~Hey, sorry, it's been a few days. I arrive at certain crescendos and need to take a break sometimes. I thought I was going to write a quick chapter, but again we have a fairly long one. This one explains a few things but also contains some mysteries.

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

Chapter 47: Invisible Forces

No matter how hard Bella twisted, pulled and tugged, she couldn't get free. "Jake, let go."

He growled behind her ear, "Never."

"Please, it's an emergency."

That fully roused him and he loosened his grip, "What do you mean, emergency?"

"I have to pee."

He laughed, "I'd hardly call that an emergency, Bells. Don't cry wolf with a wolf." He squeezed her again so her back was flush with his chest.

"Well here's some news you probably aren't aware of but after a woman gives birth, things change and I'm not kidding, I really need you to let me go."

He released her with the veiled threat she was about to wet their cozy love nest on the floor.

Jacob was waiting outside the bathroom for his turn when she exited. He was already acting ornery and it wasn't even daylight. She gave him a little push and told him to quit being annoying. Bella was cold without the fire, Jacob's warm body and the fact that she was buck naked made it even worse. She climbed back under the covers and attempted to take away the chill. He strolled back in the room soon after. She knew what he was thinking, always the showoff.

He jerked the quilt back and started trying to cop a feel immediately. "Stop, we can't."

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and put her hand over his erection. "I most certainly can. I'm ready and able."

"I'm sorry but do you not see these things?"

"Um, yeah. I was just playing with them. Nice. I think they grow by the hour."

"No, not exactly. I'm full. I want to go back to Sue's and be there when our son wakes up so I can feed him. Besides, I miss him like crazy. Don't you?"

He rolled onto his back and groaned a little. "Yeah, of course I do. It's barely six in the morning. You really don't think we have a few more minutes? I was hopeful for a little more loving."

"No, you have to wait until tonight after he falls asleep like all the other dads of the world. Welcome to normalcy." She wrapped herself in the covers and went to search for some regular clothes.

Jacob said he'd take care of the entire clean up at the rent house later that day because she had outdone herself pulling that date night off. He promised it would go down in history as the greatest first date ever and she agreed.

Bella got to her son just as Sue was changing him after a long, goodnight's sleep. She was thrilled he cooperated for everyone involved. She enjoyed her time alone with him for his feeding and then joined the family at the table for a big breakfast. It was a little awkward for her since every single one of them knew she'd been up half the night having sex. She needed to grow up. She'd already stepped outside her comfort zone asking for so many favors prepping for their date which included too many personal explanations. Quil couldn't contain himself after she informed him the blindfold had to make it to the house with Jake and wondered if he'd ever look at her again without that stupid grin. They were all pretty great in her time of need. Something changed overnight and she wasn't only thinking about the secure bond she and Jacob made together. Bella wasn't sure what it was, but there was new sense of tranquility surrounding them. She hoped it lasted for good.

Jacob couldn't stay too long after breakfast, he had patrol and he also had to clean up from their night. He didn't want anyone else going in there for obvious reasons. She thanked him for that and he promised never to slip her special tactics into his thoughts or she would be mortified. He assured her that was for his eyes only. She enticed him by telling him in private, his concealment ensured a repeat in the near future. He grumbled she was making it extremely difficult to leave her. Bella had work to do so she agreed it was best he was out of sight so they wouldn't stay so distracted.

She was so crazy happy. What a difference it was compared to the first morning after she experienced with him. Billy had given her a folder with some ideas the council had been knocking around. She was growing more excited about how they would get started on the cultural center. It helped a great deal that Collin was going to be more hands on with his proposed facility. She was definitely still on his team, but he knew way more about the healing and treatment realm than she did. The arts, culture and history of the tribe was her strong suit. She loved that she and Atticus were home on the reservation and now Jake was about to acquire their permanent residence. She waited anxiously for him to contact her later that afternoon if the offer was going to go through.

