couldn't defend his mate?
Suddenly there was the sound of breaking glass and Bella screaming. I was in our room in a flash, Bella was on the floor close to the window with nothing but a sheet draped around her and she was hysterical. The huge window wall was shattered and Bella was laying in a ton of broken glass but by some miracle she hadn't been cut. But someone else had been and by the scent it was Jacob Black. Bella was inconsolable so I gingerly picked her up and took her into Alice's bedroom. I proceeded to clean her up getting the glass out of her hair and making sure she had no other injuries. The babies were in a panic as well but I had to get Bella to calm down first so they would relax. Their stretching and pounding was taking its toll on their mother. Bella quieted finally and told me what she remembered. She said she was asleep and the next thing she knew there was the sound of the shattering glass. And then Jacob was dragging her from the bed, calling her a slut and filthy trash. And that he would rip those abominations out of her. She was sobbing so hard again that I almost missed it when she said that he changed all of a sudden and was all sweet and considerate. He told her that he knew that I had forced myself on her and she wasn't to blame. He would help her get rid of the demon spawn and then she could start a family with him like it was supposed to be. She sat up and looked at me pulling herself together. In fact she actually looked pretty fierce. "Edward, I don't know what scared me more the enraged Jacob or the calm one. But I won't let him ruin our lives again! We have to stop him."
Then she crumbled in my arms and sobbed. I stayed with her the rest of the night in Alice's bed. I called Carlisle at the hospital told him what had happened and he told me that Rachel was still unconscious and that there was still no sign of Paul. Leah came by a few hours later and said she and the pack had followed Jacob's scent to the cliffs and lost it. Leah was furious and felt she had let us down. "I'm so sorry Edward, he must have slipped through our patrols but I can't think where or how? We followed him to the cliffs but he must have gone into the water. And he didn't come out anywhere along First Beach. How are Bella and the babies? Is there anything I can do? Please tell her how sorry we are for failing her."
"Bella is a strong woman, Leah, she actually looked pretty pissed after she got over the shock. She'll be fine. Don't be too hard on yourself though, Jacob is not the person he used to be. He's unstable and unpredictable."
After they had lost Black the pack came back thinking our home should be their priority. Jasper and I agreed for the time being. This wouldn't be the last time he'd try something, so we needed to rethink our security by thinking like a mad man. Tonight Jacob Black had proved without a doubt that he was insane. Bella awoke about 9:00 am. I had expected her to be stressed but for some reason she was very calm but she refused to talk about last night until she had showered and had one of my famous cheese omelets and a mug of blood in front of her. Once she was showered and dressed I insisted that I carry her downstairs for breakfast and she agreed. She was very quiet but calm. I looked to Jasper to see if he could get a read on her and he just shrugged watching Bella intently. I complied with her breakfast request, and the rest of the family came into the dining room to sit and wait while Bella ate.
Carlisle and Esme had arrived home an hour ago. Rachel was still unconscious but not in any danger, Leah was with her this morning and Seth was with Charlie. Brady and Cody were doing patrols with Sam. Quil and Embry were passed out in the garage apartment. Bella made us wait until she had finished everything on her plate. Then she took my hand and looked at each member of the family in turn before she spoke.
"First Edward, I'm fine. As a matter of fact I have never felt better."
"Bella, you know how I hate that word 'fine' last night Jacob Black broke into our third story bedroom through a window and dragged you from our bed almost making off with you. How you can be fine?" She looked at me and smirked so why did I think I was about to be hit with a Swan bomb.
"Because my love it was the babies that saved me. Think about it, Jacob should have been able to carry me off without any problem even pregnant I only weight at the most about 130 pounds. Yet he couldn't even lift me up. He had to drag me off the bed and once we got to the window ledge it was like I was stuck. He couldn't move me at all. Then he grabbed his head and screamed yelling 'get out of my head blood sucker' but you weren't there. Then he turned and jumped out the window. Yes I was terrified and I was sure he was going to kill me. And believe me I have never been so happy to see you come flying through our door. At first I thought it had been you scaring him off or that I had borrowed your strength again. But that didn't make sense when you came into the room, you were in full vampire mode. Anytime before when I had tapped into your strength you either looked human or were totally drained but at that moment you were neither!"
