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

11. Chapter 11

Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls

Authors Note: Thanks to the best reader in the world Pien. Great readers are worth their weight in gold.

Chapter 11

EsPOV

Once Bella was asleep Edward became very professional, I was so proud of him. His venom was ready in two stainless steel syringes. Carlisle had bared Bella's belly and had picked up the scalpel when Edward stopped his hand, "No Dad! Bella only wanted me, my hand and my teeth no one else." He gave a forced chuckle: "I'm sorry Carlisle. It was her idea of a home delivery. But you'll stop me and take over if I lose control, right?" Carlisle nodded and stepped back. Edward took a deep breath and with the scalpel he made the incision that parted the skin and muscle, Carlisle sponged the incision site, but there was so much blood, it just kept coming, saturating the sponges as fast as Carlisle could produce them.

Rose flinched and held her breath but she was shaking and clenching her fists. I could see she was on the verge of losing it. Edward looked over his shoulder."Rose, get out of here! Esme get her out NOW!" She made her move then. I grabbed her, pinning her to the wall, while I flung the door open. Emmett was there to take charge of her.

Carlisle was looking frantic he couldn't staunch the bleeding, "Edward now! Or we will lose them all."

Edward's face was a mask of horror and determination he pushed Carlisle's hands out of the way and leaned over her belly, "Bella I love you." And bit into her womb. The noise was like sheet metal being cut with shears. The room became deathly quiet. Edward reached into Bella and extracted Anthony from her bleeding body, the poor infant had the most startled expression on his face. He focused on Edward and smiled. Edward leaned in, kissed his forehead and whispered: "Anthony." He passed him quickly to me. Bella's heart started to falter, the rhythm was irregular and slowing. I prayed to god we could save them all. Edward cried tearlessly as he pulled Beth from her mother's womb he kissed her and passed her to Carlisle and Masen came last, again Edward kissed him and passed him to back to me.

Then her heart stopped and Edward roared: "You said you'd keep your heart beating! I will not let you give up. Bella! You promised me forever." Without looking up he yelled at Carlisle: "Start CPR!" He reached for the syringes, stabbed both of them into her chest at the same time piercing her heart. There was no time for the morphine they had planned, no time to ease her suffering. She would suffer just as we all had. The venom kicked in immediately, Bella's body arched sharply of the bed like she had been shocked but her heart was still silent. Edward screamed in rage: "Damn it Carlisle I said start CPR" Carlisle hesitated. "Son, I..."

Edward was frantic and began biting her at all her pulse points. "If she dies Carlisle, I will never forgive you, now do it!" Carlisle immediately started compressions. I went to her head and began rescue breathing. Still her heart remained silent, Edward was beside himself. He pushed Carlisle out of the way and took over the compressions. His shoulders shook from his sobbing, the family filed into the room. Rose and Alice went to the babies, to clean them up and dress them. Jasper and Emmett stood by, with Carlisle, and watched in awe while their brother worked over Bella. Edward's face was frozen in the mask of horror and determination as he continued compressions, while I breathed for her. Then he stopped and slammed his fist into her chest, he fell forward laying across her. "Damn it woman, you promised me you'd keep your heart beating, and you have never broken a promise to me yet. Bella, the babies need you, we need you...I need you!" He was sobbing uncontrollably laying over her body, and then he whispered in her ear: "And I can't...no... I won't live without you."

Then I heard a lub-dub and another, and then she took a breath. Her heart rate picked up and began to race, her breathing was slow and deep. Edward lifted his head, smiled down at his love. He leaned forward and gently kissed her on the lips saying: "Forever Bella we'll have our Forever." He turned and looked over at Carlisle. "I'm sorry Dad, you know I didn't mean what I said." Carlisle went to Edward and clapped him on the back. "Edward, you meant exactly what you said, but I understand. And I'm sorry I scared you, I really wasn't hesitating. I was afraid you were losing control. Son, I'm not sure I could have done any better. I'm so proud of you!" Edward turned into his father's hug and returned it tenfold. "It wasn't me Carlisle, it was Bella. She promised me and she never breaks a promise."

I went to my son and pulled him into a hug. "She heard you Edward, I'm sure of it. Besides, Bella could never leave you." Edward flinched obviously remembering the time when he had left Bella, but that would never happen again. "Would you like to meet your children? I'll clean up here while you get acquainted." Edward siblings had all converged on him, while Carlisle examined the babies.

They were all talking at the same time, but Emmett was perhaps the most eloquent at least for him. "Edward, you have always had a strength that none of us possess, how else could you have lived alone for so long. And yet your love for Bella wasn't like anything we could understand, because we've never seen anything like it before. The day you finally admitted that you were in love with a human, I was sure it would mean nothing but trouble, and I was right. But I think I can speak for all of us, we wouldn't change it for the entire world. Even the pain, you caused by leaving, I think that was necessary in order to bring us all to this point. But that tiny klutzy human there has given us love and now purpose to our existence by allowing us to share in your lives and the lives of your children. And I doubt things will ever be dull again, cause bro, she'll still be a danger magnet."

Edward smiled around at his siblings and thanked them each quietly for their support. He turned and looked at Bella, who I had just finished washing up and dressing. He smiled at me and mouthed: 'thank you' when he saw I had put her in her ratty sweats. Alice grimaced when she saw what I had done and then smiled shaking her head. Edward walked over to the table where Carlisle was standing, holding Anthony. He leaned over and picked up both Beth and Masen. Emmett whipped out his camera and proceeded to take pictures of all of us holding the babies. Edward remained silent just looking at his offspring. When I approached him he was holding Anthony and I held Beth. "They never cried, Edward, I wonder why?"

He was snuggling Anthony close to his face when he responded. "I gathered from Beth's thoughts earlier that she had prepared the boys. She didn't want them to upset me, because I needed to concentrate on saving their mother."

Beth was being a little worm in my arms. She had worked her hand free, reaching out to my cheek. I turned my head and kissed her palm and almost dropped her because I was seeing myself kissing her palm. "Edward have you touched the babies hands at all?"

"Only Beth's because she keeps squirming out of her blanket."

"Did you notice anything strange when she touched you?"

"No why?"