Bella got a message soon after putting the baby down for a nap. Carlisle had his afternoon evening free. They were going to all meet at the hospital since he was back on staff. He told her he'd see Renee as well if she'd go. Bella called and talked to Billy first. He thought he had her mother convinced to give Carlisle a rundown of her medical history but she wanted him around. Billy asked if she and Jake minded if he also tagged along. Bella fielded a few questions about how safe Carlisle was and could he be trusted. She didn't want to tempt him into biting her which Bella actually laughed out loud about. Renee was a little nervous now that she new the truth. She assured her Jake would never haul them all into Carlisle's office if he had any sort of distrust for him, but the trip into Forks was going to be a heavily guarded mission.

Carlisle got right to the bad stuff. He wanted a few vials of Bella's blood. Renee and Billy had Ace in the stroller outside on the hospital's terrace area. Jacob was cautious about having him in enclosed spaces with any of the Cullens. They had plenty of watchful eyes on him, but she still didn't want to be away from him too long. The quicker she got the blood test over with, the better.

Jacob pointed her face towards him, "Look at me, Bells. Don't think about it." He advised her to breath with him. She had to learn to deal with getting stuck while she was pregnant but still hated it with a passion. Being with Jake was helping her nerves some. She barely felt the needle, but her mother barged in pushing the baby and Bella jumped. Now it was hurting. "Mom, we said to wait outside."

Jacob looked concerned and wanted to know what was wrong.

"Nothing big, he was getting cranky. I thought I'd stave off a fit by letting him see his parents."

"Hmm, that's puzzling."

"What, Carlisle?"

"I'm very sorry, Bella, but this vein stopped. I need more blood. I'm afraid I need to try on the other arm." Carlisle gently removed the needle. She was normally a good bleeder. How bad did it suck that she was getting stuck in the other arm? Before he got started, she rolled her eyes at Jake and pointed her head towards her mother. He needed to take care of Ace and her mother, obviously.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I can do this. It's no biggie. I've birthed a baby before, it's a tiny blood test... for the second time, but I'll live." The next time was successful. Carlisle said he'd get them results by the next day. He escorted Bella outside and they all had a seat at a long table. She was surprised to see Edward had joined the party. He and Jacob seemed to be acting civil which was a relief.

Edward smiled when he saw her but his face quickly fell and he crinkled his nose. He then glared at Jake who leaned back with a cocky grin. He was enjoying rubbing the truth in Edward's face. She guessed he was not excited thinking about how close she and Jake had gotten. If he was going to be around, he'd have to accept the change in her scent and deal with it.

Carlisle gave them a little run down and what he was looking for in Bella's blood sample. He admitted to studying Jake's blood years ago. That was news to all of them and Jacob wasn't too happy that he'd stolen a sample when he was incapacitated after the newborn battle. He quickly got over it. Any knowledge gained might be useful to the pack one day.

Jacob changed the subject abruptly. "That's in the past, I suppose, but now we would like some answers. Why is Bella so special to Aro? He spent ten minutes with her and hasn't let it go for a decade. That can't be normal." Bella didn't miss the exchanged glares between Jacob and Edward.

Edward spoke for Carlisle. "The theory arose all those years ago, but we were quick to dismiss it. I believe it was Jasper that questioned Alice as she recounted the story about our experience in Volterra. As Bella witnessed and you all know about myself, Alice and Jasper, some immortals possess strong powers beyond the normal attributes we all share. Aro boasts of all sorts in his coven. That's why he's the leader. He wasn't always and there are other groups that would love to overthrow him and might be formidable opponents. Carlisle thinks this is why he desires Bella. Some powers are unbelievably rare. She is the key to him protecting his hold or his reign so to speak."

"What is the damn theory, bloodsucker? You're speaking in riddles and Bella is human. How could she be the key?"

Carlisle broke in, "A shield. Bella shields. It's unheard of, practically impossible for a human to override an immortal's will over her, but she does so effortlessly. We didn't see it at first, but the longer I've studied this matter, that's the conclusion we've all drawn. She can block out anything she chooses to. That's why Edward never could hear her thoughts. She shielded herself against Aro's direct touch and that has never happened in all his existence. Of course, he became obsessed. He will do anything to acquire her as a member of his guard. I'm sure he thinks she will be twice as powerful if he turns her. No doubt, that is his ultimate goal."

Jacob's grip tightened around her waist. Bella looked at him, he leaned over and pressed his forehead against hers. He whispered, "Never, as long I live and breathe."

