A/N: Firstly I want to thank all my reviewers and readers who have been so patient with me and have given me condolences, it's very much appreciated. I'm still kind of out of it, and I'm too terribly happy with this chapter but I think you will enjoy it.
HisSecretLover18: I can't give away the details but you're question will be answered.
bluegirl27262: Family is family and yes Alice went overboard.
mmelody6: :)
TwilightAddict71484: No worries! You're always welcome to be late, I'm glad you're enjoying them. Questions to be answered soon!
Kouga's older woman: Aha greedy fanfic junkies are the best! I'm sorry it's taken so long!
Soulsistersinaslan: Yes Edward and Bella are much happier with arrangement. Ooh Volturi are confusing everyone, but yes in a sense, Aro's much more of a family man than you would think.
LadySaphire: Thank you so much, your words definitely helped me, it's a comfort to know there are people here who understand.
Melanieintn: Thank you, here's the update :D
Disclaimer: Obviously don't own the characters
Previously
'Edward!' Jasper kept his calm, collected appearance, not needing to upset Bella, but he couldn't help the sick feeling that was welling up in the pit of his stomach.
'I'm trying, they aren't listening something wrong, all I'm getting is hurt, painful make it stop, they're crying for you to make it stop.' Edward's face was relaxed as his mind reached out to Carlisle and Peter, the worry and fear evident.
'Something's wrong with the twins.'
The next few moments seemed like an eternity.
Presently
Bella
I don't remember much…quite honestly one moment I was rubbing my hands over my swollen belly trying to calm down the munchkins that were tossing and turning while I downed some more of the 'shake' Charlotte made for me, the next moment Jasper and Edward are rushing me upstairs, where I can hear Carlisle and Peter giving orders to my husband and brother.
"We're going to get them out Bella, don't worry they'll be okay, keep your heart beating." What was he saying? Of course my heart would keep beating. Why would it stop-then I blacked out.
Third Person View
Bella screamed as Carlisle bit down into her stomach, breaking the layer around the babies. She passed out soon after, Jasper kept a close eye on her heartbeat, holding her hand and nuzzling her face keeping focused on the fact that his children were about to be born, and his wife was slowly losing her life.
NO! Bella Will Not Die. She is our mate. The strongest woman alive. Major roared forcing himself into the now. Jasper could watch from his place, but Major would not allow his mate to die. She was his goddess the reason he felt something at all, the meaningless bloodshed and wars, all of it, lead him to the grace and pure goodness he found in her.
"Listen to me Bella, I'm your mate, you're husband, you're partner, you promised me, to love me, and be with me, you aren't going to die. You hear me? The babies need you, the family needs you." Carlisle freed the first infant, and the loud wails were heard, filling everyone in the house with a sigh of relief. Jasper turned back to Bella, watching as she drifted in and out of it.
"It's a boy, Jasper, it's a baby boy." Edward smiled, he could hear his niece, she was eager to join brother and was starting to get impatient.
"Let me hold him, get his sister." Edward wrapped up the infant in a blue blanket, wiping away the blood.
"See Bella, look, a baby boy" Bella opened her eyes; a soft smile graced her face.
"He's so beautiful…oh Jazz." Suddenly she drifted out again, just as a softer more feminine cry rang out as Carlisle held up the second baby, a little girl.
"Edward take the babies to the girls, I need to get to Bella." Carlisle's voice left no room for argument, and he knew it was imperative that Bella pull through. He could tell Jasper was close to losing it, the birth of the babies was holding him down, but as much as he wanted to see his kids, Bella was his priority.
"Stay with me Bella, I love you…I…I need you." Jasper's soft whispered confession didn't fall on deaf ears. Bella was trying to explain to her husband she wasn't going anywhere, but her lips failed to move, she blinked a couple of times, fighting through the haze that was surrounding her mind. It was like a war was raging, one side calling her to sleep, to allow the pain to wash over and let her just sleep, while the other fought back, calling her to the pain, to fight through it, and keep herself awake.
"We need to change her." Carlisle had begun to instruct Jasper in where all the vital organs were, which ones would circulate her blood the quickest. The first place was her heart.
Edward carried one baby in each arm quickly leaving the room, it was enough for Jasper with all of them around and he wanted to make it easier on his brother.
"Rosalie," He allowed her to hold the small infants now that he'd been able to clean them up. Esme was close by, her arms armed with diapers and onesies, and anything else she could dress the newborns in. It was good distraction for his mother and sister, while Bella was being changed. The sudden urge to hold his own wife, had him kissing the two infants before dashing away to see Alice.
"I'll be back soon, Carlisle said Bella's sleeping, he'd give her morphine and it's preventing her from screaming. She's lying comfortably; Jasper's staying by her side." Edward wouldn't have left unless he was sure his sister and brother were alright.
"Go see to Alice Edward, I'll go check on Jasper, and the twins are alright, see?" Edward look back at the two in Rose's arms, sleeping but their thoughts were on their parents.
"They need to be with Jasper, they're worried about Bella." He kissed Esme and Rose's cheek before dashing away. His mind tore between thoughts of his wife, his siblings and the two new additions to their family.
