Chapter 2
"Baby Moon"
I tried my hardest to sleep the entire ride to the airport but my legs were on fire as my travels the days before throughout Forks and La push had weighed on my body. Thankfully I always healed quicker when Jacob was near and the longer we sat near each other the quicker my leg pain began to subside. Sleep however was ten times harder around Jacob these days as he was constantly making nose and checking in on me. Not to mention the constant dances of the baby that grew within me made it near impossible to get comfortable or stay comfortable for long, especially in a car or anywhere outside of a bed. Jacob sang old country songs the entire way which most certainly did not help as his pitch was all over the place, though he sang softly and to me most of the time in an attempt to be sweet, as he could tell I was growing more and more uncomfortable as we drove, if I didn't love him so much I would have punched him directly in the throat. Romance has never been Jacobs strong suit and it never has been from what I understand. Unless you think being a caveman is romantic in which case Jacob is the most romantic man in the world. No matter how much I joke about Jacob though he really does do everything in his power to try to make every moment in my life special and he always had, many times to an embarrassing amount but nonetheless he made his love for me known every chance he got and for that I am grateful and honored to be able to return the favor. Even if that favor insists on tap dancing on my bladder and rib cage.
Charlie's funeral still lingered in my mind as well, making the journey that much more uncomfortable. The sadness that came along with the memories of the day had taken a front seat and it was hard to switch them out with good memories as we drove. Perhaps sleep wasn't what I need right now, I don't know what I need right now. However, I do know that I don't need one more botched country song from the 2000's sang to me by a screaming cat. I reached over and turned off the radio without warning as I genuinely was about to just get out and walk if I had to listen to Jacob sing one more old Taylor Swift rerun. Not that I wasn't a fan in my youth but considering how much of a fan I was to her music Jacob should most definitely have a better concept of her lyrics. I mean I don't know if he was just trying to be funny but if this is any indication of his ability to retain memories then I sincerely hope our child does not inherit that trait from his father.
"Hey! Oh come on, that was a good one Ness!" Jacob laughed.
"How much longer until we're at the airport?"
"T-minus 30 minutes."
"Any chance we can spend that time in silence."
"Oh, come one. Where's the fun in that?"
"Jacob."
"Fine, but you can't blame a guy for trying."
"Yes, I can."
I didn't mean to come off as bitter as I did but I was starting to go stir crazy in the car. The airport wasn't even that far away but I felt like I had been trapped in here during an entire world tour's worth of songs at this point. As we approved the gates and unloaded I let Jacob deal with the car and our luggage. I need to be lazy right now as everything has begun to feel heavy, even my clothes but especially my eyes. I immediately found the bed in the back of my grandfather, Carlisle, private jet and made myself comfortable while I waited for Jacob to let me know that we were all set for take off.
"We're all set. Are you sleeping the whole way Ness?"
"Yup."
"Cool, awesome. Good, that's good." Jacob replied, a little too enthusiastically to not be highly suspicious.
"Why is your heart beating so fast? Are you hiding something?" I asked, not bothering to look up or even to open my eyes.
"What?! What would I be hiding?" Jacob said through a short nervous laugh.
I took a deep breath, annoyed that Jacob was trying to hide something from me knowing how pregnant and uncomfortable I am, "How long until we get to Denali?"
"Oh um, uh well. I didn't ask but I'll go do that."
"Jacob?"
"Yes?"
"We're not going to Denali are we?"
"Uhhhhhhhhh-"
"Where are we going Jacob, I'm tired just tell me so I can sleep?" I begged.
"Fine… We're going to White Mountain first… Ya happy? You surprise killer you." Jacob mumbled.
"Yes, I am, thank you." I replied as I snuggled my stomach into the sheets, "You can leave now."
"I love you too."
"I love you." I replied, "Turn off the lights please."