I pulled Bella onto my lap and buried my face in her hair, inhaling deeply to calm myself. Even just the mention of what had happened had me so incensed...but I needed to calm down for Bella. "Edward, when I was being dragged across the floor all I could think about was our children and how I would do anything to save them. Then I felt a weird buzzing all over my body. I think one or all of our babies are gifted."
Emmett was the first to speak. "Wow bro you really do have super sperm to have kids powerful enough to save their Mom before they're even born!"
Rosalie reached out and smacked him even as Esme got up to let him have it as well. I sat there literally with my mouth open looking at Carlisle then at Bella who was placidly sipping on the last of the blood in her cup. Carlisle opened his mouth then shut it, Bella chuckled a bit and looked over at Emmett smiling and asked. "Emmett, do you ever recall seeing the leaders of the Cullen brain trust at a loss for words at the same time?"
Alice and Jasper snickered follow by Rose and then everyone including myself just disintegrated into raucous fits of laughter. Quil came through the back door headed for the kitchen then looked back at everyone, "What's up?"
Then Bella completely straight faced tells him the babies are gifted and without batting an eye he responds: "Yeah Embry and I thought so." That got all of our attention and I asked how he knew. "Ah... well Embry and I were having a spit ball fight in the laundry room the other day." He looked at Esme when she gave him the stink eye and he mouthed 'sorry', "Anyway Bella came walking through and caught Embry throwing one at my back and told him to grow up. So when she turned around to leave, Embry threw one at her. It made it about halfway to her then it bounced off something and came right back at him. Hit him right between the eyes, the look on his face was priceless. It was the funniest damn thing I ever saw. Anyway when she just kept going and didn't say anything we figured it was the babies and that they had special powers."
He grabbed an apple out of the basket on the table and took a bite looking at all of us before he continued."Come on guys it makes total sense, after all their Dad is a freaking mind reader. And something's got to be up with Bella if Edward can't hear her. So it just seemed logical." He turned to look at Esme "Hey Esme, you got anything other than eggs and blood? Leah hasn't gone shopping yet." Bella got up and pulled out a box of Count Chocula Cereal and I handed it to him. His eyes lit up and he walked out the back door munching out of the box. Bella looked at me and took my hand then smiled. "See gifted, nothing to worry about."
Carlisle spoke up and asked. "Edward, did the babies tell you anything last night?" I shook my head, "No. At first they were upset and then happy that Bella was okay. Wait they weren't afraid though just happy. Carlisle, do you think they know what they did, or was it just instinctive?"
Carlisle shrugged while looking at Bella. "I don't know son without more evidence it could be a totally random event. Maybe it's not the babies, maybe it's just Bella. We'll just have to wait until their born to find out."
Bella was exhausted after last night. Emmett went to our huge storage shed and got the spare windows for my room. All our windows are special order. And since we tend to break things a lot Esme always has several sets of windows, doors, and extra drywall stored for when something gets damaged. Emmett and Jasper volunteered to install them while I helped Bella settle into the ground floor guest room for a long nap.
After the windows were installed we decide that Black couldn't be left to his own devices any longer. It was time to turn the tables. Jasper was going to get Jenks to check with the First Nations Pacific Northwest Confederation Council and see if there was any way to block Jacob's claim for hereditary chief. Jenks was already having Rask investigated by our own people. This included Alice's Mr. Robert Thomas since he had firsthand knowledge that would aid the State and Federal governments that were looking into his development schemes on Indian lands.
In the middle of our discussion Carol called. Charlie wanted to talk to us about some Jacob related information that may help explain a few things. I didn't want to leave Bella but Charlie only wanted the Cullen men there. Rose came in from the garage and told us to go. Esme, Alice and she would hold down the fort besides it was broad daylight hardly his preferred time for mischief and the pack was here anyway. Alice told me to go kiss Bella and tell her where I was going or she would freak out when she woke up and I wasn't there. Now I was really confused. "Alice, why can you see Bella now, I thought the babies caused a blind spot?"
