Title: Unexpected

Author: jwolf_11209

Pairings: Jacob/Edward, Alice/Bella, Jasper/Seth

Rating: MA

Warnings: M/M, F/F, mpreg, language

Disclaimer: The characters used in this story do not belong to me.

Chapter: 20

Summary: I worry about her because she's my best friend, and she didn't deserve what Edward and I did to her, even if it wasn't intentional.

Author's Note: Here's hoping I'll be able to complete this story as I originally intended, despite the fact that it's going much more slowly than I thought it would. I can blame writer's block all I want, but lack of time and inclination play just as much a part in this delay as my inability to write this chapter in a way that's acceptable to me. Thank you all for your patience and support.

Chapter 20

Trees whipped past in his peripheral vision, the glossy coats of Seth and Leah flickering in and out to either side behind him. He was excited, but at the same time his nerves were twisting his stomach into knots. The fact that his imprint couldn't come with him only increased his anxiety. He knew from what Leah had overheard that the elders had come to a positive decision, but he couldn't help feeling that there was going to be a catch somewhere. That he wouldn't be entirely happy with the outcome of this meeting.

What if he and Seth were forced to return to the reservation and live there? Jake didn't think he could handle that after having lived in the same house as his imprint for so long. It was hard enough for him to go all day without seeing Edward while the vampire was at school. How could he possibly concentrate on his own school work while inside he was itching to be nearer to his imprint? It had been difficult enough to get the assignments done that he'd been given so far, and he knew from experience that the further apart he and Edward were, the more he yearned to be closer, to just see him already.

Forks High School was too far away from the reservation for him to be comfortable with the separation. He wasn't ready for that yet. Jake knew he wouldn't be able to deal with it. He'd heard from some of the others that the need to be so close lessened with time. It never completely went away, but it would get easier as they got more secure in their relationship.

And that was the problem. Jake didn't know how long it would take for that to happen for him. He still had days where he couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of Edward leaving him, whether it be for Bella or someone else. He didn't know why he couldn't just accept that Edward loved him and move on, but it was just a constant fear in the back of his mind.

He thought it might have something to do with the way Bella and Edward's relationship had ended. But Edward had taken the time to be sure his feelings were genuine this time, and Jake knew that. He was just so insecure that he didn't even know what to do with himself. It had to stop, because all this doubt just wasn't fair to Edward. The vampire was doing everything he could to make Jacob feel good about their relationship, and it wasn't Edward's fault that there was something holding Jake back.

That's what it was. Edward was putting as much time and energy into their relationship as he possibly could, and it still didn't seem to be enough. Jake always wanted more, and it just wasn't fair. Not to either of them. Jake had to find a way to fix this, or things could only get worse. Edward was his, and he had to find a way to accept that he was Edward's too.

He didn't like talking about his feelings, but Jake was starting to think that it was inevitable when it came to the type of relationship he and Edward were trying to develop. He just didn't know how to express himself most of the time. Edward was being patient with him. The vampire didn't seem to mind that it was taking so long for Jake to deal with things.

Edward didn't seem to have the same insecurities as Jake had, and Jake guessed that made sense in a way. The vampire knew how important imprints were to the Quileute wolves, had heard Jake talk about how it was for the others and heard Jake's constant internal monologue concerning Edward himself.

Jake supposed there was little room for doubt for Edward when he was constantly being assaulted by Jacob's thoughts about him, hearing the need and the love and the never-ending closer-touch me-need you that went through Jake's mind no matter how close together or far apart they were.

Edward probably knew exactly how Jake felt just based on his thoughts that he couldn't manage to hide from the vampire no matter how hard he tried. And now that he thought about it that might not be such a bad thing considering the fact that Jake really didn't like talking about his feelings. He would have to anyhow, because Edward deserved to hear it every once in a while, but it helped somewhat to know Edward would probably understand what Jake meant even if he couldn't find the right words.

And then there was his guilt on top of everything else. That at least was something he knew he and Edward shared. They both felt guilty as hell for abandoning Bella, for taking away any hope for a deep and lasting relationship with either of them. It wasn't fair to her that both the men she loved were now unavailable to her. Jake knew that if Bella never found someone else to love that he would blame himself for the rest of his days. He was sure it would be the same for Edward, maybe even worse since he had been the one in an actual romantic relationship with her.