I haven't to White Mountain in quite a few years, but I was already excited to see Sue. Sue had moved in with Leah and Elcrie right after Charlie's death as Leah refused to let her live on her own and would not take no for an answer. With Seth on his one man world tour Sue really stood no chance against Leah and my mother eventually agreed that it would be best for Sue to live with Leah which was the final seal. I imagined it must be quite nice for Sue considering Elcrie had a large plot of land and it was even more beautiful than our homestead in Denali in my opinion. Elcries children Harry and Uley also lived on the land and were more than happy to finally have their grandmother home with them, though they loved visiting every year and learning about the place of their ancestors. I do hope that my child will grow up to be at least half as good as Leah's children. Leah is incredibly lucky, not only are her children strikingly beautiful, they're extremely intelligent, well mannered and both possess the gift of the wolf from their father which though they use sparingly they have mastered in every aspect. When I retrieve the memory of the first time I watched them shift it still makes me jump. The fact that I had a crush on a man who could turn into a giant 9 foot tall wolf and that I never knew just how powerful he truly was made me laugh. Not that Jacob wasn't big and scary in his own right just Elcrie and his child are an entirely different breed of shifter. A much bigger and scarier breed. Nonetheless, I most definitely still have a light eye crush on Elcrie. Time has aged the giant man quite beautifully. Besides the funeral I hadn't seen them in almost 7 years as Jacob and I have been busy helping build our home in Denali on the expanded acreage.
Joining together two covens is no small feat. First there was Fredrick and Tanya's wedding which sparked Rosile's desire to want yet another wedding with the entire family as well as Kate and Garrett interest having a second wedding for the same reason. The wedding planning and honey moons between the two couples put off building for three years as we all catered to them. Vampires love to have something to constantly focus on as boredom is the evil twin of immortality. Then there was clearing the land mapping, digging, plumbing, electrical. It was a nightmare listening to everyone talk about the plans and I did my best to show up when my hands were needed and not when plans were being made. Jacob however insisted on being completely involved in every project Emmett and Garrett participated in and the three had grown very close during their time together.
My phone buzzed waking me from my nap, my mother checking in:
[Text Received: Renesmee I need you to send me a voice message so I know you're alive and not in labor. Now.]
I did as she asked knowing if I didn't she would randomly appear on the side of the plane ripping through until she found me. Being checked up constantly has always been bitter sweet. It's nice to know they care but sometimes all I wanted was to be left alone to sleep. I suppose however if I wanted that I probably shouldn't have gotten pregnant as I have barely been able to sleep at all these last six months.
My phone buzzed again, my Mother:
[Text Received: When was the last time you ate, don't text back. I want to hear your voice. Rose is listening in.]
Again I responded making sure to include dates, times and amounts knowing that if I didn't she would ask.
My phone buzzed, my Mother again:
[Text Received: Okay, have fun in White Mountain, call me when you get there so I can say hello to Sue and Leah please. We all love you very, very much. -Mom]
[Text Sent: I will, I love you all too.]
Immediately my phone buzzed again, my mother once more:
[Text Received: Don't text me, send me a voice message.]
This woman has truly gone completely mad since she found out I am pregnant.
The plane ride was only six hours but I was able to get a good amount of rest for the day, though I could always use more. My body did not want to move from the bed when we finally arrived but Jacob brought me my favorite breakfast, raw steak and eggs and I was so excited I ate it all within minutes, the food thankfully gave me the energy to get on with the day. As we drove to Elcrie and Leah's estate I took as many mental pictures as I could as the land was extremely beautiful this time of year. Harry took great care to make sure the roads were always safe to travel on thankfully as the snow left a thick blanket on the surrounding forest. Excitement began to take over and I shook Jacobs arm as we neared their home. I kissed Jacob once quickly on the lips and threw the door open the moment he put the car in park. Uley and Harry were standing at the door with open arms looking as mesmerizingly beautiful as ever and I embraced them both as quickly as I could with hugs and lots of cheek kisses.
Harry is Leah and Elcries oldest child and was the first baby who's diaper I ever got to change, I was 13 and couldn't have been more afraid but Leah has always been great at giving direct orders and coached me through the entire thing. Uley was the first baby I ever babysat by myself, it was only for an hour while Jacob and Leah went to help Elcrie get Harry out of a tree he had climbed up to high in and gotten stuck but to this day the memory made me sweat thinking about the responsibility of keeping that perfect little angel baby safe. After Jacob and I got married Leah asked the two of us to be their godparents even though they were both full grown adults with college degrees and more money then Jacob and I combined. However, I knew her intention was just that we look out for them when the time comes for Leah and Elcrie to pass on, so of course we agreed. Actually the whole family agreed really. Carlisle even made up a handwritten agreement to solidify their protection under the Cullen's. The two, though distant, had always been a huge light in my family's life and my own, it was an honor to be asked to look after them. Even if we knew they were both apex predators and more then capable of destroying our entire coven if they felt the need.
"I'm so happy you're finally here! Oh and the belly! The belly Renesmee! Ahhh! You're pregnant!" Uley screeched at nearly the top of her lungs in excitement.
