Family of Secrets | Emmett Cullen

Chapter 26

"Sam's lost the element of surprise," Jacob informed the Cullen's. "And he doesn't want to take you on outnumbered."

Everyone except Alice and Bella were gathered in the living room listening to Jacob warn them about the wolves and their plan.

"He's not gonna come at you head on. He's got the place surrounded and he'll wait for his opportunity," Jacob continued.

Emmett stood behind the couch with Jackie leaning her back against his chest. His arms tightened around her as every muscle in his body tensed up.

"He won't get through without a fight," Emmett said slamming his fist into his hand.

Jackie's heart dropped into her stomach. "Please, Emmett no," she pleaded with him. Emmett was still stronger than anyone else, but she could feel his strength beginning to wane.

"Don't worry," Carlisle smiled at her reassuringly. "There will be no fights," he said. "We won't be the ones to break the treaty."

"The treaty is void," Jacob snickered, "at least in Sam's mind."

"Not in ours," Esme replied gently.

Jackie winced as an angry and frustrated Emmett increased his grip around her waist. "Carlilse, no one's hunted for weeks," he ground out between clenched teeth. He was starving. All the Cullen's were.

"We'll make do," Esme nodded.

"You've done us a great service, Jacob," Carlisle smiled. "Thank you."

Before Jackie had time to register what was happening, Emmett had picked her up and flashed off into their bathroom upstairs. Setting her down in the shower, he stripped them both before turning the water on.

Jackie remained silent, watching as the water cascaded down Emmett's body. She frowned. Was he beginning to loose weight? Was that even possible for a vampire?

Not knowing what else to say or do, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. They stayed like that for a long time until Emmett finally gathered her in his arms and carried her to bed. Within a few minutes she was sound asleep. Emmett got up then and angrily stared out the window, daring anyone to try and threaten his family.

***
"Jackie," Alice shook her, "Carlisle needs you," her voice was filled with worry and concern. "It's Bella," she added.

Jackie ran down the stairs as quickly as she could. As her stomach growled, she wondered how long she had been asleep for. With as hungry as she felt, she guessed maybe it had been a day or two.

"I need your help," Carlisle explained as soon as she rushed into his office. "We need to get her prepped for an xray," he said.

"Her rib has cracked," Jackie informed them, looking at the screen, "but they're no splinters," she said. "And it hasn't punctured anything, either," she added.

"Yet," Edward snarked.

"Edward," Carlisle gently rebuked.

"It's breaking her bones now," he cried before turning towards Bella. "It's crushing you from the inside out," he said. "Carlisle, Jackie, tell her what you told me," he insisted. "Tell her."

"Jackie," Bella said reaching out for her hand, "tell me," she pleaded. "It's alright."

Jackie took a deep breath and slowly blew it out before answering. She looked towards Carlisle who gave her a nod of confidence.

"The baby is incompatible with your body," she began. "It's too strong and it's not allowing you to get the nutrition you need."

"It's starving you by the hour," Jackie continued. "Carlisle can't stop it and he can't slow it down," she paused. "At this rate your heart will give out before you can deliver."