Chapter Twenty Eight

Bella

Esme, Rose, and I were sitting together in the bedroom with the children when Jane appeared in the doorway along with Emmett.

Rose flew to her husband and threw her arms around him, relieved that he was back safe.

I just wished Jasper had been with him.

"Are you OK? Where are the others? What's happening, Em?"

Jane motioned for me to join her on the landing and understanding that she didn't want the children to hear her words Esme helped me out of bed and I walked unsteadily out to join her.

"I'm sorry, Bella. We think Stefan is on his way here and we need to get you and the children somewhere safe. Alec had a look around and discovered the old root cellar. We think it would be best if you and the children hid down there until we know for sure who he has with him."

"What about Jasper? Have you heard anything from him, or Felix? Do you know what happened to Edward?"

The questions tumbled out one after the other in my concern.

"I've appraised him of the situation and the Major and Felix are on their way back here. They know where Edward is. He's still alive as far as they can tell but they've been unable to free him so far. Please don't worry, Bella. Alec and I are quite capable of dealing with whoever Stefan brings. You're perfectly safe. We just think having you hidden away with the children will leave us open to tackle them in whichever way is necessary without worrying about your safety. After all, you are all still human and therefore vulnerable."

I didn't like the thought of hiding away while Jasper or even the twins were fighting for our lives but Jane was right. The children were vulnerable. Bug might be too young but Maggie was aware and she wasn't ready to see and hear the kind of sights that a fight might bring and I was too weak to be of any help. The pathetic human who needed protection. This made me even more determined to become a vampire as soon as possible. I wanted to be there at my husband's side to protect our children.

"I'll collect some things and meet you downstairs in a few minutes. Is that OK?"

She nodded, "Just make it quick. We don't know how long we have."

Rose picked up Bug's things and I was grateful that he was too little to understand what was happening and would probably sleep through it all. Maggie, however, had keen hearing and when I looked at her expression I knew she had heard everything that Jane had said.

"I don't want to hide, Mama. I want to help Poppa and save Daddy. Why are these horrid people after us?"

I tried to explain in simple words that Poppa needed us to be safe so that he could stop the evil men who wanted to snatch us.

"But what do they want? Why did they hurt Daddy?"

I sighed, "I promise to explain it all to you but first we have to go down into the cellar so grab some books and games and your torch. It'll be like camping out."

She pulled a face, "I don't want to camp out without Poppa. I want to help keep us safe."

"Well, you can't. You're too little and you don't know how. So please, Maggie. Do as I ask."

I tried not to sound impatient with her but I thought for a minute that she might continue to argue. To my relief, she nodded soberly and went to the bookcase to choose some books.

Turning to look at me over her shoulder she added, "I'll protect you and Bug if anyone gets past Poppa and Jane."

I smiled, "Thank you, Maggie. I appreciate that."

Esme helped me down the stairs and into the cellar while Rose carried a sleeping Bug and shepherded Maggie and her bundle.

Jane had lit the oil lanterns that must have been down here for years and suddenly the place didn't look so gloomy.

I saw a mattress and blankets set up in a corner for me.

Jane stopped at the head of the wooden steps, "Please stay down here whatever you hear. When it's safe one of us will come for you."

To my amazement, she then turned to address Maggie, "I'm leaving you in charge of protecting everyone. Don't leave your post."

Maggie beamed and nodded her agreement. A little psychology at work there. Maggie would never try to sneak out now she felt that she had an important job to do.

Rose deposited the sleeping infant in his makeshift crib and then turned to Jane.

"I should come with you. Emmett's staying to fight."

Jane opened her mouth to disagree with Rose then seeing the determined look on her face just shrugged. "Very well. Come on. I'm going to lock the door, Bella. Don't be concerned."

Oddly enough, I wasn't. At least I wasn't afraid for us. I knew what Jane and Alec could do. It would take a miracle for Stefan's vampires to get past them. It was Jasper I was afraid for, Jasper and Edward. I had to admit it. I still had some affection for Edward. He had been my first love and he was Maggie's father. He had given me her. I didn't love him but I still cared deep down inside and I knew that Maggie was worried about him.

Suddenly I realized that I hadn't seen Carlisle recently.

"Where's Carlisle?" I asked Esme.

She smiled, "He went outside with Alec. He was going to speak to Aro and then do what he can to help."

I frowned then lowered my voice hoping that Maggie who was singing to her new brother wouldn't hear, "But Carlisle isn't a fighter, Esme. He could get hurt."

Esme smiled, "He's not as helpless as you think, Bella. I know he's a pacifist but he's been alive for centuries and he knows how to look after himself. Besides, with Alec and Jane out there he'll probably be superfluous."

I nodded. I guess it had never occurred to me that Carlisle could be as deadly as any other vampire. Just because he was a doctor with boundless compassion didn't mean he wouldn't be prepared to fight to protect those he loved. I was still learning about the Cullen family.

My phone rang and I grabbed it, praying it would be Jasper.

"Bella, are you OK?"

I sighed with relief, "Jasper? Thank God. Where are you? Jane moved us down to the old root cellar. She said we would be safer here."

"I'm on my way and she's right. How are the children?"

Maggie had run to my side and held out her hand for the phone. Reluctantly I handed it to her.

"Poppa? Is Daddy OK?"

