15. Need to Know

[Bella POV]

Saturday Jacob and the boys were out hunting and Charlie had the day off so it was only the two of us in the house.

"Bells," Charlie called out from his office. I made my way over and he handed me the cordless house phone. "It's your mother. Don't know why she's calling here."

I took the phone and went to my room.

"Mom what happened," I asked.

"What makes you think something happened," Renee replied.

"Because you're calling the house and not my cell."

"Okay you're right. I lost my phone at one of Phil's games so I lost all of my contacts. People don't remember phone numbers these days."

I shook my head. This was the second time in less than two years that something had happened to her phone. My mother seemed to repel technology.

"How is Phil?"

"He's good. Busy with practice and games. He's also coaching some little league teams now. How are you? I haven't talked to you in months."

Since my accident in Phoenix I thought.

"You and Edward still going strong?" she asked.

I swallowed. I had all ready done my best to put my mother behind me. As much as I still loved her the current phone call reminded me of just how much she was in some sense still part of my life and how much she no longer knew about me.

"Um yeah we're still… we're still together."

"That's good. I'm glad to hear it. I swear that boy would walk on water for you. So how is everything else, anything new and exciting?"

I looked down at my sixteenth week belly. Monday would begin the seventeenth week.

"Not really. It's Forks."

"Right, nothing ever exciting happens. I remember."

"Yeah."

"And school, how is that going?"

Before I could answer Renee's question, I looked down at my belly having felt a small flutter. I placed my hand on the spot. The fluttering continued. Though I was clearly pregnant this was the first time I'd felt anything from the inside of my body. It was a strange sensation.

"Um mom, I have to go."

"Now but we haven't even been on that long."

"I know I'm sorry. I love you."

Before my mom could get in another word I hung up. I placed my hand where I'd felt the flutters and the other hand slightly below, cradling my belly.

I wondered who had kicked first: Vanessa or her sibling EJ or Ellie, the names I had now started to think of them as.

Again there was fluttering but it felt like more. Both of them were active now.

Charlie came into the room just as tears began to trickle down my face.

"I'm guessing things didn't go so well with your mom," he said as he took a seat next to me on my bed.

I shook my head, "No that's not it."

"Then what is it?"

I looked at Charlie and smiled. "Dad, I'm pretty sure I felt the twins move."

His eyes widened, "Are you sure?"

Somehow as if knowing, the flutters started up again. "Yeah pretty sure," I replied as I reached out for his hand and placed it where mine had just been.

Within seconds there were a few more flutters.

"Wow, that's really something Bells."

"Isn't it? I'm sure Jacob is going to be excited when he finds out."

"Bells, about that: I've accepted the guys as part of our family and I've accepted this need to know stuff but-,"

"You want an explanation about me and Jacob."

An explanation would be nice. You're not together but it seems like you kinda are."

"Dad I can't give you that."

"Come on Bella, I'm your father. I deserve better than that."

"I know you do but I also have to protect Jacob so I can't explain it to you."

"No but I can."

We both looked up to see Jacob standing in the doorway.

"What are you doing back?"

"Our hunting trip led us back here." I took a deep breath. "Don't worry," said Jake, "My boys are on patrol. They've got things covered. You're right Charlie, you do need an explanation and I can give it to you."

"Jacob," I said shaking my head.

"It's okay Bella. We've agreed on the need to know stuff and now Charlie does. It will be better for him in the long run especially since I'll be sticking around after the twins are born."

"Okay."

"Come with us Charlie, there's something I need to show you."

"You don't have to carry me you know," I said to Jacob as he held me in his arms going deeper into the woods with Charlie behind us.

"Are you kidding with your luck? Those kids might be strong in there but you're still a fragile human and Edward would kill me if I let you trip."

"Edward's not here."

"Doesn't mean he wouldn't find out, after all he is a mind reader right?"

I smiled and shook my head.

We finally reached a flat clearing and Jacob put me on my feet.

He took stepped away several feet from me and Charlie.

"Bella, Jacob, what are we doing here?" Charlie asked.

"Dad, we don't exactly live normal lives, not the lives you think we do."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I was born with a… genetic condition," said Jacob, "and so were my brothers. We can do things other people can't."

