Xxx

I'll admit I was skeptical about the whole Bella drinking blood thing. Skeptical and a little okay grossed out. Its one thing for us as vampires to do it and that still has its moments where it's kind of gross, but Bella is still human.

I went up to my room, to escape the scene, as much as I wanted to be there for Bella, even I have my limits and watching her drink human blood through a straw was definitely my limit. It worked out however, because Chap was ecstatic to see me and he squeaked loudly when I walked in.

"Hey bud," I said with a smile, I popped open his cage and he ran up my arm, settling on my shoulder. "Sorry I haven't really be around Chappy," I whispered, as if he could actually understand me, Chap gave a quick squeak, sitting on his hind legs looking me square in the eye.

I felt bad, with this whole pregnancy thing I haven't really been attentive to Chap. Aside from feeding, watering, and changing his shavings, I haven't really let him loose in the house, let him just have fun. Granted it's only been a few days, but Chap is an extreme people rat, he loves human contact in pretty much any form. It's even gotten to the point where he'll hang out with my brothers, three people he was terrified of in the beginning.

I'm pretty sure it is all because of Charlie's death and my own neglect after that, something I'm still trying to make up for.

I up and gently ran my finger down his back and he gave a twitch of his whiskers, clicking his teeth together, his own rat version of a purr. I was about to laugh at him when a sound broke through the woods, two distinct howls, I recognized Seth's easily and just assumed the other belonged to Leah.

I heard the front door slam open; quickly and gently I put Chap down on my desk and ran to my window, just in time to see Jacob transform and take off towards the forest.

I scooped Chap up and deposited him back in his cage, bribing his return with a handful of sunflower seeds (my rat can be bought apparently) before heading back downstairs.

Bella was still drinking and seemed completely unaware regarding Jacob's swift exit. Edward, Rose, Carlisle, and Esme on the other hand were stiff, clearly they were trying to pretend nothing was wrong for Bella's sake, but it didn't fool me.

As much as I hated to, I looked at Edward

What's going on? I thought staying out of sight of Bella. I did this for two reasons I still didn't want to see her drinking blood and two I was afraid I would alarm her with my sudden reappearance.

Edward glanced over at Bella and sighed

"Love, I'll be right back" he said softly, stroking her thinning hair.

She looked up at him and took his hand

"Are you going to speak to Chris?" she asked and my eyes went wide, how the bloody hell did she know I was back down here? "Because I think you should, I know he's mad at you for some reason, I think you both should talk it over I hate to see you two fighting." She said slowly, she put the cup on the table and closed her eyes a little.

What the hell Edward? I thought and he glanced over at me, shrugging, just as dumbfounded as I was. Did you tell her? I got my answer pretty quick as Edward used his eyes to reply 'No, I have no idea'

"He probably won't listen right now, but for your sake I'll go try," Edward replied carefully and Bella smiled a little bit. Which was perfect because I shot my brother a glare at the little jab, but didn't say anything. I didn't want to argue with him right then, especially not in front of Bella.

Rose came up and sat down next to Bella, resuming her spot as Esme walked over with a plate scrambled eggs for Bella.

Edward stroked her hair once more, before walking over to the doorway where I stood as hidden as possible. He nodded for me to follow and we walked upstairs to his room. I jumped onto the bed and sat Indian style on it watching as my brother took his desk chair. The bed definitely made his room a lot smaller and it was tough to get used to it.

"So what the hell was up with Jacob?" I asked quickly as soon as he sat down, he ran his hand through his hair and sighed again.

"The pack," he started to say and instantly my body went stiff

"Are they coming? Do we need to get ready for a fight?" I asked quickly and Edward shook his head

"I managed to get a bit of information from Jacob's mind before he took off and a bit of Seth's even with the distance. I don't think we need to worry about an attack, at least…I don't think…so."

