Just a little before sunrise, I woke up to Jacob silently moving away from Bella's side of the couch, switching places with Edward so he could cool her down while she slept. Stretching as I sat up, I smiled at Edward before motioning for Jacob to help me to my feet, my body protesting from the awkward position I had curled up in.

"Are you going to be okay here?" Jacob asked when we stepped out onto the porch, breathing in the fresh air. I nodded sleepily.

"Are you going for a run?" I asked him, pulling the blanket draped over my shoulders closer to my chin.

"Yeah, I'm going to check the route for the Cullens, see if Sam or the others have been around or not so they can go hunting."

"Make sure to check in on Leah and Seth... I know they don't need a babysitter or anything, but they have been out there all night."

"I'll make sure they're okay." Jacob said, kissing my forehead. "Are you going back to bed for a while?"

"No, I think I'm going for my own walk. There's a small meadow down the creek behind the house, I want to be there when the sun rises. Try some of Giuliana's magic lessons. That kind of thing."

"Be careful. Take Alice with you or call Chloe over. I don't think he would, but we don't know for sure if Sam won't attack you trying to get to the Cullens."

"I'll be careful, I promise. And having someone with me isn't a bad idea. See you around breakfast?"

"It's a date."

With another gentle kiss, Jacob was gone, running through the woods as the air shimmered around me in his wake. Smiling to myself, I headed back to the house to change and gather my bag before getting a cup of apple cranberry black tea from Esme.

"Alice is out back waiting for you," Esme said with a smile as she stirred a spoonful of sugar into the mug. "Enjoy the sunrise."

"Thanks, Esme. I'll see you in a few hours."

Alice sat perched on the railing on the back porch as I exited the house, her eyes shining with excitement.

"I hear we're doing some magic today."

"That's the plan," I beamed, patting my bag. "I have one of Giuliana's journals in here that I've been reading and there are a couple of things that piqued my interest."

"Like what?" Alice asked curiously as we set off down the path along the water.

"Like connecting my mind to the pack's over long distances... I was able to link to Jacob's a few days ago when we were out front with Edward, but that's only a few feet. This would expand miles, if done properly. And there's this incantation for summoning the elements, like I did against the newborn army, only this is supposed to help me stay grounded."

"Almost like controlling the elements but calling them at will kind of thing?" Alice clarified.

"Exactly."

A comfortable silence fell over us as we entered the meadow with about fifteen minutes until the sun broke the horizon. Alice bounced over to a fallen log, sitting quietly as she watched me lay out a blanket and set up a makeshift altar on top of a semi-flat boulder. Propping Giuliana's journal up so I could see it while sitting cross-legged, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, clearing my mind so it was a blank slate.

Reciting the words in my head, I concentrated on Seth first since he would be the closest pack member to me. The air around me shimmered and I could feel the link between us establishing itself as the wind blew a gentle breeze around the back of my neck.

"Seth?" I whispered, keeping my eyes shut. "Are you there?"

Hey, Leaf, came his reply, just as sleepy as I still felt. Whatcha doing?

"Just testing out boundaries," I said as I allowed him to see into my mind. "How are you feeling?"

I'm okay... I think it's time for a real shower though, he chuckled.

"You know you're welcome to shift back into human form every now and then when needed. The three of you don't have to do all the work."

I don't mind it so much. Seth grew quiet for a moment. Leah might though.

"Yeah, I know. I'm going to try to link to her and Jacob now... I should still be able to hear you when I do. Give me a second, okay?"

Gotcha.

Seth fell silent as I focused on Leah next, feeling a twinge of pride as I could still feel my connection to Seth when Leah's voice floated through my mind.

Good morning, Leaf.

"Hey, Leah. Where are you and Jake?"

Somewhere in the mountains. Trying some new magic?

"Testing how far I can stay linked to you guys. Not bad for a few miles between us, eh?"

I'm impressed. Leah was genuinely truthful, the awe in her tone lingering in my head.

"Thanks. I'm going to try Jacob now, so if I lose you, I'll try it again."

I took another deep breath and imagined Jacob in wolf form, seeing through his eyes as he ran through the forest. I pictured his face in human form, eyes twinkling every time he laughed.