"I think she's gifted Edward." He stepped forward and took her hand then shook his head he saw nothing. Carlisle was at my side and he took her other hand and gasped. "She's gifted alright! She can share what she sees and hears with everyone through her touch." When Carlisle said that, Beth just beamed and reached out for us, as the rest of the family gathered around to experience what she could do.

Carlisle returned to Bella's side to examine her. Edward had relinquished his children to the others. He moved to stand by Carlisle, never taking his eyes off of Bella. When Carlisle was done Edward picked her up, carried her to their room, placed her on their bed and crawled on the bed with her. Holding her in his arms, telling her over and over how much he loved her.

The family had gathered around the babies in Carlisle's office, they were absolutely beautiful. Rose and Alice had gone to prepare bottles for them. Carlisle had suggested baby formula, but the girls thought it smelled like dirt, and warmed up a bag of blood instead. So the Cullen ladies shared the experience of their first feeding, sitting on the couch watching them suckle at the bottles. The boys, Masen and Anthony, looked just like Edward they even had his dishevelled bronze hair. But their eyes were his human green eyes. Anthony's were forest green with little gold flecks that seem to reflect light and Masen's were the deepest emerald green I'd ever seen. The boys were big, for triplets, at exactly seven and half pounds each. Beth was a petite, five pounds even, and the image of her mother. Where Bella had carried all of that in baby, is beyond me. She was so small herself, she must have been in agony these past few days. Beth had her mother's mahogany hair and deep chocolate brown eyes. All three looked at us with intelligence far exceeding that of any normal newborn, it was like they knew exactly who we were when we spoke to them.

Carlisle came over, after putting his equipment away, and lifted his granddaughter into his arms, Beth reached up and touched his cheek and he chuckled: "I think we need to take the babies upstairs to Edward and Bella, this little lady wants to know where her daddy and mama are. Besides, I'd like to see if Edward can get a read on the boys, if they might be gifted"

The boys had finished their bottles and seemed to be straining to look around as much as they could. Emmett came and took Masen from Rose looking down at him like he was the most precious thing in the whole world, "Hey little dude I'm you Uncle Emmett, you, me, and your brother and sister are going to be great friends. But I have one favour to ask, if you're gifted like your Dad, I really need you to help me get even with him for cheating at everything with his mind reading. If you do I will teach about all the wonders of Xbox 360, football and best of all primo practical jokes."

Rose chuckled and lightly slapped Emmett's arm. "He's just a baby Emmett. Don't you think you should give it a little time before you start making deals with him? I wouldn't be surprised if all the babies turn out to be gifted, especially with Edward as their Dad. I wonder if Bella will have a gift, after all Edward's never been able to get inside her head."

Emmett chuckled: "Yeah but he can get in everywhere else on Bella." Masen frowned and Rose took him from Emmett before she popped him on the back of the head. "Not in front of the baby you idiot. Edward and Bella will kill you and if they don't I will!"

I looked at Rose and she was smiling so sweetly at Masen. "Oh Rose darling, Bella already has a gift, it's these children. Actually they're a gift to all of us. Maybe, Rose, you and I will feel a little less cheated in life, knowing that these three will need all of us to care for them and love them."

She smiled, nodded and sounded like she could cry when she said: "They already have my heart trapped in their little hands Esme."

Alice was holding Anthony, with Jasper leaning was over her shoulder. Both of them were completely mesmerized with the baby in her arms. I had never seen Jasper smile like that at anyone other than Alice, but he had the biggest grin on his face that showed a profound depth of emotion. When Jasper looked up at me he said: "Well grandma let's get this show on the road, these three are getting a little impatient. But they really are as cute as the dickenses aren't they... wait how are we going to tell the boys apart?"

Alice piped up: "Oh that's easy Jasper. Masen is the serious one and his eyes are the deepest shade of emerald. I'm afraid that he'll be a carbon copy of the intense Edward we all know and love. And Anthony's eyes have these little gold flecks that seem to reflect the light. I'm willing to bet he'll take after Edward's lighter side the one that loves to run fast and play pranks. Oh Edward and Bella are going to have their hands full with those two. Beth looks just Bella and I bet she'll probably be like her as well, just more graceful. But I really hope she'll have better fashion sense...maybe if I get started early with her." Everyone chuckled at her dreams of a kindred spirit in Beth.

Rose snorted. "Gifted or not with Bella and Edward as their parents they are bound to have a double dose of stubbornness, blind self righteousness, and the ability to find trouble anywhere. And that's why they're going to need all of us to raise these kids."

Edward was stretched out on the bed with Bella when we reached their room. He was holding her close kissing her and smoothing her hair, while quietly talking to her. We brought the babies over to him and he looked at each one. The recognition of their father was immediately obvious on the babies' faces, as they all smiled at Edward and cooed. Beth reached out to him so he moved a bit away from Bella and gestured for us to lay the babies between them. At first I was reluctant to, but Bella was so still, it seemed to be okay for the time being. Edward took each one in turn into his arms and talked to them about how much he and Bella loved them and how handsome or beautiful they were. He was stunned when he picked up Beth, and remarked on how much she looked like Bella. He let out a deep heartfelt sigh as he looked into her eyes. "At least her brown eyes weren't lost."

And though his sons hadn't manifested any gifts at birth like Beth had, how could they not be gifted with Edward as their father. Carlisle asked him if he got a sense from the boys that they could do anything. "No Dad just pictures of us and Bella, like they are memorizing everything they see and putting names to people and things. But their intelligence is amazing so maybe we should just ask them."

With that Carlisle picked up Anthony and looked at Edward. "Okay Mr. Mind Reader, any suggestions on how we do that."

I rolled my eyes at the two of them. What did they think this was rocket science? "Oh for heaven sakes, Carlisle, give me that baby!" I held Anthony and looked him in the eye and I established with Edward that Anthony was focused on me. "Anthony, sweetheart, I'm your Grandma Esme and you little man are very handsome, just like your daddy." Emmett groaned so I gave him my Mom look and he shut up. "Can you show Daddy if you can do special things like Beth?"