Jasper was desperate to get the taste of Bella's blood out of his mouth, granted it was the most exquisite taste, but he also needed to check on the twins.
Can't keep calling them the twins, they need to have names, strong names befitting their heritage. Major checked in on his mate, Bella was still but her heart still beat, gradually slowing; it wouldn't be long now before she would open her eyes for him. Eager to see the twins, Jasper pulled away from his position and ventured down stairs to change clothes and see his kids.
"Rose? Esme?" A fresh pair of jeans and a fitted tee later, Jasper found his mother and sister sitting side by side in front of a playpen watching two infants play. It was obvious they were more advanced than other children their age, but of course being half vampire had something to do with it. Esme smiled as he walked in the room, she picked up his daughter and brought her to her lap.
"Look sweetie, its daddy." Hazel eyes looked up at his gold ones and her arms reached out for him. Jasper blinked and automatically reached for his daughter. She was tiny, like Bella, her little hair was dark blonde, little ringlet hinted at forming. He nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head. His little Angel girl.
Arielle The name silently popped into his mind, and Major hummed in agreement. She touched his face with her tiny hand and immediately he saw the world through her eyes, she projected her thoughts through touch and her feelings were strong. She loved her parents and she also worried for her mother. A picture of Bella, bleeding with her eyes closed entered her mind, and a whimpered escaped her mouth.
"Sshh, hush little one, Mama's okay, let me see your brother and together we'll go see Mama." He kissed her forehead and handed her back to Esme.
"Hey little man," He look the boy from Rosalie, he definitely was his son, light brown hair, but dark blue eyes, he was little bigger than his sister, but other than that it was obvious they were twins.
"Your mama can't wait to meet you both," He brought his son close to his chest, relishing in the feeling of his son and the gifts Bella gave him. He was definitely quieter than his sister, but he touched Jasper's face just as his sister did before him, and he felt more than saw his happiness and worry. It was apparent while his sister had touch projection; his son had inherited his gift of empathy.
Gabriel, again the name was more than a whisper in his mind, and he knew it wasn't Major's doing.
Though they do suit them, Gabriel a strong warrior name and Arielle, fitting for her heritage of a God and Goddess
We'll decide when Bella wakes up Jasper took both children in his arms and walked back upstairs to check on Bella.
It was soft, faint at first, Bella fought to open her eyes, but something was preventing her, drowsy and tired she tried again to open her eyes, this time she manage to blink a couple of times. Finally regaining some control of her body she sat up, she realized, she felt no stiffness, no soreness from one position to long, she reached up, touching her face, she looked around, and finding herself in Carlisle's set up office. A quick glance at a small mirror and she was shocked at her appearance, she had full bouncy hair, tumbling down in waves down her back, she spun around and found she wasn't even clumsy. Her foot got caught on the rug and she tripped.
Strike that, still slightly clumsy. Her hand reached out and grabbed the shelf, only to have it crack under her hand.
Okay, need to keep my strength in check. Once she regained her balance and steadied herself, she looked at around, there was set of clothes left on a chair and she quiet dressed.
My throat's a little dry…oh I must need to eat. It happened then, they changed her. She was a vampire now. Suddenly her hand flew to her flat stomach, the twins? Oh no…please… She fell back against the table.
JASPER! She screamed his name and allowed her body to slide down the table.
"Jasper!" The scream penetrated his very core, echoing within his mind. Esme and Rose seemed to be unaware of what he just heard and with the twins in his arms he raced up the stairs. They too, heard their mother's cry and held tightly to their father.
"Bella?" The door almost flew off its hinges as Jasper took in the sight of his mate on the ground, crying tears that wouldn't fall. Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice.
"Jasper…" She took in the sight of her husband, more vivid that she remembered but now carrying two infants in his arms. The twins, she let out a sigh of relief. She should have known Jasper would see to the children, but all she could remember was when Edward showed her, her son and briefly before she drifted out, her daughter.
Soft cries stirred from the two, and Jasper gently quieted them down.
"Hey now, look, Momma's right here, she's okay." He caught her eyes and she nodded, sitting up on the table and opening her arms for them. It was the first time she had a chance to look at her babies without worrying about keeping herself alive.
"Oh Jasper…" She held them both close, hugging and coddling each of them.
"I have a couple of names that kind of just popped into my head, but I wanted you to agree before we name them." She nodded, softly singing a lullaby. "Arielle and Gabriel, they just look like those names don't they?" Bella couldn't help but noticed that Jasper was right, those names weren't particularly infant names, but names that would definitely grow with them.
"They're perfect Jazz," She smiled and kissed each one, "Arielle" she touched the tip of her nose to Arielle's. "And Gabriel," She touched her forehead to his and kissed his nose.
The feminine voice over the intercom alerted the brothers of their impending arrival to Seattle. It would pose no problem for them to make it to the tiny town of Forks, either way they chose to travel. For once the trip would serve two purposes, one, to check in on the development of Isabella, and two, as a vacation of sorts, for their two wives, Athenodora and Cia.
"Is there something you would like to do before we leave Seattle?" Aro took Cia's hand and absently mindedly stroke it as the aircraft made a slow decent.