She squeezed his hand. Bella still had the highest trust in her mate and their pack, but the story certainly did sound terrifying. She felt the need to deny what she didn't fully comprehend.

"I'm not doing anything. How does that make me powerful?"

"That makes it all the more intriguing to Aro. Imagine what you can do when you learn to exercise control over your shield, Bella?"

"I... I can't. I wouldn't even know where to start."

Edward looked at Jacob again. "What?" He responded with great annoyance.

"She already has done it... at least once."

Bella was confused. When had she controlled this invisible shield she didn't even fully comprehend? Billy spoke up. "All the other wolves imprinted the first time they saw their intended, not the two of you. Jacob was very confused when it happened between the two of you after weeks together, perhaps so much, he made the wrong choices at the time. That was it, wasn't it? She was always meant to imprint with my son, but unlike all the rest, only she could decided when it would happen."

Carlisle and Edward confirmed that was also their belief, that her shield didn't only affect those in their world, it was all encompassing to anything supernatural. She felt like they all expected her to start controlling her shield with that revelation, but nothing happened. She tried to say something to Edward in her thoughts while opening her mind with an open invitation. Nothing changed. He was busy answering questions from Billy, Jake and Renee. She concentrated harder until her head hurt. How many times had she practically begged herself as a teenage girl to let Edward see something from her? Nothing ever worked.

The night the imprint happened had replayed through her mind so many times after learning the truth. If she was completely honest with herself, she wasn't trying anything different at all, she was just being herself with Jake.

It was no use, they were mistaken. She almost wished Jake would let her contact Aro so she could try and convince him, he was wrong too. I'm not special, I'm not a shield. It sounds made up. Atticus babbled loudly at her. He was banging his fists on the tray of the stroller like he was trying to gain her attention. She grabbed his hand, he tried to chew her finger. He was getting hungry. She stared into his eyes and saw the promise of their future. She needed to figure this out for his sake. She was about to pick him up and whisper her promise out loud to him.

Edward shouted. "I heard that!"

The whole group was astonished, "What?"

"'I'll do it for you.' That's what you were going to say to your son."

She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. She tried something else, but he shook his head side to side. "No, nothing else, just that one phrase. I can't believe after all this time... "

Carlisle patted her on the shoulder, "Bella, don't exert yourself. It's a true breakthrough and further proof we're right. My latest inquiry tells me Aro has a distraction with the Romanians again and that will be to our advantage. He will tend to that before anything else. That gives up some breathing room to learn more and focus on your strengths. Okay then, who wants to go next, Renee or Jacob?"

Bella knew her mother had a checkup, but she had no idea why he mentioned Jacob. When she looked at him, he was doing some sort of strange head shake. "What's going on?"

Edward chuckled.

Bella asked Jacob directly, "Why are you seeing Carlisle?"

"I guess it slipped his mind that he almost died in the woods, but Rose saved him. Don't you and the dog communicate, Bella?"

She knew he had a leg injury which he'd blown off from the start, but that was over a week ago. None of the other guys or even Leah had any lasting remnants of an injury. Jacob shouldn't need to see a doctor but apparently she was in the dark about something. Edward was the one enjoying himself now.

Bella took Jacob's hand, "Died? What's he talking about Jake? You said you were healed a few hours later, but then I guess I've noticed you flinching every once in a while."

"I didn't want you to worry. We had so much other stuff to worry about. I should tell you a little more of the details."

"I assume so," she quipped.

Jacob started talking about Collin and Canyon first having encounters with vampires which sparked the warning howls. There was a lot of confusion with more of Aro's agents dropping in as the pack descended on the standoff. Then the young ones started phasing and Jacob said their minds were inundated with pain, suffering and confusion. She had heard bits and pieces over the week listening in on conversations, mainly Leah and Embry told her things. The way Jacob described it, the vamps were playing a game. Lots of taunting, sparring, and crazy tactics, but they were toying with them, perhaps sizing them up while they tired them out, at least, until the Cullens arrived. Jasper made the first kill and then the fight got serious.

Edward broke in, "They were there for one important reason, to kill the alpha. I read them. It then became a process of taking them down as quick as possible because they were all turning on Jacob."

