Disclaimer: All the Twilight stuff belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing in her sandbox.

Author's Note: I want to thank all of you for your patience with me and my lack of posting. Some of you know that I have been posting at least two chapters a week of this story since last October and I love doing just that. I am almost through moving from a house I have lived in for 25 years, going from a large home that I raised 5 kids in (and partially raised several others) to a home a third the size. I had no idea how much stuff was stashed in each and every crevice! Anyway, thank you for your patience, and while I can't promise two a week yet, I will do my very best to at least post a chapter on Tuesdays, adding Thursday again as soon as I can! Thanks for sticking in there with me . . . and the story continues. After all, we haven't even gotten to Aro yet and Tanya hasn't gotten to act up!

Chapter 96 Playing nice

It was the baby that I just couldn't figure out. What as it they weren't telling me. Something . . . I just had no idea what. Perhaps if Edward's dad had been one of the babies from the Lebensborn program, genetically altered to be brilliant and superior to others. That would explain Edward's being a multimillionaire at age 19, as well as how alert the baby seemed. There had to be more to it than that, though. Humans just didn't produce healthy babies capable of existing on their own having only been pregnant for four months. She must have lied to me, they all must have. She had to have been pregnant even before the wreck for any of this to be possible . . . I just didn't see how the wreck hadn't caused her to miscarry, and why we weren't told she was pregnant in all the weeks we spent at the hospital. There had to be an explanation. I wasn't one for believing in aliens from outer space, but I wasn't beyond considering it either.

EPOV

"I know I need to tell her about our trip, I just don't want to hurt her feelings. She is just so happy playing with Masen and he's so good around her!" my wife whined.

"He's behaving well, love, but this is hard on him, too. Think about it, he's just been born and he's discovering all these new things that he can do and he has to hide them?" my husband told me, "Last night, he discovered that he could sit up by himself, he was so excited about it he could hardly wait to show you, but then when we came to find you your mom walked in and . . . '

"I know it's hard. I hadn't thought of it from Masen's point of view, though. Oh, Edward! What should I do? Our son is the important one here. I think we should . . ."

"Good morning, Renee," I greeted my mother in law, on my best behavior.

She had been here since Monday and though it was Wednesday morning and Bella yet to tell her anything that would explain Masen . . . and she had yet to ask. I had heard her though, her mind constantly trying to add things up that were in no way possible . . . at least by the rules that applied to her world. In my world, of course, mythical creatures abounded as did strange powers and gifts that Renee could not know about, for her own protection as well as ours. There had to be a way, some way to satisfy her curiosity but keep the secret.

"Well, you two are up early this morning," Renee greeted us.

"Bella was hungry, so I thought I'd fix her breakfast, she just didn't stay in bed long enough for me to take it to her," I laughed.

"I smelled fresh coffee and bacon cooking, sweetheart. I had to come down and help myself," she chided, stretching to her tip toes to kiss my lips.

I set about cooking more breakfast for Renee after handing her a cup of coffee and gesturing for her to take a seat at the table with Bella. Masen was still up in his room, probably trying to remain asleep.

"Eggs scrambled okay with you?" I asked her.

"Yes, thank you. I can cook it myself though, really Edward, you don't have to baby me."

"Nonsense, Renee. You're our guest and I was already cooking this morning," I told her, setting her plate in front of her and pulling out a chair for myself at the table beside Bella.

"So, what would you like to do today, Mom? We haven't been into town yet since you got here and there's always the ice cream shop to visit!"

"That sounds like fun, sweetheart, but do you really want to take Masen out in the cold, I mean, he is just a newborn."

Her thoughts betrayed her. Her mind was running a mile a minute wondering how it was that Bella looked so slim and was up seemingly feeling fine after just having had a baby. She was horrified at the very idea of taking a new baby out in the cold, much less taking him around people in order to shop or get ice cream.