Your eyes sparkle when you laugh too, he thought, a smirk resonating in his tone.

"It worked." I grinned, opening my eyes and looking at Alice, who clapped excitedly. "Okay, I should be able to communicate with all three of you now. Jake?"

Still here.

"Leah?"

Nice work, Autumn. I can hear you too.

"Awesome. And Seth?"

Whoa... you did it, Leaf! Seth thought happily and I could almost imagine the grin on his wolf face.

"This link should be established permanently, but only used when absolutely needed. Meaning, I won't be intruding on the pack link every time you guys are in wolf form."

Does it work if we want to communicate with you? Leah asked curiously. Like, can we reach out to you and establish the link?

"You should be able to..." I said as I skimmed over the open pages. "Hold on just a second, let me look... ah, here we go! Lascia che il lupo mi trovi."

A gust of wind blew around me, scattering a few fallen leaves as they danced against my skin before heading towards the mountains where I knew it would find the pack.

"Any time you need me, I'll be there," I spoke again, directing it to Leah. "Is there something you need to talk to me about?"

Actually, I wanted to talk to Jacob, but I'd like for you to stay and listen too, Leah answered.

What's up, Leah? I could feel the confusion seeping into Jacob's mind as he felt the sudden change in her tone.

I just wanted to say thank you.

For?

For letting me be. For letting me stay. You've been a whole lot nicer than I probably deserved.

It's no problem, really. I don't mind having you around as much I thought I would, if I'm being honest... don't let that go to your head, he added playfully and I smiled, realizing just how far the two of them have come in the last few days.

I won't, as long as you don't let this go to yours, Leah remarked. I think you make a good Alpha. Not like Sam does, but in your own way... you're worth following, Jake.

Thanks, Jacob said slowly. Where did that come from, if you don't mind me asking?

Leah didn't answer right away, just let Jacob follow the wordless trail of thoughts floating through her mind: how Jacob had told Jared the other morning he wasn't sure what the future held for him as Alpha, how he promised Leah and Seth would return to the pack after the Cullens left...

I want to stay with you and Autumn and Seth, be a pack together... Leah said quietly. I know this isn't exactly what you wanted, but I'm happier now, as a part of your pack, than I have been in years.

I want to stay too, Seth echoed and my heart broke for them both as I realized that besides their mother and Emily, the Clearwater kids didn't have much family left in La Push.

I haven't really thought about it that far ahead, Jacob admitted. There's a lot to take into consideration... Seth has to finish high school, take care of Sue... Leah, you have your whole life ahead of you as far as college goes, if you choose...

That's just it, though. I don't have to stay in La Push to be a part of the pack, Leah said. I could still go off to college and keep the mental link, and only be physically a member when I come home for holidays. Or I could stay in La Push and start a family with Chloe and Casey, be here for my mom and Seth... either way, it could work.

What do you think, Leaf? Jacob asked me.

"I think that Leah has a point. And if nothing else, I believe that we need each other to be each other's family. When our parents all pass away, we're going to need people to be there for us. Jacob and I have each other, Chloe and Leah have each other... and there's Seth, and Casey, and Jacob's sisters, and technically Paul. We're already a pack, even before Jacob stepped up as the Alpha."

Not to mention the Cullens... they're practically a part of the pack just like we're a part of their coven, Seth added quietly.

"Exactly."

I guess that settles it then, Jacob said after a few moments of silence. We can talk about details later, Leah, if you choose to leave La Push or not.

Thank you, Leah mumbled softly, gratitude filling her words. I really do appreciate everything, Jake.

Okay, enough of the sappiness for a bit. Leaf, Leah and I are going to go hunt, Jacob directed to me. So, I'll see you back at the Cullens' in a while.

"Okay. I'm going to break the link for a while so I can concentrate on my next to-do, so just call to me if you need anything. Any of you."

With a chorus of goodbyes floating through my mind, I "muted" the connection and flipped through the journal, looking for my next page.

"What are you doing now?" Alice asked, still perched on the log.

"I'm going to try a mirror portal spell," I replied, scanning the current page with my fingertip. "I want to see if I can connect with someone."