Jacob began stripping off his clothing. I looked directly at my dad so that I wouldn't look at Jacob's naked form. I could see Charlie getting uncomfortable.

"Um Jacob, can you please get dressed?"

"This is part of the condition dad," I said to him.

"Well I don't see anything… out of the ordinary."

"I know this is awkward," said Jacob, "but trust me you'll understand in a minute."

Jacob centered himself and focused, letting the heat radiate over his body to where steam was coming off him and after a second instead of Jacob, in place was a huge russet wolf.

[Jacob POV]

'You phased in front of Charlie?'

'Are you out of your mind?'

I could hear Quil and Embry say.

'He had to know,' I told them.

'No he didn't,' said Embry

'It's easier this way. At least if he knows about us then he doesn't have to know the truth about Bella and the babies. You know about those Italian vampires she told us about. They'll kill any human who knows the truth.'

'Fair enough but does he have to really know about us?'

I played the memories of telling Charlie that I and the others had a genetic condition.

'Geeze you told him that?'

'Embry you want to tell your mom the truth then be my guest. I'm not ordering you to keep it a secret from her.'

Telling her the truth meant Tiffany would have to face up to the truth about his father.

'Na I'm good,' said Embry.

'That's what I thought.'

I looked at Charlie and lowered myself so my height wouldn't overpower him. Gone was his look of fear and in place was curiosity.

I looked over at Bella. We hadn't exactly discussed how much to tell Charlie.

"It's your call, Jake," she said to me.

I huffed and then lifted my muzzle and howled.

Three wolves came out of the deep seeded woods. Embry stood to my right flank, Quil on my left. Since forming this pack they had taken up positions as my second and third. Seth stood behind Embry.

"This isn't real, Bella, tell me this isn't real," Charlie said as he looked at the four of us.

Bella smiled, "Told you our lives weren't normal."

'I got ten he's gonna pass out,' said Quil.

'Forget it. I'll bet you a week's worth of hunting raw starting tomorrow,' said Embry, 'Charlie's the chief of police. He's seen dead bodies. He can handle it.'

'You're on,' Quil replied.

"Dad," said Bella, "That's Quil and Embry and the smaller one behind Embry is Seth," Bella said point out my pack.

"All of them?" Charlie asked, "They're bigger than grizzly bears."

Bella smiled at us again, "Pretty cool hu?"

A baffled look crossed Charlie's face. Cool probably wasn't the word he would have chosen right now.

I could hear hooves prancing behind me.

'Seth what are you doing,' I asked.

'Someone has to make a move and you guys are standing around like freakin' statues. Seriously stop freaking him out.'

Seth got closer to Charlie and kneeled before him, lifting his muzzle.

"You can touch him dad," said Bella, "he won't bite."

"You're sure?"

Seth looked up at Charlie and then at Bella and whined a little.

"Dad he's still that same optimistic kid. He wants you to. It's easy, just watch."

Instead of petting Seth, Bella came over to me and scratched me behind the ears. Growing up on the res there were often stray dogs and if they were friendly enough they always preferred to be scratched behind the ears. It was so strange at how much I could relate to that now. I understood why dogs preferred that spot compared to others.

I lowered my muzzle and gently touched Bella's belly.

Her hand instinctively went toward it.

'Geeze you two,' said Quil, 'Get a room.'

I ignored him.

"She likes that Jake."

My eyes widened. How could she tell?

"Listen."

I closed my eyes and focused. It was like listening to the heartbeats for the first time. There. Among the barriers and the fluids I could hear what sounded like the gushing water crashing against some rocks. I opened my eyes and looked at Bella.

She beamed at me. "I felt them for the first time today, just before you came into the room.

I touched Bella's belly again. This time I didn't hear any movement. She'd probably settled down. She had enough excitement for now.

'Hey,' said Seth, 'I'm still waiting over here.'

I huffed and nodded in Seth's direction.

"Dad you ready to pet him?" Bella asked as she walked over to her father.

"Here goes nothing I guess," Charlie replied.

Charlie hesitated but then placed his hand on Seth's shoulder.

'Quil, Embry, we're good here,' I said to them. 'You don't have to stick around if you don't want to.'

'What do you want us to do,' Quil asked.

'Do a perimeter run and if there's no sign of the red-head get some sleep or anything else.'

'Cool thanks Jake,' said Embry as he and Quil took off.

