~A/N I hate that I let so much time go by. I have a feeling, I might get some reviews after this one, that demand a quick update. I've completed several stories and this one is next on my radar, so no time like the present to get started.

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

Chapter 17: Good Days and Bad

Bella knew Jake's promises would be limited. He'd done his best, but Brooke wouldn't take a bottle in the mornings. He'd tried to give her some of her expressed milk. He said he'd changed her and she played a little, but all she wanted was Momma. She was happy to see her sweet face, and her boobs were full, so she didn't mind a bit. She brought her into the bed for a feeding. She swore she heard a bunch of noise and banging from the kitchen. Jacob said some of the guys were helping him with breakfast.

"They better not be wrecking the place." It took her a week to get the kitchen back in order the last time the boys cooked.

"Relax, honey. We got this. I'll bring you a tray in a little while. Holler when Brooke is done."

Her beautiful daughter snuggled against her breast. She loved those moments when she was content to drink her milk and stare up at her. It was about the time AJ had quit because she'd gotten pregnant but she was determined to go a full year with her daughter, maybe longer. Bella held out a finger and chubby fingers grabbed on. She pulled the hand to her lips and kissed it.

Being Renesmee's mother had been completely different. She loved her just as much, but they were denied so many normal bonding moments. She felt sentimental when she thought about her. She would've loved her brother and sister. Perhaps, her life was the ultimate sacrifice, so she and Jacob would find their way back to one another. She couldn't wait to tell them all about her first child when they were old enough.

Brooke ended up drifting off to sleep after she finished nursing so Bella laid her down in her crib. When she woke up, they'd do the whole switch over to her own room. She decided to get up and join the presumed chaos. She was curious what they were attempting to make and how much damage they'd done to the kitchen.

She was pleasantly surprised. The guys worked together to make a morning feast. Seth was already busy cleaning up the mess. They sat down and shared a great meal. She worked night and day sometimes it seemed to take care of all of them. It felt good when they went out of their way to give back to her. Bella almost got emotional over it. After they all slowed their eating, she thought it was time to get Linx's attention. Brooke would be waking up soon, so if he needed her undivided attention it was now or never.

They stepped out onto to the deck.

"What's the matter, Sweetie?"

"Abby's pregnant."

That could mean several things. Linx and Abigail had been on again, off again since high school. She couldn't tell by the tone. Was he freaking out because she'd gotten pregnant by someone else or was it because they were going to be parents before either of them were ready?

"Well... "

"Yes, it's mine."

"Are you sure?" That normally would be a really rude question but he was family and they all knew how it was with Abby.

Linx reminded her how Abby split after their last big blow out to live in Portland with a friend. She'd been gone over six months. He thought it was finally the end of them. Recently, he ran into her back on the reservation. She was pregnant, far along and by that time the scent was unmistakable.

"It's definitely mine. I can tell, but Jake's the best. I'll ask him to go with me next time to make doubly sure."

Bella wanted to know what his thoughts and feelings were above all. He didn't have a support system other than the pack. Neither did Abby. Linx revealed her mother said she couldn't stay beyond the following weekend. She would need her own place.

"She wants to put the baby up for adoption. I don't, but then maybe I'm being the selfish one. She and I aren't going to make it, but I still love her. I love my kid too. By the way, I haven't told any of the others. It was tough, but I hid it."

"Jake and I will help. Anything you need. We need to talk to him together, but I'm sure he'll agree. Let's move Abby in the guest cabin. I'll make sure she's taking care of herself." Bella knew that girl was a bit of a mess. Chances were she hadn't even received prenatal care. She hugged him and assured him everything would work out. She told him he needed to fess up all of it to Jacob and then the three of them would sit down to dinner that evening and devise a plan.

He agreed. She stopped him before going back inside. Bella rubbed her hand over his shoulder. "It's going to be okay. Jacob has your back. You know how he is? You guys are always high on his priority list. He takes care of his pack."

Jacob was on his way with both the kids. They'd been looking for their mother ever since Brooke woke up.

"Alex knew exactly where you were. I heard him telling his little sister he smelled you."

"What? Are you serious?" he was far too young. They all knew that.

"Bells, he's mimicking us. Relax. The kid's barely two." Jacob eyed Linx curiously. "What's going on out here? I told you whatever you had on your mind better not stress Bells out."

"I'm fine. No one's stressed out more than normal. Why don't you boys go have a run? Linx has some things to get off his chest." Jacob handed Brooke over to her. AJ was hanging onto her legs already. He kissed her good bye. The men approached the steps, so AJ let go of her and ran to his father.

"I run too, Daddy."

"Not right now, Buddy. Daddy will take you running later." Their son had certain clues that his dad wasn't completely normal, but he was definitely not old enough to run with the pack. Jacob usually meant taking him for a piggyback rides at speeds Bella had already asserted were not at all safe.

Quil and Seth were being nosy and wanted to know what they missed. She told them to give Jacob some time alone with Linx, but they probably would all meet up later. Jacob always called a meeting when any sort of changes occurred. That included relationship statuses, expectant mothers, or new jobs.

