~A/N This starts out with Jacob and Bella, but the last section lets you get a glimpse in Edward's mind. You'll recognized the sneak peek from Animals. Speaking of Animals. I got two noms in Non Canon awards for that fic: Best Jacob/Bella pairing and best lemon (**blushes**).

www. thenoncanonawards. wordpress. com without the spaces.

Thank you, thank you if you nominated me. Butterfly Wishes is nominated for best romance as well.

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 8: Power Struggle

"Well, that was unexpected."

"You can say that again."

"That was very unexpected."

"Hardy har har, Jake."

"But you're happy, with how it went, right?"

"Of course, I am...It's not everyday I get to marry my husband all over again."

The council meeting had been one bombshell after another. Jacob took full control of the room from the get-go. Once they heard the heart tones, the room became completely silent. Jacob told the tale and she was mesmerized right along with everyone else even though she'd lived it already. Her husband had inherited a master story telling talent from his father.

Old Quil had first looked at her with utter disgust and he wasn't too thrilled to understand his grandson had been demoted to beta. As soon as Taha Aki was brought up, his demeanor completely altered. Bella pointed out how spry he was for an older gentleman. "Can you believe how fast he made it to the storage room and back?" He became enchanted with Bella from then on, made her relocate next to him and wouldn't leave her alone the rest of the day.

"I can still smell the dust from the archives," she joked.

He'd plopped the book in front of her face, and started searching for the right pages. He waved to Billy across the table and said, "Can you believe it? The blessed couple, it's true like I predicted and in our lifetime. I can die a happy man. The prophecy is being fulfilled."

Quil finally got him to slow down. "No talk about dying Grandfather. Jacob and Bella are special but I'm not sure if you need to read so deeply into all of it."

But he insisted Taha Aki wouldn't have revealed himself if it was fulfilling the prophecy. Before she knew it, the entire council was proclaiming Jacob as the chief and it was vital they continued to serve as the alpha couple with a proper blessing. They had eloped and weren't married on sacred soil. Emily, Kim, Jenny, Shelby and Samantha went into rapid planning mode. Once the meeting temporarily adjourned, they took her to Sam and Emily's. One of them finally found a dress for the occasion. They all chipped in making her up. Bella had never had that much attention even from Alice in the days she lived with the Cullen's.

Kim got on the phone with her sister who ran a catering business. She made arrangements to have whatever could be put together last minute. Bella admitted, she thought when it was revealed they wanted to bless their marriage, they would merely recite vows in front of everyone. The others really wanted it to seem as much like a real wedding as the short notice would allow. Once she was ready, Charlie surprised her. He was going to be her escort into the hall.

She got choked up when he held his arm out to her. Even though, she and Jacob had made their decision years before, having her father ready to walk her down the aisle was meaningful. He looked so much more at ease and happy than the first time he gave her away. They both knew Jacob was who she belonged with and when her father said, "I love you, kiddo," her new heart swelled.

She replied, "I love you too, Dad." There was no trace of the bitter years. Bella knew she'd never think about them again and neither would he. The rest was like a dream. Billy and Old Quil spoke beautiful words and sentiments. She didn't know exactly what they meant, but it was all good. She knew that much. Jacob held her hand the entire time. He even put her ring on for a second time. They kissed in front of everyone and made a promise to the tribe as they pledged their love for one another. Whatever it all meant, they promised to study, learn and lead in whatever capacity they were needed.

She took a deep breath at all the recollections of the day. Her husband had his eyes on the road but she was watching him. "Guess I was right all along, Big Chief. When are you going to admit that?"

"Yes, dear...you're always right. Happy?"

"Blissfully," she giggled. Jacob didn't completely comprehend the need for them to declare him chief since his father was very much alive and kicking. He assured Bella it was in title only and that his dad was still the figurehead of the tribe.

"I don't have the time to devote myself to all that just yet, because of you, the pack and work obviously."

"Your father was happy. He said he'd much rather see the transition take place than it occur after he passed on. Once Edward's dealt with, I think you'll be able to devote more time to learning what it means. I'll support you."

Even though, the bloodsucker was the last thing he wanted to discuss, it was something they still needed to figure out. Jacob had her think back, maybe there were acquaintances or names she could remember. He was pretty convinced those two hit men were not his only accomplices. She hadn't thought about it at the time, but she wondered just how closely he'd monitored their lives. If he never planned on conceding, then who's to say he wasn't having them watched from the beginning.

"What about those scents? Could he have had us followed as far back as our wedding in Colorado? I always thought it was odd, they turned up in a place where we were."