"It cleared up last night after you calmed Bella down. Do you remember when she was talking to the babies last night before she fell asleep and how she wished that I could still see her future and how that it would make things a lot easier for everyone? Once the babies had calmed down things slowly came back into focus. It's not perfectly clear and it seems to be better when they're sleeping, but I bet I'll still be blind if they're upset. Still I think they're trying to grant her wish."
We took Emmett's jeep to the hospital since it wasn't a car known to Black. So unless he saw us leave or was near enough to notice that our scents were gone he'd think we were still at the house. Charlie was looking much better. The bandages were off his arms, the welts were ugly and red but healing well. He smiled at us and even clapped me on the back. Then Emmett handed him a pile of DVD's it seemed they both had a penchant for B rated horror movies."The wedding footage is in the first case Charlie. But no wedding night footage they made us leave the house. Anyway Esme caught me trying to plant a video camera in their bedroom so it was a no go."
Charlie gave him a very stern look but chuckled all the same. "Thanks Emmett! But I really don't want to think about my baby sleeping with your brother."
Emmett choked on his laugh, "I understand that Chief but technically they can't sleep together because Edward doesn't sleep." Carlisle was the one that popped him in the back of the head this time. Good thing he's a vampire or Emmett would have a severe concussion on any given day for all the stupid shit he says out loud. Charlie just glared at Emmet and then at me. I'm not sure what that look was for but I wasn't about to ask either.
Charlie asked us all to sit, he looked very sad as he started in. "By talking to you I'm betraying the trust of a very old and once dear friend. But my family's safety comes first. So here it goes Jacob Black is not Billy's son." I was stunned to say the least. I had never ever picked that up from Billy. "I think the only person beside myself that knows is Rebecca she was with her Mom when she died. I think Sara might have told her. Otherwise, as far as I know, I'm the only other person she ever confided in. When Sara got pregnant with Jake she and Billy Black were going through a rough period in their marriage. Billy was working at the lumber camps, it was good money, but required that you live on site three weeks out of every four. Sara didn't like it, she had the twins, they were not quite three years old and they were a hand full. Plus she was lonely, she hadn't grown up on the Rez even though she was a member of the tribe. She was used to the big city and all it's amenities. About a year after Billy started working at the camps she had an affair and became pregnant. She was so scared about what Billy would do, if he found out, that she came to me." He looked at Jasper and said "If you think the Forks grapevine is freaky, it's got nothing on the Rez. I advised her that she had no choice but to pretend the baby was Billy's. She never told me who the father was but apparently he worked at the lumber yard where she worked as a part time clerk. Sara had some health problems that caused her to be somewhat flighty and quirky. She was diagnosed as bi polar and while she took her meds she was fine, but if she got it into her head to go off them she could be wild. Billy was over the moon to finally have a son, but Sara was so guilty about keeping the secret. It's not that she loved this other guy. She really was head over heels in love with Billy. But she was off her meds when she'd had a moment of weakness she was lonely and the other guy took advantage of her. She came to me a few years later and told me she had made up her mind to tell Bill. I tried to talk her out if it, after all what good would it do. She didn't want this other guy and he'd already moved on. Billy was the love of her life and she had the girls and Jake to think about. So she agreed she should keep the secret."
He paused and shook his head looking out the window for a brief time. "So for a time she let it go. I don't know what changed her mind or if she went off her meds again or what. The day she was killed she had called me and said she couldn't live with the lie any longer. I thought she was planning on confessing to Billy that day. But after the single car accident that killed her I always wondered if she had actually committed suicide instead. She knew those cliff-sides as well as anyone and it was a clear day when she went over the edge. Billy didn't even know she was bipolar it had been one of the reasons she had not grown up on the Rez. Her parents wanted to have her close to her therapist and they were ashamed. Initially she was in intense therapy after a few suicide attempts. Once when she was twelve and had failed a math exam and again when she was fourteen after she tried to kill her sister for taking her bike."
Charlie pulled his look back from the window, cleared his throat and continued as he looked at Carlisle. "Billy actually bought her story that the medications she was taking were just supplements for anaemia. The idiot, but then Billy has always been pretty good about burying his head in the sand and ignoring things that were unpleasant like they didn't exist ..." My head snapped up and he looked over to me. "Yeah, just like he did with Jake."