Jacob told Edward that was enough that he didn't need his commentary. Bella wanted to hear more but then again, she didn't. She knew he'd be a target, but hearing the proof made that fact so much worse to digest.

"I don't know, Bells. It was all a blur towards the end. I was running and a sharp pain jolted my whole body. Two grabbed me from the sides and one felt like he was ripping my leg apart. Then wolves and vamps, good and bad were in some type of giant free-for-all. I needed to get back in the fight, but couldn't get my leg to cooperate and then I faded out."

Edward said they finished off the last ones. The forest floor was filled with wolf blood and Jacob was the largest contributor.

Carlisle interrupted. "The first task was stopping the bleeding. He had a nick to his femoral artery. There was no time to waste. His body would start healing quickly, but the amount of blood loss had to be slowed. I wanted to take my time with his treatment, there was significant damage to the surrounding tissue but Jacob was most concerned with his pack, especially Leah who we discovered unresponsive under a tree. I hurried. Under normal circumstances, an injury like his would be performed in an OR because it's an intricate procedure to repair a vital artery." Carlisle addressed Jacob, "How much is the injury still bothering you?"

Jake hesitated from answering.

Bella stopped them all from talking. "Jake, could you walk with me for a minute?" She didn't want the intrusion of all those eyes on them. Judging Billy's reactions, he also had no idea.

They stepped back inside the hospital and leaned against a blank wall. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I told you, I didn't want you to worry. You see that I'm fine now."

"Yes, so much so you've asked Carlisle to examine you. That must be at the top of your fun things to do list. What's really going on? If you're willingly going to let Carlisle take a look at you and he says you're complaining of it bothering you, then you can't be fine." Of course, the night before had her very distracted, but once, maybe she did remember grazing an area on his leg that felt strange. "I wanna see it."

"You want me to drop my pants right here in the hall? I thought my lady would be a little more stingy about exposing her man to the world."

"This isn't funny, Jake. I'm worried about you with good reason. Why haven't you healed?"

He tried to placate her some, by pulling her closer and giving her a soft kiss on her lips. "I was naked with you all night and performed 100% if memory serves me right. You're starting to freak out. See, that's why I didn't want to make a big deal. You're getting all worked up for nothing."

"Yeah, well sex is not as demanding as all your other duties, so I'm thinking the injury didn't come into play. I'm serious. I haven't known you to be setback in any fashion since you phased as a teenager. You recovered from half your bones being crushed in record time. Why is this such a big deal? Leah practically had her head cracked open and had no lasting effects by the next day."

He told her, it was true he did have a scar that was fading like it should, but now was getting worse again. He went back and forth with the cut seeming entirely healed to not exactly and causing him significant pain. When he phased was the worst and that's why Carlisle wanted to do some more tests. "He thinks the bone might have been involved. When I phase, I go through a transformation, basically all my interior makeup alters. That is aggravating my leg and we don't have any idea why. I know one thing, I hate distraction, can't afford it in the least. The sooner this resolves itself, the better. I can't be slowed down or weakened. I practically demand perfection from the others so it's starting to piss me off. You're right, I don't want to go in an enclosed space and let Dr. Fang poke, prod and feel me up, but what choice do I have?"

She made him look her in the eyes and swear he'd tell her every single detail, no more holding back info so she wouldn't worry. She asked if he minded if Renee saw Carlisle first. Atticus was getting tired. They could head back with the Paul and Sam and Jacob could have his tests done.

Jacob briefly excused himself to meet up with the guys on watch. They had been there a long time and he knew the baby was getting tired of it. He wanted to make sure the coast was clear for them to return to La Push.

Bella took Atticus out of his stroller and entertained him. Edward inched his way closer. Billy looked like he was about to say something but she mouthed it was fine.

"What Edward? Don't even attempt to gloat that you know anything about Jake that I don't. He and I discussed everything earlier."

"I wouldn't dream of it. That is not my way."

She frowned. Really? Bella wasn't so sure what her ex's way was anymore. "Did you need to say something else? Jacob doesn't want you so close to our son and you know it."