This was one of the only times I have ever seen my brother unsure about something. He's always been pretty sure of stuff, whether it was correct or not, he makes my stubbornness and pride look minimal in comparison. If he thinks he's right, he is right and there is no point in verbally arguing with him. In those cases, we have a system, well at least Emmett, Jasper, Rose, Alice, and I do, we call him an idiot and ignore him.

But this look was new and as much as I knew in normal circumstances I would be pleased with the turn of events, just for the satisfaction of seeing him unsure, it didn't feel right and there was no pleasure in this at all.

It also made me feel kind of guilty that I was so petty and short sighted about my own feelings, that I was seriously neglected how this whole thing was affecting my brother. Not just the wolves, but Bella, the baby, everything, I hadn't even considered the possibility that my brother wasn't the selfish one, that I was.

"You're not Chris," Edward spoke up, bringing me out of my thought process, sometimes it really sucks having a brother that's a mind-reader. "This whole thing is bringing out the best and even the worse in the entire family." He paused "it's no one's fault, least of all you."

"I am sorry Ed," I muttered "for blowing up at you outside, acting like a little kid and crap."

Edward chuckled a little

"How'd that feel saying?"

"Like a kick to the teeth," I admitted rolling my eyes "how does it feel for you to admit you're not so sure about something?"

He grumbled a bit

"Pretty much the same,"

I ran my hand down my face

"This whole thing bloody sucks,"

"Couldn't have said it better myself Chris, but you better watch your mouth, you're already on Esme's hit list."

"Thanks to you," I reminded my brother and he winced "kidding Ed, seriously."

"Chris, look I'll do my best to stop keeping things from you, especially,"

"Especially when it's about me?" I added and he nodded

"Especially then,"

I glanced at the window, towards the woods

"So, what's going to happen now?" I asked and Edward gave me a shrug, I really do not like this new version of my usually know-it-all-brother. He gave me a look and I shrugged "well, you are, you've been a know-it-all since day one at least to me."

"Well, I'm not Chris,"

"Yeah whatever," I replied and Edward groaned "so, just out of curiosity how the hell did Bella come to the conclusion that I'm mad at you? I didn't say a word and I'm assuming, and of course correct me if I'm wrong on this, you didn't say anything to her either, aside from the glare I gave you."

"She's gotten extremely observant Chris, I can't explain it." I chuckled a little "what?"

"Maybe the baby's got a little more of you then we original thought, maybe he can read minds too,"

Edward went stiff for a second as he looked at me hard

"Chris you can't be serious,"

"Of course I'm not serious," I replied "it was just a thought, something that could serve as an explanation. I may not have gone to medical school, but I'm not an idiot Edward, even if the baby takes after you," my brother's glare intensified "I'm pretty sure this early it wouldn't be apparent."

Edward sighed

"There is nothing about this pregnancy that is normal and it is only going to get worse." He mumbled "at this point I'm just lost."

"Join the club," I replied, sliding off the bed "all of this is deranged, Bella being pregnant, us being protected by three rogue wolves, prisoners in our own house. Bella drinking…" I couldn't even say that part, it was still eesh, on me.

Instead I took a deep breath and without another word, left my brother's room and headed to check on Bella, wondering how she had handled the blood dinking thing.

I was surprised to see that it seemed to have a positive effect because within the few minutes Edward and I were upstairs talking, she started to look a lot better, she was less pale, her breathing and heart beat went from shallow and quick to steady.

The change was so significant that Carlisle felt comfortable temporarily removing Bella's IV and let her actually sit up.

I walked into the living room and slid to the floor in front of the couch she reached over slowly, and ruffled my hair, Edward was right behind me and went to his usual spot.

Bella was still pretty weak, which all things considered is pretty understandable, drinking that blood clearly had the desired effect on her, the baby seemed happier too, at least according the mummy it was, Bella really seemed in-tune with the baby.

"How are you feeling?" I asked carefully and Bella smiled

"Surprisingly much better. What about you are you doing okay?" Ah there was the old Bella, deflecting questions about her own situation with concern for someone else's. "did you and Edward talk?"

