Disclaimer:
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc., associated with the Twilight Saga are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. This work is created solely for entertainment purposes and is not intended for profit. No copyright infringement is intended.
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"That's it!"
Jacob exclaimed, startling me from my current task of running my fingers through Leah's hair.
"What's it, Jacob?" Leah asked, breaking from her relaxed haze.
"I'm going to do it."
"Do what, dear?" Esme asked, confused, eyeing the pacing wolf.
"We can't let Bella near the girls until we know how she will react to human scent. I will meet them at the tree line and let her smell me first."
"Are you sure this is wise?" Carlisle asked as he appeared beside the young shifter. "You may be a shifter, but you're still a human."
"We cannot risk the girls. It has to be me." Jacob stated firmly.
"I say we do it," Rosalie interjected, drawing an admonishing look from Esme. "What? Do you think I would have allowed her near the girls without assurance that this would be safe for them?"
"Bella is still Renesmee's mother," Esme began to speak. "She will not harm her or Phoebe."
"You cannot be sure of that, Esme," Leah interjected. "We do not know how much control she has. She is a new vampire, after all. Also, you shouldn't be concerned so much. Both Seth and I will be just inside the woods to give Jacob backup if needed."
"And it is my decision," Jacob firmly stated. "If I want to go out there and see just how much control Bella has, then it is my prerogative. As Blondie said, we cannot risk the girls, and I am offering myself to be sacrificed. I need to know that the girls will be safe with Bella now that she is a full-fledged vampire."
Yet, Grandma Esme and Grandpa Carlisle's expressions held apprehension and concern, while Mom's held relief and gratefulness for Jacob's decision, but I felt panicked at the idea that my Leah would be out there and in the line of danger, much like Renesmee is feeling right now. Leah's protectiveness towards me, Jacob, and Seth will always cause her to place herself as one of the first lines of defense when there is a dangerous situation. But I will not stop her, for this is just who she's meant to be. My protector, my imprint.
Jacob gave off waves of determination and protectiveness as he nodded once in our general direction before running outside to wait for Edward and Bella to return from their hunt.
~~~~~~
Once again, my mom safely nestled me in her arms as we all stood in front of the windows, waiting for Bella and Edward to return from their hunt. But I could not relax… all I could feel was the fear and nervous energy flowing off my family in waves. A lot can change in just a few moments. Will Bella be a danger to my sister and me? Or will everything turn out okay? That is the question for the hour.
Jacob hid at the line where the forest touched the Cullens' lawn, a place Bella wouldn't even think to look until she heard his heartbeat and her newborn instincts kicked in - well, according to Uncle Jasper, at least, which is why he watched with rapt attention.
Soon, Bella and Edward landed in the background with a thud. Bella's feet touched the ground first as an excited and triumphant "Ha!" left her before it shifted to alarm and panic.
Edward was beside Bella in the same second, his hands clamped down onto hers as he cautioned, "Don't breathe," towards Bella in urgency.
I could sense terrified panic flowing off Bella in waves as her eyes finally landed on the source of the heartbeat. Inside the woods, behind Jacob, invisible to all, were both Leah and Seth as they paced and kept watch at the confrontation that was about to happen between Bella, Edward, and Jacob.
"Careful, Jacob," Edward warned, concerned, but I could feel hostility coming off him, even if it was just slightly. A snarl echoed from the forest just behind Jacob. "Maybe this isn't the best way-"
"You think it would be better to let her go?" Jacob trailed off as his eyes strayed towards the window where he knew our families would protect Renesmee and me. I felt my mom tense up at this before he continued. "Near the baby first? It's safer to see how Bella handles me. I heal fast."
Several emotions flow through Bella when she hears Jacob's explanation. Shock, confusion, hurt, and anxiety were the major emotions as she worked through her thoughts. She glanced towards Edward; he seemed to deliberate before his expression twisted from concern to something else, something any empathy could figure out as hostility.
"It's your neck, I guess," Edward said with a shrug.
A furious growl echoed through the air, which I knew belonged to Leah, and I agreed with her. Why was Edward so blasé with the safety of Jacob, Renesmee, and me?
Bella's eyes soon found their way toward Jacob's, and her emotions soon settled as she studied her best friend and the Alpha of his pack.
But then he smiled, the smile of a kindred spirit. We all knew by that smile alone that Bella had not lost her best friend, not that it was possible now that he had imprinted on Renesmee.
"I gotta say it, Bells," Jacob grinned widely as he spoke with a slight shudder. "You're a freak show."
