Sea of Storms 4

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Sea

of

Storms

May 2010PJH



Chapter 1

Nessie sat looking out the window at the sea below. The waves crashed along the cliffs and the sky

above rolled with black clouds that shimmered with lightning. Thunder bounced off the windows

every few minutes with an angry roar. Her mind was as restless as the scene before her. She tried tocalm herself down by thinking about what had happened to her and Jake in the fourteen years they had

been married. It had been a good fourteen years for the most part.

She remembered their honeymoon first. They had gone to the Swiss Alps, Esme and Carlisle had

purchased a chalet for them as a wedding gift. They had spent a month there skiing, sledding, walking

the slopes and at night creating diversions of their own. The chalet had been built on the side of the

mountain and like all their homes had windows all the way down the back. Set right in the middle of

the living room glass wall was a large stone fireplace. You could watch the snow fall and the flames

gently crackle at the same time, fire and ice. Their room was located just above the living room and the

glass not only ran up the wall but continued on up the ceiling. When they lay in bed they could watch

the stars and the moon, and see the forest below. It was magical and so peaceful just to lay in each

others arms and watch the world pass by.

They had been there a couple of weeks when one night Nessie was awakened by the sound of wolves

howling somewhere not too far from the chalet. She had lain quietly and listened to the sound that

reminded her so much of Jake's pack back home. At first she didn't notice that Jake was awake as well.

It wasn't until she noticed that his breathing had become heavier and more ragged. She started to turn

to him but he grabbed her from behind in an embrace she had never felt before. His voice when he

spoke was rougher, more wolf like. “Nessie, I love you.” Without any more thought or words he

started making love to her. This was not the gentle lovemaking she was used to but a more primal,

more animal lovemaking. Jake seemed to be letting his senses take over and he was wilder, freer, a

majestic wolf instead of a mere man making love to her. The whole time he was growling in her ear,

“Nessie”. She had never felt this side of him before, he took no care but loved her as if she were

every bit the animal he was. It both startled and inflamed her. Since she had no need to be gentle she

matched his loving with the same abandon. They were mated in more ways than one. Afterward they

lay entangled in each others arms their bodies glistening with sweat, their breathing still ragged. “Well

that was different”, I managed to say a little out of breath. Jake just chuckled a little ashamedly.

“Sorry, I heard the wolves and I guess I got a little carried away. Are you okay?” I had never been



more okay, this was something new, a whole other side of Jake, I had a glimpse into his his wolf side

and found it fascinating.

While they were there they had started discussing what they were going to do when they got back

home. They couldn't stay in the cottage, it was really too small for Jake and they didn't have any placeto stay in La Push, Billy's was as small as the cottage. Jake really didn't act too concerned, he told me

that we would work it out when we got back. I let it go for the moment, I had some other things I

wanted to talk with him about. Since my brush with death at the hands of Nahuel I had started thinking

about our families genetic makeup. It intrigued me to think of all the differences we had in our families

and I wanted to study them more closely, especially if we wanted to have children We decided I would

attend a good school in the fall and work at getting a degree in genetics. I would have to research when

we got home and find the best school to attend. Of course, Jake would go with me and he would be

able to take classes if he wanted. I wasn't sure how mom and dad would take us leaving or if they

would want to go back to school themselves just to keep us company.

We talked about having children, Jake really wanted a family and I knew it would happen someday.

We were not taking precautions I had already seen that we would have children and I knew it would

happen when it was time. I talked to him about their names, William Masen and Carlie Marie, he liked

both of them so we had that part settled anyway. I wondered what they would be like, I had seen the

golden eyes on Masen, I had chosen that name because it had been my dad's surname before he was

changed and I liked it, which made me wonder if he would be part vampire. Carlie's eyes were emerald

green, again dad's eyes before his change, did that mean she would be human or part werewolf? It was

all a mystery at that point.



Chapter 2

When we returned home we were greeted by both our families and friends. It was a joyful gathering at

the house that night Everyone talked about what we had missed while we were away and wanted to

know about our trip. Billy and Sue were the first to leave and soon all the others from La Pushfollowed. It was just our family now and it was kind of nice not having to smile and keep up a

conversation. When it was time to retire for the evening I assumed we would return to the cottage for

the night. I was surprised when Jake asked me if I wanted take a ride with him on the motorcycle. Dad

had never gotten around to giving the motorcycle to Jasper and when he saw that we loved to ride on it

he had given it to us as a wedding gift. It had been a long day and I was tired but I loved riding with

Jake so I eagerly agreed. I loved riding behind Jake, feeling the wind in my hair, his strong back

against my cheek. As before when I had ridden behind Jake just before our wedding the rhythm of the

bike sent little shivers of pleasure coursing through my body, this time I did not have to deny the

feeling that it brought. The ride was short, just a few miles down the road from the house. Jake turned

into a drive and we traveled for a few minutes before we came to a large house set against the cliffs.

Jake shut off the engine and turned to face me, “Welcome home!”, he said with a wide grin. I stared at

him in wonder, home, when, where had this come from? He laughed at my expression and simply said,

“We had to have someplace to sleep and I didn't relish trying not to hit my head in the cottage.” He

took my hand and led me to the front door, without speaking he picked me up in his arms and swung

open the front door. He reached for a light switch and the room suddenly blazed into life around us.

The room was large, not quite as large as my family's home but still spacious enough to have the entire

pack over for a party and still have room. The room was done in earthy tones with dark wood floors,

dark wood beams stretched across the ceiling and in the center of the room was a round fireplace so it

could be seen no matter where you sat. Someone had built a fire and it crackled blue and green with

the driftwood found by the seashore. The far wall, which faced the ocean, was done in glass and there

were large glass doors that opened out onto a large patio that ran right up to the cliff edge. Over the

patio more dark wood beams created a frame. From the beams hung wind chimes of all sizes that

swayed with the breeze creating a musical symphony that was neither too loud or too harsh. It fit with

the scenery. Also on the main floor was the kitchen with a breakfast nook, a formal dining room and

the garage, as well as a guest bathroom. Next to the front door was a wide staircase that took us to the

second floor. On this floor there were three bedrooms, each bedroom had it's own bathroom attached.

Jake led me to the door in the middle which had french doors that opened into our master bedroom. It

was huge. The room was again done in earth tones with rustic furnishings. The bed was massive and



the frame was made from trees that had been stripped of bark and smoothed down but still had the look

and feel of the tree itself. The rest of the furniture matched with chairs and a small table set by the back

wall, which was again, glass. On each side of the glass hung curtains done in an Indian pattern. You

could see Jake must have had a hand in choosing the decor for this room. It seemed very outdoorsy to

me but I liked it. In the bathroom was a sunken tub almost the size of a small pool and a massiveshower. I wondered if Jake planned on taking many baths as a wolf. The closet had to have been all

Alice's idea, it was monstrous and I could see she had already stocked it with God only knew what, but

she knew my tastes so I was sure it was fine. As I turned around from examining the closet Jake was

standing right behind me. The look in his eyes was one of love and the slow burn of excitement.

“Welcome home, honey. Do you like it?” “Jake, I love it.”, was all I could say before he picked me up

and carried me over to the bed. He laid me gently on the bed and then lay down beside me. “When did

you do all this?” I asked. “I knew we were going to need someplace to stay after we were married so I

started on this as soon as you said you would marry me. All the guys helped, Sam, the packs, Charlie

and Billy, Edward, Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper. When they were done, while we were on our

honeymoon Esme, Rosalie, Alice, Sue and Bella came over and finished up the decorating. Is this

room okay, I mean it kind of woodsy I guess?” “It's fine”, I murmured into his shoulder. He pulled my

face up to his and we kissed. each kiss just a little more demanding until everything else was forgotten.

My heart was beating so fast it felt that it could take wings at any moment. There was no time, no

place that was ever going to take this love away from us. As our lovemaking slowed a while later I

turned to look out the window at the ocean rushing to shore beside us. It beat it's waves against the

shore and it reminded me of the roar of our hearts as we made love. Beating against our chests as if

they would come crashing out of our bodies, our love was that strong. Jake nestled against my hair and

I lay in his arms for a long time letting my happiness fill me.

The next morning Jake took me to the third floor. On this floor was a large room that stretched the

entire length of the house. There was a sitting room and a large studio set up for me where I could

paint to my hearts content. It was done in soft off white and right now the only picture that hung on the

walls was my picture of our children. Someone had discovered the picture when they brought my

clothes from the cottage. It felt right there and I knew that someday that picture would prove true. In

another part of the room a baby grand piano sat, I had to wonder how they had gotten it up here.

Knowing dad and my uncles they had probably carried it up the outer wall before the glass was

installed. The piano was to take the place of the little keyboard I had at the cottage. I walked over and

ran my fingers over the keys. Sitting down quietly I played Jake's song. The room held the melody as



I finished the last note. Jake had moved to stand behind me and he softly reached down to caress my

cheek. I looked up to see a soft smile on his lips. We were home.

We walked outside so I could see the outside of the house in the morning light. It was done up in a

modern design with dark wood panels and beams. The garage was big enough to hold several vehicles.Jake told me that he had purchased the land several years ago because it was close to our family home.

He had taken advantage of Alice's inside trading secrets and had invested wisely for the past several

years. I found out that we were independently well off so there was no problem with school tuition, or

anything else we might need. We were free to do whatever we wanted.

I fixed breakfast for Jake in our new kitchen and even ate with him. I could eat human food but I did

much prefer blood over anything else. I had learned to hunt like my parents, with Jake's help, I really

did not like animal blood as much as the blood I was given as a baby. At that time I was given blood

that Carlisle purchased at a blood bank. I had learned to tolerate animal blood because I loved my

humans, like Grandpa Charlie, and I would never do anything to hurt them. After breakfast we rode the

bike back to the house. I wanted to talk with mom and dad about going to school.



Chapter 3

In the fall I started school at Dartmouth. With the help of J., our lawyer for all things illegal, I was able

to obtain transcripts from several prestigious colleges showing that I had completed the required

courses to study genetics. I had majors in Biology and Biochemistry. I had all the degrees to prove itand if anyone went looking they would find my records in every institution named. I studied during the

summer to make sure that I was ready to start my courses. I studied anything related to genetics I

could get my hands on. By the time school started I was ahead of all my classmates and I stayed that

way graduating at the top of my class.

