~Thanks to all of you that stuck it out through the slow chapters after this one started out with a bang. I felt it necessary to show the stages of Bella's renewed humanity. All I can say, is I have some edge of your seat chapters planned out. I felt like starting that right now. Stay tuned...second update of the day.

Chapter 12: Omens

Bella watched out the window and saw the outline of a wolf through the dense trees. She missed her old familiar view, but the cabin on the res wasn't bad. It was super cramped. They couldn't have everyone over like they were use to, so they'd go to Sam's or Sue's mostly. She knocked on the glass signaling him to come inside. Soon, Embry and Mark came inside. She made them some dinner. Jacob was going to be late again.

She was tired, more like exhausted but her pregnancy was nothing like the first time. She had no trace of morning sickness, malnourishment or any other ill effects other than needing a daily nap. In fact, they all believed the mark provided her with the perfect immunity and even kept the normal symptoms at bay. Jacob kept that thing humming practically.

She could never find it in her heart to wish her first child never existed. Her life happened for a reason, but it was a fact, the pregnancy with Renesmee had been deadly. She was so blessed to be enjoying a completely human experience. Daddy might be a little more than human, but in their case, it made things better for her not harmful.

She loved recalling the special night a couple of months ago when Sue was on her way with the pregnancy test. Jacob became more convinced by the second they were going to get a positive result. When they read the official test together, they rejoiced. They were so happy. Charlie and Sue heard them screaming from the bathroom and shared the excitement with them all evening. Bella had lost almost all trace of her cold by the next morning. Being with Jacob had proven over and over to be beneficial to her health and well-being.

The uncertainty with Edward was still there, but Bella left a vague message over the blog with Rose. The only reply was they were fine as well, but Edward had moved out. She added he showed up frequently but she thought he was finally normal again. Bella and Jacob knew nothing could be further from the truth. He was absolutely unhinged.

Leah was coming over soon for a check-up. Jacob had been leery of the arrangement, but in the end, he saw why Bella wanted it that way. Leah was certified as a nurse midwife. She'd worked in labor and delivery for years and they weren't certain how Bella's unique body would handle childbirth. She reminded him, doctors performed tests on pregnant ladies, what if she was different? Plus, she thought it was special to imagine their child being born in their home. Hopefully, all would back to normal before her due date and they could be back in the lake house full time.

She kept busy with the blog and some web pages. Jacob wouldn't allow her to take any new projects in case Edward was behind them. They had to consider all the possibilities. She stuck with her regulars, updating or reworking things on an as needed basis. Bella got to know all the elders better. She took Old Quil a special lunch at least once a week so they could have lengthy study sessions on the Quileute tribe. She helped Billy and Rachel do some organizing at the little red house which wasn't so little anymore. Paul had expanded it because of the kids and they thought they might have one more eventually. She finally felt at home in La Push. She remembered the feeling all those years before when she spent all her free time with Jacob, before Edward returned.

Jacob and Leah came in around the same time. He kissed her and headed to the kitchen to seek out his dinner. He was exhausted and had a pack meeting later. They had been pulled in all directions when two more boys finally phased from the res school. Bella got comfortable on the couch and Leah gave her a quick check-up.

He came in the room with them carrying his plate, "Well, how's everything going?"

"Right on schedule," Leah told them before she asked if they wanted to listen? Jacob could already listen but it would be Bella's first time as she was officially in her tenth week. Leah had a handheld doppler that echoed the sound of the baby's heart tones. She said, the baby sounded perfect. The three of them visited a little longer but she was ready to head over to her mother's. She was spending the night, and she and Sue had plans the following day. Leah usually came the long distance to the reservation when she had a couple of days off, but she told Jacob anytime they felt like they needed her, she'd come out asap.

Once they were all alone, Jacob said he was about to have to entertain some clients a couple of evenings. The final negotiations with the Moriyamas was taking place. He needed that contract so bad. "How about we take a couple of the guys and go into the city a few nights? I've already checked and two corporate apartment are free side by side when we need them." He had a couple of late night dinners which she could attend or stay with the guys. He promised to take her to their favorite place on his free night.

Bella was so excited, she'd been cooped up endlessly, it seemed. "Oh my gosh, I can actually eat that amazing food with you. Of course, I want to go. Who should we ask?"

"Paul, Quil and Embry and Seth are my first choices obviously. We'll work with their schedules. I'm only arranging it if two of them can be there each day."

She was hopeful it'd work out. "I wish Linx could go one night. I'm afraid he's never gotten to do much away from the reservation." She saw the reluctant look, "Jake, come on, he's experienced and even though our relationship is newer, he cares about me. You know that. You think the others are more protective but they all are that way at this point. I trust them, even Griffin and River. Those were the two newest wolves, only fifteen years old. Jacob had whipped those wolves into shape in record time. He wasn't messing around.