Charlie looked at the boys who were headed back into the woods.

"Where are they going?" Charlie asked.

"You'll see them later," Bella answered.

'Should we phase back,' Seth asked. 'I'm pretty sure it would be nice for him to talk to us without the wolf noises.'

'Yeah kid. Probably owe Charlie some explanation now that we let the dogs out.'

I nodded to Bella as Seth and I moved back several feet. We let the magic take over, catching it just right so that we were upright when we phased back.

"Hey Charlie," Seth said with a smile as he reached down for the leather cord that held his shorts.

"Guess we have a lot to talk about," I said to him.

Charlie placed his hands on his hips, "Yeah I guess so."

I walked over and picked up Bella and the four of us made our way back to the house.

That afternoon I did my best to answer all of Charlie's questions. I told him that Billy along with Old Quil and Sue knew the truth about what we were. I told him about Sam and how we couldn't live in the same area, leaving the part about it being the Cullen's land out of it. And though I had intentionally not mentioned the Cullen's they were brought into the conversation anyways when Charlie asked about Bella's pregnancy.

"And what's your involvement in the pregnancy Jacob? You're not the father are you? My daughter isn't giving birth to puppies is she?"

"God dad, no. Edward is the father I promise."

"And yet he's not here."

"It's complicated."

"Bella, the guy got you pregnant and then left. What's complicated about that?"

"He left to protect me. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding."

"Protect you from what?"

"I can't tell you that part. Edward is special, like Jacob but in a different way. They protect a lot of the lands around here, the lands Jacob and the guys are temporarily protecting. Really they're just looking after things should they ever come back."

And that includes you?"

"Yeah sort of. It's a wolf thing," she said using my words. "Jake wants to be there for the baby. Right now he's taking on a godfather role and then later if she wants him to be a brother then that's what he'll be."

"A girl," asked Charlie, "you're having a girl? You never told me that."

"It's another wolf thing," said Bella, "but they're never wrong about it."

I nodded my thanks to Bella for not mentioning the rest. I didn't see the baby that way and as much as I knew Bella hated the whole imprinting situation she knew I wasn't some creep pedophile and that the connection I had with her daughter was more spiritual than anything else.

"I'm pretty sure she wants Jacob as a dog," said Seth, "He'll be that too," the kid joked. "Don't worry Charlie, your grand daughter is in good hands and so is her brother or sister. I'll make sure of that."

"Seth you didn't-," said Bella, "Tell me you didn't."

"Na you don't have to worry. I didn't. You would have known if I had. I'd be following you around constantly the way Jacob does and he would have certainly known. Wolf telepathy, remember? I just figure given how special their dad is that they'll be sticking around a long time and I absolutely plan on being in this pack for a long time too."

"Really and what if you fall in love permanently," I asked making sure not to use the word imprint.

Seth shrugged, "It worked for Taha Aki. You've heard the stories."

I had heard them. Word in the legend was that Taha Aki wet off into the woods and never returned to the tribe after the loss of his sons and third wife. If the legend was true then after two hundred ears he was still roaming around somewhere.

"IT's all good Charlie, trust me," said Seth. "Hey you guys hungry," he asked, "I'm cooking tonight, he said getting up and making his way to the kitchen.

"Someone say food," Quil said as he and Embry entered the house. He tossed a pack to Seth.

"Elk steaks," said Embry, "Gotta get those kids on an animal diet instead of the other kind of meat," he teased. Bella shook her head and smiled.

"That and I lost my bet to Embry," Quil complained, "This is the last time I'm eating anything cooked for a while."

"Okay," Charlie said unsure of what to make of Quil's comment. He got up from the couch, "Guess we're grillin' tonight."

After dinner we'd all gone our separate ways. Charlie was doing work in his office, Quil had crashed out in the room he shared with Seth, Embry was out on patrol and Seth was crashed out behind some trees near the house.

Bella and I now had the loft to ourselves. She was resting comfortably on the couch, her legs curled up while I sat near her.

"Long day," I said to her.

"Good day," Bella replied. "Thank you Jacob, for telling Charlie."

I smiled at her. "You're welcome. Considering all the weirdness going around figured he should at least know one of our secrets."

Before I could thank her also, her hands flew to her stomach.