College was fun. Mom and dad were attending Dartmouth as well. We all stayed at the house dad had

purchased when he and mom were going to attend, before mom became a vampire. The house was

close to the school. It was two story brick home that sat in a secluded area of town that bordered the

forest. This made it easier for us when we needed to go hunting. The house itself was quite large.

There were five bedrooms on the second floor, in case of company. Downstairs was a large living

room, a formal dining room, the kitchen, a pantry, fully stocked for Jake, and a mud room. There was a

large patio on the back and a detached garage large enough to hold four cars. We each had our own

vehicle. Dad had his Aston Martin, Jake had a new Ferrari, I was driving my Porsche, and mom was

driving dad's Volvo. She was not into speed like the rest of us but the Volvo had sentimental value for

her and she liked driving it. Mom and dad's classes were in the evening while Jake and I attended day

classes. Jake was studying ancient history, mom was trying her hand at medicine, and dad was

studying genetics with me. It was fun being with mom and dad. Everyone assumed we were all

friends or close acquaintances since we all lived together. It was fun to watch people's faces when we

went out together. Of course everyone did a double take when they saw mom and dad. I mean they

looked like movie stars or super models. But it was kind of sad to see that after the first initial glance

everyone kept their distance. Jake was regarded more solemnly, they took in his gigantic size and

figured he must be a professional wrestler or a body builder. He had a way of making everyone like

him once he started talking but everyone could also see that he was very serious about watching over

me as well. It was kind of fun to watch when some guy would wander my way. In some ways I was

every bit as beautiful as my parents, with my long bronze curls and my ready smile more than one

young lad fell to my charms. They would, without even thinking, come closer and lean in to speak

with me with an unconscious effort to make my acquaintance only to be surprised and a little terrified

as Jake came to my side, ever the protector. His size was frightening and the low rumble in his chest



always sent them running. Our lives were hectic as we kept up our classes and tried to fit in. After a

very quick two years it was time to graduate. I had a degree in Genetics and Biological Sciences now.





promising intern he has had here, besides me of course.” His smile was a little impish. “Thank you”,

was all I could say as I looked into his impossibly blue eyes. We sat for a few minutes talking about

the various projects we were working on. I asked him about his study in Hungary. He said he had been

over study mutant genes, something that interested him greatly. I caught a tremor of excitement in his

voice when he spoke of this study. It must have meant a lot to him. “I ran across some interestingfindings while I was researching old documents at an old Catholic church there. Actually I saw a scar

similar to the one on your collarbone drawn on one of the pages in an old book. It said something

about the scar being found on the body of a young boy who had died under peculiar circumstances

which were never explained. Do you mind me asking how you got your scar?” He spoke with a touch

of barely concealed excitement in his voice. “I don't remember, it was a long time ago.” I lied. I could

see he didn't believe me but he said nothing. I wondered what he would have thought about my

family's mutant genes and then something warned me that I might not want to find out. He would

probably have a field day studying us but at what cost to me and my family. No it would not be good

for him to wonder about us.

Stephen was enjoyable to be around and it became a habit for us to get together once or twice during

the week to have dinner and discuss our various projects. He was witty and had a subtle sense of

humor that I found I quite liked. He was always courteous and very attentive. He talked about his

family, he had a brother and a sister. His mother and father had died when he was a teenager in an

automobile accident so he was responsible for taking care of his siblings. He seemed to regard this

duty very seriously. Right now his brother was in the air force and was overseas. His sister was

attending UCLA. She was studying to be a teacher and was in the midst of her first serious

relationship. This seemed to bother Stephen but he was sure everything would work out okay. He

showed me pictures that he carried in his wallet like a proud parent. His voice when he spoke of them

was warm with endearment.

Stephen knew about Jake and he was very careful not to overstep our carefully laid boundaries of

friendship but I could tell that he would like to. I would notice him out of the corner of my eye

watching me with a wistful expression when he didn't think I would notice. Sometimes when we sat

together at dinner he would reach his hand out tentatively and capture mine for just a moment before

letting go. I always made it clear where my devotion lay but I have to admit his attention was

flattering. His eyes, when he would talk about something that really interested him, would smolder

with intensity. His smile was always warm and genuine when he looked at me, perhaps a little too



warm.

Jake was not so understanding of our relationship. He was furious the first time he met Stephen and

saw the wistful looks. “How dare he”, he fumed, “if I catch him so much as twitching in your direction

I am going to rip his head off.” I kissed him quickly, “You do not have to be jealous sweetheart youknow I like my men BIG.” He looked down at me and smiled but the smile did not quite go to his

eyes. He was a very jealous man and determined. I found it best to keep Jake away from my office

and Stephen. Jacob always knew how to find me and after meeting Stephen he started making it a habit

to call when he knew we were having dinner. He even started spending more time with me in the city,

silly jealous mutt, but I loved having him near.



Chapter 5

One morning, after I had spent an entire night at the office doing some family research as I liked to call

it, I was awakened by the sound of breathing right behind my chair. I looked up swiftly and found

Stephen standing behind me his eyes intent on something that was on my desk. I had my notes and thegenetic reports laying in plain sight. How stupid could I get, what had he seen? As quickly as I could

I gathered up all my papers and transferred them to my briefcase. It was not fast enough, Stephen had

seen what I had tried so hard to conceal. He looked at me for a long moment and then acted as if he

had not seen the unusual genetic reports and my frantic effort to hide it. What was he thinking? What

did he make of the strange information he had seen? What was I going to do about the fact he now

knew something about me and my family no human should ever know? I couldn't speak for fear that I

would betray something in my voice. Stephen spoke up as if nothing was wrong. “Good morning

Nessie, burning the midnight oil I see.” His voice was steady and I did not detect any signs that

anything was any different than any other day. I breathed a sigh of relief but I knew I was going to

have to explain to him sometime, this was something that was his passion and I did not for a moment

think he was going to let it go.

I few days passed and Stephen invited me out to dinner. We went to a French restaurant that he liked.

When we arrived he asked if we could sit outside stating it was a nice evening and he wanted to enjoy

the weather. I knew the moment I had been dreading had arrived. Stephen was cordial as ever but I

could feel an underlying current of unease coursing through him. I waited silently for him to speak.

He seemed to contemplate very slowly before he spoke. “Nessie, I saw the papers on your desk the

other day and I must admit I'm curious. Those reports seemed to be about you and your family. I can't

see how they could be but they are aren't they?” What did I tell him, would his finding out about me,

about my family put him in any danger and what about the danger to my family? I didn't know and I

really hated to do something that could possibly harm him or someone I loved but I didn't want to lie to

him either. I wanted so desperately to talk with someone that could understand the strange workings

that made us the unique creatures we were. I sat very still for a moment and then spoke trying to keep

the tremor out of my voice. “They are my and my family's genetic reports.” He looked at me in

wonder for a minute and then with a heavy sigh he said, “How, I mean those results are something I

have never discovered before. I will be the first to admit that I think you are more than human, more

like so Greek goddess sent here to torment mortal man such as myself but those reports, they were

about 24 and 25 chromosomal pairs. There is nothing human about them. What are you really?” How



could I tell him, it would be too much for a mortal man to bear? He would either think me crazy or he

would flee from me in terror because we were something different, but he had seen the facts before him

and with his analytical mind who knew what he would think. I decided I would tell him about Jake

first, it was more plausible then me telling him about vampires. Ancient culture was steeped in many

myths. “The report you saw on the 24 chromosomal pairs, that report was on my husband, Jake. Jake belongs to the Quileute tribe and their ancestors were what you would call shape shifters. They take on

the form of wolves when needed. Jake has that trait now. I know you have seen how large he is, it is

because of this trait. He is not some Hollywood werewolf but he does have the ability to become a

wolf in time of danger.” I looked over to see how Stephen was taking this. He sat looking at me hardly

moving but the interest in his face was so intent he nearly beamed with it. “Fascinating”, was all he

could say. “Is he dangerous?” he asked suddenly. I had to laugh at that, “Only if you get on his bad

side. No, Jake is really harmless.” “Do you think I might see this transformation?” he asked. “That I

don't know about, you see we try very hard to keep this to ourselves. It is a very private thing for his

tribe and never spoken of in public.” “Mm”, he said, “and the other report?” “I think you have enough

to think about without us going into that one tonight.” I tried to laugh but it came out a little strained.

“Do you think I might look at your research on Jake?” he asked. “If you like but please for my sake,

for my family's don't let other see the information. It could literally destroy us all if others found out.”

He shook his head to let me know that he would keep our secret, “But someday I hope you trust me

enough to let me see the other report as well. I can keep secrets, yours is always safe with me.” I

smiled and then we turned to safer topics, more human topics.

The next day Stephen made copies of my research notes regarding Jake and he never mentioned it

again.



Chapter 6

I studied with Dr. Meyers for two years and then something wonderful happened. After four years of

waiting I was finally pregnant. I had come home for the weekend and it was a Saturday. Jake was

downstairs going through the refrigerator looking for a snack. I had missed my period and I took thistime to do a home pregnancy test. After waiting impatiently for the test to work it's magic it finally

confirmed what I had been hoping, I was pregnant. How was I going to tell Jake? I had dreamed of

this moment for so long and now that it was here I didn't know how I was going to tell him. He would

be ecstatic, more than ecstatic he would be ready to take the house down with joy. I would have to be

careful, something this big might just set the big guy off and I didn't need a big wolf breaking up the

furniture. I decided I would wait a little while and then tell him while we were outside, maybe this

evening. I made a special dinner for us that evening and after eating and cleaning up we walked

outside to look at the ocean. The waves were gentle this evening lapping the cliffs with a gentle

rumble. Jake had his arm around my shoulder and was playing with my curls. I had let my hair grow

out and it hung down to my waist. Jake loved to run his fingers through my hair and I have to admit it

felt very nice. We were talking softly about the day and about me going back to the city. I turned

around to face him and shyly took his hand. He looked at me gently wondering about my shyness all

of a sudden. “Jake, I have something to tell you.”, I said, “You know the spare rooms, how would you

feel about redecorating them?” “I don't know, okay I guess, why?” he asked. “Well, I think we are

going to need to decorate them for nurseries soon.” You should have seen his face, his jaw dropped so

far I thought it was going to hit the floor. The next minute he had in his arms, holding me so gently

you would of thought I was made of china. “Are you sure?” he asked, “When?” “I just did the test this

morning and it was positive but before we get too carried away I will have Carlisle check me out and

let us know for sure, but I really think this is it.” He just stood there for a few minutes not saying a

word. Finally, I had to ask him what he was thinking. He kissed me gently and said, “I was just

thinking about how our life will be complete. I love you with all my heart and I wanted so much for us

to have something permanent, concrete to seal that love. Now it is within our grasp and it is hard to

think of it as real. “How are you feeling?” “I'm fine, really, truly fine. It is time for our magic, your

magic, to come about. They will be beautiful, wonderful children.” He carried me up to bed and laid

me gently down as if he was carrying the most precious thing in the world and right now I felt like I

was carrying just that. We lay late into the night talking and planning for our future.

