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What Could Have Been

CH.10

Bella's POV

Jake looked at me with this 'are you sure?' expression. I nodded yes and Jake followed me into the bedroom. We stood there for a moment and then Jake took a step closer to me and said, "kiss me Bella." I lifted my head up and kissed him passionately on the lips.

He put his hands on my hips and pulled me closer to him, our kiss deepening as we each wanted to feel our love. Jake slowly unbuttoned my blouse and helped me with my pants and shoes. I stood up and removed his shirt, marveling at his body. He was so damn gorgeous. I unzipped his jeans and slipped them down with his boxers. Jake softly slid my bra straps down and eased my body to the bed before slipping my panties down my legs.

He carressed my swollen breasts and began to suck on each one until I was moaning with pleasure. He was so gentle as he touched me, always careful not to hurt me. He was being so careful with me and the babies. I rolled to my side and began kissing him on the lips, moving to his ear kissing and nibbling on his earlobe, which made him shudder.

I moved down to his neck; playfully biting him; sucking on his neck which made him moan even more. When I started kissing his hard chest and twirled my tongue around each of his erect and sensitive nipples, he moaned. I was having fun kissing my way down his chest to his stomach. When I got there; he giggled because it tickled.

Jake always had the most beautiful smile and laugh; I loved seeing and hearing him. I finally made my way to his cock which throbbed and grew with each carress. He moaned again and arched his back when I kissed him there.

I licked my way up his smooth shaft, all the way to the tip and sucked the purple head into my mouth. As I moved up and down his length, I hummed and heard him hiss with was truly beautiful to behold, I was amazed at the sight of my excited Jacob.

I teased his cock ever so slightly, driving him crazy with my assault on his body; so much so that he couldn't wait any longer. He lay panting with ragged breaths, wrapping his hands into my hair; begging me with his eyes to satisfy the ache within him.

I took the lead and straddled his thighs and lowered myself down on him. I shuddered a little and Jake looked at me afraid I was hurt. I told him I was fine and continued sliding on his large shaft. He moaned so loudly that I thought the wolves would come running to the cabin to see if we were alright. But we didn't care if they heard us or not, he was lost in the moment and so was I.

Our rhythm increased and we made our loving last for a very long time. We carressed each other's bodies, kissing deeply and soon I felt Jake shake hard and he kissed me to stifle his scream of passion. He arched his back and came inside me, which moved me to come at that same moment, shuddering and panting out short raspy breaths. I lay sprawled across his chest as he wrapped me in his strong embrace. Once we were sated and calm I lifted myself off of him and laid down next to him snuggled in his arms until we were both able to breathe normally.

Jake kissed me tenderly and held me firmly to his side, his arms wrapped around my body. We relaxed there for awhile as Jake rubbed my stomach and told the babies he loved them. He leaned down and began kissing my belly. It was the sweetest sight I had ever seen. The babies moved around in response to his kisses.

He placed his ear on my stomach and listened to their heartbeats. I loved it when he did that because it proved even more how much of a loving and caring person Jacob is. I know this man; whom I've loved for such a long time would give his own life to protect me and our children. I knew the right choice for me was to spend the rest of my life loving Jacob Black. We are soul mates and we are bound together by fate and I wasn't going to lose him ever again.

The weeks went by and I got even bigger. Jake went to work every day though he had the weekend days off. I wondered why he wasn't in school, but when I asked he would just smile at me. A few days before the day of graduation, I finally got him to tell me on our way to the school. I had pressed him for an answer because he was dressed the same way he was at my prom.

All of Jake's family and friends were there. We sat with Billy and Rachel; Charlie and Sue came together. Jake kissed me and said, "I have to go now, okay honey?" He walked away and down a side hallway. We listened to the principal give a commencement speech; then begin calling the students up one at a time to recieve their diplomas.

He finally got to Jake. He called 'Jacob Black' to rise and receive his diploma. Jacob stood up in his cap and gown, walking proudly to the stage to recieve his diploma and shake the principal's hand. He turned toward the audience and switched his tassle to the other side of his cap and then smiled 'my smile' for all the photos Rachel was snapping.