"That I am! Large and in-charge as they say." I laughed.
"Come in, you must be exhausted from your flight!" Harry said, wrapping his arm around my back to give me support as I walked up the stairs.
"She's pregnant Harry, not cripple." Jacob said, which only urged me to hold on to Harry's strong arms even tighter, "Okay, real nice, well I'll just get the bags then."
As we walked in Harry shut the door intentionally to make it harder for Jacob to get in and we all laughed together like naughty school children. I hated to gang up on my own husband but when I was with these kids it was like being with my siblings. We just picked on anyone who crossed our path without much thought. The three of us got into as much trouble as possible. The amount of times we got hurt is what pushed Uley to become a doctor. After watching Carlisle bandage us up a million times she became enamored with the practice and spent 12 years in medical school graduating at the top of her class. Henry however was more interested in law and agriculture and completed school but did not take his degrees much further as he enjoyed working on the land with his parents.
"Is Seth here too?" I asked, hoping to catch his scent as I picked up Sue's.
"Oh god I wish! He should be coming next month but he's in Tokyo right now, or was the last time he checked in at least." Uley replied.
"Bummer, I'll have to tell Jacob to call him and make sure he's going to be around when the baby comes."
"Oh you know he will be." Sue said as she rounded the corner holding Elcrie's hand.
"Grandma Sue! Hi! Oh my gosh you look so beautiful! I missed you so much!" I said as I stood from the couch and wrapped my arms around her small frame.
"Oh my Nessy! I miss you everyday! I can't wait to meet your little one!" Sue replied, while rubbing my belly.
"Our little one," Jacob said as he snuck up behind Sue who jumped. Jacob laughed and gave her a kiss on the cheek which she returned, "Does take two to tango." He continued.
"Yuck don't remind me." Uley said as she helped Sue sit beside me.
"Jacob, please don't jump scare my elderly mother." Leah snapped as she entered the room, "Hey Ness, I'm making food and you're eating. Jacob take your guy's shit to the bedroom." Leah said as she walked through the living room quickly and into the kitchen.
"Well, it doesn't get more warm and inviting than that." Jacob said, rolling his eyes as he followed Leah's orders.
"How long are you staying? Forever I hope." Elcrie asked Jacob with a smile that melted my heart, as he headed for the spare room.
"Uh well, not quite. I could only convince Edward and Bella to give us three- uh, three days."
"What! Only two days! That's hardly enough time to talk about baby names let alone everything else we need to catch up on!" Uley protested immediately.
"I'm sorry kid, Renesmee is a VIP, what can I say." Jacob said with a large smile.
"More like a POI." I whispered, rolling my eyes as I rested my head onto Sue's shoulder.
Jacob sighed not knowing how to respond and took our bags to the bedroom. Uley was truly fixated on talking about baby things, since I knew we didn't have much time together I gave in and entertained everything she brought up. Harry was mostly quiet, a trait he inherited from his father who rarely spoke unless spoken to unless it was to Leah. Dinner was phenomenal as Elcrie and Leah were most definitely the best chefs I had ever had the pleasure of dining with. Thankfully they had passed on these kitchen lessons with Harry and Uley but still to eat food that Elcrie had prepared is an experience that I Imagine is as close to heaven as a food experience can get.
We filled our days with found memories of Charlie and as much food and laughter as we could take. To be bringing a new life into this beautifully blended family was the biggest blessing I could ever receive. Though I thoroughly wished my grandfather could have met his great grandchild before he passed, I know he would be incredibly happy that Jacob and I fully intend to keep his chosen second family in contact with his first given family.
As much as I wanted to get home back to Denali really just to avoid the constant phone calls and text messages from my mother I decided I needed a longer break from my family before I allowed them to retake control of my life to some degree as was inevitable. I decided to call Carlisle and set up a surprise for Jacob at the last minute while he hunted with Uley and Harry one last time before we left in the morning. I wished I had planned a little better but after a bit of begging and promising to come home directly after this final stop, Carlisle agreed after speaking to Alice who gave the all clear, to call the pilot and set up the trip.