The next day we went to see Carlisle. Carlisle and Esme had just returned from an extended visit to the



Denali clan. They had been visiting Jasper and Alice. Jasper was still teaching school up there but

would soon have to move to another location. He was not getting any older and neither was Alice,

people were starting to notice. They were thinking about moving to Switzerland for a while and we

had told them they could use the chalet if they wished. Rosalie and Emmett were in Norway on

holiday. Mom and dad had just returned from an extended vacation as well, dad had bought mom her own island after they had enjoyed Esme's so much. This had been their first trip there and they had

enjoyed it very much. I would dare say the bedposts fared a little better this time than they did on their

honeymoon. At that time mom had been human and dad had a hard time trying not to break the

furniture in his attempt not to break mom.

As we walked in the door mom was talking with Esme. She saw us enter and came up to give me a

hug. I asked where Carlisle was and she raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything other than he was in

his office. I walked upstairs with Jake in tow and knocked on the door. “Come in Nessie, Jake, how

are you doing this morning?” I walked over to the desk and told Carlisle as quietly as I could that I

thought I was pregnant and wanted him to examine me to make sure. I heard a gasp downstairs and

knew that mom and Esme now knew as well. Carlisle chuckled, “Can't keep a secret from a vampire

you know. Let me get the room ready and I will have you come back up in a few minutes. Might as

well go down and face the music.”

I walked down the stairs right into mom's arms. Esme was right behind her waiting her turn. “When

did you find out?” mom said. I told her I had taken the test yesterday and the results. She beamed at

me and at Jake. “Oh my, I'm going to be a grandma and Esme you are going to be a great grandmother,

imagine.” she said. Esme looked at me with so much love in her eyes that if she could have cried I

know there would have been tears in her eyes. “A great grandmother, I never imagined anything so

wonderful in my life. That means Carlisle will be a great grandfather, I am sure he will love that.”

Mom said, “Wait till your dad hears this, he will be fit to be tied. He should be back any time now, he

went to hunt a few hours ago. I can't wait to see his face.” Just then dad burst in the door, his face

beamed. He had caught our talk in Esme's head as he was coming home. “Congratulations Nessie,

Jake, it's about time.” he said. He stopped for a moment and then said in wonder, “I'm going to be a

grandfather, wow.” I saw mom look down for a moment and I went to put my arm around her.

Grandpa Charlie had passed away a year ago. It was very hard for mom, I remember her telling me

how proud he had been when he first found out he was a grandfather. She was not able to talk with



Renee about me for something like this because Renee still thought of me as a child, a child she had

never seen because of my peculiarities. I hugged mom and gave her a kiss on the cheek, she smiled at

me a little blearily and then hugged me back. Carlisle called for me to come back upstairs. I left Jake

standing with dad and Esme. Mom accompanied me back into the office.

Carlisle examined me and drew some blood. He asked me questions about when I had my last period,

how I was feeling, just the routine questions. He had me get dressed and then asked Jake to come in

for a talk. “I won't know for sure till I get the blood test back but it looks to me like you are about two

months pregnant. Are you experiencing any strange symptoms, no unusual appetites, nothing

abnormal?” I told him I felt fine and I did. He was looking me over very carefully now. I realized that

mine was a strange situation, my children would be one third human, one third vampire, and one third

werewolf. There had never been such a child before, and they thought I had been unique. Carlisle

continued to look at me for a few more minutes and then he said, “Nessie, I would like for you to come

back to Forks and stay. We have never experienced your type of pregnancy before and I want you

where I can be with you to monitor everything in case something goes wrong. Do you mind?” “No,

you're right, we have to be careful. I can continue my studies here at home and I have work to do

setting up the nurseries.” I tried to sound cheerful but I understood his concerns probably better than

anyone since I knew how screwed up my poor babies genes were. We determined that the babies

would be born in late August, if everything went okay, and I didn't do anything freaky, like say speed

my way through the pregnancy. Everything so far seemed to be normal, at least I didn't feel any nudges

or anything close.

We were downstairs talking a little while later when the door burst open and in walked Alice and

Jasper. Alice was beside herself with joy, “You could have called you know, I have every right to know

that I am going to be a great aunt. Oh, I can't wait, when can we go shopping, we have to get them

some new outfits and then there's the nurseries to set up as well.” You just couldn't stop Alice when she

got going. I would have to set a few limits on what she did in the nurseries though, I already had some

ideas of my own. She told us that her and Jasper had taken an extended leave from the school, they

were going to leave anyway so there was no problem. I decided we needed to call Rosalie and Emmett

so they could hear the good news too. Rosalie had taken care of me and mom before I was even born.

Without her I might not have been here now, dad was none too thrilled when mom became pregnant

with me on their honeymoon. It wasn't my fault. I gave her a call and when she heard the news they

said they would be home immediately. As Jake once said, “Rosalie is all about the babies.” My family



was going to be together again. There was one thing I was worried about, “Dad, do you think the

Volturi will have anything to say about this, if they find out, you know? They were none too happy

when I was born, what do you think they would have to say about my babies?” “I don't think you have

anything to worry about sweetheart, this is none of their concern and I don't think there is anyone who

would tell them anyway. All our friends are good at keeping secrets.”, and he left it at that.

The day started to wind down but before we went home Jake wanted to go to La Push and see Billy. I

noticed Jake seemed a little sad as we were driving over to his dad's house so I asked him what was the

matter. “Nothing much, it just seems funny not to be able to tell everyone the good news at once, you

know like I used to do. Right now I want to shout my joy to everyone and there's no one left to hear.”

Jake's brothers, his pack, had stopped being werewolves. They had their own lives now and had

stopped phasing long enough that their lives had returned to normal. Jake, in order to stay with me,

continued to phase on a regular basis. He knew if he stopped he would start to age and I never would.

He missed the pack, the closeness that bound them but he was happy for them. Emily and Sam now

had two children of their own and a third on the way. Quil only had a few more years to wait for Claire

and he quit so he would be ready for her. Seth was in college now studying to be an engineer, he

wanted to build things. Leah, after she met Matt, a year before Jake and I was married, found that after

she quit phasing she returned to normal and they had a daughter now. Sue was very happy with her

children and was really enjoying being a grandmother. She moved back to the reservation after Charlie

died and was now seeing Billy on a regular basis. The others Embry, Jared, Paul, all the others had

their own lives now. The pack was no more because they trusted the Cullen's but if they were ever

needed again they would be there.

Billy was sitting in the kitchen with Sue when we drove up. He wheeled himself out to the porch and

sat watching us as we strolled hand in hand to meet him. “How you guys doing?” he asked. He could

tell from Jake's face that something was going on. “Um, hi dad,” Jake said a little too loudly, “We're

fine how are you doin?” “Never better son, what brings you up this way?” “Well dad we've got some

news for you.” Then Jake broke out in a big grin, “You're going to be a grandpa, what do you think

about that?” “Well it's about time,” was all Billy said. Sue had come out to stand by Billy and when

she heard the news she actually came down and gave Jake and I both hugs. “Congratulations”, she

said, “I am so happy for the both of you.” Jake muttered, “Sure didn't see that coming.” after Sue went

back to stand by Billy. We stayed for a little while talking about the babies. It was finally time to go

home. I was kind of tired what with all the excitement we had around us today and tomorrow would be



just as bad. I had a lot of things to work out before I stayed home for good.



Chapter 7

Monday I woke up to a storm brewing outside my window. The waves were hitting the cliffs so loud it

sounded like boulders crashing against each other. The sky was a bruised purple and black. Lightning

flashed every few minutes and the thunder was so loud it drowned out all other sound. This was notthe way to start the week. To top it all off I had a splitting headache. I was not used to feeling sick. I

had never been sick other than when I was on the island with Nahuel and he had tried to kill me by

biting my shoulder. I had not had any illness before or after that incident. I felt like my head was

going to explode and every sound seemed amplified so the thunder and the waves weren't just loud they

were felt like someone was shooting a cannon inside my head. I called for Jake and he came as soon as

he heard my voice. He took one look at me and was at my side in an instant. “What's wrong honey?”

he asked. I tried to tell him about my headache but it hurt so bad I just started crying and holding my

head. He was on the phone immediately calling Carlisle. After he hung up he came to sit on the bed

and held me cradled in his arms. The sound of his heart sounded like a bass drum inside my head but I

didn't want him to release me so I sat still and let the silent tears of agony run down my cheeks.

Carlisle was there in less than a minute accompanied by everyone else. Rosalie and Emmett had

gotten in sometime in the night so now all my family stood at my bedside, all eyes on me. “What's

wrong, Nessie?” Carlisle asked tenderly. I tried to explain to him about the pain in my head and this

just brought on a new batch of tears. Carlisle sent everyone from the room and examined my head.

“You are having a migraine Nessie, it is nothing to worry about. You are going to experience a lot of

changes now and this would seem to be one of them. I will give you some medicine for the pain. Just

lie here and try to get some sleep. I will be right downstairs if you need me.” He walked out of the

room and Jake came in as soon as he was gone. “Nessie are you okay?” he asked. I just shook my

head very slowly, “Carlisle says it's a migraine, nothing to worry about.” Carlisle returned with the

medicine and a glass of water. Jake held my head up so I could take the medicine and then he sat

beside me until I fell asleep.

When I woke up it was night outside. As soon as I opened my eyes Jake and Carlisle were at my side.

“How are you feeling?” Carlisle asked. “Um, better, much better actually. Do you think this is going

to be something that will happen all the time?” I was able to say without some enthusiasm. Carlisle

didn't know any more than I did but he hoped it was just a one time thing. I sat up and decided I was

hungry. It was the strangest thing, I hardly ever ate human food if I could avoid it but I had the



strangest craving. I wanted pickles and ice cream, and not just any ice cream it had to be strawberry.