During one of Jake's rare moments in Alice's company, she had told him that he needn't worry so much about Bella, and that his best friend would be taken care of soon. It was hard to take that advice, but somehow Jake had gotten the impression that Bella would have a new love interest in the near future, and that her relationship with this person would help her to forget the pain of his and Edward's betrayal. He hoped for Bella's sake that this person would love and cherish her forever as neither he nor Edward had been able to. She deserved all the happiness in the world, especially after wishing him and Edward their happiness with each other.

Personally, I never understood why you would feel the need to worry so much about her in the first place.

The lovely commentary from Leah really wasn't unexpected. Seth made a snorting sound, and Jacob got the impression that he was amused, although the reason for that amusement wasn't entirely clear. Seth had learned a bit about shielding his thoughts, apparently. Jake could only assume the information had come from Jasper.

I worry about her because she's my best friend, and she didn't deserve what Edward and I did to her, even if it wasn't intentional. I care about her, like you care about your friends and family. You can't honestly say that you wouldn't do anything in your power to keep those close to you happy, Leah, especially your brother.

Leah didn't say anything, and that was answer enough. The very proof of Leah's love for her brother was in her refusal to leave him behind at the Cullen's, even if she wasn't entirely comfortable there.

Almost there.

Jake snapped back to attention, realizing he'd been relying on his instincts to lead him in the direction he was supposed to go. It wasn't unusual for him to get lost in his thoughts of Edward or his family these days, the emotional upheaval he constantly suffered completely absorbing him without his knowledge or consent.

He shook himself mentally, needing to be alert in order to prepare himself for the coming meeting between himself and what used to be his pack, as well as the elders. Although it wasn't likely due to Paul's apparent bad reaction to the news, Jake needed to be ready for anything, including the possibility that he was officially kicked out of the pack.

As much as it would hurt him, even that would be better than giving up Edward.

xoxo

The meeting place was a small clearing within the forest, unknown to the general Quileute population, but still accessible by gravel road if one knew where to look. Billy was the first to arrive other than Sue, who had generously agreed to give him a ride.

Graciously accepting Sue's help getting into his wheelchair from the high seat of her old Ford truck, Billy snuck a glance at the woman once again. Her face was drawn, tired, and he could see the worry in her eyes despite the fact the decision had already been made.

Billy thought that worry probably stemmed from the fact that her son would undoubtedly wish to stay where he was, rather than move back to La Push. Being his mother, it was ultimately her decision, but Billy knew she wouldn't want to upset her son or make things more difficult for him than they already were.

They didn't know all the details, or even more than a small amount of information, but Billy had gotten the impression that Seth thought he needed to be there for his imprint. Billy didn't know what kind of issues a vampire might have, or how serious they might be, but he trusted Seth's instincts. The kid was more intuitive than most boys his age, and had the kindest heart Billy had ever seen. He was the only one in their tribe who had based his opinion of the Cullen's on their actions, and not on their reputation. Not solely on the fact that they were vampires. And as much as Billy didn't want to admit it, to himself or anyone else, the young man was right. The Cullen family was not a threat to them, or anyone who didn't deserve their wrath.

Billy considered again how glad he was that this meeting was finally taking place. It had been put off far too long for his peace of mind. He had pushed and pushed for a date to be set, but someone or other always claimed to be busy, and many of the pack members worried that it was dangerous for them all to gather in one place at the same time. Billy couldn't deny that this was true, but his reasons differed from theirs.

He was more concerned about the rogue vampire that was apparently after Bella then the Cullen's taking advantage of their distraction. The mere thought of the Cullen's doing something, especially considering the purpose of this meeting, was ridiculous.

Sam and the two youngest wolves, Brady and Collin, were the next to arrive. Most of the pack was probably in the process of doing a last-minute perimeter check before the meeting started. If there was any sign of an unknown vampire, either they would have to continue this meeting without the majority of the wolves, or it would be delayed yet again.

And as much as Billy cared about the safety of his family, friends and the tribe, he would vote to continue the meeting. It was important that his son and Seth know they weren't being excommunicated from their pack or their families. He could only imagine how Jacob was feeling right now as he headed to a meeting that would decide his future.