"We're fine Bella, I promise, Edward is the oldest brother and I'm the youngest, we tend to quarrel more, it's a normal thing." Bella looked at me like she didn't believe me, something I've gotten quite used to unfortunately.

"Right," she said softly so I went the subject changing route.

"Did you drink the blood?" I asked, knowing full well it was a pretty stupid question, after all, I could tell she had, her overall appearance aside, I could practically smell the blood on her breath and that made me feel funny again.

It was one thing to imagine her drinking the blood, it was an entirely different matter to know she actually did it. I know it helped her, there was no denying that fact.

"I did Chris, as long as I didn't think about what I was doing it was okay. It helped too, I can feel it and I know the baby can feel it too."

"Right, uh, do-do you want me to get you anything?"

Bella reached over again and brushed my hair

"Would you get me another blanket Chris? I hate to ask, but I'm still a little chilly." I nodded

"Blanket got it, whatever you need Bella, seriously. Do you want me to get you a couple of heating pads?"

"No, just some blankets will be okay, thank you Chris."

"Got it," I replied getting to my feet, I wandered to the hall closet where I knew Esme had stored some blankets. Unfortunately they are in the back of the closet, which meant I was climbing into the closet to get them, I almost hit my head on the shelf when I heard giggling behind me.

"Christian, sweetie, what are you up too?" Esme asked carefully

"Bella asked for some more blankets," I replied, sliding out with a small handful of the blankets. I looked up at Esme and blinked "mum are you okay?" I asked

"Sweetheart I am so sorry I was so angry with you."

"Mum I-"

"I shouldn't have taken it out on you, I just, after everything that happened over the summer. Christian I do not know what I would do if anything had happened to you."

"Mum," I said a little firmer, standing up so I was somewhat eye level with Esme. "Mum, I was the stupid one, I wasn't thinking and that was on me. You had every right to be mad at me," I paused "and even the grounding thing I deserve."

"Well, this is me un-grounding you Chris, but would you do me a favor sweetie?"

I shrugged

"I suppose,"

"Please stay close by, at least until we can come to some peaceful resolve with the wolves. I know you mean well, but do it for me?"

"They should have told me," I muttered giving my mother a shrug and Esme looked at me carefully

"Edward, Seth, and Jacob?"

"Dad too," I replied carefully I understood the practical reason why my father and brother decided not to tell me, but I didn't understand the why at least not really, I still felt a little betrayed that they possibly didn't think I was mature enough to handle the fact that the wolf pack had me marked.

"Chris I'm sure they had their reason, but don't forget they didn't tell me either. You can be mad at them if you like, but remember they did it not to hurt you or to make you mad. They must have thought it was the best decision." She paused "believe me I was not happy that they kept that from me,"

"That makes two of us." I replied sighing

"Why don't you go pull Seth in, go to the loft and play some video games? I'll sit with Bella."

I shook my head

"It's okay mum, I don't mind staying with her. I think Seth is out running patrol anyways."

Esme nodded she held out her arms and I instinctively walked to her as she held me close."

"Please don't be mad Chris," she asked and I nodded

"Only for you," I replied and she kissed the top of my head

"Better than nothing right now, I'll take what I can get." She smiled at me "did you and Edward talk?"

I rolled my eyes

"Yeah, we talked, sorta,"

"I hate seeing you mad, at anyone, and you are really not good at it Christian,"

"Guess I'll have to try better," I replied and Esme shook her head at me

"you are so stubborn sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Alice asked as she walked by "try all the time,"

I rolled my eyes at my sister and she stuck her tongue out at me. So I did the mature thing, I did it back.

"Really?" Esme spoke up "how old are the two of you?"

We exchanged a grin and shrugged

"Mentally or physically?" I asked

Esme sighed and laughed a little

"At this point both," she replied hugging both of us, before heading back down the hall. I gave Alice a half smile and headed back to the family room.

Bella smiled at me as I walked in, Edward had rejoined the group, as had Jacob I gave both of them a look as Edward held his hand out for the blankets, I tried not to growl at him as I handed him the pile of blankets.