Talk about being human, I had seen this on old movies but never thought I would be so crazy as to want

something, well that crazy. When Jake heard what I wanted he ran to the grocery store and bought all

the strawberry ice cream he could find and about twenty jars of pickles. They must have thought he

was mad when he went to pay for it. He rushed home as quickly as he could and before the hour wasup I was sitting downstairs with my family having a large bowl of ice cream with two pickles on the

side. I had a feeling this might not be the last of my cravings but I hoped that was the end of the

migraines. I never wanted to have another one of them.

Tuesday I called Dr. Meyers to let him know that I would not be returning to study with him. He was

sad to see me leave. He informed me that when I was ready he would be glad to have me work with

him again. I thanked him for all his help and hung up the phone. One thing down, now it was time to

get with Alice and go shopping. She pulled up with mom, Rosalie, and Esme in tow. It looked like it

was going to be girls party. We went to Seattle to look for baby items. I wanted antique baby beds so

we looked around in antique stores until I was lucky to find a store that had two matching beds done in

a light oak wood with matching dressers and changing tables. The beds were hand carved with an

intricate leaf patten. The bars also had leaves entwined up every bar. They were beautiful and would

fit just right in the rooms. I purchased these items and had them shipped to our house. They would

arrive in a weeks time. Next we went to another little baby boutique and I picked out mattresses and

sheets. Mom and Esme were having a blast looking for little girls clothes while Rosalie and Alice were

picking out little boy outfits. My babies were going to be the best dressed kids in the world at the rate

they were going I did not have any doubts that I was having twins.. I wanted Alice to design the

blankets and decorations for the nurseries. I did not want the very human blues and pinks that every

other new mother picked out. I wanted the rooms to match the forests and ocean that was our home. I

knew Alice, along with mom, Esme and Rosalie would make sure the rooms looked just right. I was

letting them have free reign, I didn't mind I knew they would make it special, it would be magic just

like my babies were.

I found I was getting hungry as we shopped so we stopped at a little cafe down by the shore where I

ordered a hot pastrami sandwich with pickles on the side. What was the deal with pickles, I wondered,

or food for that matter. I did not have an craving for blood at all right now. My throat, though a little

parched, seemed very quiet right now. For the first time in my life I actually drank milk, and found that

it was great. Talk about changes.



After eating Alice decided it was time to shop for me some new maternity clothes. We ended up at

another boutique and soon I was trying on outfits that while they didn't fit me now soon would. I got a

complete new wardrobe including nightclothes. Wait till Jake saw these clothes on me. I would have

to be as big as a barn to wear these and I guess maybe I would be.

Soon it was time to return home. It was a nice quiet ride, I put my head down and was asleep before

we hit the highway.

Jake was waiting for me at home and he unloaded the car carrying my new purchases up the stairs.

Mom, along with the rest left as soon as the car was unloaded. After a quick kiss goodbye they were

gone. I walked slowly into the house and sat at on the loveseat that faced the glass wall. “Rough day?”

asked Jake. “Um, it was long. I took a nap on the way home. Wait till you see all the stuff we got

today. The baby beds will be delivered next week. That will give Alice and Esme time to get the

rooms ready.” I was hungry again, this time Jake fixed me a steak, medium rare. This was all I

wanted, this and another helping of ice cream and pickles. Jake stared at me as if he couldn't figure

who I was and what I had done with his wife. He laughed when I let out a little belch after eating. “So

lady like, next you'll be scratching your belly and picking your teeth.” I just smiled at him. I needed a

bath so he went and drew a hot tub for me. As I was climbing in I asked in a silky voice, “Want to

wash my back?” That's all it took, the rest as they say is history.



Chapter 8

A few days later I received a letter from Stephen. He congratulated me on my impending motherhood

and told me he would miss me. He put in parting, Nessie if you ever need me please, please don't

hesitate to call. I am your friend and I can keep a secret. It was a gentle reminder that he was there if Ineeded him.

Time went on pretty much as usual. Carlisle weighed and measured me every week to make sure

everything was on schedule and that there were no nasty little surprises. I was perfectly normal. After

the first episode with migraine I never experienced another headache. In my third month I did start

having morning sickness but it wasn't too bad and it only lasted a short time. My cravings continued, I

never knew from one moment to the next what I might want. The pickles and ice cream became an

every day thing but I ranged in my other cravings from seafood bisque one minute to fried eggs the

next. I was eating everything but Carlisle said that was good, it meant that me and the babies were

healthy. He was glad to see that they did not seem to require blood like I had. I thought this a good

sign too. I no longer had any cravings for blood and my throat no longer had that dry parched feeling.

Alice and Esme got the rooms finished in short order. They enlarged the windows in each room so

there was plenty of light shining in. The floors were carpeted in a lush green carpet, the walls were a

pale yellow so that the rooms seemed to be bathed in sunshine. For decorations in Carlie's room there

were fairies that danced around trees and flowers. Butterflies floated in the air. An acoustics system

was installed and the sound of birds and flute music softly filled the air. At the touch of a button the

lullaby dad had crooned to me when I was a baby would take the place of the flutes. In Masen's room

the walls also held a forest but instead of fairies he had deer and rabbits, squirrels and other small

animals playing. On his floor lay a large stuffed wolf, not some scary monster wolf but one with a big

wolfy smile just like Jake's. The music was still the flute but the music was more primal. He also had

the lullaby just a button away.

I had two cradles placed in our room so that the babies would be right beside us for the first few

months. I did not want them to be very far away.



Chapter 9

It was the first of August now and I was as big as a house, or at least it felt that way. Even the clothes

we had picked out seemed to be getting smaller every day. I found it harder and harder to walk across

the floor, because I couldn't see the floor and hadn't been able to for months. Today I was sitting out onthe patio. For a change I was alone. It seemed that everyone thought I needed constant attention. It

wasn't necessary but I couldn't tell them no. Right now it was sort of shift change. Mom had just left

and Jake was sure to be here any moment. I just sat back and enjoyed the sun and the quiet. Not that

my family was noisy, they didn't feel the need to talk to me every moment but the constant watching

out of the corner of their eyes when I shifted the least little bit was disturbing. I started thinking then

about the babies. They would be probably be here in a few more weeks if everything stayed on

schedule. I had a few contractions earlier today so I knew it was getting closer. I started wondering

what it was going to be like when they got here. I was ready to be a mom but I wondered about them.

What were they going to be like? Would they be more like me or more like Jake, or a combination of

both of us? I worried a little bit about their mortality, would they be like Jake and I in that respect or

would they be more human? This was something I didn't talk about with Jake because I didn't want to

worry him but what if our children were like normal human children, what if they aged like normal

children? That meant that they would grow up and someday die. I didn't want to think of that, I knew

that was for the best but how would we ever be able to handle the heartache that would cause? Then I

wondered what if Jake would want to quit phasing so he could grow old with his children, how would I

ever be able to handle that? I could not imagine a life without Jake, nor did I want to think about a life

without my children.

As I was thinking another contraction hit me, this one was strong, it made me gasp and double over it

hurt so bad. I waited for the pain to go away and it settled in a minute. Whoa, that one hurt. I settled

back in the chair and closed my eyes. I started to doze and then the pain hit me again. This time I

started to stand up but I suddenly felt a warm gush down my legs. “Did my water just break?” I

gasped as the pain hit me again. I tried to be calm, wouldn't you know it, where was everybody when

you needed them. I walked over to the phone and quickly placed a call over to the house. Alice

answered the phone and knew immediately something was wrong. I told her that I was having

contractions and that my water had broke. That was all it took, within minutes everyone was there,

Emmett and dad were helping me to the car, Jasper was trying to keep me and everyone else calm.

They were going to take me to the family house where Carlisle was preparing to deliver my babies.



Where was Jake, he should have home by now? I was starting to worry, he was never late. What if

something happened to him today of all days. I asked dad to find him and he was off like a flash.

We were at the house in minutes. Emmett carried me up the stairs into Carlisle's office. He placed me

gently on the bed that had been prepared there for me. Mom stayed in the room while Carlisleexamined me. “I think we have someone anxious to meet their mom.” Carlisle said chuckling. It was a

little early but that is not unusual with twins so I didn't feel any panic. The only thing I was scared

about was Jake, where was he? As if on cue I heard his footsteps rushing up the stairs and he was in

the door in an instant. Mom and Jake would assist Carlisle with the delivery. It was too much of a

temptation for vampires to smell the fresh blood that would soon flow. They had been being extra

careful lately making sure that they fed every few days so they would be ready.

“Jake, where have you been, I was so worried?” I asked after an exceptionally hard contraction. “I'm

sorry sweetheart. I stopped at the store, we were out of ice cream so I wanted to get you some more.

There was a woman ahead of me that would not shut up. She took forever. I am so sorry.” Remorse

was written clearly on his face. “It's okay, you're here now and if I'm not mistaken you are about to

become a daddy.” Another contraction hit me just then and it was the worst yet. Carlisle examined me

again and then he said, “Nessie, it's time. When you have your next contraction I want you to push as

hard as you can.” I held Jake's hand and he whispered over and over that he loved me. All of a sudden

another contraction came and this time I did as I was told, I pushed with all of my might and I kept

pushing till I heard Carlisle tell me to stop. After doing something out of my sight for a minute I heard

the sound of a small cry, just a tiny whimper that turned into an angry little sound of defiance the next.

Carlisle held up a tiny boy and said, “Masen, meet your mom.” His eyes were the warm gold of my

parents. There were roars and clapping from downstairs. He placed him on my chest for just a

moment but all too soon he had mom take him to clean up because another contraction hit me and it

was time for Carlie to make her entrance. When the next contraction hit I was told again to push and

this time it was a little easier. After a minute there was a second little whimper but she never did let out

the angry cry that her brother had. When Carlisle placed her on my chest she just looked at me with a

small look of wonder, her eyes were the emerald green I had seen in my vision, green just like my dad's

had been when he was human. Just as quickly she was gone from me as well. I kind of dozed after

that. Carlisle took care of all the necessary cleanup that was required after the delivery while mom and

Jake took care of the babies. After the babies were weighed and measured, mom cleaned them up and

wrapped them in warm blankets. Jake had a baby in each arm as he turned to look at me. The love



shining through his eyes made me start to cry. Our babies, our love complete was finally here. When I

looked up the doorway was filled with an anxious family wanting a look at our new additions. I

motioned them all in. Once inside they all stood nervously waiting for a chance to see and hold the

babies. Jake took the babies over and placed Masen in dad's arms and Carlie in Esme's. They both

looked like they were about to burst with pride when they saw their new little grandchildren. The babies were then handed to the aunts and uncles which were appropriately amazed as well. In a few

minutes Jake took the babies back and brought them over so that I could see them for myself. When he

placed them in my arms it all felt so natural. I looked them over very carefully making sure everything

was in order, of course it was they were perfect. Masen was asleep but he wore a little scowl on his

face like he wasn't too happy to be out in the world. Carlie was awake and she looked around with

interest. I wondered, just for a moment, if there was more of me in her. I was very tired so Jake took

the babies. Dad picked me up and carried me to their bedroom so I could sleep for a couple of hours.