"Sweetheart, why don't I keep Masen and you and your mom go into town for a little while. If you nurse him before you go, you could have at least a couple of hours to yourselves," I offered.

Bella went along with me, though from her face she looked somewhat surprised that I would suggest her going anywhere without me, much less unaccompanied by other vampires. I had heard the thoughts of my sister as she approached, though, and I knew he was about to burst into the house and demand a shopping day. That would solve my need for her to be protected, Alice would never allow anything to happen to Bella and Bella and Renee would never deny Alice a shopping trip with them. Though it wouldn't happen, I still got the brownie points with my mother in law for suggesting time alone with her daughter.

Alice arrived as if on que . . .

"Good morning all! I thought we might get in a little shopping in town this morning! I absolutely loved shopping for maternity clothes for Bella," she said giving my wife a sideways glance, but staring directly at Renee, "but now she's in need of a whole new wardrobe!"

"New wardrobe? Alice, have you lost your mind?" Bella retorted.

"Bella!" Alice tried to silence her, "Renee, talk to her. Her figure has changed since the baby. Not that it isn't still cute, it's just that her hips are rounder and her chest is fuller from nursing. Some different styles would be amazing on you now more than ever!"

"Well, Alice. She does have a closet full of clothes," Renee added, discouraging my sister not in the least.

"Good will. People are always needing clothing and Bella needs to have things that fit her new shape!" Alice insisted.

"It's not like I've turned into a frog you know, but alright, Alice. Come upstairs with me and show me which clothes you think should go to goodwill and if there are enough of them, then you can come shopping with me and I'll buy new ones. Mom and I were thinking of shopping today, anyway," Bella told her as she stood and motioned for her to come with her. "We'll be back in a minute, mom. Hopefully, this won't take long!"

I heard Alice scolding my wife as they headed up the stairs, something about surely they would never leave to go shopping without including her. She was being playful and having fun teasing Bella, but Renee's thoughts were not so playful. We were alone in the kitchen and it seemed she wanted some answers. She ate in silence for the longest time, but eventually she spoke.

"So, Edward. I just can't seem to understand how it is that Bella was only pregnant for what, five months, yet Masen seems full term. More mature than full term, actually."

I didn't answer, but stood to get the coffee pot and refresh her cup.

"More milk for the coffee?" I asked as I put the pot back on the warmer.

She wasn't going to let this rest, but I had to try.

"Yes, please," she said as I handed her a small creamer of milk. "Edward."

Both her hands encircled her cup of coffee as she sat expectantly, staring at me. I sat down in the chair across from her where Bella had been sitting and folded my hands on the table as I had seen humans do for years when they were having serious conversations.

"I don't know what to tell you, Renee," I answered honestly.

"How about the truth. You and my daughter had been sleeping together even before her motorcycle wreck, hadn't you?"

I said nothing, staring at my hands and frantically thinking of the best case scenarios for this discussion.

"Why the lies, Edward? I have always liked you, you have to know that. You never needed to lie to me for me to accept you and my daughter being together and . . ."

Thank God she was interrupted by Bella and Alice clamoring noisily down the stairs and bursting into the kitchen where we sat.

"Well, I never would have thought it possible," Bella laughed.

Alice walked into the kitchen with a full armload of clothing with tags still dangling on them. "Apparently Bella is never going to wear these," she gestured to the things in her arms as she plopped them down on the counter, "they have been in her closet for months and the tags are still on them!"

"Alice, I kept the ones that I really like and I will wear them. You're just looking for a reason to go shopping!" my wife exclaimed as she plopped herself into my lap and my arms encircled her.

"Sweetheart, there is a pile twice that size upstairs on our floor. Will you go bring them down and put them all in the back of the car for us? The little tyrant wants you to go through your clothes as well."

"Sure," I said, moving to stand, "come on Alice. Show me what clothes I don't like."

I was reluctant to leave Bella with her mom when Renee was playing twenty questions, but I knew she could hold her own. Hell, she could probably come up with a better explanation than I could a this point.