Jacob walked down the stage steps and then disappeared back down the hall. We sat until the ceremony was finished and then went outside the auditorium to find him. When he saw us, he ran over, showing us his diploma. He was very proud of himself and rightfully so. Jake was seventeen now and a High School Graduate and a father to be. I hoped with all of my heart he would also be a permanent partner in my life.

We were dancing at the grad party when suddenly Jacob's expression changed; like a weight was crushing him. The look in his eyes was unbelieveable and I wondered what had happenened?

"Jacob? Are you okay?"

"Yes honey, I'm fine. I think I just imprinted on you."

That explained the way he was looking at me and I could feel a deeper bond between us as he wrapped me in his arms and swung me around the dance floor. I now knew he would be whatever I needed him to be.

At that moment, I knew choosing him to be my mate for life was exactly the right thing to do. I just hoped that's what he wanted as well. We went back home with our heads together; talking about it all the way. Jake was happy that I wanted him as my mate. He was happier then I have ever seen him.

Four days passed and we were on our way to our six month check up. Everything was going well with the babies and Jake and me. We would take walks together and talk about our future. I wasn't ready to get married yet and we needed to wait because Jacob was seventeen and we couldn't marry until he turned eighteen.

Jake was a bit sad about that and I felt bad, but I wanted to wait until he was of age to marry. Emily understood what I was going through. She told me just to be patient with Jake and not to worry about it, that he would accept my decision in time.

Jacob's POV:

I was so glad that I finally imprinted on Bella. I was afraid it would never happen and I wasn't sure how it worked or how it was supposed to feel. The pack mind had shown me how Sam and Emily, Jared and Kim, even Paul and Rachel's imprints were so different from each other. Somewhat similar yet still very different.

I knew she was mine from the day I was born. We just always felt right together and we could never be apart for long without missing each other terribly. My dad told me that an imprint would be this overwhelming pull toward Bella; one that I couldn't fight.

It felt like our souls were bound together, inseparable; and the minute Bella chose me as her mate, that made it even stronger, so strong that we both physically felt it in our bodies.

I came home each day to Bella cooking dinner for me. After the long day I had it was such a welcome sight when I walked in the door and there she was. She made my favorite, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. She included the steamed veggies she had finally persuaded me to eat regularly and for desert she made canolie, they were like heaven in your mouth.

As she stood there in our kitchen, she was as beautiful as ever and glowing; just like people say women get when they are expecting. I slipped up behind her and wrapped my arms around her, placing my hands on her slightly rounded belly. Turning in my embrace, she smiled at me as I gently kissed her cheek, her skin so very soft against my lips. I smiled back and went to my chair to sit down as Bella piled my plate full of food.

We ate together, talking about our day and how much we wanted our babies to be here with us. After dinner Bella decided to sit in the nursery for awhile; one of her favorite places, while I washed the dishes and cleaned up the mess from dinner. We had an arrangement going right now, if she cooked, I cleaned. I had no problems with it, I was raised in a family where we all pitched in to help each other out.

Now that Rachel was back home, she split her time between Dad's and Paul's house and seemed to enjoy fussing over both of them. This way dad had someone around when needed, but Rachel and Paul were considering moving in together. They just hadn't yet decided where to live. Dad loved us very much but I don't know how he tolerates Paul.

To this day that guy still irks me and I can't guess what Rachel sees in him. At least she has had a positive influence on him. Paul's control of his temper has improved greatly. I'm not sure if it's entirely Rachel's doing or the imprint.

I finished drying the last pan and put it in the cabinet, closed the storage container lids and put all of the leftovers into the refrigerator. As I climbed the stairs on my way to our bedroom, I heard Bella humming a lullaby, still in the nursery, rocking in the rocker. I watched her for a while and just took it all in.

We were going to be parents soon and I wondered if I was going to be able to handle two children? My business was really starting to take off now. Embry, Quil and I were always as busy as we could possibly be working on cars. We were so booked that we needed to consider hiring a receptionist/bookkeeper full time. At least we could afford to hire one. I was considering Leah or Rachel, maybe even Kim, not sure if they wanted to work for Pack or blood brothers. I would have to think carefully about it and see who would be a good fit to work with us at the shop. We needed someone who could handle us as well as all of our customers and bookkeeping. Hmm...