Edward concentrated on Anthony and started to shake his head. "He's thinking about Beth and her pretty pictures, of me shaking my head no. He's laughing at the thought of me annoying Emmett with my mind reading, and he wonders if his Mom is alright. There's nothing else other than he doesn't think he'll be helping his Uncle Emmett get even with me." He glared at Emmett who ducked behind Jasper. "Already trying to use my children against me brother?"

Carlisle was standing there looking at Bella and then the babies. I took Masen and placed him in Edward's arms and he immediately stiffened. He said Masen was thinking of himself and Bella, standing in front of the family, there was smoke all around us but we were protected under a bubble of some kind. Carlisle looked like a light had gone on then, and Edward turned to look at him in shock, he grinned and nodded his head yes. Now I can see why this bugs Bella so much. "Bella's right, these silent conversations are annoying, so what have you two geniuses decided."

"I'd love to have Eleazar confirm it, but I think Anthony is a mind reader like his Dad. And I think Masen will have the same gift as Bella, which right now looks like she'll be a shield, we should contact the Denali's, Eleazar could be a big help."

Edward looked like a thundercloud at the mention of the Denali's ."Carlisle there isn't any rush why don't we wait until we can get Bella's input, after all they're her children too. Besides they're still just babies so let's enjoy them while we can. And can we even trust Eleazar. After all he was a member of the guard once? Wasn't that what he did for them, find gifted vampires?" Thenhe pinched the bridge of his nose and chuckled. "And besides I really can't take Tanya right now. I'd rather wait until Bella was awake so she could protect me from her."

Carlisle chuckled and agreed that we could wait, he wasn't adverse to just enjoying and getting to know his grandchildren. Edward looked relieved. The babies were now cooing and gurgling as Edward was holding them next to Bella so they could see her, and laying them on her chest and stomach so they could have contact with her. "Okay everyone I think we need to leave and let Edward have a little bonding time with the babies. We'll be back for their next feeding, just call if they need changing, is that okay Edward?"

"Yeah Mom, that's fine but can I get you to feed them downstairs? I really don't want to have fresh blood around Bella right now."

I smiled. "Of course darling that's a good idea."

We sat around watching the clock and listening to the little family upstairs. When it was time for the babies to be fed it was like a race to the kitchen, to see who would prepare the bottles, and who would feed which baby, change diapers, burping, it was a scene from the Keystones Cops! Only it was vampires everywhere, getting in each other's way and nothing was getting accomplished. So I put a stop to it all by whistling, which unfortunately startled the babies, who started crying. And that started the Keystone vampires all over again. Carlisle then slammed his hand on the marble countertop, not hard enough to break it thank god, and everyone stopped and was silent. "Listen up kids your mother and I will draw up a schedule for the babies. You will all be assigned time with them to get to know them and for different baby related duties. We'll all share everything from diapers to play time. There will be no arguments and no trading jobs, and you can't use these duties in bribes or bets! The babies need consistency and it would be nice if we had things organized before Bella wakes up and thinks we are all a bunch of morons."

I smiled at my husband and added: "But remember Edward and Bella are their parents if they want changes made to the schedule, or how we do things then what they say goes, we are helpers not substitute parents." I assigned bottle preparation to Carlisle and Rose. Alice, Rose and I would feed the babies. I would teach Rose and Alice how to bathe them. After the feeding and bathing they were to go back upstairs to nap and spend some time with their parents. Jasper and Emmett asked if they could watch so they'd know what to do when it was their turn. I agreed.

So baby boot camp started with us sending Carlisle, after the bottles were ready, to Port Angeles to buy additional baby supplies. He was also going to purchase some additional blood, since the babies had all refused the formula when we tried it.

EPOV

I had hoped I would be able to inject Bella with Morphine before my venom thereby halting or diminishing the pain of the change, but we ran out of time. Bella and I have always had to do everything the hard way so I can't think why this should have been any different. I looked down at my reason for living. She was so still and silent in mind and body. She had not made a single sound or twitch. Knowing Bella, she was probably lying there forcing herself to be silent, trying to save me from agonizing over her. As if her being silent would stop that. We would always feel each other's pain and we would always try to hide that pain from each other.

I could hear my family downstairs racing around and bumping into each other. What in hell was going on? The confusion brewing in the kitchen was almost comical. Finally Esme and Carlisle stepped in to take charge. I must admit I wouldn't have blamed them if they had banged their heads together. Oh god is that something I will have to face with my own children? Was I ready for that? The noise had startled the babies and they had started to cry. I hummed Bella's lullaby to them and they settled. Order had finally prevailed in the kitchen and for the first time in this life I felt content. I knew that Bella and I would never be alone. We would always have help from people that we loved and trusted.

Suddenly I couldn't hear Masen's mind, I looked down at him I could still hear his heart beat and his cooing but his mind had gone suddenly silent. I tried nudging his mind, I jerked back from the mental recoil like I had been hit in the head. Then I heard Anthony's thoughts asking me if Masen had hurt me. Without thinking I responded to him: "No, I'm okay son." And he flashed back that he was happy. When I looked down he was smiling up at me. Masen was beside him and he looked upset his brow wrinkled ... just like mine was when I was concerned. I picked him up holding him close to my chest and whispered: "It's okay little guy, I'll try not to pry in the future." He nuzzled into my chest and gurgled.

I decided to keep to myself what happened to me, until Bella and I could discuss it. Carlisle seemed just a little too anxious to contact Eleazar and I didn't want to give him a reason to reconsider. I returned my gaze to Bella...my life. She was undeniably the best thing that had ever happened to me. She helped me find my soul and she had always pushed me to be more than that I thought I could be. People call me stubborn, but this woman had me beat. She would challenge the devil himself, if she thought she was right. That's why I knew we'd be okay. But I was still in agony thinking about the pain she had to be experiencing.

The babies had settled in for a nap and I marvelled at all that I had been blessed with, perhaps Emmett is right that this is my reward for having been alone for so long. But do I deserve so much, do I actually deserve this woman who is my wife, mate, lover, best friend, and my reason for continuing in this existence. She proved to me that I have a soul, God would never have rewarded me with her and our children otherwise, would he? If she heard me saying any of this out loud she'd probably roll her eyes, push me, then blush and tell me that I don't see myself very well a line I'm always using on her.