"I don't know why you haven't just asked me, Edward . . . really," Alice said indignantly as we entered my room.

She was talking about the possible explanations for Masen and what we would tell Renee to stop her from questioning everything about him . . . and us. I hadn't even thought of it. I apologised profusely as Alice set about showing me possible outcomes in her mind. The visions were crystal clear and the differences were astounding . . . everything from Bella getting to have her mom in her life for years to come to our living in Europe and not seeing her after this visit . . . ever.

I was distracted from the current problem with Renee by a couple of the visions that Alice had shown me . . . visions that included two other small children, in addition to Masen. Clearly there was the possibility of a copper curled girl and a dark haired boy, apparently twins. I found myself leaning against the door frame of the closet for support, I was so astounded and taken with what I had seen.

"Alice, is this possible?" I asked, seemingly dazed.

"Which part, brother?

"Alice . . . the children . . ."

"Edward. I showed you the other babies back when we were in Orlando, remember? They have always been a possibility. The decisions made here with Renee, however, seem to affect whether or not you get to add to your family, though I have no idea why."

"Alice . . . we want the other children. What do I do?"

~oooOooo~

Jacob POV

I need to be there for my tribe, Charlie, I know that, but I also can never leave Bree. I just need to settle things with the tribe and whatever consequences Sam's actions will have on the treaty. The Cullen's are willing to let it go, but I want the tribe to make a concession, in view of what's happened. I need to make sure that I get them to amend the treaty so that Edward can change Bella without it affecting the treaty.

I was contemplating what to say, remembering what I had told Charlie and all the things that had happened the last month, hell the last year really. After I dropped Charlie and his new boat off at his house, I headed for the rez. They would be expecting me. I had spoken with Carlisle and knew that they had arrived earlier in the day and that the elders were gathered in the meeting hall, Sue having told them of all that had happened and that I was expected to arrive later that afternoon.

Damn.

There was just no way to get out of any of this, and I guess I needed to just man up and step into the role I was expected to fill. It was my birthright and responsibility, no one elses. I stopped at my father's house. I have no idea how long I sat in the cab of my truck, going over and over Edward's words of encouragement.

We had spoken for a long afternoon before I left, Edward filling me in on the tribal history, first hand. It was an eye opener, and his point of view seemed untainted by hatred for us, unlike the way the other bloodsuckers felt about werewolves. It was in those moments that we had become even faster friends, brothers really.

The irony was not lost on me that I was taking comfort from someone that my tribe called enemy.

I finally took a deep breath and opened the car door, putting one foot in front of the other as I headed up the stairs, onto the porch and my hand grasped the doorknob of my old home. It was just like it had been when I left, except that my dad's wheelchair stood in the corner of the room . . . empty. I could feel him here, though . . . and it was that feeling that I needed to carry with me to the council meeting.

I heard them outside - they now lined the path towards the council lodge, only a building away. Billy had been Chief, and his home was the closest to the council meeting area out of convenience for him once he was in the wheelchair. I turned and walked out the door, nodding to them as each of their eyes met mine while I walked closer to the lodge. It seemed solemn but welcoming . . . as though something of monumental importance s about to occur.

The chanting increased as I entered the lodge and they gestured for me to approach the front. the elders sat there, old Quiliterra, Sue Clearwater and Embry's dad. The tribal medicine man was also there, decked out in ancient tribal garments, as were the others. I felt out of place in my hjeans and a tee shirt, at least until quill walked towards me, gesturing for me to remove the tee and placing a tribal beaded chest plate on me and a small head dress.

Sue stood, "Jacob. We are glad you have returned, there is much to discuss. Of most importance, however, is for you to take your rightful place as Chief of this tribe."