Bella glanced up at me just then and smiled.

"What's up? I thought you would be napping by now."

"I was just getting done in the kitchen and I realized how tired I was, so I thought I'd go ahead and lie down. Wanna join me?"

"Well, Mr. Black, let me see. You do look kinda dead on your feet and I could use a nap."

"Alright then, lets go."

I walked over to Bella and reached for her hand to help her out of the rocker, we walked to our room and got undressed and into bed. We snuggled up and soon fell asleep, dreaming about our babies and how our life will be in the future. I wanted to give her everything I could to make her happy.

The next morning I woke up and rolled over to find the bed empty where my Bells had laid just hours ago. I didn't hear the shower and the house was really quiet. I got up and pulled on my sweats and started checking all of the rooms in the house. She wasn't there, where the hell could she have gone?

I decided to call Rachel at my dad's. She would be over there today to check on him. I dialed the number and waited. Dad picked up on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey dad, is Rachel there?"

"Yes, hold on a sec son."

I tapped my fingers on the wall waiting for Rachel to come to the phone.

"Jake? What's up?"

"Hey sis, I'm looking for Bella? Is she over there?"

"No, she isn't Jake, why?"

"I woke up and she wasn't in the house and I can't find her anywhere."

"I'll call Charlie and see if he's seen her okay?"

"Sure, sure. I'll call Sam and see if he or Emily has seen her?"

"Ok, and Jake?"

"Yeah Rach?"

"Be calm. We don't know if there's anything to worry about right now 'kay?"

"Ok. Thanks Rachel. I love you."

"And I love you little brother, it will be ok."

I called Sam and Emily next. They hadn't seen her either, but Emily promised she would keep an eye out and Sam said he would contact the rest of the Pack.

I decided to go looking for her on my own. I was fighting the rising panic in my gut as I went back upstairs, got dressed and grabbed my cell and keys. I remembered Bella had bought a new cell, so I tried calling her. It just kept going straight to her voicemail. I locked up the house and checked the garage. Still no Bella. I decided since the beach was still close to our house, I would walk down there to search. I took the path that led down to our spot. She wasn't here either. I was really starting to worry now. That bitch Victoria was still out there watching and waiting for a chance to take my Bells from me. Fear constricting my throat, I growled to the forest and sky.

"Damn it! Bells! Where the fuck are you?"

Bella:

When I woke up this morning, I just felt like I had something really important to do. I slipped quietly out of bed leaving Jacob snoozing peacefully while I showered and dressed. I went down to the kitchen to eat breakfest. I was so hungry and the babies were letting me know it was time to eat.

I finished up, cleaned the dishes and put them away before I left. I made sure to take my cell and keys with me. I got in my truck and drove to the cemetery where Jacob's mother is buried. I remembered where she was because Dad and I would come with Billy to visit her and bring her flowers. I walked over to her grave, to a little bench right in front of her headstone. I sat down and started talking to Sarah Black, my babies' grandmother.

"Hello, Mrs. Black. I know its been a while since I've come to see you and I hope you can forgive me. I know what is happening between Jacob and me might not please you, but I truly love your son and want to build a life with him and raise our family together. You would be so very proud of the man he has become. He graduated from high school this year."

"He owns his own business now and is doing very well. He may be very busy at the moment but he is doing exactly what he loves to do; working on cars and making sure everyone is treated fairly and I know you know he does quality work."

"I know he misses you so very much, as we all do. I wish you could be here to see what a wonderful man and father he will be."

"I miss you so much too, Sarah. You were always like a second mom to me and I really treasure the time I was fortunate enough to share with you and your family. Rachel is back now and is imprinted to Paul. That was very unexpected but what do I know anyway, they seem happy."

I chuckled out loud at the picture of Rachel running roughshod over Paul Lahote.

"I wanted you to know that I will love your son completely till my last breath. He will never be alone in this world again, I promise you that. He will be honered and cherished for eternity because that's what he deserves."

I sat there for a few minutes just enjoying my visit with Sarah. I hoped she knew how much I love Jacob and how I vowed to keep my word to her.

It was getting a little chilly so I drove back home to get started on that beef stew Jacob loved so much. I parked in the driveway, got out of the truck and walked up the steps to the front door. I opened the door and stepped inside calling for Jake.