"Bella...I love you so much darling, come back to me soon." I proceeded to tell her everything I knew about our children. "Masen and Anthony look just like me according to Esme. They have my human green eyes and unfortunately it looks like they'll have the same hair issues. Beth is all you my love. Right down to her beautiful brown eyes. But I hope she's better coordinated. I know you're going to hit me for that remark, just remember you'll be stronger than me for a while so take it easy. And the babies all seem to have gifts, Bella, but I'm not sure about how they all work, when you awake we'll find that out together. Carlisle believes that they'll be able to eat human food. But from the sounds of things downstairs, baby formula will not be on the menu."

Alice came in just then. "Edward, you need to shower and change." I just stared at her. "Edward? Just look at yourself." I looked down and for the first time I noticed I was covered in blood. "And you need to hunt. The stress has taken its toll on you. You know that Bella would expect you take care of yourself."

"No Alice, I'll hunt with her after she wakes up. I'm not going to leave her side."

"Well at least clean up. You look gross and it would upset Bella when she awakens, I'll stay with her while you shower."

I placed a kiss on Bella's lips, rose from the bed, grabbed a change of clothes and then walked toward the bathroom.

"Oh, and Edward, she's going to be so beautiful!"

I paused and smiled at her over my shoulder. "She already is Alice...she already is."

I took a quick shower then changed and disposed of my clothes. When I returned to the bedroom the babies were awake and Alice was quietly talking to them and Bella. When I reached the bed I leaned over and kissed Alice on the forehead. "Alice, I never thanked you for all your meddling. And for being there for Bella when I was being an ass, and for pushing me to come back. You're one hell of a frustrating Pixie sometimes but I think you're also our fairy godmother."

Alice grinned at me and squeezed my hand. "You're welcome brother! But I don't think I did it just for you or Bella. I think I was supposed to interfere in your lives for these three little bundles."

I cocked an eyebrow at her and asked her to explain. "I knew that you two had to be together and not just because of the crazy insane love you share. And even though I couldn't and still can't see the babies, it just seemed there was something that was missing. There was something important that would make a big difference to all of us. But you two had to be together in order for us to find it."

"And what did we find little one?"

Alice smiled up at me and reached out to hold my hands. "Some things that we always had, but we forgot how valuable there are. Like our family and our love for each other, and that there is no doubt that we all have souls. But the best is that, for the first time in our existence, we have a real purpose in our lives and it's these babies."

Then she turned serious on me and bit her lip before she spoke: "But Edward, I'm afraid of what will happen if the Volturi find out. They're already jealous of us and our talents. And as much as you don't like it brother, we will have to talk to Eleazar eventually. But don't worry Edward it can wait until Bella wakes up, and your right you'll decide together and the family will help."

BPOV

I was burning like I'd been submerged in a lake of acid, dunked in gasoline and lit up like a human torch. The pain was excruciating, but I wouldn't scream. I wouldn't do that to him. I know Edward would be in enough self imposed pain without my screams. The last thing he wanted for me was to be changed but it was the only answer for us to be together as we were meant to be. In the end the decision was taken out of our hands. God gave us children and they would need both parents. So Edward did what he had to, in order to keep us together. He did it to make our family whole and to keep us both strong and together. Because sometimes love isn't always enough.

My Edward was my life line, and as long as he kept talking to me, I could push the pain to the side. I still experienced it, but my angel's voice gave me something else to concentrate on. His voice was like a gentle rain in the desert to me. I heard every word, about how much he loved me and our children. I wanted to tell him he was my world. I just didn't dare open my mouth, because I knew I would scream and never stop. I almost forgot the pain completely when he talked about Masen, Anthony and Beth. I was so happy that my boys looked like Edward. They would be such handsome young men and they would have so much trouble with the girls. Just like their father. I remembered how all the girls at Forks High would have fallen at Edward's feet if he had even acknowledged them.

And Beth was just like me? I hoped she would be more confident than I was. Andyes, I would get Edward back for that crack about my lack of coordination. But Edward was my anchor, together we had created something so special. I couldn't wait to see my babies ... Perhaps Rose and Esme would feel a little less of their own pain now. I knew that I would need their help...correction we would need their help. What was that old saying from sociology class? 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Well we weren't a village but we were the next best thing we were a family of powerful and gifted vampires. No matter what happened I knew that my family would always be there for my children, forever.

Oh god the pain felt like fire racing up and down my skin liquefying it wherever it touched! I was so glad Edward couldn't hear me. This would kill him. Edward had just kissed me on my cheek and his lips were so cool, how I longed to kiss him back and tell him that I loved him. Could Alice see me now? Was Edward going to be all right?

I felt his lips touch mine and he whispered: "Alice is with you my love. I'm going to take a shower I'll be right back."

I wished Alice could hear me and tell me how long I had to wait ...oh god... I should not think about the pain, I should think of Edward and the babies. I could feel Alice she was holding my hand and telling me about the babies, but it was harder to concentrate on her voice.

"Bella they're so beautiful, the boys are just like Edward even in temperament. Yet they seem to have split his characteristics. Masen seems so serious already. Emmett says he's going to be the emo Darkward. And Anthony, well you can almost see the wheels turning, he's going to be the prankster of the bunch. And Beth, oh I wish you could see her Bella, she's so smart and happy. Each of them just lights up the room with their smiles, but Beth's could melt your heart. They all have us wrapped around their little fingers."

Alice started to babble about the changes expected in the spring fashions. Now I really wished I could go to sleep, but maybe it would help pass the time. If she thought I was bringing this knowledge over with me into eternity, then she was nuts, because that just wasn't going to happen. Ha! So there Alice...blah, blah, blah Versace ...oh god here it came now I felt like I was being burned alive. I could feel the flames dancing all over my body. It was all I could concentrate on now!

Time meant nothing to me unless Edward was here, so I have no idea if it was minutes or hours since he'd left. The next time I heard him he came in with Emmett and Jasper, each apparently carrying one of my precious children. Jasper was talking as they came through the door. "Emmett, no matter what their powers are do you really think Bella is going to let you use them to get even with Edward? You're crazy man it will never happen, Edward is her life."