Carlisle was thinking that this may be a way to stop his claim to be chief, and I nodded at him, but Charlie caught the look. "I can guess from that look you two are thinking about Jake's claim. Sara was a Black descendant on the maternal side so Jake does have Black blood in him that's why he can phase but he can't make a claim for the position of Chief through maternal ancestry. They don't recognize those claims anymore. But I'm more worried that Jacob may have inherited his Mom's health problem. As far as I know he's never been diagnosed or treated, but that's just my assumption based on his behaviour. He acts just like Sara did, when she was off her meds."
A commotion started outside, Seth barrelled through the door, and he was stuttering and flushed, "Edward... he's here. Jake... he's here and he's got Paul with him."
Charlie made a move to get out of bed, Jasper and Emmett stopped him, and I leaned toward him. "You're not going anywhere Chief. He wants to see me."
Seth shook his head. "No Edward not just you. He wants to see all of you!"
Charlie stood up and grabbed my arm and motioned for me to move towards the door. "Son it would be best to handle this in a public area, like the front lobby. He won't pull anything there, he's too chicken shit and he definitely won't do anything with me there."
I looked to Carlisle, he nodded, and Jasper pulled a wheelchair over to Charlie's side. Carol flashed him a disapproving look but didn't argue as she helped him sit and started to wheel him towards the door. "Carol I think it's best if you stay here. None of us want Jacob to find out about you and your relationship with Charlie, he might try to hurt you to get to us." With that Leah walked in and took charge of Charlie's chair and ordered Seth to stay with Carol.
It seemed like it took forever to get to the front lobby Paul was there sitting holding his head in his hands tears sliding down his cheeks. Jacob stood beside him with his hand on his shoulder but not in a position of comfort it was a position of restraint and power. Jacob had an arrogant sneer plastered on his face and a look of superiority. He flashed me a look that was full of hatred, and scorn then he turned to Carlisle. "As of this moment you are no longer my sister's doctor! You will however have her released from the hospital and into my care. She needs to be home with Paul."
Carlisle bristled but stood his ground and didn't say a word. I took a step forward. "I'm sure you're aware by now that Carlisle has your Dad's power of attorney and that neither you or Paul have any legal right to demand anything." I turned to Paul. "She's in bad shape this time Paul, he almost killed her!"
Paul seethed and glared up at me. "That's a lie! It's your fault leech! I know she refused your advances and you beat her. Jacob told me that you're trying to breed a demon army, Cullen. Tell me bloodsucker are you going to rape every available woman that comes within reach?"
I was taken back with that speech and wondered how Paul could be so gullible. Carlisle walked over to him and removed Jacob's hand he asked Paul to come with him to see Rachel. Paul was a destroyed man he didn't know what to do. Then Carol appeared in hospital scrubs with Seth beside her. He shrugged when I looked at him and Carol spoke up. "I'll take him Dr. Cullen. I'm on a break right now anyway." She pointed to Seth and said. "Perhaps this young man could give your friend a hand. I found him wandering the halls looking for the Chief."
Carol didn't bat an eye but went over to Paul and looked up at Jacob. She put herself between him and Paul. Then she touched Paul's arm and as he looked up for the first time she said: "Excuse me sir, if you'll come with me I'll take you to see Miss. Black." She had effectively removed Paul from Jacob's clutches, and Seth would be able to talk to him in private. Carol was also letting me know silently that Rachel was awake. But she had decided it was best to keep that bit of information to herself. Smart woman. An ICU nurse had come looking for Carlisle to tell him about Rachel. Carol had told her that she knew where Dr. Cullen was and would let him know. Carol had just taken Black out of his position of power by removing Paul and by keeping the information about Rachel quiet, she was one gutsy lady.
Black was considerably less confident now as he turned to me after watching his pawn disappear down the corridor. "You raped my Bella didn't you? You raped her and brain washed her! Bella would never have left me otherwise. I will get her back and I will dispose of your demon spawn Cullen. Then once she is purified and mine again she will become round with my child and you will be nothing but a distant nightmare that has gone up in smoke."