We would go home when I woke up, I wanted to be in our house. Jake and the babies made their way

downstairs where everyone waited their turn to hold the babies again. Carlisle looked in on me as I

was falling asleep. “They are beautiful babies Nessie, sleep now, we love you.” he said quietly.



Chapter 9

Jake took me home a few hours later and before I knew it I was in my own bed and the twins were

asleep in their cradles. Jake lay beside me on the bed and looked at me with so much tenderness and a

quiet wonder that I felt a twinge of embarrassment. “Jake, what are you looking at?”, I asked a littlesheepishly. “I am looking at the most beautiful woman in the world. I am looking at the reason for my

existence. I am looking at the woman who just a few hours ago gave me the most wonderful gift

anyone could imagine. I am looking at my wife, my lover, my friend. I am looking at you Nessie.” ,

he said with so much love and pride it made me blush. He looked over the side of the bed at the

sleeping babies and sighed. There was no way to describe the look on his face, it was a mixture of

love, pride, wonder, astonishment, all rolled up into one. All of a sudden he leaned over and very

gently kissed me. The look he gave me was the just the same as he had for the babies. He put his arms

around me very gently and as we lay together he made the rumble in his throat that he always made

when he was happy. It made me smile and with his arms around me I drifted off to sleep.

It seemed like I had been asleep for a very short time when I was awakened by an angry little cry.

Masen was awake and I knew it must be feeding time. I was going to try and breast feed my babies so

I picked him up and settled him at my breast. It only took him a moment before he latched on and

started to feed. He was an aggressive eater and the whole time he was feeding he still wore that little

scowl that said, “I am still not happy about this.” He soon had his fill and after changing him and

wrapping him back in his blanket he was sound asleep, the scowl finally leaving his face. I looked over

at Carlie and she was waiting patiently for her turn, never a peep out of her. I picked her up and smiled

at her little lady like features. Her eyes were open and I swear there was a hint of amusement there. I

settled her at my other breast and she was done in no time. I changed her as well and then sat holding

her for a few minutes. I placed her hand against my cheek as mom had once done with me but I did

not see any thoughts, dreams or otherwise from her. I laid her gently in the cradle after kissing her

goodnight.

Jake had watched the whole thing and again when I looked at him his face was a mixture of love and

awe. We'd see how long this look last when the babies kept waking us up for feedings. Life was about

to get a little hectic.

The next morning, after two more times of waking up for feedings, I finally woke to sunlight. The



babies would be awake soon so I took this opportunity to shower and change clothes. Right on cue

Masen let me know it was feeding time again. He was always the one to be fed first, Carlie just waited

till he was done and then took her turn without one cry of protest. I don't know what I was going to do

if they both wanted fed at the same time.

Not long after the babies were fed Jake appeared in the doorway with a tray piled with eggs, bacon,

sausage, toast, orange juice and milk. “You have got to be starving,” he said. Actually I was pretty

hungry and the food smelled good. I had wondered if I would want to start drinking blood again as

soon as the babies were born. It worried me because if I was breast feeding they would need more

sustenance than blood. It seemed I didn't have to worry. He sat beside me while I ate most of the food,

he snagged a few pieces for himself.

We were just getting done when the doorbell rang. Jake ran down the stairs to answer it. It was

Carlisle, mom and dad. Carlisle had come to examine me and see how I felt this morning. Mom and

dad came to see if they could help. Now instead of them watching over me it would seem that I would

have help taking care of Masen and Carlie. That was okay I had a feeling I was going to need it.

After Carlisle announced me doing quite well I went downstairs and dad and Jake brought down the

cradles so we could sit in the living room. I had a feeling we would probably have a few guests over

and I was right.

It started with Billy and Sue coming over to see the babies. Billy was face was beaming as he looked at

his grandchildren. To say he was a proud grandpa was an understatement. Then Sam and Emily came

by, then all of Jake's pack brothers and families came to see us. Throughout the day one of more of my

family would pop in to see how things were going. Dad fixed us lunch, he was still watching the Food

Channel and was an exceptional cook. All I had to do was feed the babies and rest. Everything else

was handled for me. Jake took off for a little while in the afternoon. He was so excited he had to go

out and run off some of the excess energy. It was just too much for him to handle human. It was good

to have my family here. We talked about a lot of things but I really needed to talk with Carlisle about

the babies and their uncertain future. He had examined them this morning and had drawn some blood

to do some DNA testing. He wanted to check their chromosomal levels. I wanted to do that as well.

After I came home I had set up a lab in my room upstairs on the third floor. It was as well equipped as

any major laboratory. I told Carlisle to use the lab whenever he wished. He was going to check the



DNA tomorrow. He knew of my worries and it worried him too, not knowing exactly what was in

store for them. I didn't want to alarm Jake if there was no need. I hoped that our magic hadn't run out

with their birth.

The next day Carlisle was back and he went to the lab to do his research. When he came down a fewhours later he couldn't quite keep the look of dismay from his face. Jake was out and I was with Esme.

“Nessie, I ran the test several times to be sure and I don't know what to make of this. It seems that the

babies have 23 ½ chromosomes. I don't know what that means, I don't know if that makes them human

completely or if they will have any of the other traits of ours or Jake's kind. It is too soon to tell. They

are both healthy, they have regular temperatures, their hearts beat as a humans so for right now I would

say they are normal human children. We will watch their growth but I want you to be prepared. If they

are human they will have a normal life span, they will not be immortal.” I was prepared for this, I

wanted them to be human and lead normal lives, at least as normal as could be for them. What I didn't

know how to deal with was the sense of loss I was already experiencing knowing that I would outlive

my children. How would Jake cope with this? Again, I wondered if he would revert back to normal to

be with them leaving me to live life without any of them. I don't think I could bear that and who would

be there to end my life after they were gone? I was going to have to tell Jake soon but I dreaded what it

would do to him. I knew he loved me more than life itself but would he give up our life to be with our

children? Why should he have to choose? I suppose as the children grew older I could always leave

and they could continue on without me being a constant reminder of the cost that had to be paid for

them to live normal, happy lives. I would always keep my eye on them and I would be with Jake in the

end, but after I left would Jake want someone else to take my place? I couldn't deny him the comfort

of another human being, someone who could grow old with him and watch his children grow. I'm not

sure I could be as selfless as dad had once tried to be, I loved Jake too much. Oh well, I would not

think about this now. Let me enjoy what happiness I could.



Chapter 10

Our days took on pretty much the same pattern day after day. We moved the twins into their own

rooms when they were three months old and feedings were less frequent. By the time they were six

months old I was feeding them baby food and breast feeding less. They were completely weaned by ayear old.

Masen was the first one to crawl, he would scoot along the floor using his arms to pull himself along

and then by four months he was starting to get up on his hands and knees and after that there was no

stopping him. Carlie just watched her brother with a bored expression and didn't even bother to try. If

she wanted to go somewhere she just held out her arms and someone picked her up and took her where

she wanted to go. Masen sat up first, he got the first tooth, and he got in the most trouble. He was

constantly pulling things off the tables, or crawling into places where he shouldn't be. He was the one

who hollered when it was time to eat, when he needed changed, or when he was bored and wanted

attention. Always Masen. So it was a surprise when at eight months old Carlie was the first to talk and

the first to walk. One day she was just sitting there acting as if she was a little bored with everything

and then she just pushed herself up beside the table and took three quick steps before sitting down

again. She didn't fall down she just sat down. After that she walked a little more each day and was

soon going all over the place. Masen just sat and looked at her. A few weeks later she said “Momma”

in a tiny little voice that so surprised me I dropped the clothes I was holding and ran to pick her up

smiling that it was Momma and not Daddy she had chosen for her first words.

Carlisle was keeping a close eye on them and so was I. They were weighed and measured weekly for

any signs of a growth spurt or any other minute changes that might mean something was wrong.

Everything was just fine. They were growing normally.



Chapter 11

August 10th, it was Masen and Carlie's first birthday. Everyone was so excited. Alice had planned a

big party for them. All of our friends from La Push were there with their children. Alice had ponies

brought in for pony rides, and there were carnival rides for the kids. Not that Masen and Carlie would be able to ride anything but the other kids would enjoy them. There was a big cake, much too big for

the size of our party but that was Alice. Everyone had a great time, including Masen and Carlie. They

rode the ponies and Esme, mom and Rosalie took pictures like mad. They would make sure everyone

got a set to remember the day. It was a typical overcast day so everyone was able to get out and enjoy

the festivities.

The party wound down just about twilight and I watched as everyone headed home for the night. Jake

and I gave the babies their baths and then tucked them in for the night. I knew I had to talk to Jake. I

had been putting it off but we had to get some things settled.

I walked out and sat on the patio and soon Jake joined me. “Great party, huh.” he said smiling broadly.

I loved his smile, it was the best thing about him. Of course I loved the way his muscles flexed when

he moved. I loved his face and his eyes but when he smiled I melted. “Jake, I have to talk to you about

something I have been putting off but, well, it can't be put off any longer.” I spoke in a small trembling

voice. “What Nessie, what's wrong?” he asked concern suddenly in his voice. “Jake, our children are

normal, happy children which is good but it also means that our children aren't like us they are mortal

and someday they are going to die.” I could see in his eyes that he had already thought of this but I

guess like me he hated to bring it up. “I know sweetheart”, and I could hear the agony in his voice. “I

just was waiting for you to say something.” I took a deep breath before I went on. “Jake, I can never

be mortal with them but you can. If you stop phasing right now you could start to age again and you

could grow old with them like it should be. I won't stop you. I want you and them to be happy. You

were never meant to live this life, you are human. If it would make it easier I could go away, not right

now but in a few years when the twins are older. I would always love you but I could do this to make

your life easier. It wouldn't be so bad for you with the children to keep you company. I wouldn't object

either if you found someone else to keep you company and to love you and them as I would. I think I

am strong enough for that.” My voice caught when I said this last and a tear rolled down my cheek.