Then I heard the voice I'd been waiting for the velvet tones of my husband, "Hey guys you do realize that Bella and I are right here. I can hear you so I'm pretty sure she can as well." Emmett of course swore and said he was sorry. Jasper just chuckled. Note to self: do not let Emmett make deals with children, threaten Emmett if necessary.

I could feel Edward lay down beside me. Alice had stopped her monologue on fashion and was taking the babies from the guys and placing them between Edward and me. It sounded like she kissed each one before handing them over and was moving away from the bed when she said, they'd be back in two hours for the next feeding, then she left with Jasper and Emmett. I had so many questions about the babies, but the pain was so intense. I'd never be able to open my mouth. Edward laid the babies on my chest one at a time introducing them to me again. Beth placed her hand on my cheek, and the picture show that Edward had described to me began. It was still a shock when it happened and this time my hands jerked, Edward of course panicked and yelled for Carlisle.

I heard him breeze into the room, and Edward explained what I had done.

"I don't hear anything different son, but her scent is intensifying. She may have just been reacting to Beth. Listen I'm sure she can hear every word we're saying and if I know Bella she won't answer us until she can without screaming." Edward must have made a face at him. "Think about it Edward what's the one thing neither one of you can handle? It's the other's pain. I would bet money Bella will not open her mouth until the change is complete. She's fine. Edward, just enjoy your children... and continue talking to her."

Edward told the babies the story of how we met he left nothing out including the mistakes we had both made. But there were a few facts from my perspective that I would have to correct once I was done frying on my pyre. Then he sung my lullaby and placed the boys on either side of me and wrapped my arms around them. They felt cool warm against my burning skin. Their breath was as sweet as Edwards the only difference was just a hint of freesia that must be from me. Beth was lying on my chest. Her scent was almost all freesia and lavender with just a hint of Edward's honey underneath. The boys snuggled into my sides, sighed and went to sleep. Thank you Edward! I was holding my babies he had erased my biggest fear. Edward had made sure that they would know me even if I couldn't interact with them yet. I wish I could cry or kiss him. Beth started to squirm so Edward picked her up cuddling her and talked to her quietly. I guess she was still awake. "Okay little mother they're both asleep. Now it's time for you to close those big brown eyes." Oh...my Beth was helping her Daddy by watching over her brothers... maybe she was doing that because I couldn't right now. I heard Edward gasp, what was wrong...then I felt it a tear was rolling down my cheek but it was a tear of joy. And Edward's voice was at my ear whispering: "I know Bella, and I'm sorry but we'll have forever my love, forever." My beautiful Edward thought the tear was because of the pain. No my love I have never been happier.

OH MY GOD! The pain...

EPOV

Whenever the babies came to our room one of the family would stay with us. It was necessary because they had learned how to roll over and off the bed so we played fetch the baby until they went to sleep. Jasper wondered since the pattern of activity seemed so deliberate if a form of telepathy was involved. But I could never get a read on them at those times... their minds were silent to me. Carlisle and I suspected that Masen was doing something to block me. I must admit that Rosalie coming to my aid with the scrambling triplets was initially a surprise. But it made sense in a way since she had always wanted the opportunity to care for children. That had been denied her because of her rape and then the change. But Emmett never came with her, it hurt him to see how much this meant to her because it was something he couldn't give to her. But Rose had finally been able to accept that even if she had survived the rape and remained human she would never have been able to bear children and she would never have met her soul mate Emmett.

Surprisingly she wasn't in the least resentful and while being an indulgent Aunt she didn't hesitate to discipline either. Bella had helped Rose find a way to heal an old wound, when she had told her and the family that we needed all of them to help raise these children. She gave Rose a place in the family and a purpose, she was not only an Aunt but she was a godmother. I would have to talk to Emmett in the morning. The guy needed to relax Rose was fine.

It was Jasper as a triplet wrangler that had me the most puzzled. I never thought he'd be close to the babies. He had never expressed interest or desire to interact with them before they were born. All I had ever got from him was a detached scientific interest. Yet here he was playing peek-a-boo with the babies and crawling around chasing after them. He showed no favouritism between them. Yet I had only ever seen him smile and laugh like this with Alice.

Emmett had become the experienced baby bather. He loved getting into the big tub and playing submarines and mermaids with the kids, but only after he had thoroughly washed them. And he considered himself the most efficient diaper changer. Esme and Carlisle were typical grandparents, while they admonished everyone about spoiling the babies they indulged their every whim.

When a human is changed into a vampire they are frozen at that time in their lives throughout their immortal existence. And while we can learn and grow intellectually, it is rare for a vampire to experience a change in our basic nature, it has to be a very significant event for that to happen. Bella was my significant event and the babies were my family's event. We had changed, we had grown and I don't think we would ever be stagnant again.

The triplets themselves all seem to have roles as well. Beth was their communicator, through her pictures anyone could figure out what they wanted. They liked to be read to, but didn't like children's books. They liked TV and while they found cartoons amusing for a short while they preferred documentaries, home improvement and cooking shows. Alice was trying to interest them in Fashion TV, Emmett in sports, Jasper in the History channel and Rose just wanted them to be happy. That being said TV was not a big part of their day. They spent plenty of time outside getting fresh air. Carlisle was transitioning them from human blood to Elk's blood, at which they were balking, but they were adapting. Beth was quick to convey her and Anthony's belief that donated blood would be preferable to any from a four legged creature. But Masen seemed to disagree, he wanted to eat just like the rest of family. And when he would let me in, his dreams were of hunting with the family and playing the piano with me.

They all understood right from wrong, meaning what was good to eat and what was bad. But everyday Beth and Anthony would try to dump the Elk blood out of their bottles. Esme was wise to them though, so whoever was in charge at meal time never let those two get beyond arms reach.

Anthony was definitely a mind reader with a twist, he could turn it off and on a very enviable talent. I found this out when Anthony would appear to get bored or tired with people's thoughts. And then I would hear a click, like a door had been quietly closed. Then he would perk up because there would only be his own thoughts in his mind. I wondered if the act of reading others tired him or whether it was his choice, again something to discuss with Bella.