Bella fell back into a relaxed stance at Jacob's easy banter. It was like falling into an old pattern - this was a side of him she could understand and play with. However, Edward did not like what he perceived as an insult, so he growled. "Watch yourself, mongrel."
The wind blew through the woods, allowing Bella to catch a few mouthfuls of fresh air not tainted with the smell of Jacob or the wolves or Renesmee and me.
"No, Edward, he is right." Bella started before directing her attention toward Jacob. "The eyes are something, aren't they?"
"Super creepy." Jacob agreed. "But it's not as bad as I thought it would be."
"Gee, thanks for the amazing compliment!" Sarcasm dripped from Bella's response.
Jacob rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean. You still look like you - well, sort of. Maybe it's not the look so much as… You are Bella. I didn't think it would feel like you were still here." There was no bitterness or resentment in his smile or anywhere on his face. The imprint had erased all those complications from their friendship, but Bella was not aware of that yet. "Anyway, I guess I'll get used to those eyes soon enough."
"You will?" Bella asked, confused.
Jacob's smile slipped slightly, shifting into a more guilty expression. Then his eyes shifted toward Edward. "Thanks," Jacob started. "I didn't know if you would be able to keep this from her, promise or not. You usually just give her everything she wants."
"Perhaps I'm hoping a little irritation might encourage her focus," Edward countered, his tone attempting lightness but failing to mask the tension tightening his features. His eyes flickered towards the window where the girls were before returning to Jacob, who snorted in exasperation. "Or maybe I just think you deserve whatever reaction you get."
"What's going on? Are you two keeping secrets from me?" Bella demanded, incredulous and, if I could guess, annoyed.
"I'll explain later," Jacob replied with a sigh. "There is a lot that needs to be explained, but we will get to that later." Then he changed the subject. "First, let's get this show on the road." He exclaimed with a challenging grin as he slowly moved forward.
There was a whine of protest behind Jacob as Leah's and Seth's bodies slid out of the trees behind him.
"Cool it, guys," Jacob said as he gave Leah a pointed look. "Stay out of this."
They didn't heed his warning, but did slow their pace as they followed after him more slowly.
"C'mon, Bells. Do your worst."
Leah snarled, teeth bared and hackles raised, angry at the thought that Jacob would so carelessly place himself and the imprint bond at risk like this, not to mention the risk to Phoebe.
"I'm getting older here, Bella," Jacob taunted. "Okay, well, not technically, but you get the idea. Go on, take a whiff."
"Hold on to me," Bella pleaded to Edward. His hands tightened on Bella's arms as she locked her muscles in place. Nervously, Bella took a tiny breath in through her nose, and her chest barely lifted with the action.
Barely three seconds passed before she took in another breath and relaxed.
"Huh, I can see what everyone has been going on about. You stink, Jacob."
Edward burst into laughter; his hands slipped from Bella's shoulders to wrap around her waist. Seth gave out a low chortle bark in harmony with Edward's laughter; he came a little closer while Leah retreated toward the house.
Dad was unable to hold it in any longer and let his low, but distinctive guffaw loose. Most of my family looked amused, but they were far too stressed to join in at this carefree moment.
"Look who's talking," Jacob said, theatrically plugging his nose, his grin ever-present.
"Okay, so I passed, right?" Bella asked. "Now, are you going to tell me what the big secret is?"
Jacob's expression shifted toward apprehension. His voice became strained. "It's nothing you need to worry about in this second…"
Mom gently slapped Dad's arm when he let out a chuckle full of anticipation.
Bella's attention shifted toward the window where we all stood. Her eyes unfocused as she listened to what she could not see. When her blood-red eyes scanned over where I was watching from my mom's arms, I couldn't help but shudder, and both she and Dad pulled me tighter against them.
"Renesmee," Bella whispered, so low I nearly missed it, but I knew that my family would have heard it even if I missed something.
"Come and see," Edward murmured. "I know you can handle this."
"You'll help me?" Bella whispered.
"Of course I will," Edward reassured.
"And Emmett and Jasper - just in case?"
"Of course, they will be there. We'll take care of you, Bella. Don't worry, we'll be ready. None of us will risk Renesmee. You'll be surprised at how she has already completely wrapped us all around her little fingers. She'll be perfectly safe, no matter what."
Bella took a step forward, but then Jacob stepped forward, almost toppling Bella over in his haste and worry.