Billy had no doubt about whom Jacob would choose if he was given an ultimatum. A wolf's imprint was his life; without the vampire, Jacob would deteriorate. Slowly and painfully. Billy knew this, and so did many of the others who had been involved in the decision involving his son. It hadn't stopped many of them from voting to force Jacob and Seth to come home and stay away from their imprints. As far as Billy was concerned, this was a lesson learned for all in their small community. He thought he'd done well in teaching his son not to judge others before knowing them, but his deep-seated distrust of vampires had transferred to his son as well as many of Jacob's pack members.

Some of the pack members had insisted that wolves could not possibly be mated to vampires, that fate would never be so cruel as to bring enemies together in that way. Billy knew what others would not believe, no matter how many times he said it. There was a reason that the Cullen's were being made a part of their tribe, and when the time came, the Quileutes would all be grateful to have the vampires on their side.

Soon the rest of the pack started ambling into the clearing, having stopped somewhere close-by to step into bits of clothing. Now they only waited on Jacob, Seth and Leah. Billy could already hear murmuring voices and see cautious glances being thrown all around the clearing. This didn't tell him anything he didn't already know. Many of the wolves expected the vampires to take advantage of the fact that the whole pack was in one place. Easy access.

Billy was relieved when Jacob finally appeared from between the towering pines. The wolves would only have become more edgy the longer they had to wait. He made a point of rolling his chair far enough to meet his son as he stepped into the clearing, extending his arms for a hug. There would be no doubt about Billy's feelings on this matter. He had made his decision and he wouldn't be changing his mind.

From the corner of his eye, Billy saw Sam standing tall and silent, his eyes betraying none of his thoughts. Billy suspected the pack's leader had withheld his true opinion about Jacob and Seth imprinting on vampires, but wouldn't call him on it. He didn't want to undermine Sam's leadership of the pack. If Sam had chosen not to tell his pack that the imprints were not a farce, then there had been a reason for doing so, and it was no business of his.

Standing on either side of Sam were Jared and Paul, whose feelings were plainly expressed on their faces. Jared was clearly suspicious and distrustful of the situation and Paul, as usual, was vibrating with anger.

It had been decided that since Billy's and Sue's opinions on the matter would be biased based on their relationships with Jacob and Seth, respectively, Old Quil would preside over this meeting. As the decision had been made already, Billy didn't see why it mattered who announced it, but there was no point in arguing.

Weathered as he was, Old Quil's voice carried to each and every member of their circle as he welcomed everyone and announced the purpose of their gathering. Although everyone present knew why they were here, it was the polite and proper way to begin.

He went on to explain that, while the Quileute tribe was still reluctant to trust the vampires, they believed there was a greater purpose to these matings. Jacob and Seth would be fully supported by their pack in pursuing relationships with their imprints. Whether they moved back into pack territory was ultimately a decision to be made within their families. If Seth and Jacob were to remain out of pack territory, a schedule would be made to include them in the protection detail.

Their imprints would, of course, be welcome on pack land, but it was suggested that the pack be warned in advance that the vampires would be on their land in order to avoid confrontation.

Finally, they were told that, should they remain with the Cullen's, Jake and Seth would be permitted to continue doing their schoolwork as they had been. Future education could be discussed at a later date.

Jacob had remained stoic throughout the meeting, but Billy could see the tension in his eyes and around his mouth. Seth stood right beside him, uncharacteristically serious, but Billy could see no sign of unease there. The boy was confident that this decision would be in their favor. The optimism wasn't entirely unexpected from him, as he'd always had a positive outlook.

As a few members of the pack stalked angrily away into the forest, others stayed behind to welcome Seth and Jacob back into the pack, giving them each a handshake or a pat on the back. Billy stayed back, waiting for the conversations to die down and others to leave. He had some things to discuss with his son, and he didn't want everyone listening in. Sue as well was waiting for some time alone with her children, and had agreed to wait to leave until he was ready.