Masen was the enigma and I think it was because his gift was linked to his mother's quiet brain. I was pretty sure that they would have similar gifts. I had seen them in Masen's mine standing before the family protecting us in a bubble. Carlisle was sure they would both be shields, but no two vampires ever manifested their gift in the same way so I wondered how they would differ.

I was involved in their care as much as possible, I fed them and had bathed them more than once but I was loathe to leave Bella. Strangely enough, I think they understood. Consequently I seemed to be their favourite jungle gym. Whenever they came to lie on the bed with Bella and I, they would spend hours climbing all over me, hanging off my arms, letting me swing and twirl them until, if I was human, I would have thrown up. But I was happy to do so, because Bella could hear their laughter and it would be important to her that we were there in our room, together and happy. But, just as it had been with their mother, I got the greatest pleasure out of watching them sleep. The only disconcerting thing was watching them grow at such an amazing rate. In just three days they each appeared to be the size of three month olds, and acted like they were six months old and intellectually even older.

It was while I was musing about our children that Bella's heart kicked into overdrive. The babies had just awakened and Carlisle came into the room having heard the change. He called for Rose, Alice and Esme to remove the babies. Emmett and Jasper stayed with us. Bella would awaken soon and we had no idea what to expect. Would her knowledge beforehand about this life and having willingly selected it make her less volatile as a newborn? We had no idea, but I could see Carlisle's mind ready with a barrage of questions, if Bella proved to be other than the typical blood crazed newborn. I chuckled and looked at him, "Carlisle, this is your daughter-in-law! She won't be going anywhere. Do you think you can hold off on the questions until she has at least fed?"

He smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course Edward, but you know how I am when there's an opportunity to learn something new."

Emmett was bouncing on the balls of his feet and running through tackling and pinning options. "Emmett, this is not a wrestling match and Bella is my wife so I'm the only one that will be doing any tackling or pinning."

Jasper was just focused on trying to read Bella. As the end neared I looked at him and he shrugged. "Just a lot of confusion right now, but an overwhelming sense of love almost obliterates the confusion. Are you getting anything Eddie?"

"Don't call me Eddie, and no, she's still a closed book." With that her heart stuttered and stopped, her fingers twitched and she opened her eyes.

"Bella...Bella my love?" She turned her head towards me and smiled the most radiant smile I've ever seen. "Edward? It's over, the pain...it's gone! How long has it been?"

"Just a little over two days my beauty and now we'll be together forever."

Bella looked around the room and smiled at Carlisle and Emmett. When she saw Jasper she started to hiss then apologized. "Sorry Jazz, it's just I've never seen your battle scars like this and it's a little unsettling."

Jasper chuckled: "Well I'm glad I haven't lost my touch. But you know I would never hurt you little girl. How do you feel Bella?" Bella looked at me then back at Jasper, "Don't you know Jazz?"

"Well what I'm getting ... let's just say it's a little confusing darling. You're very calm and I don't feel bloodlust coming off you at all! There's plenty of lust coming from you, but not any bloodlust. And there's also curiosity with just a hint of anxiety." I'm sure that if Bella could have still blushed, she would have, instead she looked at Carlisle then me and asked if she could see the babies.

We all took turns looking at each other and not making eye contact with Bella. Finally I looked up and into her eyes. "Bella, honey they all have heart beats and we're not sure how you'll react to that so maybe we should hunt first." Her face went completely blank oh brother, 'hell hath no fury' is that how that went? I wanted to duck because Bella's temper was about to be unleashed.

BPOV

I gave Edward a look that I hope he interpreted as 'he had just crossed the line' and I felt like I would explode. I guess that's the newborn emotional roller coaster they had warned me about. But really lust to anger in mere seconds! Jasper moved forward but I put my hand up, swallowed a few times and stood up off the bed. And turned my wrath on the man I love. "You must be joking, I burn in the fires of hell while listening to you guys enjoying my children and you tell me I have to hunt first and then maybe I'll see them. Well have I got news for you, I'm not setting a foot out of this house until I see them!"

Edward came to life as if I had slapped him, Jasper was very wary and Emmett just stood there laughing. I turned on Emmett, "And what the hell is so damn funny!" He blinked and pointed at me, "It's just that I think Edward has finally met his match! The control freak in him is going to have one hell of a life with you. All the newborn stories I've ever heard are about the uncontrollable emotions and how they're ruled by bloodlust but isn't happening here. I remember my first year Bella. I couldn't string together a complete sentence and make sense. You little sis come out of the gates no different than when you went in. Well except you have one rocking hot body and your eyes are red. Maybe Eddie's venom contains a super control factor, or hey maybe this is your gift you get to skip all the newborn crap. This could be really interesting seeing you go toe to toe with the Victorian control master."

I love Emmett, but his ability to ramble was pissing me off! Jasper had crouched down like he was ready to block my way to the door. "Really Jasper? Oh for heaven's sake stand up I'm not going to hurt anyone."

I flashed a look at Emmett and he just smiled back. "I don't know why I feel in control but I do. I can hear my babies' heart beats and all it does is make me want to hold them and cuddle them...not eat them! They're my children a part me and a part Edward I need to see them to make sure their real. My human memories are so vague and I worked hard while I was burning to remember all that was important to me but the babies don't seem quite so real since I have never seen them. Edward can you read my mind, tell them I telling the truth." I looked at him with so much hope but he shook his head no. I turned to Jasper, "You said I didn't have any blood lust, just a little anxiety. So yeah I'm nervous about meeting them who wouldn't be. You've all had three days to establish a relationship with them. I felt Edward put them in my arms and he talked to me about them I have seen Beth's pictures and I've heard their babbling and now I want to see them."

I heard Alice call up from downstairs. "It's going to be okay guys!"

Edward came to my side with a warm lop sided grin on his face. "Edward did Alice see something?" Everyone was very still like they were afraid to move or it would set me off, but Edward smiled at me. "No darling, Beth has assured her it will be okay, Masen will protect them if necessary and Anthony thinks you'll be just fine. They're very anxious to meet you as well. Bella love you can close your mouth, they all have gifts I told you while you were incapacitated that we'd have lots to discuss."

"Has my Dad met them yet, and what about Renee? Do they know that the babies have been born?" I'd better rein in the emotions here or Jasper would never agree to let me see the babies.