Jake was beside me then holding me in his arms murmuring in my hair. “Nessie, I will never give you

up. Our children will understand if we don't grow old with them. We might have to leave them



sometime to give them a better chance at being normal but never ever think that I would leave you.

You are my life and they are our life. Remember they are our love in human form. It would only be

right that they live normal lives and grow old someday. It is my fervent wish that their every moment

is as normal as humanly possible but never think that I would let you leave and then find someone else

to take your place. There is no one else for me, now or ever. You are stuck with me for eternity so you better get used to it.” His voice broke at the end. He picked me up and carried me upstairs to our room

shutting the door behind him. He laid me on the bed and then started to slowly undress me. After he

had my clothes off he quickly undresses and lay in the bed with me. He pulled me to him and then

started kissing my face, first my eyes, then my cheeks and finally his lips found mine. While he was

kissing me he pulled my body closer to his and started running his hands slowly down my back. His

kisses were gentle as he parted my lips and ran the tip of his tongue along my lips. His hands kept up

their gentle kneading all along my back and sides. Suddenly he held me tight and turned over so I sat

on his chest his hands continued their caressing as his lips moved over my body, down my neck to my

shoulders and lower until my whole body felt on fire. He reached again for my face and when his lips

touched mine I felt like I was going to explode with the desire that was building inside me. He gently

turned us over until he was over me and then there was nothing but me and him. I felt like I was

floating on an ocean and the waves kept crashing into me taking me to places I had never been pushing

my body closer and closer to to the point of no return. I went there gladly.

Later we lay in each others arms spent and content. We would not worry about the future right now,

right now there was only us. Tomorrow we would face whatever the future had in store for us but for

now we were one and that was all that mattered.



Chapter 11

How quickly time flies. The twins hit the terrible twos and then threes. All too soon they were six

years old and starting their first day of kindergarten. You should have seen their faces when they rode

the bus to school. They were going to be attending the reservation school like their father had so manyyears ago. Masen had the little scowl on his face that he always got when he didn't get his way. He did

not want to go to school. Carlie was all smiles she was looking forward to being in school, she felt it

made her more grown-up. What was truly funny was to watch Jake's face, he was smiling and crying at

the same time. Sometimes it was hard to tell which ones were the kids.

When the kids were seven they both came down with chicken pox. It was a scary time for us but they

made it through okay. Jake on the other hand had never had the chicken pox when he was a boy so

guess what he caught them too. He was the biggest baby of them all. I swear I could have gladly

strangled him before he finally got better.

They also had the usual sniffles and coughs just like any normal child. Which brings me back to now.



Chapter 12

The twins turned 10 in August. It's October now. Yesterday Masen came home from school and said

he wasn't feeling well. I took his temperature and it was 101, not extremely high but it had me

concerned. What concerned me even more is that Carlie came in a few hours later complaining that shedidn't feel well. I called Carlisle and he came right over to examine them. He couldn't figure out what

was wrong with them. They didn't seem to have a cold or any kind of virus. As he was examining

them he noticed small red rashes coming up on their bodies but it was not the kind of rash he had ever

seen before. He drew some blood and took it up to the lab to examine it. When he came down I could

see the look of sheer terror on his face. “The white blood cells are attacking the red cells in their

bodies. I don't know what is causing this unless it has something to do with the half chromosome they

carry. I don't know what to do.” He was downstairs now on my computer researching to find if there

had ever been a similar case. We both knew he would not find anything. Of course not, there had

never been a case like this.



Chapter 13

I sit here staring out the window. My mind a sea of storms where the waves of my thoughts crash

against the fact that there was no known cure for what my children have. Nothing for me to research,

nothing physical to fall back on. I was alone on a stormy sea and felt myself being pushed further andfurther toward defeat. I shook my head to clear it. I would not give up. One thing I knew for sure, my

children's blood was killing them as sure as the storm raged outside. I had to find a way to save them,

but how?

Life became surreal, days were spent between nursing my children and researching, testing and

studying their violent blood. My family, of course, was there to help in any way possible. They took

care of Masen and Carlie when I needed to be away but I felt I needed to be with them too and my

mind was torn. Jake tried to help and he would sit for hours with them reading, helping them when

they were sick. He would sit with one or the other for long stretches of time, never moving just

watching. I know how he felt it seemed our time with them was growing shorter and we hated to waste

any precious moments we might have. As their disease progressed they became frailer more

insubstantial. In Jake's mind he must have been seeing my mother's time during her pregnancy with me

and felt the same dreaded feeling that there was nothing he could do but sit and watch them slowly die.

It was like a sick joke that when we talked of them being mortal and eventually dying that it would

come this soon and they wouldn't have the peaceful death of old age but the violent death of their

bodies turning against them. How I wished I at this moment that they were immortal and didn't have to

suffer the pain our union had brought them. Our love made complete, our pain now doubled. It had

seemed so right for us to have children, now it seemed to mock me.

There had been talk at first that maybe Carlisle should change my children from mortal to immortal. It

would have been simpler for him to do that than to watch them waste away. I fought against this

course because I knew if they were bitten, with their genetic makeup it would not have saved them but

would have poisoned their systems even more. I knew what that poison felt like, I had endured it

myself. It had taken the mingling of Jake's blood to save me but we didn't have that option now since

their blood was already mixed. Carlisle was trying antibiotics now to try and slow down the

progression of the disease as it ravaged their frail bodies.

I have to admit even now my children were exceptional. Even though they were in pain, fever burning



in their eyes, unable to hold down even the clear broth we tried to give them they still refused to give

up on life. Their bodies wasted away and there faces became whiter and whiter, the circles under their

eyes darker and more bruised, again a mockery, they looked more like my family than ever. Masen

with his little scowl of frustration never once gave any sign he was giving up. Carlie, again seemed to

take everything in stride and she always had a faint smile for those around her. They never complainedonly accepted that we were doing what we could to make them better.



Chapter 13

Dad, Carlisle and I spent long hours in the lab trying to find an antidote that would stop this slow

spreading poison. Carlisle pored over every bit of research he could find in regards to genetic

mutations but there was nothing there to help us. Dad studied the blood constantly looking for somesign of a weakness that might let us attack with medicine. I peered through the microscope trying to

find a way to cut out that little half strand of chromosome that I felt was the problem. If we could just

get rid of that and make their bodies completely human than we might have a chance. Or would

removing that little piece make their bodies that much weaker and kill them sooner? Was there a way

to add another half to that chromosome to give their bodies the 24 chromosomes that Jake and I

possessed? I didn't know and it was driving me crazy.

I was tired, I hadn't been sleeping very much lately and it was beginning to tell. I found myself

drowsing over the microscope. Jake walked in and found me with my head lying on the counter top.

He gently picked me up and carried me down to our room so I could rest. I started to protest, there was

so much work that needed to be done but he put his finger over my lips and said softly, “Sleep.” I did

as he asked my body too tired to fight. While I was sleeping I dreamed of Nahuel and the island. It

was as if I were there again. I felt the bite and the venom entering my body when Nahuel had bitten

me. I felt the pain as the poison spread through me like a white hot knife. Then I saw Jake's face and I

remembered the slow even flow of Jake's blood entering my system while I hada vision of those two

precious children who now lay so ill in the rooms next to me.. I woke up with a gasp, the image of

two healthy children standing at the edge of the woods too much to bear, but I felt I had missed

something important in that dream, something that if I could remember might prove to be the very

thing we needed now. I was irritated with myself as I tried to remember every part of the dream. I

could not put all the pieces together.

I went out to patio to sit for a few minutes and my mind turned to my days at the lab. I got to thinking

about Stephen and then it hit me. Stephen, he could help, somehow I knew this was true. He had the

information I had given him on Jake, all he needed now was the information I could provide on

vampires and maybe with all the pieces he could help me find a cure, but would he come? He was

probably busy and it had been a long time since I had talked with him. He had been my friend and I had

trusted him with my life and that of my husband, he had never betrayed that trust. I decided it was

worth the chance so I called the laboratory. When the receptionist answered I asked for Dr. Stephen



Covington and I was put right through. A man's voice answered and I knew immediately it was him.

Before I could even get out a “Hello” Stephen was saying “Nessie, where are you, it's good to hear

your voice. Are you here in town?” I laughed a little breathlessly, “No Stephen I am at home, in Forks,

but Stephen my children are dying and I need your help.” “Whatever you need Nessie I am there for

you.” “Can you come up here, I hate to ask but Stephen they can't die, my children cannot die!” the panic in my voice making my voice shrill. “Nessie, just give me your address, I will be there as soon

as I can get a flight out.” “Thank you Stephen, thank you” was all I could murmur. I gave him the

address and my cell phone number and hung up. Now I had to tell Jake and my family that we had

company coming.



Chapter 14

I asked everyone to meet me in the living room where we could sit and discuss what was about to

happen. Dad had already seen what was on my mind and though he didn't act as if he particularly

thought this course was the most prudent he did not say anything. He better not, my childrens life wasat stake, I would take any measures necessary to save them and he knew that. “Do you remember Dr.

Covington, the scientist I worked with in Los Angeles?” I asked as everyone was seated. Jake's growl

of disapproval could be heard at once. “Well, while I was working there I accidentally left information

out one evening that revealed our family's differences. Stephen saw that information.” I saw the look

of alarm that came on every face. “Don't worry, Stephen asked me about the information and I did tell

him about Jake;” Jake scowled at me furiously. “Jake I only told him because I thought it was the

lesser of the two evils. It wasn't as hard to explain your DNA as it would have been to explain mom

and dad's. Anyway he promised to keep our family history a secret and I don't believe he has ever once

broken that promise which brings me to now. I have asked Stephen to come down here to help us try to

save Masen and Carlie. He is on his way and will be here sometime tomorrow. I wanted you to know

because in order for him to help us he is going to have to know about our vampire DNA. Believe me I

would never have done this if I did not think it was important and I do not do this lightly. I do not think

he is a threat to us, I have to believe that. I know I did not give you any time to think about this and I

am sorry for that but I need his help, now more than ever.” As I finished speaking Jake got up and

came to stand by me, putting his arms around me and giving a gentle kiss. “It's alright sweetheart, I

understand.” All the others in the room agreed but not without some reluctance. I was thankful for my

family and their undying love.