Alice didn't question me, and I had a feeling she knew - or at least had an idea - of who I was talking about. Reciting the spell under my breath, I pulled the handheld mirror out of my bag, peering at my reflection as I waited. Small ripples broke out across the reflective surface and slowly, the kitchen came into focus.

"Autumn?"

"Hey, Em."

The sound of the oven shutting echoed through the space and suddenly, Emily was standing in front of her mirror, a genuine smile on her face.

"Long time, no see!"

"I miss you too," I laughed.

"How are you? How's Jacob?"

"I'm okay... he's hanging in there. So are Seth and Leah." I said, answering her unspoken question. "It's weird for all of us, if I'm being honest... but I think everyone knew this was going to happen one day."

"Yeah, you're right," she sighed, shaking her head. "Sam's beating himself up for how things played out."

"Do you think things will ever be mended between them?" I asked quietly, pressing my lips together in a thin line.

"I have no idea... I hope so. I miss you guys... especially Leah." Emily smiled sadly before her eyes darted to the side. My guess was she was staring at the front door. "I have to go, the guys are coming back."

"If you ever need to talk," I rushed, "you can just call for me through this mirror... the spell enchants both ends, as long as you say you're okay with it."

"I'm more than okay with that." Emily beamed. "Talk to you soon, Leaf."

"Bye, Em."

In the blink of an eye, the mirror rippled and returned to normal, showing me my own face. Satisfied that it worked, I looked at Alice and grinned.

"Let's go home."

Alice flitted over as I put everything back in my bag and we walked back towards the house, the sun just barely peeking over the horizon.

"Is it nice not having to worry about people seeing you in the sunlight?" I asked her as we rounded one of the river bends.

"Yeah, it is, actually." Alice let out a small sigh of relief. "Sometimes it's exhausting —"

Her voice was cut off by Edward's urgent tone as we neared the house.

"We need to do an X-ray."

We shared a look before bolting towards the back porch, Alice beating me to the door. We hurried into the living room to see Edward and Rosalie helping Bella upstairs. Edward glanced at me, his eyes filled with fear.

"Just checking for a broken bone," he murmured. "We'll be right back."

The trio disappeared upstairs where Carlisle had a makeshift doctor's room made up for Bella. Plopping down onto the couch, I let my head tilt back against the cushions, staring at the ceiling. I was all for Bella and the baby, but I hated that she was in pain like this. Nothing about this pregnancy was normal, that's for sure.

I felt Alice leave the room as my eyes fluttered shut, sleep promising comfort as I tried to fight the drowsiness. I knew I needed to get more sleep... but I wanted to be awake in case something happened to Bella.

"Hey, wolf." Alice's voice floated through the open window.

"Hey shortie." Jacob answered her as he walked up the porch steps. "Anything new?"

"Just checking for a broken bone..."

"Rib?"

"Pelvis."

"See, I told you I didn't hear a crack. Edward, you need your ears checked." Rosalie's voice drifted down the stairs, stirring me back awake.

There was no answer as I sat on the edge of the cushion, my eyes wide as I glanced out the window to see Alice make a face before she spoke again.

"Edward's going to end up ripping Rose into pieces... I'm surprised she doesn't see that, the way she keeps egging him on. Or maybe she thinks Emmett will step in and stop him."

"I'll take Emmett," Jacob chuckled under his breath as they headed toward the door. "You can help Edward with the ripping part."

As soon as they crossed the threshold, Edward and Rosalie came back down; this time, Edward had Bella as she gripped her cup of blood in both hands. It was clear to see that despite the brave face and Edward barely brushing against her, Bella was hurting from the movements. I immediately clambered to my feet and moved out of the way so they could bring Bella back to the couch.

"Hi guys," Bella whispered, smiling through the pain. We smiled back at her in response, although it felt more like a grimace.

Carlisle was the last one to come down the stairs, nodding in greeting to Jacob even as his face was creased with worry. For a brief second, I could see the older man instead of the vampire as Jacob addressed him.

"Carlisle, we went halfway to Seattle... there's no sign of the pack. I think you're good to go."