This wasn't a conversation Billy wanted to have with his son, but others had insisted on it. Even though his son had chosen not to take his rightful place as Alpha of the pack, he still had responsibilities and they were about to become apparent.

xoxo

"You know I support your relationship with Edward. All I really want is for you to be happy. But to be honest, Jacob," his father told him, "The only thing about your relationship with the vampire that really bothers me is your inability to produce offspring."

Jake stared at his father, wide-eyed. He had never once thought about the implications of his taking a man for his mate. He was the true leader of the pack, and it would have been his children who made the strongest and most powerful future pack members. Many of his pack members as well as the elders probably considered it his responsibility to produce offspring with the wolf gene. But then, why had fate put him together with Edward? He could only guess that their coupling had a greater purpose than bringing about strong children.

Billy sighed. "You obviously haven't thought about this, and you really can't do anything to change it…" His father paused, giving Jake an uncharacteristically cautious look. He really didn't like that look. "Unless you and Edward agree to have a Quileute female artificially inseminated."

Jake's eyes widened even further; he could hardly even believe those words had just come out of his father's mouth. Artificially inseminate a female of the tribe? Billy had to know that was insane! If, as many of the elders thought, imprinting was mainly a way to bring together people with a greater chance of passing on the wolf gene to their children, then it didn't make sense to choose some random female and shoot her up with his sperm.

And even more importantly, what would they tell this girl who would be recruited to carry his children? What reason did they have for a surrogate mother that didn't involve the pack? No one was allowed to know about their shifting ability other than the elders and the imprints. Not even the parents of many of his pack members were allowed to know what went on in their children's lives. Billy's suggestion just didn't make any sense to him. The old man must have suffered a knock to the head to believe such a thing would work!

It wasn't fair to have some girl carry his children, because if he did have kids, Jake would want to raise them with Edward. He wouldn't want to share a child with some girl he didn't even know.

He finally met his father's eyes, seeing reluctance there, as if Billy hadn't even wanted to bring this up. Others had probably persuaded him to do this, which honestly made Jake feel a bit better about it all. It was probably the same people who were reluctant to accept the vampires as part of the pack. Maybe they figured Jake would change his mind about Edward once he had a baby with someone else. Like this was all some big fluke, and Jake would find his real imprint later on.

It was ridiculous to even consider such a thing. Jake couldn't imagine ever feeling this way for someone else. He wasn't going to suddenly meet some nice little Quileute girl and be like oh, she's the one! It just wasn't going to happen, and his pack mates were going to have to get used to it.

Jake took a deep breath, pushing back the anger and hurt and resentment that came from thinking of his pack, remembering their abandonment. Their reluctant reacceptance of he and Seth did little to make him feel better about it.

"I'll talk to Edward about it," he finally said, but before Billy could reply, he continued. "But I honestly don't like the idea. I don't know if I could have a child with someone other than my imprint, it would just feel…wrong." So wrong.

Jacob was relieved when Billy just nodded, acceptance of Jake's decision easy to read on his heavily wrinkled face.

The truth was Jake didn't know if he wanted kids. He'd never really thought about it, and now it just didn't seem like a feasible possibility. He would talk to his imprint about it, but he honestly didn't think he would be able to have a child with someone else, even if he wasn't required to have sex with the girl to impregnate her.

xoxo

Lounging on his soft bed, wearing only a worn pair of cut-off sweats, Seth contemplated everything Jasper had told him. There was no doubt that the vampire had a dark past, and even less doubt that he suffered constant guilt because of it.

Seth couldn't condone some of the things his imprint had done, but he also wouldn't judge him for them. Jasper had been young, had known nothing but war, and had wanted nothing but to survive. He had done what he thought necessary at the time.

Just the fact that Jasper hadn't taken pleasure in his deeds was enough to convince Seth that he truly regretted taking part in Maria's plans. He hadn't had a choice; it was either do what his sire told him, or be killed for his betrayal.

The fact that Jasper had been good at training the newborn vampires didn't make any difference in Seth's mind. His leadership and training skills had been one of the reasons Maria had chosen to turn him in the first place. None of it was Jasper's fault, at least not directly. He had escaped when the opportunity arose, had done what he could to keep from murdering any more innocent people. And eventually, he had joined the Cullen's and—despite the struggle—attempted to adapt to their vegetarian way of life.

