Chapter 32: A Matter of Life and Death,

Bella POV …

Carlisle rushed to my side. His gentle compassionate eyes held such concern for me, and he had a sense of urgency that made me sit up and take notice. Caius took my hand in his to provide support and braced himself and me for the words that Carlisle had to say. I watched as Esme let go of her mates' arm and came to my side of the bed, then wrapped her motherly arms around me and held me close. The couples, Jasper and Alice, Jacob and Bree stood together looking on taking in what Carlisle was about to say.

''Caius and Bella, Alice had a vision concerning the birth.''

I hold my breath, for the news of what Alice's vision contained. Her visions were so mysterious, and I wasn't sure if I was prepared to hear it. However, anxious as I was now, it was coming no matter how much I dreaded it.
''Bella will deliver tomorrow and if we do not intervene it will be very devastating to her body and be dangerous, and we could lose her. Alice also sees the babies rip out of her abdomen with their teeth, rather than a normal birth.''

I gasped involuntarily and Caius dropped to his knees at my side and buried his face in his hands. A soft but harsh gasping sound came muffled from his lips and I knew without looking into his sorrow-stricken face that he was crying. It was just too much for me to bear. Carlisle dropped to his knee next to Caius and patted him on the back for comfort.

''I know this is a blow but listen to me, ''Carlisle urged on with compassion.

Caius raises head to look at me. I saw a man so crushed by fear and sadness that I wanted to cry out. But I wouldn't for his sake. So, instead I laid my head on his shoulder and comforted him in my embrace. My own feelings almost all forgotten as I saw my love in such despair. It was hard for me to see this strong, formidable, ancient vampire that I come to love with my whole heart become so vulnerable and truly emotional without restraint. Now, all I wanted to do was take away his pain.

''Caius, Bella will not suffer such a fate if I take action and do C-section right now.''

Caius straightened up and looked at Carlisle in the eyes searching his face as he spoke words of hope we all needed so desperately to hear.

''Will this effort save them all? 'Caius asked, his voice hoarse and it came out a bit harsh.

''Caius, it has a better outcome then just doing nothing at all. Bella will not experience too much pain and the babies will be better off too without all the stress.''

Caius exhaled then turn to me. He gently took my face in his hands and leaned his forehead against mine.

''My dear Bella, this is our only course I'm afraid I think we should trust Carlisle. I will be by your side every moment,'' he whispered and watched my tears fall then wipe them away.

''Will you be strong enough to be able to handle all the blood? ''I ask him, hoping for a yes.

''I know that my history of blood lust does me no credit but my love for you and my children sake I should. You see, my love is greater than my needs, and it is more powerful than the hunger could be. I promise you that I will be strong, and I will have the will to change you as soon as our children are out in this world safe and sound. I will not lose any of you.''

At that moment, my heart swelled with so much love. Any fear that I had was replaced by an acute determination to be brave for everyone's sake. I just had to make it through okay. Caius nodded to me and then stood up to call Aro, Marcus, and the wives to our room. They rushed to us without delay and stood before us as the room wrapped in silence as he explained what was happening. A frown of worry split Aro's brow and his jaw was set as he crossed his arms.

''Do you think you can do this. Caius you had not the patience for changing anyone before, ''he ran a hand through his dark hair then added, ''also you never handled the call of hunger without denying it.''

''I will conquer my instincts or die and be damned,'' Caius answered with amazing conviction.

Marcus nodded solemnly then Aro called in Demetri and Alec to the room after he gave a small smile to Caius. They flitted in at once.

''Make preparations for the surgery in this room with the direction of Carlisle. Bella and needs us and we shall support her, affretarrsi!" (Make haste)

I watch as my gallant company began to set up all that I needed and soon turned our bedroom into a makeshift operating room in no time. Then before I knew it, Caius scoop me up from the bed and laid me on the examination table so fast that I gasped. He chuckled at my surprise and nuzzle my neck then planted his swift kiss on me. He then went to help the others some more. Alice came over and fluffed my pillows and placed a few more behind me.

''Thank you, Alice, ''I say with emotion cracking in my voice.

''Anytime my sister, ''she says that she backed away to Jasper, smiling.

I just wanted to cry. I was more than overwhelmed by all the attention and love I was receiving. I laid back comfortably and watch Carlisle call Caius over as he withdrew a large syringe. Caius approached Carlisle eyeing the sharp instrument questioningly.

''It's alright, Caius, 'Carlisle explained as he nodded his understanding. ''I must extract your venom. I must do this and when the time comes inject it into Bella's heart. This is our best shot to have a successful change. Her body will be weak from blood loss and her heartbeat will be slow and this will be their best chance to get the venom all through her veins before the heart shuts down."

Caius looked at me quickly to see if I was listening and I nodded my understanding. I knew that there was no other way.

''Right Carlisle, I will do what has to be done for her,'' Caius said as I watched my love tilt his head and offer his vein for extraction.