Did I ever tell anyone how much I hated this guy? I looked out the front door to the parking lot to try and calm down when I saw my Volvo pull in. The driver side door opened and Bella stepped out. Have I ever mentioned how stubborn Bella is? I let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through my hair. The other Cullen woman were with her. It seems that as soon as Bella woke up she decided she had to come here. Alice was apologizing like crazy. Esme and Rose were nervous but they both felt that Bella had the right to confront her attacker. Alice showed me how the babies and or Bella had physically prevented them from restraining her by suspending them in mid air while she dressed and walked to the car. Then she had invited them to come with her but to not interfere. She said she had enough of Jacob Black!
The automatic doors opened and our spouses walked in. Bella looked amazing, in even in maternity clothes with her hair in a messy bun. She walked over to me and kissed me on the cheek. "Edward, you should have told me you were coming to see Dad." Then she smiled at me and tapped her head signalling she wanted to use our connection. I heard her but her lips didn't move. 'I heard everything Charlie had to say love and everything you thought! By the way I think that's something we need to work on. It could really be handy in the future.' Black took a step towards Bella and she put her hand up, surprisingly he stopped in mid stride. "Not yet Jake, you'll have your turn. And besides here is not the place for a reunion."
My angel looked at Carlisle and asked if there was a room that all of us could fit into preferably with chairs. Carlisle took us to an empty conference room and closed the door once we had all filed in. Bella asked us all to take seats. Black was smirking thinking he was winning. Then before I even heard the thought completed Bella had us all pinned down in those seats, looking like an avenging angel and more beautiful than I'd ever seen her standing at the front of the room. She was completely relaxed and in charge.
BPOV
Edward tried to stand and come to me. I sensed his need and smiled at him so I let him know through our connection. 'Sorry I just don't have that kind of control to release only you Edward; so it's all or nothing.' Jacob opened his mouth and I should have stopped him before he got started. But he got into his rant so I just let him go on, he sounded like a badly written soap opera, spouting off how he loved me. And that Edward was a monster, he would leave me again. He didn't love me, he was incapable of love. When that didn't work, he flipped out and went with vindictive, trying to tell me that Edward was a rapist and building a mutant army with his evil spawn.
The triplets really didn't like that so in mid sentence he just stopped speaking. Edward looked at me and I just shrugged pointing to my belly. He smiled that lop sided grin and nodded, he started to say something "Bella love..."
But I interrupted him, "No Edward, this is my fault and I need to correct it before it gets any further out of hand than it already has." "First Jacob, do you remember telling me when we were little kids about the candy your mother would eat everyday but she would never let you have any, saying it was bad for you?" Black wouldn't even make eye contact with her he was struggling to free himself. "You can at least nod if you remember that you jerk." He nodded "Well it wasn't candy, it was medication for a condition that your mother had. She was bipolar it's a mental illness that can be managed with drugs but it can also be inherited. I think you could be bipolar and that's what's making you act like Dr. Evil." He screamed at Bella that she was lying and he was wild to get out of his seat, he was glaring at me now imagining ripping my children out of Bella's body and then shredding them to pieces. Bella noticed my preoccupation with Jacob and taped into what I was hearing. She became flush with anger and her voice was tense and terse. "Carlisle can show you your mother's old medical records and both your sisters can confirm that they knew. But your Dad was in denial he believed that if you didn't acknowledge a problem it didn't really exist."
Bella soften her tone having gotten her feelings under control. "As I understand it sometimes when you start feeling better on the medications you think it's okay to stop taking them and then you get sick again. Your Mom apparently did that a lot, she'd be really crazy happy one day and then miserable and paranoid the next. Can you see the resemblance? It explains how your personality changed when you started phasing. Maybe phasing even triggered the condition and that's why you went from being a sweet guy who was my best friend to a psycho stalker with delusions of us in a relationship. Jacob you need to know we never had a relationship, it never happened and it never would have under any conditions. Even if Edward hadn't come back I would never have betrayed my love for him by settling for you. And I would never have hurt you by entering into something that I could never commit to in my heart."