She got busy with all the day to day things. AJ wanted a snack after Brooke had her feeding. She put her in the high chair and her son in his booster seat. The baby was starting to enjoy some fruits and vegetables. Bella was still stuffed from brunch, but apparently her two year old had a ravenous appetite much like his father. She got him some diced fruit and cheese sticks.

The rest of the early afternoon consisted of a couple of cartoons, Brooke with her toys in the blocked off area of the living room. She got some laundry going and pulled out her laptop. They should be occupied until they got ready for their afternoon nap. Bella hoped Jacob would be done with his responsibilities and join her for some quiet time while they slept. He was supposed to be moving the baby's crib out as well, but she wasn't sure if that was happening with the distractions of the day.

She couldn't help herself, she had to make a Big Chief entry for the blog. He'd outdone himself the night before. Her body stilled thrummed every time she thought about it. Bella didn't make a graphic sex blog by any means. She wrote a relatable post about making time in her very busy schedule for her man. Sometimes, there were more important things than sleep. She commented on the compromises they made for one another and how it strengthened their relationship.

Of course, as usual, AJ wanted in the secret playroom Jacob had made them. He got the idea when she was expecting Brooklyn. The guys helped him and they made it in a void space under the stairs. Bella wanted it to originally be storage, but her son was never giving it up for that sort of practicality. Jacob insisted it was a safe room that doubled as a playroom. He felt better having a place that she could flee to in emergencies. He'd also hidden a few defensive supplies inside there. Bella thought it was pointless against vampires, but they used a special panel lined in cedar for the interior walls. He'd added several other safeguards that she knew were top secret.

He said it was a confusing scent to the wolves, so hopefully would also be the same to bloodsuckers.

"You never know if a few spare minutes might make all the difference in the world, Honey." He also advised her that unfortunately vamps weren't the only dangerous entities. What if there was ever a home invasion when he was working or out of town? She couldn't see how that would be an issue. They still had round the clock protection, but Bella got it. Jacob had the right to remain overprotective. Edward was missing for a long time and they couldn't rule out that he wouldn't be back. In fact, every single one of them believed he would be one day when they least expected it: herself, the pack, even the Cullens, but most of all Jacob. He still got up at all hours of the next to double check the perimeter when he had a bad feeling or heard a twig crack a mile away.

Jacob promised never to let his guard down until Edward was vaporized into nothing.

She felt warm lips kiss her forehead. Bella opened her eyes.

"This doesn't look comfortable at all, Babe. Why didn't you go to bed?"

She remembered thinking she'd get work done after she put the kids down for their naps. Bella was still sitting upright with her head in an awkward position on the back of the sectional. Her laptop had since gone into sleep mode and was resting on her lap. It hurt to move her head. He had a seat next to her.

"Oh, I think I need a massage now."

His hands smoothed out her tense muscles. He kissed her on the back of the neck, his mark included. "Isn't that how we got started last night?"

She remembered. She'd asked for a back rub, but she got the happiest ending imaginable.

"The crib's still in our room."

"Well, every time I have a spare moment, she's in it. I know your rule about waking up sleeping babies. I swear I'll handle it as soon as she wakes up."

Bella wanted to know how it went with Linx. He'd met with the pack and he took Linx to Abby's house. "It's true. I smell his pup. I don't think Abby is going to stick around. I told her she's moving in here, but my guess is she'll split as soon as the baby arrives. She wasn't cut out to be a mom, much like her own mother."

"Did you tell him? We'll help, right? He can do this Jake. I know he can."

"Yes, honey. It takes a village, isn't that what they say?"

"Or in our case, it takes a pack to raise a child. I agree. Linx can make it as a single father if that's how she's going to be. We'll help. I'm committed to the health and welfare of all these kids. I know I speak for Emily, Rachel and all the other wives. It's going to be great, another baby. We love babies, right?"

"Bells, you have to let him take responsibility though. You can't take over and do it all for him. He's too damn needy for you as it is."

She promised that isn't how she'd handled the situation, but she already felt connected to his child. Linx had a rotten childhood and he'd also been so unlucky in love. She thought at first she might find some common ground with Abigail. Bella had been a mess when she was her age, but it didn't happen that way. She was straight up a manipulative bitch and no one in the pack liked her. Several fights broke out between Linx and the younger ones fairly often over her. No one held back their opinions. She couldn't imagine how the last couple of months would be. At least she came back before she had the baby off out of state and gave him or her away without him ever knowing.

Bella didn't look forward to overseeing Abby for the time being, but she'd do it. She felt responsible as Jacob's mate and wife. They had him over for dinner. The two of them talked it out while Jacob dismantled and reassembled the crib. Linx was in a much better mood after hearing from everyone. He'd yet to tell his mother, there really wasn't a point. Bella asked if Abby said what she was having and he admitted she hadn't been to a doctor.

Bella was putting in a call to Leah that night. They would strong arm her first thing Monday morning and get her in someplace. Leah would insist on a full work up and an ultrasound. She was working locally since her son was born, so she knew every doctor in the region. Sue watched little Lenny for her daughter, since she'd retired. Bella was sure at least one of the doctor's offices would pull some strings and get her in ASAP. Jacob had been protective about her getting too involved, but Linx already admitted he'd offer to pay for everything. Big, bad alpha was such a softie, when it came to those pups. He wanted them to have all the opportunities in the world even though they were tied to the area and the pack.