"Are you sure, bloodsucker?" Jacob demanded, looking at Edward, almost pleading to stop this. "I don't like this. Maybe she should wait-"
"You had your test, Jacob."
"But-" Jacob began, panicked.
"But nothing," Edward said, sternly. "Bella needs to see our daughter. So, get out of her way."
Jacob shot Bella a frantic look before turning around and flat-out running into the house ahead of Bella and Edward, causing Edward to growl at him and the whole situation.
"Shall we?" Edward asked Bella in a gentle voice.
As they approached the back door, a silent understanding rippled through my family, and we shifted into a protective formation. Mom edged towards the exit route, while Dad positioned himself as a shield before us. Uncle Jasper mirrored him, guarding Aunt Alice and Renesmee. Jacob filled the space between Alice and Mom, a vigilant presence, as Leah took up a post near the door, just an arm's length from me. Out front, forming the first line, stood Grandma and Grandpa, momentarily obscuring us from Bella's view.
Renesmee was leaning forward and out of Aunt Alice's arms, peering around Uncle Jasper. Drawing Bella's absolute attention.
"I was out just two days?" Bella gasped, disbelieving.
And that is a genuine concern. Both Renesmee and I look about three months old. Renesmee had shiny, bronze-colored hair that fell in ringlets past her shoulders. The length of her hair was much the same as mine. Renesmee's chocolate brown eyes were examining Bella with an intensity that was not childlike; it was more toward an adult. It bore intelligence and awareness.
Renesmee finally raised one of her hands, reaching out in Bella's direction, before placing her other hand at the base of Alice's throat.
Alice patted her hand before murmuring, "Yes, that's her."
Renesmee's eyes stayed locked on her mother's before she broke out into a brilliant smile, flashing perfect, tiny white teeth.
Bella took a hesitant step towards Renesmee. Instantly, Dad and Uncle Jasper materialized before her, shoulder-to-shoulder, their bodies tense and ready. Edward's grip tightened on Bella from behind, a steadying anchor, while Grandpa and Grandma moved smoothly to flank the primary guards. Further back, seeking distance, Aunt Alice and Mom retreated towards the door, clutching Renesmee and me tightly. Jacob and Leah adjusted their positions fluidly, maintaining the cordon between Bella and the two of us.
"I'm okay," Bella promised, patting Edward's hand on her arm, but hesitantly, she added. "But keep close, though. Just in case."
Uncle Jasper's eyes were tight and focused. He was trying, much like me, to read Bella's emotional climate. She was in control, her emotions were calm, nothing like a newborn should be.
However, Renesmee was becoming impatient in Aunt Alice's arms, more so once she heard her mom's voice.
*Phoebe,* Renesmee whines through our bond. Get them to let me meet my mama.
*Renesmee,* I sighed with exasperation. *I cannot make or get them to do anything. Besides, they are just making sure that your mama is in control of herself and will not harm us.*
*Of course she won't,* Renesmee replied with certainty. *She is just as much in control as your mama.*
*Oh, I know.* I answered. *But that does not mean that the others know this. They cannot feel your mama's emotions like I can, and Uncle Jasper has never come across a newborn that is as much in control as your mama. He is confused. We will just need to wait until they also figure out that your mama is in control, trust her enough to allow her through our protective family, and finally meet you.*
*But what about you? I know she isn't your mama. But do you want to meet her as well?* Renesmee wondered.
*Only if Aunt Bella accepts that I was never her daughter and that she will not take me away from my mom.* I answered anxiously.
*Don't worry.* Renesmee replied. *Everything will work out as it should one way or another.*
*If you say so,* I replied dubiously.
"Jazz, Em, let us through. Bella's got this," Edward said, causing both Renesmee and me to turn back to what was happening before us.
"Edward, the risk -" Uncle Jasper began, concerned.
"Minimal. Listen, Jasper - on the hunt, she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time…" Edward began to explain, causing several things to happen at once.
Grandpa Carlisle sucked in a shocked breath.
Suddenly, Grandma Esme's face filled with concern mingled with compassion.
Uncle Jasper's eyes widened, but he nodded as if understanding what had happened.
Jacob's mouth screwed up in a disgusted grimace at the death of an innocent.
Leah's face just blanked, expecting nothing less from a new vampire.
Both mom and dad just shrugged, not at all concerned about this situation.
Aunt Alice again had narrowed eyes, her focus burning with such intensity on the shirt that Aunt Bella was wearing. Seems she was more worried about what Aunt Bella had done to the dress she was wearing before the hunt.