We said our tearful goodbyes the following morning and I promised to call as soon as the baby was born as well as the moment we arrived at our destination safely. They gave us small gifts and food for the road which I knew would be gone in 20 minutes with how long Jacob had spent with Harry this weekend in his wolf form. As sad as I was to leave them I was very excited for our next endeavor. Alice had mapped out the whole plan and though I would have to be on a plane for roughly two days, project "Baby Moon" was in effect and I could not wait to see Jacobs reaction to our destination. Carlisle had offered the location for our honeymoon as he had our parents but Jacob decided it was too far from home and instead we "honeymooned" for almost an entire year, traveling through Canada and visiting all of the national parks. It was amazing but we got lost more often than not and spent most of our time arguing over directions. I was always right of course, which overtime began to feel like a ploy to win me over and get me into bed, as if Jacob needed to praise me for giving proper direction to get me into bed. Considering after the first night I was completely sold on that matter.
Jacob fell asleep for 10 hours after eating about half of the food on the plane and when he woke up he was immediately suspicious as we stopped in California to refuel for the first time. Unfortunately he was on to me but he allowed me to keep my secret even though I hadn't given him the same courtesy a few days ago. Jacob has always been the kinder one of us two, or at least had become the kinder one times a million since I fell pregnant. We stopped once again in Mexico and Brazil and finally reached our destination. Once we reached Rio Grande do Sul, Jacob knew exactly where we were going. I had been to Isle Esme many times on family vacations but Jacob had always had work or other obligations that kept him from coming. Sometimes I thought it was intentional but there was nothing I could do. This was where we came to meet the Amazons Zafrina, Kachiri, and Senna as well as Nahuel and Hulien every five to six years as well which was always a treat. They had remained quite loyal to our coven though no one ever asked them too and had turned down the Volturi's offers to join their extended court.
As we traveled to Isle Esme we both became quite excited. Thankfully Alice had arranged for luggage with warmer clothes to be brought to the island for both of us as we had really only packed winter clothes for our time in Washington. The rainy season had begun as it was already late December but luckily this week's weather was mostly clear with light showers at night and high humidity, which would mostly be slightly uncomfortable for Jacob but I couldn't wait. Once we finally arrived Jacob carried what little luggage we brought to the end of the dock.
"Welcome to Isle Esme!" I announced as if Jacob was a contestant on a game show.
"Gee thanks," Jacob laughed nervously, "Sweetheart, as happy as I am about this uh- I'm betting the odds that your mother agreed to this are right around a real firm 0%"
"Well did you marry me or did you marry what my Mother says I can and can't do with my own life?" I argued a bit annoyed that Jacob would immediately bring her up.
"Noted, okay well what up- what are we doing here exactly? Also where are the closest hospitals?" Jacob asked cautiously, his face turning slightly red from embarrassment.
"We are here for our Baby Moon. Carlisle has a doctor on standby. He's 20 minutes away. Your phone has his contact information already as does mine and he is on speed dial on 1 on all the phones in the house." I replied, still annoyed.
"Great! That's awesome love, I have no idea what a Baby Moon is but I love this for us!" Jacob began as he walked over to hug and kiss me, "This is going to be great. We are- we are going to uh- build so many sandcastles! I mean look at this place! Lots of sand." Jacob said as he stared out onto the vast shoreline.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah!" Jacob looked back at me and realized I was annoyed then continued, "I mean no?"
"Jacob a Baby Moon is so two people who love each other and are about to become three people can spend some quality time alone bonding before their lives revolve around a whole new person." I informed him.
"Sooooo are we drinking then?"
"You're unbelievable." I replied as I stormed towards the front door as Jacob began laughing so hard he was most definitely crying, "You're real funny Jacob." I continued as I listened to him struggle to figure out the front door while he was still laughing.
I sat down on the couch and watched as he clumsily dropped all of our luggage onto the floor and kicked his shoes off.
"I'm kidding! Of course I'm kidding!" Jacob said as he raced over to the couch and sat beside me pulling me onto his lap. "This is awesome Ness, and I can not wait to bond more with the single most beautiful woman on this earth." Jacob continued which was then followed by a long slow kiss that immediately peaked my interest.
We'd been so busy lately with Charlie's passing as a family I only now recalled that we hadn't made love in six weeks. Up until now there were too many distractions and far to much sadness. But as we kissed and Jacobs warm hand caressed my body my mind was lit up with memories of our love and I shared those with Jacob through my lips and his heart rate began to race as we started to undress each other completely locked in to what came next.
*Ring Ring*
"No!" I shouted at Jacob as he began to snap out of our trance.
"The phone-"
"I don't care, I'll call her back." I replied as I kissed his neck slightly more aggressively in hopes he'd slip back into things.
"Will that be before or after she burns down the world to find you?" Jacob laughed.
"Jacob." I said stopping completely as he was once again killing my mood.