She wasn't sure, but she thought the frequent meetings were about a planned assault. Jacob was done waiting. He and Bella thought about a last minute warning to Rose because she was concerned for the rest of the family. They would make a decision after the Seattle trip was what he told her before going to the meeting.

"Tiki, come on, girl...the pack's waiting." He called the dog before opening the door. She smiled, her dog...yeah right. The dog loved her, but she was all Jake's. When he was home, she shadowed his every move. He also took her to every meeting. She trained, same as the wolves. Bella went to bed soon after. They would conduct their meeting just behind the cabin. He wouldn't leave her unattended at night...actually, never. Bella was never unattended.

She was so excited to be traveling to Seattle with Jacob and Linx Sunday evening. Quil was following in his vehicle. She got Jacob to agree to showing the kid a fun time since he didn't have the business meeting until Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday night was their big date night. She could hardly wait. They had stayed at the lake house for the weekend and had another scheduled meeting on how security would be beefed up all week. The extra detail to the city was meticulously planned out. He promised as soon as they knew about the baby, he wasn't going to allow her to feel like they weren't living their lives to the fullest. She knew what was supposed to happen the following week was in the back of all their minds. They had Embry help Jared with some surveillance and felt confident they knew Edward's pattern and when he'd be visiting at the Cullens place.

It all worked exactly according to the plan. Linx had a blast and Bella couldn't thank Jacob enough for giving him a chance. Shift changes were flawless. Bella went to the first client dinner and stayed with Embry and Shane the next night. Paul and Seth had duty the night Jacob and Bella had their big date night at Jacob's favorite restaurant. The guys followed but did their own thing. It was a magical evening. Bella finally got to taste all the wonderful dishes that were Jacob's favorites. He took her for a nighttime stroll so her food could settle.

Once he visited next door with Paul and Seth to make sure all was clear, he met her in their room to top the evening off with a perfect amount of loving. She was so thankful for that man. He'd given her a great week to remember. They'd all had a blast together. Bella made him promise when all the dust settled, they would bring them all back, including wives. It would be like their weekend when they made it official except they wouldn't all hate her.

After she was a completely satisfied woman, he leaned over and kissed her belly which had the slightest bulge.

"Daddy loves you." She smiled. He told their child the same sentiment on a daily basis. Bella rubbed her fingers through his hair.

"We're so lucky to have you. I swear everyday, I pinch myself to see if this is real."

He moved up her body and kissed her mouth again. "It's real and it's only going to get better and better. I'm going to keep you safe. I love you." She cuddled against him, they both needed their rest. He had a fairly early meeting with the out of town clients, then all of them would head back to the lake house. The pack would probably be at their home the entire weekend for more training and planning. She tried not to worry. Their numbers were high, their focus was flawless and even if they underestimated something Edward might have up his sleeve, he wouldn't stand a chance.

Early in the morning, she woke up to her husband's hot body pressed against her. He always kissed his mark before he left her but he was going a little beyond his normal goodbye. She felt her skin being sucked into his hot mouth.

She rolled over, "Better watch out Black, you have a meeting and this could turn into something."

"Oh, it's already turned." He took her hand and placed it on his need. She thought they were underway to creating a superb morning when her phone went off. That was Rose's ringtone, she was overcome with the urge to answer it. He agreed, but told her to hit speaker.

Jacob spoke, "Blondie."

"What the hell is going on? I'm sick of this...we all are. Bella, are you there?"

He nodded, her voice cracked, "Yes."

"You sound...um, I don't know. I know what you said on the blog, but it makes no sense for you to disappear for months. Edward isn't a problem anymore. He's always wrapped up in his own world and now Alice is having visions. They don't make any sense. You know we can't see you normally, Bella, but she swears her latest relates to you somehow and it's not good. I think we should all meet."

Bella turned the speaker off and reminded him they were going to make contact soon anyway, could they please take a chance and trust them? She was confident, they could.

"Listen, you swear he's nowhere around?"

"No, I haven't seen him in a week. He said he was traveling to Vancouver."

He told her when and where to meet and to bring Alice, Emmett and Jasper. She asked what the hell was going on again. All Jacob would say was Edward wasn't normal and they had proof. He told her it went without saying, there could be no contact between any of them with him before the arranged meeting. She agreed without hesitation.

Their morning sexy feelings quickly faded. Jacob woke Seth and Paul and told them to take Bella home.

She argued, "No, you've already started the plan in motion now. Shouldn't I be here, so they know everything?"