Before I knew and perhaps before I fully understood the weight of my responsibility at hand of what must be done, I realized everyone was counting on me to survive this. I inwardly gasped at my sudden revelation. I gazed around the room and looked on each face so bravely and hopeful that I could not help but feel the pressure. And Caius just the thought of him alone an in sorrow made me want to die. But now I am determined to live and not just for us but for our babies too. They will need a mother and a father. I must succeed. Despite the fear that crept up in me from the unknown, I still needed to hang on to hope. Carlisle began to explain procedures and I had a picture of what to expect. It helped me somewhat to focus on the task at hand. After his dialogue he gave me and the epidural for pain. Caius laid me back and I started to relax. The numbing sensations grew all over and left my body painless and immobile. My fear slowly slipped away with all the feeling and I sighed in relief. I did not realize how much pain I was in from the pregnancy that I carried every day and got used to it. Now without it I could almost drift away to sleep. Caius gazed down at me and gave me one of his reassuring smiles then looked up again and watched Carlisle's every move as he prepared his station. When he was finished Carlisle address the room.

''Now, I must ask everyone to exit the room before I begin. The blood will surely be overwhelming for most of you to handle. ''

''Of course, dear Carlisle. Come let us wait in the study, ''Aro said, leading the way after kissing me on the forehead.

The wives rushed to my side and cried as they gave me a warm sisterly hug, followed by the Cullen's women.

''Bella, we will be just beyond the door. Remember, we love you, '' Esme said with a sniff then took my hand.

She cupped my face in her gentle motherly touch and that warmed my heart, for she was the closest thing I could have to a mother in this world. Jake soon approached at last and stood before me with his red eyes dancing as they welled up in in tears as his emotions got the better of him. I could hardly take all this emotion, it was exhausting. I thought men were supposed to be brave and bury what was in their hearts at a time like this. But not mine, no they had to wear them proudly on their sleeves for all to see. I guess I was kind of proud of them. I watch Jake swallow hard.

''I'm with you, no matter what Bells. I got your back. ''

I smile genuinely to his simple but meaningful statement then waved him over. He moved carefully to my side, around the equipment with Bree on his arm.

''You always did have my back, Jake, a remark of a true, loyal friend. I can't tell you enough what you mean to me. I am determined to get through this. I promise you all that.''

That's the Bella I know and all I needed to hear.''

With that Jake left and we were alone. Carlisle begin the operation. Caius stood at the ready as he watched Carlisle used the scalpel on my abdomen. I kept my eyes on my love and watched him grimace as the cut was made. Soon he struggled and gripped the table hard. Carlisle looked up quickly.

''Caius? ''

''Don't worry doctor, I'm alright. Just keep going. ''

Caius POV…

I held myself back as I watched Carlisle cut into my sweet mate with the agony of sorrow and worry flowing through my veins like ice. It disturbed me greatly that I could not protect her. Not from anything like this and I was restless because I had no control. This feeling of helplessness was so alien to me that it seemed unnatural. As a vampire, I always enjoyed being in control. I never once suffered as I did when I was human and was without it. Until now. Now, my whole life belonging to another and control is lost to me. Should I miss it? I know I'm nothing without her. I was nothing before her because my life was empty. She is my entire world, my other half of me and if she should die, I shall die. Bella. She alone is the source of my strength and is the only thing good in my life. I will not let the blood control me; it is of no consequence. Her scent enticed me only a moment but as I looked on my poor beloved and saw her tears, I knew I could not give in. I focused on her. I bent down to her and offered my comfort of my presence and sent. It seemed to do the trick. As her eyes fixed on mine, I saw her relax and I held on. Suddenly, a beep from the machine came to my ears in warning and my sensitive ears picked up on the large flow of blood dripping on the floor.

''How soon Carlisle?'' I asked urgently seeing Bella's face pale before my eyes.

''There, Caius, I'm there! ''

Soon after his spoken words came a small shrill cry that filled the room, echoing all around. I turned my head sharply in the direction of the welcoming sound. There Carlisle held in his hands a squirming beautiful creature crying even louder now from the traumatic event of the birth. He called out for comfort so I rushed to retrieve my little one from Carlisle so he could continue with his work. I grabbed the soft blanket from the cart and wrapped him warmly then took him to his mother's side. Bella smiled through her tears of joy. I slowly slipped him into his mother's awaiting arms.

''Here comes another, Bella! ''Carlisle announced.

I turned from this sweet sight of mother and child and watched as my other one was being born. As soon as it appeared, I notice the cry was much higher than the other and I soon discovered why. My joy overflowed at the moment I saw her. A girl, my own beautiful little girl. But my moment of joy did not last long, my Bella began to fade as the beeps from the machine sounded to me, alarming me she was in danger. I reached quickly for the baby as I saw her go slack. Then rushed the baby to his crib and safely placed the child to rest. I turned in haste and went back to Bella's side. The light was fading fast from her eyes and I saw it was time, right then I knew I will never see my precious human Bella again.

''Quickly Caius, do it now man!'' Carlisle called to me.

I was already taking the syringe from the cart and then swiftly plunging it down, penetrating her heart. Bella gave no response to my actions and I wasted no time, so I began biting. Sending even more of my venom through every limb, every vain. Was it enough?

''Bella, make it back to me my love! ''

She moaned and cried as if she could hear me. I slid down the wall and hugged myself. She has to make it, she must!