Edward was completely relaxed as he walked slowly over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "No, Charlie has not met them. We thought it was best to wait until you were awake and to see if the babies would be venomous. And it wouldn't have been the best idea to have Charlie or Renee here if you woke up and were a typical newborn. But yes love, they know the babies have been born. Alice, Emmett and Rose have been taking hundreds of pictures everyday and have sent them some."

They all looked so relieved that I hadn't freaked out. "So when can I see my Mom and Dad. They'll want to see the babies and me."

"Let's take one thing at a time my love." He was right I needed to slow down. Wait, he said hundreds of pictures, why, what was going on...oh yeah rapid growth we had talked about this before they were born, okay no big deal, right? There was a hesitant knock at the door, my sisters and Esme came in with my sons and daughter. Emmett, Carlisle and Jasper stood in front of their respective spouse apparently guarding my children from their newborn mother. Edward wrapped his arms around my waist, at first I thought it was to restrain me and then he relaxed. Jasper stood up and everyone relaxed. My babies were sitting up in the arms that cradled them trying to look around the barrier of Cullen men.

Alice finally pushed forward with Beth. "She's going to be fine guys, loosen up. I think we should plan for Charlie to visit tomorrow after Bella's hunted it looks like she can handle it. Seth is going to come with him and Leah. The rest of the pack will drop by later."

"Bella this is your daughter Beth." I held out my arms and wrapped them around the warm little bundle then pulled her to my chest and cradled her. I was amazed at this little miracle she smiled at me and touched my face and I almost jumped out of my skin. But I remembered this from when she had touched me while I was burning.

Edward chuckled and hugged my shoulders. "She's showing you everything you missed so now it will become part of your vampire memory." The images that flashed before my eyes were mesmerizing. I saw it all from Beth's perspective if I could have wept I would have. I saw everything including all the time they spent with the family and alone with Edward and me. The whole exchange only took a few minutes, but it was an experience I would treasure forever.

Then Esme and Rose came forward at the same time. I gave Beth to Edward and they placed the boys in my arms with Rose saying. "And here are the two Edward mini me's." Rose had a cracked a joke and I responded with a chuckle as I held my breath looking at them both. They were totally Edward just as I had seen in the pictures Carlisle had saved of him from when he was human.

I looked up at my Adonis of a husband and sighed, he looked at me puzzled. "What's wrong love?"

"Edward, I can tell history will repeat itself with these two, they will be babe magnets just like their father."

Edward shot me the raised eyebrow and said. "While that may be, if this young lady is anything like her mother I may have to revive the Victorian practice of chaperones on dates." Everyone chuckled.

I just snorted and said. "Yeah well if she is like me I wish you the best of luck with that." Then the sweetest sound I've ever heard rang out across the room, Masen was laughing and was soon joined by his brother and sister, it sounded like music and wind chimes together. The family slowly drifted away to allow Edward and I some time alone with our children. They were amazing but I couldn't get over how big they were, they looked months old instead of just three days.

I went to sit on the bed and Edward suggested we sit on the floor something about catching babies otherwise. So we sat on the floor and I watched mesmerized as they rolled around on the floor. So I asked Edward what else had transpired while I was out of commission. Apparently the Quileute had come to the decision to accept the bid from NorthWest Trust to aid in their infrastructure improvements project after an impassioned argument presented by Rachel and Paul. Arthur Rask was in jail and going to be indicted for fraud and several other charges related to his real estate scams involving several first nations groups around the country. The authorities were also looking for one Jacob Black as a person of interest, yea good luck with that one. My mind flashed to a vision of him falling out of this window before us..., no he jumped out of the window to run away and I shivered. Edward wrapped me in his arms, "Bella, it's time for the kids to eat and I think I should take you for a hunt before you get near their bottles." I agreed and we gathered the babies up and went downstairs to join the family.

In the middle of the great room was the huge mirror from Rose's bedroom, I looked around and Alice was bouncing up and down on her toes. "Okay Alice what gives?"

"I figure that Edward would neglect to have you look in a mirror. Bella you're gorgeous and you need to see your new self. I just wish that Edward had let me dress you. I still don't understand how he could possibly think you'd want to wake up to your new life dressed in those ratty old sweats! They should have been burned with the rest of your things...oh shit, did I say that out loud, um sorry? Bella I just wanted you to have a new wardrobe but Esme wanted you to be comfortable so when she sent me to pack up your clothes I trashed most of them." Edward smiled down at me ignoring Alice and said I was always beautiful.

"Ah yeah Alice I found a few of my things buried in under all the new stuff in Edward's room but not my sweats so how... I mean who?"

Esme smiled, "I brought a pair of your sweats to the hospital but you wouldn't be able to get them on with the casts so I just kept them, good thing too or Alice would have had you in a silk dress and stilettos for hunting. And I knew you'd only wear something like that if you were tied down first. Really Alice what were you thinking it was a ridiculous idea for her first time hunting as a newborn."

Alice got a pissy look on her face. "Oh put a sock in it Esme I just wanted her to see herself at the best possible advantage. But even with the sweats on, Bella, you look stunning! And that dress and shoes would have showed off you killer legs. Well sooner or later those sweats will fall apart and I'll get my wish. So look at yourself girl, your husband can't take his eyes off of you."

"Alice I'm going to bet against you this time, these may fall apart but I can always get more." Then I turn to the mirror, Edward was standing behind me and at first it was impossible not to concentrate on him. Talk about hot and stunning! This man is impossibly gorgeous and with my vampire vision he is really exquisite, he smirked at me and puts his hands on my shoulders and gestures with his chin to the mirror. What I saw in the mirror is amazing, I've never thought much about my looks but if I had ever had a makeover when I was human this is what I would have wanted. Nothing had really changed just enhanced. My scars were gone so my skin was flawless and as pale as Edwards. My hair was a deep mahogany with slight reddish and gold highlights. I was lean and firm but with more womanly curves which perhaps were a result of the pregnancy and not the change. My breasts though still small were bigger than when I was human and very pert. But the bright crimson eyes were very disconcerting and a little frightening.

Edward pick up on what I saw right away. "They'll change in a few months love. The diet of animal blood will dilute the colour until there golden."