Jacob was furious I could see he was still struggling to get out of his seat. He had worked himself up so much that he was a deep shade of purple. I wondered why he hadn't phased being as incensed as he was, unless Bella had that under wraps as well. Charlie for some strange reason was chuckling a bit and looking at Edward when his thoughts came to me, 'She's a pistol, isn't she Edward!' The love of my life nodded but the look on his face was a cross between frantic concern and the deepest love and pride. And for some strange reason what looked like exhaustion.
Jacob was pissing me off. He didn't seem to be paying attention. And I really wanted to slap him and just then his head jerked back as if I had. I patted my stomach and smirked looking at him then I looked at Edward who gave me his perfect lop sided smile. I turned my attention back to Jacob. "You need help Jacob. But I can't help you. And I don't want to be part of your life. You have destroyed any good feelings I once had for you and I will never trust you again." He jerked his head up to look at me with a terrifying loathing in his eyes. But I wasn't about to back down now and in the deepest and the most sincere voice I could muster I said. "So listen up Black you will never be part of my life or my children's. And if you continue on your present course I will let the Cullen's destroy you." Emmett chuckled I smiled but then gave him the stink eye and he shut up. Edward just sat there with that perfect lop side grin looking into my eyes but still looking tired. Carlisle and Jasper had their mouths open. Charlie and Leah looked smug and were giving Jacob a death glare of their own. The Cullen woman looked like they wanted to stand up and cheer even the babies were bouncing around.
Just then the door opened and Paul came into the room with Rachel in a wheelchair and Seth was a step behind them. Paul clenched his fists and went to reach for Jacob, but Rachel stopped him. "Don't Paul, he's sick. Dr. Cullen, Chief, my brother is mentally unstable and he is the one who did this to me. But he needs help and he needs to be put somewhere that he can't hurt anyone." Rachel was a mess physically and emotionally and this was putting a great strain on her, she pointed to Charlie. "Chief, I would like to have my brother charged with attempted murder."
Charlie cleared his throat "Rachel, he's a minor, he won't do much time." Rachel looked at me, "I know." Then she started to cry but pulled it together and said with her chin held high, "But with my father out of the country I'm Jacob's legal guardian. So Chief, Dr Cullen I want him committed for a full psych evaluation and to be held pending a civil commitment hearing. You need help Jacob. I owe our mom that much."
Jacob was crying but I knew that it was just another ploy the one he'd often used to get his own way with me in the past. "It won't work anymore Jacob you are not the victim here. You've done enough damage to last a life time. Carlisle if I release you can you start the paperwork? But where can he go that can hold him? If he can phase it'll be pointless putting him a human institution and he can't be trusted not to phase."
Surprisingly it was Emmett that spoke up, "Ah Bells, remember we told you that Jasper and I supported a number of wildlife preserves and conservation efforts in the British Isles? Well Siobhan, Liam and Maggie from the Irish Coven actually took one of them over from us as an investment. They have been using it to rehabilitate supernatural beings that have problems with shall we say behaving in the real world. Garrett and Kate checked it out while they were there a few months ago and were amazed. Siobhan actually has a staff of vampires and other supernatural creatures that work there. Some of them are doctors or nurses who like Edward are either too young to practice in the human world or have never been able to control themselves around humans. And some are looking to get credentials so they can practice in the human world. Best of all it's on an island off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean. But all the inmates are there voluntarily because they want help. Their only alternative is death at the hands of the Volturi. But I think they could handle him. Let me call them and see what they think. They even have a retrieval team that could come and get him. I suppose in the mean time we could keep him in Cody's old dog house, it shouldn't take more than 24 hours for them to get here.
Jacob was looking sick, green really and ready to puke. Everyone else in the room was almost euphoric. But I had reached my limit and I started to fall. Everyone was released at the same time. Growls and snarls erupted throughout the room. But my face never hit the floor of course my bronze haired god had caught me. I smiled up at him and then blacked out.
EmPOV
"Well Eddie that wife of yours will keep you on your toes, that's for sure." I had that ugly mutt Black growling and thrashing under me. Paul and I had tackled Black as he made for the exit. Paul was sitting on his legs and I was on his chest. Not exactly comfortable with him trying to toss us off and the smell was putrid. But I let Paul pound on him whenever he got to rambunctious. My Rose was grinning at me from ear to ear and so was Esme. Carlisle came over to pat me on the back and all Jasper said was. "Holy shit Em, I forgot all about that place in Ireland. What made you think of it bro?"