The next few weeks were busy. They found out Abby was having a girl. Despite her callous behavior, she appeared completely healthy. Bella wasn't thrilled helping her move in, but if it meant making sure she ate healthy and took care of herself, she would. It wasn't the best situation for Linx. He was caught in limbo. Sometimes she acted like they might get back together for the sake of the baby. Other times, Jacob heard her throwing his ass out and making him sleep outside. Bella wasn't holding her breath.

Jacob was super busy with some work projects. He'd been into Seattle a couple of times that week, but he was on his way home. He'd spent the night in the city. Once he ran by the local office, he promised he'd be all hers for a long four day weekend.

Bella was fed up with Abby again. She said she needed some time out with her friends. That was fine, but Bella read her the right act. "No drinking, smoking or fucking around."

She didn't trust her as far as she could throw her and it didn't help when she watched Linx go through the same thing out by the car. He didn't trust her either.

She had Embry and Linx for the rest of the day. Samantha was heading over after class and they were making shrimp, Thai style. Samantha was almost done with school which made Embry extremely happy for a lot of reasons. He was ready to add to the pack as well. He'd been patient for years while everyone else had kids. She promised not to make him wait anymore.

Bella was eager to put the kids down for their nap and get some work done. AJ was proud to show her a few tricks. He'd been observing his father. He taught Tiki a few tricks of his own and she responded to him with such obedience.

"Watch this, Mommy. Tiki, go to Brooke."

The dog went to the spot where her daughter was playing and circled around her until AJ gave her a new command. He had her running to every corner of the house. Sometimes, she'd fetch items for him. It was truly amazing. She was a good dog all along, but it wasn't something else the way she responded to a toddler. Bella asked if he'd shown his father yet and he said he would as soon as he got there. She used that as an excuse for him to take a good nap. He'd be at his best to show his father all his accomplishments.

Jacob would be super proud of his son and his dog. She got a little weepy when she was tucking him in. Brooke had already fallen asleep and was next door in her room.

Alexander wasn't the typical two year old. He was so mature and she wondered how her baby grew up so fast. Was it because she had two so close together? Or was it because he was Jacob's son? Bella thought maybe it was a combination. She kissed his forehead and patted Tiki as she slept at the foot of his bed. She tiptoed away to the office. Embry buzzed on the intercom and checked in about an hour later. He said the house was peaceful so he'd stretch his legs and take a run outside the perimeter. She told him where everyone was inside because they always liked to know. Bella finished up a couple of webpages for submission. Jacob sent a text. She told him she was in the zone.

Love you, can't wait to be back.

Ditto, babe now drive and let me work.

He sent back a smiley face. She hated whenever he was away, but the homecomings were usually spectacular.

The kids probably wouldn't sleep too much longer and her stomach growled. If she was hungry, the guys were probably ravenous. Linx probably forgot about eating after the earlier fight.

Bella decided to stick her head out and ask what they wanted. Nothing could have prepared her for the gruesome scene down by the lake. Linx was on the ground. He'd been attacked. In fact, she was almost certain he dead. No, not Linx. He was her special friend, he was going to be a father. Bella looked side to side but no sign of Embry. She knew the drill. She had a protocol to follow. One part of her desired to check and see if he could be helped. Her foot stepped onto the deck.

There was movement. Linx was still alive, but barely breathing. He slightly shook his head, blood trickled from the side of his mouth, but she saw what he said, "Run!"

And then his head dropped. She'd lost him. All of them lost him, it should signal the rest, help was needed immediately. Bella slid the door quietly. She turned to run for the kids. Her cell was in the office, but an emergency one was put up in the panic room.

The whole thing reeked of Edward even though she no longer had the ability to smell him. Bella made it as far as the door to Brooke's room. She was grabbed from behind and and pulled off the ground. He clamped his hand around her mouth so tight, she thought her teeth might give way and break. It was horribly painful and she would bruise.

"Easy there. I got you and I'm never letting go. Don't fight me, Bella." He softened his tone and stroked her cheek like he was trying to be loving. "My sweet, delicate, human Bella. You came back to me and I to you." She made noises with her throat. He tried to calm her down again. "There there, none of that. This isn't a surprise visit, you knew this day would come."

She had an internal battle taking place in her mind. The pack had to be in route, even Jacob was on the way home. Edward might be taking her, but at least the kids would be rescued.

Bella nodded and stopped resisting until one scent eventually assaulted her nostrils. It was burning wood and unmistakable cracking sounds. He'd set the lake house on fire. The kids were napping in their beds. Bella fought like hell when she realized the truth, but there was no use. Edward had years of planning, so he was very prepared. She didn't have but seconds of consciousness remaining after he stuck a needle roughly into her hip. My babies, my home... poor Linx. Jacob, I need you. Help us. Those were the last thoughts that rushed through her mind before her eyes closed to the horror that was unfolding before her.

~Thanks for reading.

One, two... Kaboom. You know the drill for these cliffies.