Paul said of course, they'd stick to her like glue until he got off work. They planned on calling in reinforcements for the meeting with the Cullens. Jacob relented slightly, he said he'd make the final decision after his work meeting. He told them if it wasn't such an enormous situation at work, he wouldn't go in, but they were trying like hell to get a certain Japanese contract. It meant loads of money for the company and a hefty bonus for him. He was planning to pay off some bills and see about getting a leave of absence to take care of his pack and family without so many distractions until the baby's arrival, at least. They all knew from Jacob's previous stories, those gentlemen were extremely touchy. They would walk out on them if it wasn't done right. He and his co-workers went through a sensitivity and cultural training session the prior week.

They both assured him she was safe and sound, and they wouldn't leave the apartment. That idea lasted exactly one hour after Jacob's exit. Paul received a frantic call from Rachel. Bella could hear her, because he had to pull the phone away from his sensitive ears. She was sobbing. Wyatt fell off the slide at preschool. He appeared to have a bad break on his upper arm. They could hear his cries as well. Paul remained calm.

"Baby, just take him to the ER, so they can set it. Maybe they can give him something for the pain." He asked who was with her and she said Emily, Samantha and Embry.

"It's worse than the break..." her voice trailed off and Embry took over.

"Man, I'm not joking. Wyatt's hot, really hot. Why would that happen from a fall and a broken arm? I get that we need to go to the hospital but he seems to be getting worse by the minute. What will they think about the temperature?"

Bella immediately started to text Rose. Seth asked if she should be doing that without Jacob. "We have no choice."

Bella gave Rose a quick rundown. She hoped Carlisle was working at the same hospital where he treated Wyatt when he was sick before. Rose texted back immediately and said he was home but Emmett was filling him in as they spoke. Carlisle said they should rush to ER and he'd meet them, and make sure he attended to him.

Paul, of course became very agitated. He was worried about his son, his wife and that he would have to allow a vampire doctor to care for his son. Being away from them during a crisis was unbearable. Bella saw the tension in his face, he broke out in a sweat and the tremors were visible. His wolf was clawing at the surface.

"Go Paul...you need to be there."

"Fuck...I can't. We only stay with you in pairs. It's a fucking order."

Bella insisted. She went as far as breaking the order herself, having no idea if that would work. Meanwhile, Seth was on the phone with Quil telling him to drop everything and come to them.

Paul suggested they all leave together. "I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this whole fucking day. Something's wrong. You feel me, bro?" He asked Seth and he shook his head up and down. Bella looked at the time, Jacob was already in his meeting.

He asked Seth what Quil said. "Well, he said he's up to his armpits in customers, because you're gone, but he can get coverage fairly quickly and be on his way. He's rallying the pack.

Seth told Paul the same, "Go...I've got an idea. I'll go to Jake's office with her. That way as soon as he's out of the meeting, we're all together. By that time, Quil will probably be here. Then Jacob can decide what's next."

Bella could see his hesitation and desperation, "Go right now, Paul Lahote...your family needs you. You are released from Bella duty. Send my love to Rachel and Wyatt."

That final command broke the ties that held him to her side. Seth followed her around the apartment while she got a bag together. She grabbed her keys and they rushed downstairs and got in her car.

She tried to pretend all was fine and she wasn't too concerned. Seth was her brother for all intents and purposes. He wouldn't let her out of his sights. Bella was very worried about Wyatt. Hopefully, Carlisle would neutralize the situation.

Her phone buzzed in her lap. It was Rose again. She scanned the words.

I wasn't specific to the dog, because he overreacts, but Alice thinks she saw a death scene. No idea why she thinks it somehow involves you. I mean...you're immortal...you can't die. This is a weird day, isn't it? No worries, Carlisle will take care of the pup and we'll see you in a few hours.

Seth eyed her curiously, "Any other news?"

"No, just Rose saying Carlisle will help Wyatt."

She slid her phone back in her pocket. They'd be at Jacob's office any minute. She was hiding the true content of the text. Seth didn't need the added pressure. She knew he was already really worried he was making the wrong choice and Jacob was going to tear him a new one when he walked out of his meeting and saw them sitting there.

He asked if she should text Jacob. "And totally ruin that crucial meeting? I can't. He needs it to go smoothly and not have this distraction."

"Bella, I think some things are more important than his bonus or his company's contracts."

"I know, but we'll be in his office. What could really go wrong? I'll text him when we're settled, that there was an emergency with Wyatt and you and I are there."

You're an immortal...you can't die, played through her mind. It was no longer true. Her hands moved over her lower abdomen. Daddy will take care of us, soon this will all be a distant memory. Her faith in Jacob was stronger than her fear. Edward had already tried his worse and failed. Alice was confused, no one was dying. She had only just begun living again.

~Thanks for reading.

And here we go...