"Well I like to keep tabs on our endeavours and when I found out what the Irish were doing with the place, I asked Kate and Garrett to check on it while they were on their honeymoon. Since the Irish have a traditional diet, I just wanted to make sure nothing was going on that would make either Carlisle or Eddie freak out. But apparently all guests are on a strictly vegetarian diet during their stay. Maggie and her son Shawn considered it was hilarious that I was checking up on them and actually thought the sentiment was sweet."
I looked at Bella who was sitting with Eddie then her head snapped up and she glared at me. Oh shit she's still listening in on Edwards thoughts and she hates it when I call him Eddie, oh damn did it again. "Ah... I'm sorry about that Bella, Edward!" Neither one was smiling, but Edward looked like he was on the verge, thank god. "Hey would anyone mind if Paul and I took Jacob back to the house? Jacob and Paul really need to have a long chat and I'd like to watch. Hey Jazz, you wanna come and referee?" Jazz just grinned and looked at Alice, she shrugged. Damn she couldn't see the outcome, so should I or shouldn't I call the pack and start taking bets. The outcome was unknown so what could be fairer!
Jazz perked up and said. "Hell yeah, it's been a while since I've seen a good fight. Last one was 1971 Ali versus Frazier. What odds are you considering on this one?
1971, yeah that was a good one Ali had lost but it was one hell of a fight. I remember Sinatra couldn't get ring side seats that night because Eddie had bribed the box office attendant to sell us his tickets. Old Blue Eyes ended up taking pictures for Life Magazine so he could get ringside. Too bad we had to cut out early. But when Ali got cut, Jazz just almost lost it when he got hit by the blood. We've had some really sweet times in the past. But if today was any indication I think things will only get more interesting with Bella around. She's a trouble magnet.
Edward was cradling Bella in his arms smoothing her hair and kissing her forehead obviously ignoring my thoughts. I've seen many crazy things in my life but I have never seen anyone love someone as much as Eddie loves that human girl. Even though I'm out of my mind crazy in love with my Rosie, the love between these two was special. It was bigger, too big for most people to even comprehend. Yet it was beyond me how he could be with her, her being human and all! But I knew they could never and would never be apart again. I loved my little sis. It was a hell of a lot of fun having her around. And it still amazed me that she loved us just as much in return, you could see it and feel it every day. Bella would do anything for anyone of us and the feeling was mutual.
Seth, Paul, Jazz and I escorted Mr. Dickweed out through a side exit and into my Jeep discussing odds. I won't say he didn't struggle but Paul gave him a bit of incentive to behave when he kneed him in the crotch. I never heard of a guy doing that, girls yeah...but it worked! Black was real cooperative after that. Cody, Quil, Embry, Sam and Emily were standing on the front porch when we got home, the guys looked pretty placid but Emily was seething. When we got Jacob out of the car she walked right up to him slapped him across the face as hard as she could and when he didn't flinch she spit in his face, yeah she hocked up a loogie and, bulls-eye, she got him right between the eyes. When he smirked at her she screamed and made to launch herself at him but Sam restrained her before she got hurt. She strained against Sam's arms and said through her teeth: "You are a worthless piece of filth Jacob Black, your sister. You beat up your own sister! And blamed it on Edward Cullen? One of the gentlest and kindest men I've met in a long time. You are sick and disgusting and I hope they throw the key away after they lock you up and you rot in hell!"
Sam pulled Emily back to his side and Seth and Paul dragged Jacob into the house and downstairs. I called Maggie she said Alice had already contacted her requesting retrieval. They would be here sometime tomorrow afternoon. "Okay Emmy, my friend, Alice has explained the special needs for this one and Carlisle has briefed Shawn on his medical condition." Apparently Shawn is a medical doctor now and he usually works for Doctors without Borders which is a good cover for when he is traveling around looking for hybrids. "So Emmy, my lad, we've chartered a plane and Rose had us charge it to you, just so you know. Would you care to fill me in on what's really going on?" I said I'd have Carlisle or Edward give her a call and give her the complete low down. And I promised that Rose and I would come visit as soon as things had settled down.