Our little talk upstairs wasn't really the heartfelt apology I had been hoping for, but it was a start, I knew it was going to take a lot of work and a lot of time for the brotherly relationship to be rebuilt.

Jacob came and went, giving in to the clothes that Esme had gathered for him, Seth, and Leah, she felt bad that there wasn't much else she could do for them, but Jacob seemed appreciative and that was a start.

I went back to my spot alongside the couch, where I could keep an eye on Bella and be there in case she needed anything. I'm not entirely sure how much time passed, I'm pretty sure Bella fell asleep a few times, then woke up softly asking for more to drink. She was still so weak, even the blood wasn't helping her regain her strength. But at least the baby was satisfied enough to allow her to eat, she had managed to keep the scrambled eggs that Esme made her, down which was a first.

Of course, things going smooth as they were, it was inevitable that something crappy was going to happen to change that. I was only half paying attention to whatever programme Emmett had left on the television, my concern was still on Bella when I felt a wave wash over me, like something was coming and I've learned it's always best to listen to that particular sense.

I heard a strange cracking noise coming from behind me and I wasn't entirely sure what it was or where it was actually coming from. I'm pretty sure I was just blocking out the fact that it had to be Bella. I felt her wince behind me and heard the sharp gasp of pain.

I turned to check on her and my eyes went wide at the look of shear pain she was in. Edward was by her side in an instant as I scrambled to my knees, he had been outside speaking with Jacob when Bella's cry happened. Rose slid in between us all and cradled Bella close, Esme and Carlisle rushed to join us, Bella reached her hand out and grabbed for my own, holding it tightly, she squeezed my hand in correlation to the pain.

Jacob kind of shuffled in, as he stared in shock at the scene.

"Give me a second, Carlisle," Bella panted, squeezing my hand tighter each time.

"Bella," the doctor said anxiously, "I heard something crack. I need to take a look."

"Pretty sure"…pant… "it was a rib. Ow. Yep. Right here." She pointed out, and I saw the angry look on Jacob's face, he didn't need words, I could read it all over his expression about the baby breaking Bella's bones.

"I need to take an X-ray. There might be splinters. We don't want it to puncture anything." Carlisle explained, but Bella hesitated looking skeptical. She squeezed my hand again and I patted hers gently

"It will be all right Bella," I whispered to her.

Rose reached over and lifted Bella up before Edward could and I don't think anyone missed the move Edward made to argue with her, but Rose growled at him, and even I winced a little.

"I've already got her." Rose explained between growls. As soon as she was off the couch, Bella reached out for my hand and I gave it to her, no questions asked.

It was awkward to say the least as Rose carried Bella up the stairs and she held onto my hand tight. I also didn't miss the hurt in Edward's eyes at the fact that his wife was clutching my hand so tight her knuckles were turning white as opposed to his.

As we headed up the stairs I gave my brother a shrug

Sorry, I thought even though I knew it really wouldn't make a difference, Edward was hurt and he had every right to be.

Our loft is divided into two sections, one is directly over the garage and that's basically my second room. Okay, it's more of the guys' room, the man loft whatever you want to call it. I fixed it up last June to have a place for my friends and I to hang out during the graduation party and it kind of just exploded from there.

Now anytime one of us wants to have the large screen TV to ourselves or want to throw the ultimate super bowl party up there we've got that option.

But the other half was mainly for just storing junk, Jasper also kept some of his forging equipment there, but when Bella and Edward came back, Emmett, Jasper, and I cleaned out that side of the loft to clear the way for the medical equipment Carlisle brought home to treat Bella.

Over the last few days it had kind of multiplied to a small hospital in our loft, complete with hospital bed, surgical equipment, and yes a radiograph machine. Being the son of a doctor and the adoptive son of another I have a slight fascination with the medical field, it's genetic I think. Granted I have no, nor have I ever had a desire to become a doctor, (despite my real father's insistence), but still, it's kind of cool having this equipment to play with.