I went to Carlie's room to check on her as I did every morning. She was laying back against the

pillows sleeping. Her pace was pale and a sheen of sweat coated her brow. Her fever must have

broken. They would go through periods of fever and chills and then just as suddenly the fever would

break. She had a small smile playing on her lips and I wondered what she was dreaming. I was glad

she was able to find some release in sleep, her waking hours had to be the nightmare.

I left her and went to check on Masen. He was awake and grumpy this morning. “How are you

feeling sweetheart?” I asked. “Same old, same old, not too bad this morning. How are you this

morning?” he asked. He must have noticed the circles under my eyes. “I am fine, thank you for

asking. Do you feel like some breakfast this morning?”, I asked hopefully. They were receiving



sustenance through the IV's that hung at their heads but I was hoping he might want something,

anything to show he was getting better. “Not now mom, maybe later.” I nodded my head and started to

to walk out the door. “Mom?” I turned my head to look at him. “I love you.” he said with a little

tremor in his voice. I rushed to his side and gently lifted him in a hug. “I love you too.” I said through

tears. We sat, him in my arms and his little arms wrapped around my waist for a short time. Then hesighed and lay his head back on his pillow. “I think I will go back to sleep now, I'm kind of tired.” he

sounded exhausted. As I walked out the door I found Jake standing just outside tears falling from eyes

making wide streaks down his face. He hugged me fiercely for a second and then wiping the tears from

his eyes he walked in to sit by his son.

I walked downstairs to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat before I returned to the lab. Mom and dad were

sitting in the little breakfast nook talking quietly to each other. I heard dad say, “I don't know how

much longer they can go on. They have wasted away to almost nothing. It kills me to watch them

suffer so, and the strain it is putting on Jake and Nessie is unbearable.” He noticed then that I was

standing in the kitchen doorway and that the tears I could not seem to control today were coming down

harder. He came to take me in his arms and led me over to sit by mom. He started making me

breakfast. Mom held me in her arms as I had held Masen a few minutes ago. She didn't say anything,

what could she say, it would get better. We both knew the chances of this ever getting better grew

scarcer every minute. Dad sat the plate in front of me, eggs, and a glass of milk. I ate without tasting

anything again thinking of that elusive dream. Something was there, something big and I had to figure

out what it was. I asked dad and mom to tell me what they remembered about that night. They

recounted how they had found me in the tree house deathly ill from the venom. The told me that

Carlisle had made a makeshift transfusion kit so that Jake could give me some of his blood and with his

healing qualities it had saved my life.

I kissed them both on the cheek and still thinking about what they said made my way to the lab and

another exhausting day of research.

By the time I reached the lab a strange curiosity came over me. I went to a drawer and drew out a

syringe and needle. I tied off my arm to pump up my vein and then very carefully I inserted the needle

into my vein to draw out blood. After I was done I stopped to ponder the fact that I was able to pierce

my skin. I hadn't thought it before but my skin was supposed to be like vampire skin and vampires

could not be stuck with needles. It hadn't registered with me before when Carlisle drew blood for a



pregnancy test, I never even thought about it. Vampires didn't get headaches or have strange cravings

either like I did when I was pregnant with the twins. “Hmm, what else is different about me?” I

thought as I prepared a slide with my blood. I placed it under the microscope and looked. It looked

normal. I decided to run a chromosomal test to see if there was anything different that would show up

there. In a half an hour I had my answer. As I looked at the printout gasped, it was just a small sound but it brought everyone running at once. They all looked at me in surprise and with a little worry until I

told them simply, “I have 23 ½ chromosomes.” Dad and Carlisle were beside me in an instant looking

at the results. What did this mean? When had my chromosomes changed? Did this mean something

that would help our children? I didn't know but I was sure going to find out. Now that I knew my

body was the same as Masen and Carlie's I would explore myself to see if I could find the answers that

were so desperately needed.



Chapter 15

Stephen arrived later that evening. It was so good to see him. He smiled and gave me a hug after

glancing over at Jake. Jake just stood and watched us thoughtfully. I smiled back tiredly but with the

first feeling of hope I had in a long time. After introducing him to my family I took him up to my lab.I watched his face as he took in the paleness of my family and I could see the questions there barely

hidden on his face. I would introduce him to Masen and Carlie in the morning. Right now they were

asleep and I didn't want to disturb them.

We sat at the table and I gave him my notes on everything about us. I watched his reaction to the 25

chromosomal pairs my family had. At first he looked a little stunned when he took in the possibility

that there could be such creatures as vampires in our safe little human world but he quickly wrapped his

mind around it and was soon contemplating the implications that the genetic strands made for my

children. I told him about my history, how I was half vampire, half human, explaining about my mom

and dad's romance and the consequences of that romance. He already knew about Jake. I told him

about the time Nahuel had bitten me. He remembered the crescent scar on my shoulder blade. I told

him about my recent discovery of going from 24 chromosomes to 23 ½. This last really interested him.

Then I explained about Masen and Carlie's genetic makeup. I left nothing out, I wanted him to have

the whole picture.

He became very quiet his eyes running over the pages of my notes. Occasionally he would ask me a

question but then he would go back to reading. Finally, a few hours later he looked up from the pages

and regarded me solemnly. “I told you I always thought you were more than a mere mortal, now I

know I was right.” “Does it frighten you knowing what you do now to be here with me, with my

family?” I asked. “I have to admit that the word vampire is not easy to swallow but I can see your

family is nothing like the movies. They seem a very gentle, kind family. When I was in Hungary

studying mutant genetics I came across stories about blood drinkers but I chalked it up to superstitions,

after all who believes in vampires and werewolves?” He gave me a little grin. “Oh they are, it is the

difference in their appetites that explains it. They do not drink human blood but the blood of animals.

It makes them more compassionate, more human. They are wonderful and I know once you get to

know them you will see what I mean.

A few minutes later dad and Carlisle came upstairs. They had heard us talking and decided it was time



they got to know Stephen better. Soon we were all engrossed in going over all the details of what had

happened so far. We talked well into the night.

We worked night and day to try and come up with a way to either add the half chromosome that was

missing or cut away the half chromosome that was there. I wondered what effect adding the half chromosome would make, would it make my children more like Jake, would Masen morph into a

werewolf when he hit puberty. That seemed unlikely since there was no threat to the tribe any longer.

We lived in harmony with the Quileute. If we removed the half chromosome that was there would my

children be completely human. Either way they would be human, human enough to age and eventually

die. Did I want that? Was there a way to add a chromosome and a half and make my children

immortal? Was that the answer?

One evening as I lay by Jake in our room I asked him, “Jake, if you could go back what is the one thing

that you would ask for?” He thought for a few minutes and I saw his brow furrow in concentration. “I

guess I would have to say, if I had it all to do all over again, I would ask that I never become a wolf.

Please don't get me wrong Nessie, I love you and the kids, and I even love all of your family now but if

I could I would never have become a wolf. I just wanted a simple life, no drama, no life threatening

battles, just a simple everyday life. I was hoping my kids would have that life.” He sighed and then

put his arm around me. “This life's not so bad since I have you and the kids will have a normal life, I

just have to have faith. You and I, we'll get through this. I love you no matter what.”

I worked night and day in the lab trying to pull apart that one little half chromosome. I felt if I could

get my DNA to the 23 chromosome level I might have a chance of saving Masen and Carlie. It was

resisting everything I tried. Of course, dad and Carlisle were there right along side me trying to help

wherever they could. Stephen spent exhaustive hours going over everything looking for the smallest

clue that might make a difference. Time was getting short, the twins had been sick for over two months

now and I knew they didn't have much longer. If I didn't come up with something soon it would be too

late for them. I had to find the cure now.

After what seemed like the millionth time of trying to cut that half chromosome away I finally

succeeded. I let out a war hoop which would normally have everyone running but tonight only one

person heard me. Everyone was out hunting except Jake and he had passed out hours ago. He had

stayed up all night for the past few days shifting from room to room watching over Masen and Carlie,



unable to leave for fear that something would happen. He was worn out, his face seemed etched in

lines of worry, his mouth set in a grim line of hopelessness. He knew we were everything we could but

you could see, though he didn't want too, that he was giving in to the grief that our children were dying.

Stephen came into the room and stopped short when he saw my face. “Nessie, what happened, what'sthe matter?” “Nothing is the matter Stephen for once something is right.” I showed him the results of

my testing. One lone DNA sequence was not going to cure my children but it was a start. I had to find

a way to multiply the DNA so it could replace the DNA in the body. Then I had to see if this would

even help. The only way I could see to do this is if I were to take my blood and replace it with new

DNA enriched blood. It would be tricky.

Stephen drew off a bag of my blood and then introduced the new DNA. I watched as the new blood

attacked the old blood through the microscope. When it was finished I had a liter of what I hoped was

our salvation. I needed to test it out to see if the body would accept this new blood and I was not going

to use my children as guinea pigs. I set up a stand and hooked up the IV with the new blood. Before I

could start the transfer Stephen stopped me and asked, “Nessie, are you sure this is such a good idea,

what if it doesn't work. You could kill yourself.” “I know but there is really no other way to do this,

and I have got to do it now before it's too late. Please Stephen do this for me. If something does go

wrong please tell Jake I love him.” He looked at me for a long moment and then suddenly he took me

into his arms. “Nessie, you know I care about you, be safe.” He gave me a quick kiss on my lips so

soft and so quickly I barely had time to register the fact before he became the scientist again. I sat very

still while he carefully inserted the needle into my vein and let the blood drip. I didn't know if this

would work and I wasn't sure what this would mean for me. If my body accepted this new blood and

my DNA changed would I be human then or still a hybrid? What if this didn't work and my body

fought this new invader and in the end I died? I couldn't answer these questions, if I died Stephen, dad

and Carlisle would continue to try and save Masen and Carlie, as long as there was any chance at all. I

had all my notes meticulously written for them so if they had to do more research they could see what I

had done so far.

As the blood dripped slowly into my body I sat back and dreamed of Jake, of our children, and my

growing old along side my family. It was a nice dream. Somewhere along the way something began to

change. I felt my body heating up until the warmth became unbearable. Was this what it was like

when mom changed? An unrelenting torture of heat and the feeling my body was trying to tear itself



apart. I fell to the floor and the last thing I remember is hearing Jake's voice crying out in panic and

pain.