He made an exaggerated sigh. She knew the noise was all an act, one of the many things the Cullens practiced to humanize themselves. It was pointless to put on such displays with her, but he still did. "I'll be brief. You looked exhausted. Doesn't he let you sleep or are you required to stay up all hours of the night satisfying his carnal urges?"

"How do you know it's not the other way around, that I keep him up, satisfying mine?"

Edward's face took on a pained expression and Bella heard Billy snickering from the other side of the porch. She couldn't help herself, he was getting on her nerves as usual even though she had that exciting breakthrough with him minutes before.

"Fine, I'm sorry that I only make you aggravated now, but I did want you to know one thing. I concede."

He reached for her hand and Bella didn't jerk it away. "I apologize for being snippy. I don't mean to act unappreciative. I meant to thank you for going to their aide with one simple word from me. Jacob told me how much you helped. I want to put the past to rest, Edward and move forward. I hope that's what you mean too."

He said he knew she was where she was supposed to be. They finally started a less hostile dialogue. Edward and the Cullens were probably going to be a part of her life for years to come. If he was willing to stop throwing barbs at Jacob and her choices, then she could be mature enough to treat him like the rest of his family. Bella made peace with him, it seemed.

"I'm never going to get used that smell."

"Edward."

"Fine, you're still lovely, inspirational and strong, maybe no longer mine but you'll always be my Bella in my thoughts." He pulled her hand to his icy lips and placed one chilled kiss to the top. She eased her hand away and back to support Atticus. She would tell Jacob later about their discussion but he didn't need to come back and find her looking intimate with Edward. He'd lose his temper and ask questions later. "We won't let you down. I need you to believe that. Aro has talent, but we have plenty of our own assets. As Carlisle stated previously, you too are quite extraordinarily. We just need to figure out how to utilize your power to work in our favor. I think you are on the brink of a breakthrough after what just occurred."

She thanked him for his confidence. He shook her with his next remark.

"And of course, there's the matter of this one." He held his hand up and Atticus mimicked him, but the two never actually touched.

Bella felt a surge of protectiveness overwhelm her. She lifted her son on her shoulder to turn him away from Edward. "He's just a baby."

"Yes and no."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Later, we have time to look into it further. In fact, while I'm here at the hospital, I'm about to test one new theory. I'll be in touch."

Jacob and Renee returned simultaneously. Jacob eyed Edward carefully as he made an excuse for his departure. Carlisle questioned if Jacob was ready, so he kissed Bella goodbye and told her he'd see her in time for dinner.

Renee seemed in a chipper mood upon leaving Carlisle's office. She quickly forgot his supernatural status even though earlier it worried her greatly. "That man is a charmer and so handsome to boot. Too bad he's taken."

"How about, too bad he's a vampire."

"Well, it didn't seem to bother you when you were all Team Edward, dear."

Bella stuck her tongue out. "Touché I was an idiot. Well, are you going to see a specialist? Did he suggest any new medications? I have had enough of Jacob holding out on me, tell me the truth, Mom."

"Chill. I'm getting to it. I told him how my organic, whole foods diet seemed to be doing the trick. You have to admit, I've been a lot better since our night out at the diner. Isn't that so, Ace? Tell your mother, her mom knows best too sometimes." Atticus gurgled like he was bubbling over with laughter. He loved all his grandparents so much.

That might be true, but Bella still wanted her mother under the care of a competent physician. She finally answered. "He believes my positive energy is helping but he also had great things to say about a new neurologist in the area. He thinks he can expedite an appointment with him. There's generally a waiting list."

Bella felt relieved to hear that news at least. She rode home with Renee and Atticus with Sam driving them. Paul was taking Billy home. Several wolves followed along through the woods. The whole way back, her thoughts were with Jake. He couldn't hide it from her. He was extremely agitated and concerned about his injury. Bella was a bit frustrated that he kept it to himself, but also that for every good thing they experienced, one bad thing always seemed to follow. She hoped it wouldn't be the norm too much longer because Bella was really looking forward to starting their new life together.

~Thanks for reading.

Be gentle. I struggle with any chapters that include Edward. LOL! I hope I was able to create some visuals in your minds. I especially liked writing Edward's attempt at interacting with Ace. Very cathartic to have him be the one on the outside looking in at her family with Jacob.