"Knowing what we know now, anything's possible." He followed up by telling her she was to go nowhere without double protection and he'd prefer her only going with him if possible. She said they definitely needed to make a store run and stock up since she'd be feeding hungry wolves every single day. They made plans to got together early the next morning

The test for Jacob, was going to be leaving her the following week because he had some important meetings lined up for work. He'd already formed the best schedule he could but he knew his wolf would never be completely at ease with her out of sight.

"I still think I should call Rose on her private phone."

"No, not yet. Let Charlie and Jared work their contacts to see if we get any information. It hasn't been long enough." She agreed to do what he thought best. He further complimented her, "I have to say, Bells, the way you acted today was pretty damn special."

"How so?"

"You had a presence in that room and a way that showed you belonged. I'm surprised you didn't bear a tiny bit of resentment for the way they previously treated you."

"I can't blame them for that, it's part of the tribe's history. That's been passed on from generation to generation. They don't trust cold ones, with good reason. I'm more resentful how they treated you."

"Yeah, but it kinda falls into the same category. I couldn't argue with their ignorance. As long as I had you, it wasn't worth fighting about."

"Lots changed today."

"Yep."

"Old Quil gave me a special blessing, did you catch that? It was for the future children."

"Um, yeah, I saw him. I was afraid he was going to touch your hoohah with those feathers and I was about to step in."

"You were not, you were stuffing your face with Embry. He never came anywhere near my lady parts, silly. He just waved the relic over me once and said a special prayer with me."

The sun had almost set, but Bella saw something up ahead on the side of the road. She screamed at the top of her lungs, "Stop the car, Jake!"

He squealed the tires and pulled over. "What is it? What was that?"

"Puppies! I saw a sign for husky pups for sale. Can we get one? Maybe you could turn back around so I can see if there's a contact number."

His head fell hard against the steering wheel. "Jesus, Bells. Can you feel how fast my heart's pounding through your chest? We were just talking about Cullen having us followed and you screamed out like that. I thought he jumped out from the woods. Although I could figure out how you saw him and I didn't."

She apologized but started back on the subject of puppies again. "I really want one and a husky seems like the perfect breed to fit in with the pack. Don't you think?"

He started back on the road and she pouted, "You're not going to go back?"

"No, I'm not, because we don't need a dog. I'm not adding a puppy to our pack. That makes no sense. I have real teenage boys that will soon phase. Where's this coming from? We've been together almost four years and never once did you hint at wanting a dog."

"It wasn't possible before. I would've scared any pet to death in my previous state. They have instincts, you know. We couldn't even have a goldfish then, but now I can and I want one. Renee never would let me have any animals. She claimed she had allergies. We should start out with a pet before we have kids, so we can ease into being parents."

"I'm not ever going to parent a dog."

She wondered if she could sneak out one day and go see for herself, but that wouldn't be possible with their current situation. Bella imagined Seth would take her if she pleaded. He was a softy. If she already bought the animal, what would Jacob be able to do about it?

"Whatever you're cooking up over there, quit."

"No, you quit. You wouldn't even consider it and it's important to me."

"Bells, please, stop trying to start an argument on our wedding night. I was looking forward to going home and pretending we're on a second honeymoon."

"We've already had a honeymoon and the majority of the time, we act like we're still on it." She had let go of his hand and crossed her arms in front of her chest. Maybe she'd get her way with the dog if she threw a kink at him in the bedroom. "I'm tired tonight anyway, so don't get your hopes up."

"It's just now six o'clock and you're too tired?"

"Yep."

Jacob sped up a little. She knew he was trying to get home faster, but she shifted away from him and pretended to rest. He didn't say anything else about her act, but he knew she was full of it. She remembered during the ceremony how much she was looking forward to getting him back home and all to herself. She felt the turn and bumps along the driveway, "Home, Bells, so you can stop pretending you're asleep."

She yawned and stretched, "Can I have a dog?"

He rubbed his chin and fixated on her pleading expression. He finally said, "I'll think about it," which was better than his first answer.

"Fine...I was all set an hour ago to run inside with you and let you ravish me, but now I'm only thinking about it, because I'm not sure if I'm up for it after a long day."

She opened her door, and headed to the house. He grabbed her before she got there and threw her over his shoulder. Bella was hanging upside down. She pounded on his back and kicked her feet. "Put me down, Jake." She was still adjusting to not being able to overpower him at will. "No fair. You know I can't fight back anymore."

He tossed her on the bed seconds later. "You know I don't like games, honey. Using sex as a weapon to get your way? I thought we put a stop to that long ago. Now you're going to get it."

She scrambled to pull herself up. He was already climbing on the mattress with her. "I'm refusing, so back off."

"Can't refuse me, I'm your husband."

"I beg to differ. No means no."