"Jacob? You home?"

There was no answer so I went into the kitchen and took out all of the ingredients and pots and pans I would need. I washed all the veggies and dumped them into the colander to drain while I cut up and cooked the steak for the stew. The crock pot would do the rest of the work for me. I threw in the steak bits, sauteed the veggies briefly and added the broth. I baked some homemade bread and tossed a salad to go with. For dessert I made Jacob's favorite lemon cake with peach glaze. Talking to Sarah today, telling her how I felt about her son, made me feel like this was a special occasion; so my mate would get all of his most favorite foods.

I checked my cell for messages from Jake. It was unlike him not to call me. I tried to turn on my phone but the battery was dead. I plugged my phone in for a few minutes and then checked my messages. There weren't any of those but there were seven missed calls; one from my dad, one from Rachel, one from Emily and four from Jacob.

"Damn it!" Jake is probably going bat-shit crazy right now.

I picked up the house phone and called Jake's cell. It rang only a few times and then a very breathless wolf answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Jacob? Why are you breathing so hard?"

"Bells?!"

"Yes, it's me. Where are you?"

"Oh, thank God! I have been all over the place trying to find you when you weren't here when I woke up and I called you and you didn't answer!"

"I went to visit your mom and I thought my phone was charged but it was dead, so I had no idea you had called."

"Ok, I will be home soon 'kay?"

"Sure, sure. Jake?"

"Yeah Bells?"

"I'm so very sorry. I should have left you a note. I promise from now on to be more responsible."

"It's alright Bells, okay?"

"No it's not Jake. I was irresponsible with my safety and the babies' as well. I will never leave your sight again without telling you where I will be. Jacob?"

"Yeah Bells?"

"I love you."

"Love you more Bells. I am on my way home to you baby."

I hung up the phone just as the buzzer to the oven went off. My special dinner for my mate was almost ready. I hoped it would make up for my mistake today. It just felt right to be with Sarah for a while. I felt accepted and lighter by telling her my intentions with her son.

I turned on the TV and fell asleep halfway through a show about being pregnant. I felt so relaxed. The cake would be fine while I napped until Jacob got home.

Jacob:

I put my cell back in the pocket of my shorts and tied them to my leg. I phased and ran back to La Push and to my Bells. I was so freaked out by her disappearance that I had run all the way to Seattle, phasing back and forth so I could try and track her scent.

I'm going to have to assign a guard for her just to be safe now that she's getting closer to her due date. I don't want any surprises. Victoria is out there somewhere; I can feel it and I know it's not good. She will stop at nothing to gain her revenge. At least she's on her own now.

I was almost home when I heard Embry howl and then he was in my head.

"Dude? You find your girl yet?"

"Yeah Em, I did, she's back home now. I'm on my way there now."

"Awesome; you want me to stay at the house with Bells until you get here?"

"Sure, where are you Em?"

"On the cliffs above First Beach. I can be at your place in two minutes."

"Ok, go keep an eye on her. I should be there in a half hour."

"Okay man, I'll see you soon. I'm out!"

I kept running toward my home picking up speed as I went. When I focus I can outrun even Leah or Paul. I ran with a single-minded determination until my home was coming into view and I felt Embry back in my head.

"She's napping on the sofa right now. She made dinner and dessert too, Jake!"

"Don't get any ideas, mutt!"

"Come on man! I should get something for babysitting."

"Alright brother, you can stay for dinner; but I want a perimeter search done first while Bella's still napping. Be back here at five p.m. 'kay?"

"Sure, no worries. I'll do a sweep and be back at five, and thanks for dinner, Jake."

"I take it your mom's gone to the Makah rez again?"

"Yeah, you know her. She's alway going up there to see Micah WhiteHorse."

"Why doesn't she just marry the guy and get it over with already?"

"I dunno man, it's like she's holding back for some reason and I can't figure it out. It's not like she's got anyone waiting in La Push for her."

"True, so why not settle down with the guy? She's been seeing him for what, five years now?"

"Something like that. I just hate being at the house alone. It's too quiet when she's gone like this because she stays gone for weeks at a time now."

"Well Em, you are my brother and you are always welcome at our home, anytime."