The three of them parted, behind them my dad's old stool was placed at the head of the circle and they gestured for me to sit. We spoke long of what had happened to my dad, and to the tribe during my absence. They wanted answers for why I had left and I gave them the best I had . . . thankfully, they nodded and seemed to understand. They were all aware of the Cullen's presence in Forks today, and it seemed that Sue had brought them up to speed on all that had happened between Sam and I and the Cullens.

"Carlisle Cullen is here today, Jacob, and he wants to address this council with regard to the treaty between us. Is that acceptable?" old Quil asked me.

"Yes," I answered, thankful that we could go ahead and get it over with.

Carlisle, Emmett, Esme and Rosalie entered the hall and the rest of the tribe gasped and parted so they could approach. They stood in the center of the circle, and carlisle addressed me.

"Nice to see you again, Jacob. We have come to discuss the treaty between out two peoples, a treaty that one of your own has broken," he said firmly but authoritatively. There were gasps all around from those that were not on the council. It was an open meeting, a celebration of their Chief returning and everyone was there.

"Bring the accused offender in," old Quil ordered. Sam entered the lodge from a door off to one side and stood in the circle fairly close to the Cullens, obviously closer than the rest of the tribe felt was comfortable from the hushed whisperings I could pick up.

"Sam Uley stands accused of attacking and injuring Edward Cullen, who is not here to make the claim himself. Are you aware of the circumstances of this alleged attack?" Quil asked.

"Yes. I was there and witnessed the attack first hand," I told the tribe as they covered their mouths in shock and gasped yet again.

"Have we then broken the treaty?" Quil asked me.

"Sam Uley was acting as the Chief of the tribe, in my stead at the time. He, without provocation, purposefully attacked Edward Cullen in front of me, using his alpha voice to demand that I help end the cold one. Edward Cullen was obviously capable of ending Sam at that moment, and refrained from hurting him," I told them.

Sam looked shocked. He probably hadn't known he was in that bad a spot and that Edward was trying not to hurt him. It was as if he all of a sudden realized that Edward had spared him even though he had his teeth in the vampire's shoulder.

"It was at that moment that I assumed my position as Chief and ordered him to stop his attack," I told them, their shocked faces evident as Sam stood and stared at the floor, his hands clasped in front of him.

"Sam's hatred for the Cullens and lack of respect for our treaty showed itself again when I arranged a meeting between him and his then estranged wife, Emily. Carlisle Cullen had come with me to the meeting to speak with Sam and in Sam's rage to hurt Dr. Cullen, he inadvertently knocked his wife off a high cliff. She hit a tree on the way down and was limpy handing across a limb dozens of feet from the top in a place where we were helpless to readch her. Dr. ullen climbed down the face of the cliff of his own accord without being asked and hauled her back to the top, rendering medical aid and keeping her alive till we could get her to the hospital, where he operated on her, saving her life once again."

"Sam, is this true? Do you have anything to add?" he was asked.

Sam raised his eyes to meet mine and began to speak.

"Everything that has been said here today is true. I broke the treaty but just as importantly, i broke a trust with people that were trying to help Jacob. Jake phased while he was visiting the Cullens. He had no idea what was happening, and Edward Cullen stayed with him, made sure that he fed, and paid for me a plane ticket to fly there and help him, along with Emily. I completely betrayed their faith in my civility, as their only intent was to help Jake."

Well, at least he spoke the truth.

"I wish to apologise to you, Jacob, as Chief . . . and to my entire tribe for letting them down, for breaking our written word by attacking the Cullens" he paused a moment, turning his eyes from me to Carlisle. "I also wish to publicly apologise to the Cullen family. I am so sorry for all the trouble I caused you and for injuring Edward."

Sue, Quil and I spoke quietly for a moment, but I had already decided Sam's punishment.

"Dr. Cullen," I addressed Carlisle, "As you have accused Sam Uley of breaking the treaty, the incident was witnessed, and Sam admits to it. Do you intent to declare the treaty void and attack or do you demand the life of Sam Uley in return for keeping the peace?" I asked.