"We'll get him back, I promise you. For now, I need you to listen to your Mommy and Jane and do exactly as they say. It's up to you to look after Mommy and Bug and not be frightened."

"I'm not scared, Poppa. Bug and I are camping out down here. It would be fun if we weren't hiding from the bad guys."

He chuckled, "You look after your brother little Firefly and I'll be there soon. Can I talk to Mommy now?"

She handed me the phone and went back to her brother looking happier.

"As you can hear Maggie is taking it all in her stride."

"And what about you?"

"I'm OK. I just wish you were here with us. I hate being so helpless."

I heard the wobble in my voice and bit back tears hoping Jasper wouldn't realize how close to breaking down I actually was.

His voice was soothing, "Hey, I'll be there soon. You try to rest, you must be worn out. Edward's likely to be there sooner than us. He's a prisoner and he's hurt. I didn't want to tell Maggie too much. It looks like he was burned."

I groaned, fire was a vampire's greatest fear.

"Do you know how badly?"

"No. Not yet, but I promise we will get him back. I have to go now. I'll see you soon. I love you, Bella."

"I love you too. Please hurry."

Carlisle

I didn't know how much help I could give the twins but I refused to sit down in the cellar with Bella and the children. If nothing else I could prove a distraction.

I had called Aro to fill him in even though I knew Alec would probably have beaten me to it.

The Volturi leader sounded calm enough when he spoke.

"There's no need to concern yourself, Carlisle. We both know how powerful the twins are. Stefan has nothing in his arsenal that could get past them, but even if he did there would still be the Major and Felix to deal with.

I understand that Edward is injured. I'm sorry to hear that but I'm sure they will get him back. After all, he's not the one Stefan is interested in."

"Thank you. I'm just worried that they may decide to get rid of him now he's lost his value to them, Aro"

"Not just yet. Remember, the Romanians don't know we are one step ahead of them. I doubt they will be expecting to face the twins. They still think threatening Edward's life might get them what they want."

"I hope that you're right."

"I am, old friend. And I know how much Edward means to you. How is Bella?"

"Tired and weak. She gave birth to a boy."

"So I understand. Jane has been filling me in. I have to go now but we'll speak again once this is over. If Edward is injured there may be something we can do for him."

I thanked Aro and broke the connection. Neither of us believed the Volturi could save Edward if he was badly burned. It was the one thing vampire venom was useless against.

My mind took me back to the city of my birth. I'd seen a fire-injured vampire once before in London when I had been merely a child. One who had broken free of his chains and escaped the flames, his robes on fire.

My father and his followers had caught up with the poor creature on the banks of the Thames. It was a pitiful sight. His hair was gone, his face half burned away, and his arms blackened sticks. The water had put out the flames but he was suffering greatly.

"See, my son. One of the devil's creatures suffering the fires of damnation as they all should. Remember, their evil powers cannot heal their flesh from the purifying flames."

I believe the vampire was grateful when my father finished the job he had started and then kicked the ashes into the fast-flowing water.

I just prayed that Edward was not in a similar state.

Alec looked up suddenly, "They're almost here. I can hear their vehicle. Carlisle, you and Emmett stay here. They aren't expecting us and I'd like to keep it that way until we know exactly what Stefan wants. We aren't even sure that he is with them.

Jane and I will be hiding in the shadows. You talk to them first. We'll step in when the time is right."

I nodded my agreement although I wasn't sure what I was expected to say to Stefan and his followers. Personally, I would rather Alec had subdued them right away and questioned them later but if Stefan wasn't with Edward and the others then there was always the possibility that he would escape the Volturi and that might mean danger for Bella and the children again down the road aways. This needed to end now. For everyone's sake.

The sound of the vehicle's engine cut off and we heard four people approaching. At the same time, Rose stepped down to stand with us. They stepped out into the circle of light provided by the porch lamp. I realized that Stefan wasn't one of them, Aro had described the Romanian leader to me. I didn't know any of these men but they looked like they were fighters and meant business.

"We want Bella and her brat."

"Really? What for?"

"That's none of your business, Cullen."

He smiled, "Yeah, I know who you are. I also know that we can take you easily enough. Now, get the woman and her kid before things turn ugly."

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen."

He smiled coldly, "Really? Are you sure about that? Is she worth the life of your protege, Edward?"

"They are both equally worthy. Besides, how do I know that you have him?"

"We have and we don't intend to let you waste time while you wait for reinforcements. Get them or he dies."

"Let me see him."

He shook his head and moved forward impatiently.

"I don't have time for this. Get out of my way, Cullen. Boys, let's go fetch her."

Four more vampires appeared from the shadows making eight in all and I felt Emmett tense beside me. He smiled, "Come on then."

As the eight moved closer I prayed that Jane and Alec would make a move soon. Emmett and I couldn't take them all, not even with Rose's help.

I braced myself for a fight then suddenly all eight fell to their knees screaming in pain and I knew that Jane had acted.

"Emmett, Rose. go find Edward. Quickly."

They left as Jane and her brother walked into view and the eight vampires fell silent, their eyes vacant.

"See, Carlisle. I told you they wouldn't be a problem. I just wish Stefan had been with them."

I knew what Jane meant. So long as Stefan lived Bella and the Volturi would never be easy in their minds.

"I think we might be able to help with that."

A voice spoke out from the darkness and Jasper stepped into view along with Felix and a prisoner held tightly between them. It was the Romanian, Stefan!