"Thanks bro, I appreciate it."

"Okay, Em. Talk to you in a bit."

I reached the treeline and phased back, untying my shorts and pulling them on before I headed for the house. Bells was still sleeping so I tried to be quiet when I entered through our back door. My feet were silent as I approached my sleeping angel on the sofa. She is so beautiful! How did I ever get so lucky to have this girl love me so much? I knelt down in front of the sofa and kissed her softly on the lips. She stirred and those chocolate pools were now drawing me in.

"Hey," she said, sitting up.

"Hey back. How you feeling baby?"

"Much better now that you're here." She reached out for my hand and hauled me onto the couch, kissing me deeply.

I was lost in her kiss for more than a few moments until she pulled away, breathing heavily.

"Oh crap! I forgot about dinner and the cakes!"

"Easy baby. I checked on them both and they're good."

"Oh good! Crisis averted," she laughed softly. I helped her up from the couch and followed her to the kitchen. She turned suddenly and pointed a finger into the middle of my chest.

"You, Jacob Black, need a shower. You're filthy!"

"Yeah, I guess I am. Running around wolfed out is a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it."

"Go shower while I finish the cakes."

"Ok, oh and babe?"

"Yes, Jake? What is it?"

"Embry's joining us for dinner tonight. Is that alright?"

"Sure, sure, we have plenty of food; is his mom gone again?"

"Yeah, afraid so, he doesn't like being at the house alone all the time."

"He knows he can stay here if he needs to right?"

"Yeah, he does Bells, I told him again and he'll be here at five. Maybe we can convince him to stay."

"Good idea. Now go get your fine ass washed up baby."

"Okay, okay, I'm going honey."

I kissed her quickly on the top of her head and ran upstairs to our bedroom to shower. I put my keys on the night stand and made sure to put my cell on the charger while checking to see that Bella's phone was plugged up too. I stripped and headed into the bathroom; deciding to take a bath since my muscles were so tight and I wanted to relax and release some tension. I usually hurried to rush back to my girl but this time I knew we had time before Embry got here and I nodded off in the tub. I didn't hear anyone come in the bathroom.

Embry:

I did several perimeter sweeps, changing up my timing and direction, just to confuse any vamps who might be lurking around. I headed toward Jacob and Bella's house. Got there just in time. I phased and pulled on my shorts as I walked from the treeline and straight up the porch steps to the front door. I knocked and Bella answered the door and let me in.

"Come on in Embry. How've you been lately?"

"Hey, Bella. I've been good, and you?"

"Good, getting bigger every day. Have a seat and I'll get you something to drink. Jake's in the bath getting cleaned up."

"Do you need any help?"

"Sure, umm..you can set the table for me while I go see what's taking Jake so long. He should've been done by now."

"You got it lil' mama."

I placed the bowls and spoons Bella had gotten out of the cupboard on the table. I got out a glass for Bella and a bottle of water for her to drink. I was wondering what was taking them so long. I couldn't hear a thing.

Bella:

I left Embry to set the table while I went to find Jacob. I knocked on the bathroom door getting no answer, so I slowly opened the door and there he was; head resting on a rolled up towel snoring away. He's lucky he didn't drown! I sat down on the edge of the tub and gently placed my hand on his cheek.

"Jake? Baby? Wake up honey.? Dinner is ready and Embry's downstairs."

I nudged his shoulder a bit and he stirred awake.

"Hey, Bells."

"You fell asleep in the tub wolfboy. You could have been gurgling bubbles before I found you!"

"I'm sorry honey, my muscles were so tense and I wanted to relax. How long have I been in here?"

"About two and a half hours. You're not too wrinkly to come join Embry and me for dinner are you?"

"Oh, shit! Damn it! Ok let me get rinsed off and dressed and I'll be right down."

He called out, "sorry Em!"

"No problem Jake, I understand," he called back.

I headed back down to the kitchen to finish getting dinner served. Embry was tossing the salad I had made.

"Thank you Embry."

"You're welcome Bella. So let me guess, he fell asleep in the tub."

"Of course he did. He's so tired lately, you guys really need to hire a secretary at the garage."

"Yeah we do. It'd lift some of the pressure off of all of us."