Jasper may feel inferior because of his difficulty with that way of life, but what he didn't seem to understand was that it was admirable for any vampire to live the way the Cullen's were. To refuse to feed from humans was going against a vampire's very nature, and Jasper was doing the best he could. Furthermore, Jasper had fed on humans for many years before joining Carlisle's family and their way of life, whereas Esme, Rosalie and Edward had taken up the vegetarian lifestyle not long after they were turned and stuck with it, for the most part.

Jasper's familiarity with human blood might have had a detrimental effect on his ability to refrain from consuming it. Seth thought this possibility the most likely, but he didn't really care either way. The fact that his imprint tried was good enough for him. Even if Jasper ended up killing a human in the future, Seth didn't think he'd be able to hold it against him. He knew Jasper would feel guilt and remorse for causing the death, and might even cut himself off from humans altogether. In fact, such a thing was likely if Jasper's continued absence from school was any indication.

At least his imprint wasn't spending so much time alone these days. He'd been talking to Seth more and more since his confession of his past and the guilt he suffered because of it. And he seemed less tense, if still not ready to be around humans.

Jasper had also been spending a lot of his time helping Seth and Jake catch up on their school work. It had come a bit later than expected—by mail, making Seth think that they couldn't find anyone willing to deliver it—and in a larger quantity because of that, but with the vampire's help they were completing the work at a surprisingly fast rate. It wasn't that either he or Jake weren't smart, but some of the work covered subjects that hadn't been discussed at all when they were still going to school, so Jasper's help was very welcome.

Leah had refused help, but that really didn't surprise Seth. She was still uncomfortable around the vampires, and she wouldn't need the help anyway. In fact, Seth wouldn't be surprised if she were already finished. It was at least something to do other than sit outside all day and nap periodically.

Seth hoped that his sister would come to accept the vampires eventually. He and Leah had always been really close, and he would be upset if she never came to visit him now that she was moving back to La Push. He didn't think he would have to worry about it though. Leah had always been there for him when he needed her, and he doubted that would change now.

His thoughts dissipated as the sweet scent of honeysuckle assaulted his senses, immediately bringing his attention to his imprint. Jasper didn't say anything, just crossed to the other side of the bed and sat down, adjusting his body until he was leaning up against the headboard with his legs splayed out on the mattress. His left hand came to rest upon Seth's bare abdomen, a seemingly casual touch that the vampire had started initiating soon after his confession about his past.

Seth didn't think it was a completely conscious gesture, just something he did to bring himself comfort. Jasper must have no idea that just that small amount of contact made Seth burn. It made him yearn to have his imprint above him, beneath him, inside him. And yet the vampire refused to touch him in any way that wasn't completely platonic.

Closing his eyes, Seth struggled to keep his breathing even, to keep from showing any signs of arousal. It took some effort, but Seth knew how to control his body when necessary. Just one more advantage that came from Seth's experiences with his wolf. Learning to control the change had led to other discoveries concerning his body and mind. He was still working on censoring his thoughts while in wolf form in order to spare his pack from the inanities of his mind. He thought it was going well.

Jasper was watching him. He could feel those gorgeous amber eyes on his face, Jasper caressing Seth's features with nothing more than his gaze. He kept his eyes shut, not wanting to interrupt Jasper's perusal, wanting the feeling of his imprint's eyes on him to last as long as he could draw it out. The vampire watched him often. Jasper may not realize that Seth noticed, but he would feel those eyes on him from a mile away. They focused on him as surely as a laser, pinpricks erupting all down his spine, making Seth struggle not to show his knowledge of Jasper's attention. If the vampire knew he'd noticed, it might stop, and Seth definitely didn't want that. If he couldn't have his imprint's touch, then he wanted whatever he could get.

Struggling with his body, unsure if he could keep control for much longer with those eyes stroking him so hotly, Seth opened his eyes, bringing Jasper's attention from the line of his collarbone back up to his face. No sign of arousal could be found in that fathomless gaze, but that didn't mean Jasper didn't feel it. He was even more adept at hiding his thoughts and emotions than Seth was, and more, he could convince others he was feeling something completely different than what he was, with very little effort. Seth didn't mind. He'd always been intuitive, and his senses always let him know when something wasn't right with his mate.