All I could do was nod and look at the eyes. "I guess super control or not I won't be going out in public for a while."

Alice piped up. "Well I got you brown contact lens just in case. You know Charlie might not be able to adjust to all the changes right away and the red eyes really tend to scare people."

Just then Masen reached out from where he was held in his Aunt Alice's arms and smiled raising his little arms to me. I took him and he snuggled down into my hair. I kissed him on both cheeks and said: "Well mommy has to go hunt mountain lions with daddy now. But I'll be home in time for stories after Uncle Emmett and Uncle Jasper bathe you." Emmett burst out laughing. "Yeah I heard all about the mad bathroom skills of your Uncles while I was waiting to wake up." Then I made eye contact with everyone in the room. "You need to understand even though Edward and I would like to be doing all their baths and feedings and picture taking and everything else that goes with raising children. We know we can't do it alone, so we're hoping you'll continue to help us. We need all of you." The family went from looks of utter panic and concern to soft and loving smiles. I turned to Edward. "Alright then let's get this show on the road. So Mr. Cullen I'll finally get to see you hunt in all your magnificence."

Rose snorted and Emmett just out and out laughed. "Yeah Bells, I'm sure that's not all he'll be showing you. I bet he never told you that hunting with your mate is a kind of a vampiric aphrodisiac. I doubt we'll be seeing you two before dawn!"

I looked at Edward and though he looked rather sheepish, I could see that the horny 17 year old in his eyes was alive and well, waiting to get the hell out of there. So I grabbed his hand and led him to the back door and we took off hand in hand through the woods. Running through the woods was exhilarating. And Edward was so graceful and fluid, I was astounded that I was able to match him step for step but I could feel that he was holding back. We approached a small clearing after running for about thirty minutes. Next to a stream a herd of black tail deer had stopped to drink. Edward had explained on our run that hunting would be instinctive. And once I picked up their scent and heard their hearts beating I found myself crouching, low and calculating distance and angles. Then I was racing forward springing onto the back of the nearest buck before he even raised his head. I broke his neck and found his carotid artery with my teeth. The warm burst of liquid that flowed into my mouth was indescribable. Once I had drained the buck I looked up and found Edward leaning against a tree, with a sexy smirk on his face. I dropped the carcass, rose and moved slowly towards the incarnation of Adonis. Then it hit me, the most delicious smell in the world and my entire being vibrated with the desire for what carried that scent and I knew it was human. Edward looked panicked when he saw me stiffen. He could smell it too. Could I give up the most delicious prey in the world for Edward? Could I turn my back on it...or was I going to kill a human being. Would my children be disappointed in me? I stood straight and turned towards the scent. I made up my mind, it was unbearable breathing in the tantalizing scent as the venom pooled in mouth. So I held my breath, pivoted and ran in the opposite direction with Edward hot on my heels. I ran as far and as fast as I could, Edward kept pace with me and remained only about twenty feet behind me. I couldn't help but feel that he could surge pass me at any time and finally he did putting his hand out to stop me. "Bella stop! What was that all about, are you okay ...how did you do that?"

I looked at him in disbelief, he's has to be kidding. "Edward, you know what that scent was, it was human! I might have...I might...oh god I was going to kill someone!"

Then he stood there, hands in his pockets and that crazy lopsided grin on his face, he shook his head from side to side and walked towards me. "Bella, you are stronger than anyone I've ever known with the exception of Carlisle. You could never kill anyone, my love, it's not in your nature, even as a vampire. You're a newborn and should never have been able to turn away! Yet you stand here rationally discussing that you didn't want to kill someone. You're amazing and I love you more than anything in this world." With that our lips crashed together. I had never till that moment fully appreciated how sensual and sexual a being Edward truly was. There were no barriers now and no fears for the fragile human. This was love and lust and sex at its most primal, this was unbridled passion and my man was extraordinary. We destroyed our clothes in seconds. There was urgency to our actions, that if we didn't join immediately we would combust. Edward grabbed me around the waist, lifted me up wrapping my legs around his waist and with one sift movement of his hips impaled me on his throbbing cock. All I wanted was to arch into his hips but he held me still. I could feel every inch of him in me and my skin hummed as if electrified. Then he threw his head back with his eyes closed and roared screaming to the heavens, "MINE!"

As the sound echoed through the valley and died down his head snapped back to me, his eyes opened and they were dark as midnight with lust. I had finally come face to face with the vampire that was Edward. He pulled out of me to his tip and thrust back pounding into me. But I met him thrust for thrust as we set a frantic pace. At some point he laid us on the ground without breaking our connection. Edward unleashed his power and gave into every want and desire he had ever suppressed since we had fallen in love. This was my vampire mate, he was strong, he was virile, he was sexy as hell and he was mine! Yes, my man was molten hot and he took me to new heights of rapture, I lost myself in Edward. His erection was massive and he would bring me to the edge of ecstasy, and then slow down to bank the fires of our passion and then start again. He would change positions often, one minute we'd be standing up against a tree, then me on top, him on top and on and on. The Kama Sutra could teach us nothing. Edward was a fantastic lover but he was starting to piss me off, not letting me come and other than his initial roar he hadn't said a word. Then his thrusts were becoming erratic, he was panting and finally he said: "God Bella, I love you so fucking much...I don't ever want to stop this...but I can't hold on much longer, come for me, Love, just for me."

He reached down and pressed on my clit and I shattered in his arms. I came so hard I forgot my own name. All I could do was scream: "EDWARD!" over and over again. As I fell over the edge he came with me, and we both roared our pleasure out over the valley. His thrusts came faster and harder for a short time then he stilled and spilled his seed deep inside me. We had both opened our eyes as we came. I had never seen a more beautiful sight than my Edward, in the throes of unbridled passion. He was beyond sensual with his head thrown back and the planes of his neck and jaw tense, wearing his half smile like he'd seen the light of heaven. Then he looked into my eyes and I swear I could see his soul. This was the most glorious sexual experience I could have ever imagined. It was raw, consuming and it was just us. Our need and our love had claimed us both, and had taken us to unbelievable heights. I pressed my face into Edwards's chest, sated and satisfied in the knowledge that this is where I belonged. I was meant for this life and I was meant for Edward.