"Edward!" Grandpa chastised. "How could you be so irresponsible?"
"I know, Carlisle, I know," Edward began to explain. "I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safe zone before I set her loose."
"Edward," Bella mumbled, embarrassed. She would blush if she could. By the way, everyone was staring at her.
"Carlisle was absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella," Edward said with a grin. "I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone I've ever known doesn't change that."
A flicker of something akin to annoyance brushed against me. Edward's praise, while heartfelt, seemed to echo strangely in a room with Mom and Grandpa Carlisle, who had never touched human blood, their control absolute for centuries. Was Bella's new strength truly unprecedented, or did Edward's intense focus on her sometimes overshadow the quiet power already present in his family? It was just a fleeting thought, colored perhaps by my own anxieties.
"Very tasteful joke, Edward," Alice said, as she rolled her eyes.
"I wasn't making a joke. I was just explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. It truly isn't my fault that everyone jumped to this conclusion," Edward said, still grinning.
"Wait," Jasper gasped, shocked. "She didn't hunt the humans?"
"She started to," Edward said with a nod, clearly enjoying himself. "She was entirely focused on the hunt."
"What happened?" Carlisle interjected. His eyes were bright and full of curiosity. He reminds me of a researcher or a scientist who would seek details for the thrill of new information.
Edward leaned forward toward Carlisle, looking animated and very excited. "She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped out of it. I've never seen anything like it before. She immediately realized what was happening, and then… she held her breath and just ran away."
"Whoa," Dad murmured. "Like, seriously?"
"He isn't telling you everything," Bella muttered, clearly very embarrassed. "He left out the part where I almost attacked him. And before any of you ask, no, I did not attack him, just growled."
"You really didn't attack him?" Dad asked, almost disappointingly.
"Emmett!" Bella protested, annoyed.
"Aw, what a waste," Dad groaned, causing Leah and Mom to snort at the goof I have as a father.
However, Renesmee had reached the end of her patience. Her expression got more and more irritated at the situation as a whole. As such, she let out a high, ringing wail.
Everyone reacted at once. Mom moved closer towards Aunt Alice and Renesmee, sensing my need to get closer to my sister while Jacob quickly tried to soothe Renesmee, who was struggling within Alice's arms, leaving Bella frozen in shock, her eyes still on Renesmee's.
"What's the matter? Is she hurt? What happened?" Jacob asked, his voice raised with anxiety.
"No, she's fine," Alice told the near-hysteric wolf who had reached for Renesmee, and Alice surrendered her to him without a fight. "She just wants Bella. See?"
"She wants me?" Bella whispered.
Edward darted toward her side, his hands lightly on her arms as she urged her forward.
"She's been waiting for you for almost three days," Edward told her gently.
"Jake, I'm fine," Bella told the trembling wolf as she approached Renesmee.
Jacob frowned, his eyes tight in panic at the thought of Renesmee in the arms of a newborn vampire.
Renesmee, however, whimpered and stretched out, her hands grasping the air, showing Bella that she wanted to be picked up and held by her.
Jacob let his long arms stretch out so that Bella could finally cradle Renesmee in her arms, but he did not let her go quite fully.
But Renesmee did not care. Her mama was finally holding her. She looked up and smiled at her, showing her square little teeth and dimples. Then, very deliberately, Renesmee reached out for Bella's face. Finally prepared to use her gift on her mama. Everyone held their breath at this, while Edward's hand tightened, anticipating Bella's reaction toward his daughter's gift and memory.
"What…was…that?" Bella gasped, stunned by the strange yet strong memory that Renesmee had just shown her mama.
"What did you see?" Alice asked in curiosity, leaning around Jacob, who was very much in the way at the very moment. "What did she show you?"
"She showed me that?" Bella murmured, shocked.
"I told you that it was hard to explain," Edward whispered into Bella's ear. "But a very effective means of communication."
"What was it? What did she show you?" Jacob asked.
"Um. Me. I think. But I looked horrifying." Bella said, shocked.
"It was the last memory she had of you," Edward murmured. "She is letting you know that she's made the connection. That she knows who you are."
"But how did she do that?" Bella asked, bewildered.
"How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future?" Edward asked rhetorically. "She's gifted… Renesmee's gift is the exact opposite of what I can do."
But Bella did not care about that. No, she was more interested in her daughter, nestled in her arms. Renesmee reached up to pull on a lock of Bella's hair. Her fingers twisted in it the same way I had done to my mom once before.