The grumbling and milling around became loud and Quil asked for quiet.

"Surely you're not going to just hand one of our own over to those bloodsuckers, are you?" Paul asked menacingly.

"Paul!" Sue addressed him sharply, as well as eyeing Embry and the other pack members that stood behind him, starting to tremble. "Get control of yourselves. Sam will pay for the transgression if the Cullen's so choose. It is their right."

Carlisle waited for the pups to calm down, then began to speak.

"It is not in my nature to demand bloodshed, however justified," he said, glancing at Sam. "I would ask for, in return for sparing his life, an exception to the treaty."

Quil glanced at Sue, and I was pretty sure she had told him what Carlisle would want . . . what I wanted to see happen as well, as much as it hurt me.

"Go on," I told him.

"My son Edward has recovered from the attack, and he and his wife, Bella . . ." gasps arose from all around and you could feel the disgust and dismay along with the fear and rage increasing in the room.

"Quiet. I already know all this, but you all need to listen," I told the room.

"Edward and his wife, Bella - formerly Bella Swan, have just had a son. It is Bella's wish to become like us, to be able to stay with Edward for eternity, and he has agreed to turn her."

"Oh HELL no!" Paul yelled.

"Quiet!" I demanded, as did Sue and old Quilatera.

"We made the treaty in good faith with Ephraim Black over 70 years ago and it is our wish not to break faith or to break our word. My new daughter deserves to be allowed to live with her husband as his equal, and that is my desire as well as hers," Carlisle told them.

I raised my hand to quiet the talk and stop the comments. The room was almost out of control as I spoke.

"Bella is my best friend and I left with her last year after the funeral, you all know about it. I'm not proud of it, but I ran. She was there for me and talked me into accepting my role here and my duty to my tribe and not running from it any longer," I admitted to my friends and relatives. "Bella wants this. I know for a fact that it is her wish, not Edward's that we would be granting by agreeing to what Dr. Cullen has asked. I owe her this and we as a tribe have no choice but to give the Cullen's this one free pass to turn a human. It is their request, in exchange for the life of one of our own, and it is Bella's desire as well. She is over 18 and fully capable of choosing for herself."

"No way in hell," was the response from the tribe, at least that was the nicest of them. Things were becoming extremely tense as the door opened and everyone gradually took note of who had entered the lodge.

"May I speak?" Chief Swan asked as he stepped between Sam and Carlisle in the center of the room.

I nodded and he looked around the room, addressing most of the people by name and nodding to the rest.

"Most of you know me, the rest know who I am. I've been in this town my whole life and I only found out this year that all the superstitions I had regarded as foolish . . . were actually true. I knew you all hated the Cullens, I didn't know why. I knew you wouldn't go to the hospital or clinic to see him when you were injured. I thought you were foolish for that . . . I still do, but now even more than ever," he said, pausing for a moment. He took a seemingly needed deep breath and continued. "I know that the Cullen's are vampires and that my daughter is married to one of them. Their new son, Masen, is hot entirely human. My daughter loves them and deserves the right to spend her life with her family, the family she has chosen . . . and with her son. It is her right and you shouldn't punish anyone for the relationship that she and Edward now share. He's good to her and he has never hurt her. Ever. I don't even think he could."

Sue smiled widely at Charlie, who walked forward and moved to stand behind her, staring out into the circle at the Cullens and Sam.

"The council will adjourn till this time tomorrow to discuss this and decide what is to be done in the matter of Sam, as well as the Cullen's request to change Bella. The treaty will be assumed to still be in force during this time and the Cullens will be granted safe passage to and from this lodge today, as well as tomorrow. Clear?"

The grumblings continued, but I was the Chief, and they had no choice. Most were startled by Charlie's declarations, but in reality, it was probably Charlie that was going to make his daughters wish come true . . . allowing Edward to peacefully turn her with no retributions from us and no breach of the treaty.