But this was no game. I followed Bella and Rose over to the radiograph, (not that I had a choice on that, Bella was still clutching my hand tight). Rose was being as gentle as she possibly could, but I could still hear the crunching and clicking of Bella's broken ribs and I did my best not to wince, in fact I was doing my best to keep my face as expressionless as possible. I didn't want Bella (with her sudden powers of observation) to have more to worry about than she already did.

Rose gently put Bella down on the table as Carlisle got the machine ready. Rose slowly moved away from the machine, but Bella was hesitant to let go of my hand. I glanced over at Carlisle who nodded and I looked down at Bella and gave her a half smile. Bella looked over at Carlisle

"Is it okay?" she asked weakly, wincing a bit as her ribs shifted

"It is fine," Carlisle replied

"Yeah I don't think there's ever been a case of a vampire turning radioactive." I added trying to lighten the whole thing, Bella chuckled a little then cringed

"Ow, ow,"

"Don't make her laugh Chris," Rose reprimanded horrified as she moved to Bella side.

"Sorry," I replied and I felt bad I really did, but I was trying not to laugh, Bella was clearly trying not to laugh, which in turn was making me laugh. Bella gave my hand a tight squeeze and smiled at me

"Chris thank you for being here for me, you know I appreciate it, but-"

"I should probably let those with medical training take over for a while," I finished, looking at the three members of the family who have background in medicine, IE Carlisle, Rosalie, and Edward.

"I'm sorry Chris," Bella said softly

"No problem," I replied "I've got to check on Chap anyways, he's not to happy with me right now."

As I headed towards the door, Edward gave me a thankful nod, Esme squeezed my shoulder, and Rosalie and Carlisle, even though they were preparing the machine and Bella for the radiographs, both looked over at me and gave me grateful smiles.

When I hit the second floor landing I caught the smell of wolf hovering near the front door. I knew Jacob was upstairs with my family and I was sure that Leah and Seth were running patrol so I couldn't help the tense feeling. It took me a second or two to recognize the scent it was Seth.

I went to the front door and opened it to see him standing there a goofy grin on his face and wearing Emmett's jeans and one of my tee-shirts that Jasper and Emmett got as a joke because it's three times my size.

"Hey, how's grounded life?" he asked with a cautious grin

"Prat," I replied "and I'm ungrounded for your information,"

"Really? Sweet,"

"Yeah still have to stay near the house," I explained "so I thought you were running patrols?"

"Naw, Leah's taking care of that," Seth said "I came to see how Bella was doing, did you guys really have her drink bl-blood?"

Seth looked pretty green and I could relate

"It was a last resort Seth and…believe me I had my reservations about it, but it helped a little, she's feeling stronger somewhat, she managed to keep some breakfast down too, which is a first."

A loud growl erupted from Seth and his ears went red

"Sorry,"

"Speaking of hungry," I raised an eye brow at my friend "I gave you guys enough food to feed an army, getting sick of those marshmallow things already?" Seth looked up at the sky "dude did you really polish off that whole backpack of food? That was like a hundred bucks' worth of snack!" Seth shrugged "bloody hell," I rolled my eyes at Seth who gave me a sheepish grin "come on in then, I'll see if Esme or Edward can make you something to eat."

"What's the matter you don't cook?" Seth asked as he followed me into the house.

"Dude I wasn't allowed to even enter the kitchen with the intent to cook when I was human, my mum was pretty set on that rule, I was lucky to make a sandwich it was that bad."

Seth burst out laughing

"That bad huh?"

"If only you knew," I replied "if only you knew."

xxxx

A/N: Thank you guys for your patience with this fic. You guys can see by the length of time in between updates how much of a pain this fic is. I've got one more chapter that should be a problem child and it actually should be pretty smooth sailing once we get over the end of the pregnancy hump. So thank you guys so, so much for sticking with me and putting up with what I will admit is not my best work, you guys are awesome and know that I appreciate all of you.

Till next time!