I struggled through the pain, I was not silent, I moaned and writhed as the pain and the heat grew more

fierce. I dimly remember someone saying, “Nessie, what have you done?” I can remember hearingJacob's tear filled voice telling me over and over, “Don't you leave me, I love you, don't you dare leave

me.”. I wanted to reach out to him but all I could do is scream as the pain raked through my every

thought. Finally the pain began to lessen and I found I could surrender myself to the dark realms of

sleep.

When I woke it was morning and I felt like someone had beaten me to within an inch of my life and

then for sport starting beating me all over again. Jake was beside me on our bed, his eyes dark and

hollow. He was staring at me with a mixture of concern and anger. “What did you think you were

doing? You could have died, several times last night I thought you had. Why would you do that to

yourself? I just about went mad watching you screaming and thrashing on the bed as if you were

possessed by demons. You cannot imagine the pain it caused me to watch that.” “I'm sorry”, I croaked

in a small whisper. Jake grabbed me up and crushed me to him in a grip that felt as if he didn't plan to

ever let me go. Dad and Carlisle walked in a few minutes later. They had been going over my notes

and they knew what I had done. Carlisle asked how I was feeling and if I felt up to having some blood

drawn. I said I was fine and waited impatiently for them to get the sample and return to the lab to see if

my theory was going to work. It had to work there was too much at stake. While they were gone mom

and Esme came in to see me. Jake took this time to go in and check on Masen and Carlie. “Nessie,

what did you do last night?” mom asked. I tried to explain to her but it was hard to talk so finally I just

sighed and without warning closed my eyes. I was soon fast asleep.

When I woke next it must have been mid afternoon. The sun was shining in through the windows.

Stephen and dad sat on the edge of the bed. I looked at them expectantly. “Well?” I asked. “It would

seem your experiment worked. Your chromosome level is now 23. Nessie, that means that for all

intents and purposes you are completely human now.” was Stephen's reply. I looked over at dad and I

could see the pain on his face. He knew what this meant, I was human, I was going to grow old and

die. I couldn't stand to see his pain so I got up slowly and putting my arms around his waist hugged

him tightly. “I remember you telling mom that you would have given anything to be human for her.

Now I have the chance to do just that for my family. Please don't be sad, rejoice that I can offer this



one small thing to save my children.” He gave me a sad smile and then turned to Stephen. “What do

we do now?” he asked. Stephen deferred to me. “I want you to draw my blood and we will set up a

transfusion for each of the children. I want them to be sedated while they are going through this, it is

much too painful an experience otherwise.

While they went to prepare the transfusions I spoke to Jake letting him know what we were about to do

and what was going to happen to the children soon. I know he was scared that they would go through

the same torment I had undergone but I assured him they would not be awake for any of the

transformation. We walked in together to talk with first Masen and then Carlie to let them know we

were about to give them something that would make them feel better soon. Both were so worn out they

did little more than nod their heads.

As Stephen prepared the blood to be fed into their IV's I kissed them on the cheek and whispered softly,

“I love you, sweet dreams. I will be here when you wake.” Jake stood beside me holding their hands

as they slowly dropped off to sleep. The next few hours would be grueling. I sat with Carlie and Jake

sat beside Masen the whole time they were under. The medication kept them out but it could not

control the twitching as the fire burned them as it had done me. A few times I would hear one of them

moan and it sent chills through me remembering the fire that had spread through me.

I talked with mom about her experience when she had changed from a human to a vampire. She told

me how the fire had consumed her from head to toe. It had been so fierce that she had wished for death

but she said it had all been worth it in the end. She kissed my cheek and sobbed quietly in that strange

tearless way vampires had of crying. Her fire had meant she was becoming immortal but with a sorrow

only a mother could feel she knew my fire had just the opposite. She was going to lose her daughter

someday just as I was now fearing I could lose mine. The depth of her pain was a tangible thing. She

did not question what I had done, she would have done the same for me but still the knowledge made

her sad.

Carlisle came in as I was sitting there and asked me what it had been like. He was always looking for

new information. I told him about the burning that had coursed through my body and he wondered

aloud if was the same kind of burn that they had experienced. I guess the only difference would be that

their burn took their life and this burn gave it back. He wondered if this was something that might be

used as a cure for their condition as well. Perhaps in time I told him but right now it had been hard to



separate even that one little half chromosome, let alone two whole pairs. It was something to look into

in the future though. I know my family would give anything to be human and if I could help them

achieve this I would try.

Carlisle wanted to know how I felt about being human. I told him that I had pretty much been livinghuman since Masen and Carlie had been born so it didn't feel all that different. He wanted to know if I

would be sad to age. On that I could tell him resoundingly no. I looked forward to growing old with

Jake beside me, watching our children grow and some day having grandchildren. I would never be

shut out of my grandchildren's life as Renee had been shut out of mine. I would still have mom and

dad and my family with me and that would be enough. I did wonder if I still had my gift so I gently

touched Carlisle's cheek. There was nothing, so I had lost that as well. Oh well, it was a small price to

pay.

After about twelve hours I noticed Carlie starting to stir. She opened her eyes and gave me a small

smile. “How are you feeling?” I asked quietly. “I feel much better though I am kind of sore. I had bad

dreams while I was sleeping. I felt like someone was holding me too close to the fireplace and it was

very hot.” “Are you hungry?” I asked. “Yes, just a little bit.” “I'll get you some toast. Something light

to start with and we'll see how that goes.” “Okay.” she said softly. I could hear Jake talking with

Masen in the other room so I popped in to see how he was doing. He was his usual grumpy self though

his cheeks were pinker and he seemed in better spirits for him. “Hi sleepyhead, how are you?” “I'm

hungry. Can I have some breakfast now?' he grumbled. “Coming right up” and I headed for the

kitchen. Dad was already at the toaster having heard the conversations upstairs. He turned to me with

a smile. “It worked Nessie, congratulations sweetheart. It's too bad your findings will never be able to

published in the medical journals.” “That's okay, all the glory I need is right here. How are you doing

dad?” “I'm fine now.” he said softly and I could still hear the pain in his voice. “Where's mom?” I

asked. “She went home a few minutes ago, she has a lot to think about.” “Oh”, was all I could say. I

could imagine what she must be thinking right now. Her daughter, her friend was no longer going to be

a permanent part of her life and I am sure it was tearing her apart. She would want what was best for

me and this was for the best but now she would be counting the days till we would part.

Slowly I went back upstairs to check on my children. I remembered how I had felt when I realized my

children would someday be gone and how it had made me feel so I knew how mom and dad were

feeling right now.



Each day the twins grew stronger. By the end of the week they were well on their way to a complete

recovery. In no time they were back at school as if nothing had ever happened. It was a relief to look

at their happy, healthy faces knowing the worst was behind us.

Stephen stayed on for a few months. He was finishing up his research and wanted to talk more withCarlisle and dad. He found our world fascinating and wanted to explore it further.

It was his last day with us and we were walking alone along the cliffs. “Stephen, how can I ever repay

you for what you have done?” I asked softly. “If you had not been here we never would have made it.”

“Nessie, it was your idea not mine that saved your children. You are a remarkable young woman and

you have given me much more than I could ever have given you. I will probably spend the rest of my

life researching both the Quileute and vampires, though I'm not exactly sure how to do the second part.

I know your family is not the average vampire clan. Your dad did speak with the Denali clan and they

are willing to let me come up there and visit with them for a spell. I think I would like that very much.

You know don't you that you can always count on me?” “Yes, thank you for being my friend.” I spoke

very quietly. I knew my friendship was only a small part of what he wanted from me but he would

never assume to be anything more.

Later that evening he left with a swift kiss to my cheek and a big handshake for everyone else. Jake

shook his hand and then pulled him into a big bear hug. “Thank you”, was all he said to Stephen but

the deep feeling in his voice was unmistakable. I had a feeling this was not the last we would see of

Stephen.

A few nights later I went over to see mom and dad. We walked through the quiet evening and looked at

the stars that were just beginning to come out overhead. “Twilight again.” I heard my father say and I

heard mom sigh. We walked over toward the little cottage which had been my refuge so many years

ago. With a sigh I finally turned to face them. “Mom, dad I know you are sad that I chose to be human

but please don't be. My place is with Jake and Masen and Carlie. They are my life and I want to be

able to spend every minute with them. You will get to see us grow old, see our children and

grandchildren grow. I would have spent eternity with you but I know deep down that you are happy

with my choice. I won't say that Jake and I's love is any less strong than yours but your love has

always been eternal. Our love while not immortal is still forever and will sustain us till the day we die.

I know you will always keep watch on us and I expect you to watch over all the generations of our



family that is to come. If there is ever a need I know that you will be there to protect us. We have no

fear of the Volturi now, we are nothing to them, mere humans and hardly worthy of their time but you

will keep watch just in case. Please be happy for us and I will be happy for you.” Mom came to my

side and held me in her arms. “Nessie, my love my life, I am happy for you my only daughter. You

have given me so much. It is only greediness on my part that wants to keep you with me forever. Youand Jake deserve your happiness and I won't contest it.” Dad came up and hugged, “Be happy. We are

always here for you.” We walked on in silence for a while and then I went home to Jake, to my family,

my life.

It was a month later that Jake asked me one night to go for a run with him. I asked mom to sit with the

twins for a little while. She asked if they might come over and spend the night at their house and so I

dropped them off a few hours earlier.

Jake phased into a wolf and I rode astride his broad shoulders as he ran through the forest. I knew this

was his final run. After tonight he would not phase again. In time he would start to age and we would

begin our life as normal humans together. After we returned to the house he carried me upstairs and sat

me down on the bed. He looked at me a little sadly. “Will you miss not being an immortal?” he asked

softly. “Will you?” I asked. “Maybe some,” he said, “I love the feeling of the wind when I run but it is

nothing to the feeling I have when I am with you.” I can't say that I will miss never aging, I rather like

the idea of growing older. To be with you and the twins for the rest of our lives seems somehow fitting.

I know your mom couldn't wait to become a vampire and she really has found her place. Her and your

dad's love was always meant to be the eternal kind. Our love is different, not that it isn't eternal

because I believe that even in death we will still be together, it is just more grounded than theirs. We

are the spirit of the earth and they are the wind. I will never want anything more than to be at your side

no matter what lies ahead for us. We are strong in each other and in our love for each other and our

children. I will love you to the end of my life and I won't ask for anything more.” His lips were

silenced by my kiss and I knew we had come home. We were together till death do us part as it should

be.

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Sea of Storms 4

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