"Thank you, Jacob. This is good timing. There's much that we need." His eyes flickered to Bella's cup before shifting back to Jacob. "We appreciate everything you, Leah, and Seth are doing for us, despite the circumstances."

"Like Autumn said earlier, you're practically family to us. And honestly, I think you're safe to take more than three if you want. Looks like Sam is concentrating only on La Push."

"If you think so," Carlisle said, nodding in agreement. "Alice, Jasper, and Esme can go with me. Then Alice can take Emmett and Rosa--"

"Not a chance," Rosalie hissed, cutting him off. "Emmett can go with you now."

"Rose, you need to hunt," Carlisle said softly.

"I'll hunt when he does." She growled, jerking her head towards Edward.

"Very well." Carlisle sighed.

In a flash, Emmett and Jasper were downstairs, standing beside Alice and Esme. Carlisle placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder almost comfortingly.

"Thank you," he said again before darting out the door, closely followed by the other four. Within a second, they disappeared from the yard.

Their needs must've been more urgent than I realized, Jacob directed to me as his eyes roamed over Bella's thinning frame. I just nodded silently, taking a seat near the window to keep an eye out for the Cullens.

Jacob sauntered over to the armchair next to Rosalie and sprawled out so his head was tilted towards Bella and his foot dangled near Rosalie's face. I already knew what was coming so I just watched, sharing a glance with Edward.

"Ew, someone put the dog out." Rosalie muttered, wrinkling her nose as she flipped through the channels.

"Have you heard this one, Psycho? How do a blonde's brain cells die?

Rosalie ignored him, prompting him to turn to Edward.

"Has she heard this one?"

"No." He replied, not looking away from Bella's face.

"Oh, you'll enjoy this, Blondie." Jacob chuckled. "A blonde's brain cells die alone."

"I have killed a hundred times more often than you have, you disgusting beast. Don't forget that." Rosalie growled, still refusing to look at Jacob.

"Someday, Beauty Queen, you're going to grow tired of threatening me and actually do something. I look forward to it."

"Jake, enough," I said quietly, shaking my head.

Sorry, he mouthed, his eyes guilty as he shifted in the chair to get more comfortable.

"Rose, can I have a refill?" Bella asked after a few minutes of silence. Rosalie rose from the chair and blew upstairs without hesitation to get more blood.

More silence followed her departure, everyone lost in their thoughts until Edward looked around, puzzled.

"Did you say something?" He looked at Bella in confusion; she stared back at him just as confused.

"Me?" she asked after a pause. "I didn't say anything."

Edward moved onto his knees, leaning forward over Bella as his eyes focused on her face.

"What are you thinking about right now?"

"Esme's island. And feathers." She blushed, her eyes avoiding Jacob and me.

"Say something else," Edward whispered.

"Like what? Edward, what's going on?"

His face changed, morphing into disbelief and awe. Rosalie gasped from the doorway, just as shocked as everyone else when Edward placed his hands on either side of Bella's stomach.

"The... baby likes the sound of your voice."

The room stilled for a beat, realization settling over us like a slow mist.

"Holy cow, you can hear him!" Bella shouted. In the next second, she winced, rubbing her side.

"It's okay," Edward murmured, rubbing the top of her stomach where the baby must've kicked her. "You startled it... him."

"Sorry, baby." Bella said softly, patting her stomach. "What's he thinking now?"

"It... he or she, is... happy." Edward said incredulously.

They looked at each other with adoration and devotion; fat tears overflowed Bella's eyes and ran silently down her face.

"I love you so much, little EJ, of course, you're happy," Bella crooned at her stomach.

"EJ?" Edward wrinkled his brows in confusion.

"I sort of named him." Bella gave a sheepish grin. "I didn't think you would want... you know. Anyway, your father's name was Edward, too."

"Hmm." Edward tilted his head as a slow smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "He likes my voice, too."

"Of course he does. You have the most beautiful voice in the world." Bella glowed, rolling her eyes playfully.

"Do you have a backup plan?" Rosalie asked.

"Yeah, what if he is really a girl?" I added.

"I was toying around with a few names... like Renee and Esme put together. Ruh-nez-may... spelled R-e-n-e-s-m-e-e. Unless that's too weird?"

"It's perfect," I reassured her.