"Bella?"

She reached for my hand and placed it on the spot. I waited for a moment and then felt the flutter.

"Did you feel that?" she asked.

I smiled, "Yeah."

This was my first time feeling the babies move with my human hands. I looked up at Bella who was now staring out the window with a look of longing on her face.

"You're wishing Edward was here aren't you?" I asked softly. She turned to me.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be. He should be the one to experience this with you. Not me, I'm just the godfather. I'm sorry he's not here, Bella, I am."

"Yeah me too," she said her voice almost cracking.

"You still love him," I said as a general statement.

She nodded, "I haven't stop. I know it's lame," she said shaking her head. "I'm sorry I doubt you want to hear any of this."

I reached for her hand, "Hey isn't that what brothers are for?"

She smiled, reassured that I wasn't here to take Edward's place.

"He'll come back, Bella."

"How do you know?"

"It's what I would do." I then shrugged, "either that or maybe the imprinting thing has made me an eternal optimist. Speaking of which, thanks for not telling Charlie the rest of the whole imprinting thing."

Bella cautiously got up from her half lay down position and moved to where she sat next to me and placed her head on my shoulder.

"I didn't need to. I know you don't feel that way toward her. We probably don't have to think about that for a while."

"A long while," I agreed.

Bella backed away and looked at me. "About that, Seth talked about being around a long time and he talked about the twins genetics."

I took a breath knowing where this was headed but I didn't want to interrupt.

"After the twins are born I want to change into one of them."

"Forget it."

"Would you just listen? You've got this whole immortality thing-,"

"And what if I don't? What if they live completely human lives? Sam and Jared, once they're able to they're going to give up their wolves so they can grow old with Emily and Kim."

"It might not be that way for you. I don't want to be an old grandmother when my kids are still young like their father."

"You don't know if that will happen."

"And neither do you. You just said you held hope that Edward would return. Edward's seventeen. I'm eighteen. I don't want to wait to be another year older than him regardless if I see him again or not."

"Bella do you know what you're asking?"

"I know what I want. Edward's gone now but what I want hasn't left. It's what I've wanted since I found out what he was, since I fell in love with him."

"It's not just that. You're asking to break the treaty. The part that says the treaty breaks when one of them bites a human, not kills, bites."

"You've ratified the treaty before."

I shook my head and got up from the couch. "This is different Bella."

"How?"

"For one what about living a normal human life? You deserve that Bella."

"Edward thought that too. It's why he left but nothing about me is human. Not my friends, not the guy I slept with and not babies I'm carrying."

"Okay second what if you're wrong?"

"Sure there's a chance I could be but regardless if the situation were reversed could you let her grow old without you? I know it's not the same for you but the love I have for Edward feels permanent somehow. He may have walked away but I'm still in love with him. He could come back tomorrow or a month or two hundred years from now and it would always be him. It's different for you then it is for Seth or any of your brothers including the ones in Sam's pack. They imprinted on humans Jake, you didn't."

I took a deep breath. Though my past was behind me and I was perfectly with my life, I sometimes missed the days when Bella's choice of wanting Edward had bugged me. It would have made this easier to deal with but now I found it hard not to disagree with her.

Bella had a point. Should her kids live eternally like their father that would automatically make me eternal as well because the truth was I couldn't picture giving up pack life to become human unless that was what she wanted, what she ordered me to do but even then I probably wouldn't have had the strength to walk away. It wasn't exactly easy for Sam in those moments when Emily didn't want him around. Where was the fairness in not giving Bella the same opportunity?"

I walked over Bella and sat down next to her placing my hands on her knees.

"Let's say I were to agree to this and I'm not agreeing to it now but if I were how would you…change? We don't exactly have vampire venom on hand."

"We could let Victoria do it. She's still hunting me. We could keep her alive long enough until after the twins are born, she can bite me, and then you and your pack can go in for the kill or there's the second option."

"Okay let's hear it."

"Denali. The Cullen's have some cousins up there. They only feed on animal blood, same as the Cullen's. I could ask them."

"You really have thought this through haven't you?"

"I know what I want."

"I can see that. Give me some time okay? Let me think on it for a while."

"I can do that."

"I'm not promising anything."

Bella leaned over and placed her head on my shoulder. "But you'll consider it. That's enough for now."