"Just let her know that we're alive and I promise you after that I will rock your world so hard that you forget you even have a mother."
"You really should start teaching classes on what not to say to your spouse if you ever wanna turn them on." I replied as I reluctantly got off of Jacob lap, he then smacked my butt playfully in retaliation as I giggled on my way to the phone.
"Hurry up!" Jacob ordered laughing at my comment as he took off his shirt.
I took a deep breath knowing my Mother would be mad that I let the phone ring and most likely missed some text if she was calling the house phone.
"Hello mother." I began dreadfully.
""Hello mother?" Renesmee I've sent you 15 texts and you've replied to none of them. Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"
"Yes-"
"No, you clearly don't. We had a deal Renesmee! And now you've added this extra trip out of nowhere!"
"Carlisle and Alice-"
"I know! We all know it, that doesn't mean you couldn't have run it by me and your Father first."
"I'm not a child anymore Mom, I don't have to run anything by you." I responded, angry at her tone.
"Really! Does a responsible grown woman who's 6 months pregnant travel across the world without telling her family?"
"Mom, I am safe. I am happy, I am fed. If you can't be happy for Jacob and I then don't call here again. I'll see you when I get home don't expect me to answer another text. I love you, goodbye."
"Renes-"
And with that I hung up the phone. I looked over my shoulder as I could hear now Jacob was close behind me. He had his hands covering his mouth clearly in shock as to how I spoke to my mother. I was too but mostly I was just still very angry.
"I am so proud of you." Jacob said through his hands, clearly smiling now behind them.
"Shut up and take your pants off."
"Ask and you shall receive."
"Oh my god! Stop talking!" I laughed, as we embraced each other as he carried me back to the couch.
Our first few days on the island were wonderful. My mother had sent me about a hundred more texts, most of them apologizing but I refused to text her back though Jacob snuck off quite a few times to update her. The weather was beautiful and the rain seemed to back off. It was as if the universe wanted us to have these last few moments together before our baby arrives. On the fourth day however Jacob got a call from my Father who was worried as a storm front began to head our way. I was bummed at first but Jacob insisted that a day inside to relax was a good thing. The storm started early with light rain and lasted the entire day, somehow as if by miracle the power remained on though we got prepared for if the generators gave out. Thankfully when you stay in a place that wealthy Vampires who love you own they prepare for everything down to the last thing you might need. That night the lighting and thunder was making it impossible for me to sleep however. My father sent me a text letting me know the storm would most likely be over in the morning and this put both Jacob and I at ease. Jacob relaxed enough to fall into a deep sleep as the familiar sound of the rain falling put him into a near coma.
I woke up around 12 am after hearing what sounded like a door swing open. Jacob was still sleeping quite deeply so I decided to take one for the team and go shut whatever door had opened. It wasn't long before I realized it was the front door. The lock code hadn't been set, Jacob must have forgotten it or perhaps we lost power for a second. I looked over to the stove and microwave and sure enough they were blinking.
"Sorry for immediately blaming you honey." I whispered to myself, still half asleep.
As I reset the time on the appliances I began to smell the familiar scent of wet dog. It hit me as if Jacob were standing in front of me dripping wet. However this particular scent was unfamiliar. Instantly I began to feel my body chill. I didn't know what was going on but I knew somehow deep down that I wasn't safe. I heard a thud come from outside and ran to the living room window without thinking. Jacob was in his wolf form surrounded by black figures that in my state of panic I could not make out. I turned to run to my phone and was met by piercing green eyes that towered above me. The creature was one that I had not seen before but had been taught in lore classes with Carlisle. I knew what it was but I still could not believe my eyes. I shuttered as I backed away and began banging on the glass shouting Jacobs name. The creature crept towards me slowly. It was blonde but a silver blonde, as if it had lost its pigment, but its eyes were almost impossible to look away from. As it got closer I tried to flee but every turn I took it was in front of me. I couldn't escape and I couldn't find the strength to fight as I found myself paralyzed from my fear, not only for my own safety but for Jacobs and most importantly the safety of the baby I carried within my stomach. As I listened to Jacob battle in the pouring rain as thunder and lightning crashed down upon the island I realized that I was completely trapped. The creature backed me to the window and without thinking I smashed the glass behind me and tried to turn too flee out of the window, I screamed for Jacob as the creatures claws grabbed my ankles causing me to fall hard on my side, suddenly I felt the tear of large thick needle being plunged into my thigh and before I could react even react to the pain it added away and everything went black.