~~~~~~~
It didn't take long after that for them to flip the proverbial switch. I knew it was coming, but I could not stop my sense of foreboding. I was truly worried about Jacob.
"She is fine," Alice murmured to Jasper and Jacob. But that did not appease Jacob one bit.
Jacob's voice was high-pitched with stress as he asked, "Haven't we experimented enough for one day? Okay, I agree Bella's doing great…but let's not push it."
I held my breath when Bella glared at Jacob with real irritation.
"What is your problem, Jacob?" Bella demanded with a hiss as she tugged lightly against the hold Jacob had on Renesmee. He didn't relinquish the hold; he just stepped closer to Bella. Jacob moved closer to Bella, with Renesmee touching both their chests.
Edward now joined in with his irritation when he, too, hissed out. "Just because I understand doesn't mean I won't throw you out, Jacob. Bella's doing extraordinarily well. Don't ruin this moment for her."
I was wondering when Bella would notice or even wonder why Mom, Dad, and Leah were not involved with this group huddle. But it would seem that Bella was more into trying to understand Jacob's anxious, half-angry expression. His gaze remained fixed on Renesmee's face. Staring at her like…like he was a blind man, seeing the sun for the very first time.
Bella's expression and emotions slowly morphed from a furrowed brow of bemusement and irritation to horror and accusation.
It was fascinating to observe the shift, like watching a predator finally recognize its prey. This intense emotion felt foreign compared to the gentle warmth I felt from Mom and Leah.
"No!" Bella hissed out, sounding truly like a feral vampire.
A small whimper escaped Renesmee as Bella's sudden fury washed over the room, her little body tensing in Alice's arms.
Uncle Jasper, body was as tight as a loaded spring ready for the upcoming newborn vampire meltdown. Edward had his arms wrapped around Bella's chest like a constricting boa snake. Jacob has Renesmee out of Bella's arms in the same second Edward moved.
"Rose," Bella said through gritted teeth. Her eyes finally found their way toward Mom's. However, Mom kept her face perfectly blank as she raised one perfectly sculptured eyebrow. "Take Renesmee."
If Bella noticed that Alice had been the one to grab Renesmee, she didn't mention it. To focus on her anger at Jacob and the imprint.
"Edward, I don't want to hurt you, so please let me go."
He hesitated, knowing that it could be a huge mistake.
"Go stand in front of Renesmee," Bella suggested.
While Edward deliberated, Dad had moved back and in front of Mom and me. Edward soon did the same as he let go of Bella and stood in front of Alice and Renesmee.
"You didn't," Bella snarled at Jacob.
Jacob slowly backed away from the enraged vampire, his palms up, trying to reason with Bella. "You know, it's not something I can control."
"You stupid mutt! How could you? My baby!" She hissed as she stalked towards him.
Jacob backed out of the front door, half running backward down the stairs and away from the hunter in front of him. "It wasn't my idea, Bella!"
"I've only held her once, and you already think you have some idiotic wolfish claim over her? She is mine."
Dad, Leah, Uncle Jasper, Grandpa Carlisle, and Grandma Esme all followed Edward and Bella out onto the front lawn, while Mom stayed with me instead. Alice and Renesmee stood right next to us.
"Well, that could have gone better." Alice mused as Mom shot her an incredulous look before she sighed.
"And it could have gone worse." Mom countered with a smirk, causing Aunt Alice to roll her eyes toward Mom.
Mom held me a little tighter against her. "Let's get you two some lunch," she murmured, turning towards the kitchen. Alice followed close behind.
Once inside, Alice lowered her voice. "Rosalie…she didn't even seem to notice Phoebe. Didn't smell her, didn't look?"
Mom sighed softly, glancing down at me. "You saw how focused she was on Renesmee, Alice. It was overwhelming for her. Newborns… their focus narrows so intensely. Renesmee was everything in that moment."
"You won't be able to keep her hidden for long, you know," Aunt Alice stated.
"I know," Mom sighed as she held me a little tighter against her. "I will tell her everything once she has had her fun with Jacob."
"Aren't you afraid that she would hurt him?" Aunt Alice asked worriedly.
"No, Leah and Seth will step in if she crosses the line." Mom soothed Aunt Alice and Renesmee both. "Bella just needs to let out some steam, just like I did when Leah imprinted on Phoebe. It's a mother's protective instincts that kicked in."
"If you're sure, Rosalie," Aunt Alice murmured.
"I am sure," Mom said with a shrug as she readied my lunch, with Aunt Alice close behind.