"Is everything alright?" Jasper asked, and ohhh that voice was nearly as potent as Jasper's eyes. It turned his blood to molten lava, burning through his body until Seth feared he would set the bed aflame with his heat. Still, his face stayed blank, his body immobile, Seth trying so hard to keep Jasper from discovering what he could make Seth feel with as little as a fleeting touch or spoken word.

It was probably irrelevant, since Jasper could sense his emotions, but maybe if Seth just refused to acknowledge what his imprint made him feel, the vampire wouldn't become uncomfortable with their current relationship. Seth knew Jasper's reasons for limiting their relationship, and he could—reluctantly—agree with them. The fact that he was too young didn't make it any easier for him to keep from touching his imprint the way he wanted to. Only the prospect of Jasper withdrawing even further made Seth respect the vampire's limits.

He was a teenager, and along with the rapid changes to his body had come an almost insatiable libido. He'd taken to indulging in long runs in the morning—when he would find a quiet spot to take care of his needs—and long showers in the evening, where he would do the same, albeit much more quietly. There were ears everywhere in this house, but if anyone had heard him wanking in the shower, no one had said anything to him about it, for which he was grateful. He wasn't easily embarrassed, but that didn't mean he wanted to talk about sex with his imprint's family. That would just be weird.

Seth nodded in the affirmative, belatedly answering Jasper's question. "Just thinking," he said quietly.

Jasper's hand twitched, making Seth's abs clench with the feeling of his imprint's skin smoothing against his own. In his most private imaginings, the movement would indicate a desire to roll Seth over and do unmentionable things to him. In reality, Jasper most likely struggled to decide how to continue the conversation. The vampire didn't tend to use words unnecessarily.

"What about?" Jasper asked, apparently unable to contain his curiosity.

"You," Seth answered, unable to completely banish the awe and desire from his voice.

Jasper's eyes darkened, but it wasn't a sign of anything good. He'd taken Seth's admission the wrong way, and he obviously wasn't paying attention to what Seth was feeling at the moment.

"Are you disgusted by me, by the things I've done?" Jasper asked, his voice strangled despite his obvious effort to maintain his composure.

They'd not talked about the things Jasper had admitted to him, and now Seth kind of wished he had brought it up before now. He hadn't acted differently toward his imprint since his admission, so Seth had assumed Jasper would know there were no problems between them. Obviously, he had been wrong. You know what they say about assumptions.

Seth brought his hand up to the vampire's face, knowing he was breaking boundaries with the touch, but not caring in the face of Jasper's very real fear of rejection. They needed to maintain eye contact until Seth knew without a doubt that Jasper believed what he was told.

"You've done some bad things in your existence, Jasper" Seth began, and maybe it wasn't the best thing to start out with, but Seth couldn't deny the truth. "You know it and I know it, but you've felt remorse and tried to make yourself better. As much as you crave human blood and have difficulty resisting the allure, you haven't repeated your mistakes. So no, Jasper, I am not disgusted by you, and as long as you keep trying, I never will be."

Seth continued looking into Jasper's eyes, knowing the vampire would be able to see his sincerity. Seth would do anything to help his imprint, and it was important that Jasper know that.

"How can you forgive the things I've done?" Jasper asked, his anguish palpable. It made Seth want to wrap Jasper up in his arms and never let go. He would do it if he thought it would help the situation, but it would probably do just the opposite.

"You don't need my forgiveness, Jasper. The only person you need forgiveness from is yourself. You've been living with this guilt for years, and I think it's time you let it go. But I can't do it for you, Jasper, this is your decision," Seth said, finally dropping his hand from Jasper's face and letting the vampire's gaze drift away from his own.

His imprint had a lot of thinking to do, and Seth could give him as least that much space with which to do it. He settled on his back and closed his eyes as Jasper scooted down on the bed and turned to his side, studying Seth's face and bringing a hand to rest on Seth's chest. The hand started moving up and down, chest to stomach and back in a soothingly repetitive motion that soon had Seth drifting into restful sleep.

xoxo

Jake stared at Edward, finally—finally—beginning to understand just how far the vampire would go to make him happy, to make his family happy. He had honestly panicked at even the thought of bringing this up with his imprint, afraid that Edward might think Jake would have preferred a female mate if only for this very reason.