"Wrong answer, I'm going to tickle you until you can't breathe, Bells. Starting now." He started in on her immediately. She couldn't stop him, he was too strong. He was merciless, tickling her sides and under her arms even behind her knees. That was the worst spot. It took awhile to catch her breath, but she begged for him to quit.

"I'm going to pee if you don't stop."

He paused. "Are you convinced?"

"Of what," she panted.

"That I'm in charge?"

She reached out and grabbed over his crotch since she already knew what was going on down there when he was tickling her. He sucked in a breath. "You sure about that Black? Cuz I'd beg to differ. I think I'm in charge and after I'm done with you, I'm pretty confident you'll be going out one day soon to buy my dog."

Edward's POV

Before the hit

I disconnected with the call I'd been waiting for. Patience was a virtue. I'd done exactly as I'd been asked. I let Bella go, she didn't want me anymore. They all said it. I had to accept it. I told her long ago, I'd let her go if that's what she wanted. I didn't mean it, but I did all I needed to be sheer perfection in her eyes, a naive teenage girl's eyes. None of them understood, she was my singer...then my mate. I admit my failings having a hard time accepting the change that brought, but I never ceased to love her. Bella belonged with me. She most definitely didn't belong to a mongrel. I did my best to stay occupied. Carlisle says he'd never been more proud. Even Rose complimented me today. It's been two long years. Time never meant anything until now. This is what I always knew, Bella needed to be needed. She thrived on it. It's one of the reasons, I was able to cancel out her fears so quickly. She needed me, like the air she breathed. As much as I loved our daughter, her existence changed everything. I have to wonder what life would be like if she hadn't been conceived. Her short, tragic life proved to me she really should have never been. Bless her tiny soul. I'm a monster of sorts for uttering the thought, but I feel as if her earthly departure cut the final thread that held Bella to me. I'm finally ready, she will also be ready, because Bella can't exist alone. If she was to lose Jacob, she wouldn't do well alone. There's only one place she'd retreat. So like I said, patience is a virtue but I've been patient long enough.

After

My revelry hadn't lasted. I couldn't believe those two buffoons didn't follow through. I had no idea what had gone wrong. There was no way for me to find out just yet. All I knew was the money remained. They weren't supposed to contact me, but I'd know it was a success when the transfer occurred. No way would those greedy miscreants not have collected payment. What the hell had Black done? Killed them, tortured them? Did they talk and tell him who hired them? Rose wasn't using her phone either. They all lived in a fantasy world that I didn't know every single thing that went on around me. Bella was my life, the only reason for my existence. I knew everything that was necessary to keep tabs on her. I had been so patient but that was wearing thin. It was time to move her home. Her detachment after Renesmee had gone long enough. I had no idea why she'd carried on as long as she had with Black. In the beginning, I wasn't sure how strong the wolf still was, since he seemed much more committed to business than the Quileutes for a long time. It was complicated to trust others with my mission, but also impossible for me to get too close.

Those acquaintances I sent to Aspen were useless. I had a tail on him after giving the annulment. I was pretty sure what would soon occur. He couldn't wait a day before forcing her into a marriage with him. It was a shame my friends couldn't end it that first week, but they were concerned since Jacob and Bella always traveled side by side. "A strong vampire with a shield and an alpha male shapeshifter? We don't even like you that much, Edward," was their feeble excuse. They returned to Europe after that worthless phone call. Again, I had suffer in silence.

The publishing company gave me a cover and the ability to search out the right kinds of people to employ. I gift wrapped that job for them. They only had to aim, shoot and flee. It would have been flawless no matter how strong the wolf was. I was suspecting for awhile, he didn't phase much if at all. There was something when I read Rose's thoughts before she recited her favorite opera in her head after catching me staring one evening not long ago.

Hopefully, if they were caught, they were dead. They were of no use to me any longer...failures, as were most humans. They better not have carried anything with them that would lead back to me. I didn't have a pack of wolves at my door and it had almost been a week, so I suspect, they got one instruction right.

I held the picture I loved so much in my hands. "Dearest love, don't ever doubt me. I will never fail you again." I always had a backup plan or two or three.

My other phone vibrated from my desk drawer. There was one of them. It was my best one to date if I was so inclined to pat my own back.

"Hello beautiful. I was just about to call you."

"Oh, Masen...really?"

"Of course, would I lie to you?"

She laughed like a giddy school girl in my sensitive ears. I grimaced remembering the lengths I would need to go to in order to convince her I was irrevocably in love with her. A woman liked that needed that sort of attention. I would give it even if it turned my stone interior sour. It was necessary. She was putty in my hands and would bring me information that she'd never even realize she was providing. When I'm done with her, Jacob Black will pay the ultimate price and Bella will be mine again. I'm sure of it!

~Thanks so much for reading.

So, mystery plans, mystery woman...who could it be?