Then I spent the next hour telling the pack members what had happened at the hospital and what our plan was. Most of them thought we were being too good to Jacob, but agreed he could do little damage on an island in the Atlantic. Surprisingly Cody crowed: "He's like Napoleon going to Elba!" we all just stared at him. "What? I like history and hell this place is like a living museum. Besides Carlisle has been helping me on my Independent Study Unit on Napoleon. Did you know he actually met him? Yeah he was asked to consult on Josephine by a colleague when he was in Paris."
Sam cleared his throat, growled and looked at him but he was smiling. "Okay, okay I get it, shutting up already."
But Cody was on a roll. "Yeah but Sam, the Cullen's have been really good to all of us, helping with school work and even tutoring us especially me so I don't have to repeat. Edward and Jasper think I'm university material if I apply myself and stay out of trouble."
Sam grinned and looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Hey man we're all certified teachers in the primary grades, secondary, and university. I'm teaching them Physics, Astronomy, Trigonometry and Italian this semester while Jazz and Carlisle share history." Emily was a grade three teacher at the Rez School so she looked at me puzzled. "Oh, Carlisle teaches history only up to the American revolutionary war." I smiled over at Jazz, he just chuckled and nodded. "Yeah Jazz takes it from there because he feels that Carlisle's British roots would prejudice him towards real American history."
She raised her eyebrows and laughed out loud, I smiled, "Yeah you wouldn't believe the debates in this house about who could be more objective about American history it's endless. On one side you have a British expat whose homeland lost the Revolutionary War. And on the other side you have a Confederate Major whose side lost in the War Between the States. You should hear them they can go at it for days." Jasper gave me the stink eye but I just continued on."The rest of us usually go on an extended hunting trip when they get into it. But Eddie always looks like he's ready to explode, mainly because his people came from the winning side of both conflicts, and yet they totally ignore his opinion, it's really hilarious." I chuckled to myself. "But back to these wolf cubs here, if it wasn't for their freaky wolf gene, they could all get football scholarships. So Sam, don't worry they'll all make it into one university or another because of their brains and not brawn." We heard the crunch of the Volvo wheels turn onto the drive. A minute later we were greeting the rest of the family.
My honey Rose asked me how the fight went. "Well Paul kneed him in the balls as we were leaving the hospital so he wasn't in any shape to go the distance. It would have been no contest." She chuckled and gave me a big hug then I whispered in her ear all the things I wanted to do to her tonight. Apparently it wasn't much of a whisper considering the number of non Eddie groans I earned. Edward was helping Bella out of the car, but he looked like he could have used a little assist himself. What the hell had happened to him. I thought he was fine back at the hospital? Then I looked at Bella and couldn't believe my eyes "Whoa, what happened to you little sis? You're twice the size you were just few hours ago." Bella glared at me and if looks could kill I would've been shredded into kindling and roasting on the fire as we speak.
Edward rolled his eyes at me. "We think the babies are anxious to be born, and somehow, while Bella was borrowing strength from me to read Black the riot act, they tapped into me as well and used the energy to kick start a growth spurt."
"No shit! Hey Eddie, did you know that your eyes are black you should really hunt dude. But didn't you just hunt yesterday? There's no way you should look like this. Are you going to need your meals delivered again bro?"
Again he gave me the eye roll and mustered up as much venom in his voice as he could. "Emmett, I had four individuals sucking on my energy reserves, you figure it out!"
"Oh I get it, Bella and the triplets tapped in and drained you! Now that's freaky man."
Rose grinned and slyly added: "Yeah he even passed out again and his eyes turned green. They really are a lovely shade emerald green Edward." She snickered before se said: "He was out cold. It was really interesting to watch him come around again. It was kind of like a human waking up, and you know what, he's really grumpy when comes out of it."
We all turned to walk back into the house except Alice and Carlisle they were taking Edward for a hunt. Bella stood on her toes and kissed Edward's cheek, he smiled and I saw his eyes flash green just for a second then he started to slump. Alice and Carlisle each grabbed him under an arm and ran off to recharge Eddie.