"Who do you guys think could handle it all?"

"Well, Jake and I have been talking either Leah, Kim, or Rachel. Who do you think?"

"Hmm, Leah might castrate all of you before her first day was over. If you bring in Rachel or Kim, you'll have to add either Paul or Jared to the mix. Kim does have the experience handling the books at Sue's store and she can handle you guys. Jared is good with cars as well."

"I forgot about that. We need to tell Jake."

We were so wrapped up in our conversation that we never heard Jacob come into the kitchen.

"I agree with the choice you two have made. We can ask Kim and Jared to come to the house in the morning before we head out to work. Embry, can you call them real quick?"

"Sure thing."

Jake and I sat down at the table while Embry made the call to Kim. I started dishing up the stew for all of us and set the filled bowls on the table. I grabbed the bread and the salad while Jacob got a couple of cold beers out of the fridge. Embry returned to say that Kim and Jared would be here at seven in the morning.

We ate dinner and joked around. While the guys were talking shop I got up and prepared the cakes with the peach glaze. Once I was done, I put one on the table and Jake just got so damn hyper.

"You keep bouncing up and down in that chair, young man and you will get no dessert tonight!"

I wished I'd had a camera just then. Billy would have loved the picture of his 'little boy' trying to put on a pout around his big grin. He smiled sheepishly at me and stilled his bouncing, but the pout remained in place.

Embry just rolled his eyes at Jacob's behavior.

"I see some things never change. Jake still does the puppy eyes and that damn pout! Dude! Grow up?!"

I snickered at Jake, "I know right? Oh well, can't teach an old dog new tricks."

"Who are you calling old? MILF!"

I thought surely Embry was going to fall out of his chair at the comment.

"Oh, man! You got some balls calling Bells a Milf!"

"Well I hate to break it to you Em but she is."

"And need I remind you Jake that you already are?"

"Not to seem like an air head but what the hell are you two talking about?"

Judging by the looks on their faces, neither of them wanted to explain it to me. They cleared their throats and started stuffing cake in their mouths so they couldn't answer my question. I rolled my eyes and shrugged my shoulders and decided to table that discussion for a later date.

Jacob and I asked Embry to stay at the house with us for a while until his mom comes home. He said he didn't want to intrude and we both reassured him he wasn't. We finally got him to cave and gave him one of the guest rooms upstairs so he would be comfortable.

A week later we went to our seven month check up and Dr. Angeles was very happy with our progress. She said the babies and I were doing very well and to just take it easy for the next few weeks. She told me I would be a lot bigger by the time I deliver. My eyes bugged out at that one. 'How much more room could I have in there anyway?'

I already felt like a beached whale as it was and to tell me I would get even bigger? My God! Just make me an attraction in the circus. 'Now Showing! The Woman With The Largest Womb in The World!' I was so ready to be done with this. I love Jake and all; but multiples? Somebody shoot me now!

Jacob:

A few more weeks passed by and Bella was getting more and more antsy about the arrival of the twins. She was always cleaning and straightening the nursery. I guess they call it the nesting phase. Sue told me it's when expectant mothers start to get everything ready for the birth.

She told us to make sure we had a list of everyone we would need to call when it was time for the babies to arrive. I can't believe it; we have less than two months to go now and then our children will be welcomed into the world.

Our nights were spent sitting by the fire together being filled with awe and surprise as our children moved inside their mother. You could see their feet and toes through Bella's skin when they were stretching, it was the coolest thing ever. Bella had me take pictures of her belly throughout the pregnancy; especially when they did this.

We got her bag packed in advance so it now sat by the front door. The keys to the Rabbit hung on the hook next to the door, so we wouldn't have to hunt for them while we were in a hurry.

I went to work everyday and I was always home by supper.

Then one night I was straightening up the garage before closing. I caught the scent of something familiar; something I'd hoped wouldn't crop up so close to the birth.

Before I could react it was too late. I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head and before I could react, everything went black.

A/N: So sorry for the cliffy but I made this chapter a bit longer just to fix a few things I didn't realize were missing. I hope this chapter makes sense. I had to put my training wheels back on, been a while since I've written..so hopefully you enjoyed this one. Keep reading to find out what happens to our hottie Jacob!