"You might not have considered this, Jacob," Edward said, seeming almost tentative, "but I've been thinking of almost nothing but ways to make you more secure in our relationship, ways to prove to you that I don't plan on going anywhere."

Everything Edward was saying seemed to go right back to what Jacob had been thinking about on his way to the meeting with his pack and the elders. His imprint was trying so hard, and it just wasn't fair that he had to put in so much effort to give Jake what he needed. Especially since Jake felt as if he wasn't giving back anything at all.

A hand on his chin brought his eyes back to Edward's, and he really shouldn't have been surprised that the vampire had heard everything he'd just thought. He should know better by now. Long, elegant fingers caressed his cheek, and Jake couldn't help but lean into the soft touch.

"Jake," the soft, honey-smooth voice admonished gently, "you have no idea how much you give me."

And Edward was right, Jake didn't know. But looking into his imprint's eyes now, he could see Edward's feelings so clearly. Love, first and foremost, but so many other things as well. Happiness, comfort, understanding, and a willingness to do whatever it took to make things work between them.

It felt so good to know, to see, how much Edward cared for him. Despite the knowledge that he might one day imprint on someone, Jake had never really believed that he would find someone to love him. Not in the way that he wanted, anyway. But now, here he was, in love with a vampire—the very creature he had once despised—and Edward loved him too. So much that he would do anything to make Jake happy.

But what about Edward's happiness? Would he really be okay with Jacob having a child with someone else, even if they used artificial insemination? Would his vampire accept the child as his own, or would he resent the fact that they couldn't have children together? Would the Cullen's be able to handle a human child being around all the time, or would the proximity bother them? These lines of thought brought out Jake's panic all over again.

Edward made a sound then, once again bringing Jake's attention back to him. He looked frustrated, obviously picking up on Jacob's thoughts again. Most people probably would have considered it an invasion of privacy, but Jake didn't feel that way. To have this constant connection with his imprint through his thoughts gave him comfort. He didn't have to express these thoughts and feelings that plagued him, just waited for Edward to sort them out and help when he could.

"Don't you get it, Jake? I only want to make you happy, and it's probably the same for you, right?"

Jacob nodded, realizing for the first time what their main problem was. Jake wanted Edward to be happy and Edward wanted Jake to be happy, so they just needed to come up with a solution that would make them both happy. So Jake had to ask.

"Do you want kids?"

Edward looked thoughtful, obviously not wanting to give an answer that wasn't completely truthful. But Jake figured it was mostly for show. If Edward had thought about this before, had decided to give Jacob children—in whatever way he could—then he obviously wouldn't mind having kids, at the very least.

"I never really thought about it before we got together," Edward began. "Even when I was with Bella, I never even considered it a possibility. I guess that just proves how doomed our relationship really was. If I had really considered spending my life with her, I would have thought about the fact she might have wanted children, but I just didn't."

Jake could understand that. He knew that Edward had wished for a mate for years before he finally found someone he could see himself with. The fact that she hadn't been right for him made no difference. Most vampires probably wouldn't even contemplate having children due to the fact they weren't physically able to produce them. The same was probably true for Edward, until Jake came along with all his insecurities.

He knew that Esme had dealt with her inability to have children by taking care of whoever became a part of their family, though, so maybe other vampires satisfied their paternal or maternal urges by doing something similar.

Jake guessed it didn't matter, at least not right now. They could wait to make this decision until they were older and more prepared to consider the responsibility of children. His father and those who had coerced Billy into discussing the matter with him would just have to wait.

"If we ever do decide to have children, just know I wouldn't want to raise them with anyone other than you," Jake whispered, snaking his arms up to curl around Edward's neck.

Their eyes locked, and just like that all thoughts of children disappeared. Arousal zipped down his spine, that growling rumble that Edward so loved emerging from Jake's chest without his consent. Before Jake could even blink, Edward's body was pushing him into the mattress, his arms and legs pinned down, and then they were devouring each other.

When Edward's mouth finally found his, electricity shot through his entire body and his thoughts fled. He knew only sensation from that point on until their passion ascended into an explosion of ecstasy.

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