"Perhaps we could take in some of the sights?" Aro nodded, looking at his two brothers, who also nodded in agreement.
"It's lovely to get some time away." Athenodora smiled adoringly at Caius, he kissed her cheek.
"It is."
A soft gasp startled Edward as he held Alice in his arms, it wasn't unusual for her to make noises and whimpered while her mind drifted away, despite the fact that they couldn't actually sleep, and it was easy to allow one's mind to simply drift. It was the closest thing to sleep.
"Ali? Love, are you alright?" Edward gently turned her towards him, catching her eyes with his own. Fear penetrated her gaze.
"They're here. Edward they're here." Edward furrowed his brow.
"Who? Alice? Who's here?" His tiny mate was on the verge of shaking, the fear evident in her golden eyes. "Alice!" He snared low in his chest, angry coursing through him at what could possibly cause this reaction in his mate.
"The Volturi,"
Bella sat around the living room with Rose, Esme, Charlotte and Bree, happily watching the twins play with the toys the family had showered them with. She heard Emmett and Carlisle enter the room and she laughed.
"You two are going to spoil them rotten." Emmett grinned and handed Gabriel a new "Me-n-Daddy" play set, this one was one of a father and son making a tree house. Something Bella would probably see ALL the Cullen men doing, once Gabriel decided he needed a "secret" hideout from his sister.
"Well I'm their grandfather; I have an excuse to spoil the only grandchildren I have." Carlisle handed Arielle a little doctor play set. While the twins were still babies they were growing rapidly, as Peter had said. Granted it would be a few more months till they were running around, it would possibly only be a few weeks till they looked like toddlers.
Life was good; Bella decided as she looked at the room, full of her family, Carlisle had taken purchase next to Esme, his arm wrapped around her shoulder, smiles on their faces. Peter and Charlotte were on the loveseat, Bree sitting on the floor between them, eagerly bouncing the twins on her knees. Rose and Emmett were on the couch; Emmett had his arms wrapped around Rose's waist, and his head on her shoulder. Jasper had made his way from the study upstairs to her side, pulling her onto his lap and bringing her wrist to his lips, leaving a delicate kiss. It truly couldn't be better than this.
Until.
Complete serenity instantly shifted into chaos as Edward and Alice burst through the front doors, causing Gabriel and Arielle to start crying and for Jasper to go on red alert.
"They're here." Jasper pulled back as Edward and Alice made their way to living room to explain what Alice had seen. She sat on Edward's lap, allowing his larger body to shield her own.
"They've landed in Seattle. Aro has come check on Bella, and to figure out why I haven't reported in." She chanced a glance at Edward. "He's going to kill me, once he finds out." She whispered it so softly; only Edward, Bella and Jasper caught her words. Bella looked at her mate, worry evident in her eyes.
"What will they do about the babies?" Horrible scenarios began to play out in her mind, and she heard Arielle cry loudly, reaching for her. Bree picked her up and tried to calm her down, till Ari touched her face and caused Bree to cry out, Peter and Charlotte preventing her or Ari to fall.
"She's scared…she knows, Bella she can feel your distress and it's causing her to panic." Bella quickly took the infant and forced her thoughts to be calm.
"Hush Ari, you should do that Bree, its okay love, I'm here." Jasper picked up Gabriel and wrapped one arm around Bella.
"We're both here, and nothing will happen." He kissed Bella's cheek, "Darlin' why don't you take the kids upstairs with Esme, Rose and Bree, we'll figure something out. Don't worry; I'll come get you in a bit." Despite the fact that Bella wanted to be present for their plan of action, she knew Jasper would never intentionally leave her out of the loop. Anything said would be told to her directly, and she trusted him to keep her informed. She nodded, kissing his cheek and taking Gabe from him.
Once they left the room, Jasper shifted from loving mate to full out protector, Major reared his head and began cursing the Volturi with threats of takeover.
"Any ideas?" Carlisle knew any form of force would not be met well. They had to be a delicate way to prove to the brothers the twins were not infants converted into vampires, but true hybrids.
"Obviously we can't outright attack them," Charlotte noted, looking between Peter and Jasper, knowing those two were more the likely to want to charge them.
"Perhaps we can send the twins away with Rose and Emmett, let them see Bella's been changed and Jasper's mate. They won't have to be informed of the twins at all." Edward chimed in, but as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he recalled Aro's gift. "No…he'd see the twins through our minds."
"Perhaps." Alice's small voice cut through the tension, "We could include them? We know they're in Seattle for a time, the wives want to sightsee, we set up a ceremony, something people do with kids, and have them invited. Obviously we can send all the research we've discovered about hybrids and allowed them to decide." Jasper paced back and forth.
I'll be right back Edward He darted for the door quickly,
"He'll be back." He heard Edward explain.
Bella sat with Esme reading to the twins in the nursery he, Emmett, Carlisle and Edward created.
"Thanks Esme I think Carlisle would like to see you." She smiled softly at him, and touched his face, kissing his cheek.
"I'll check in later."
Exasperated, Jasper slumped down in the chair by Bella. Bella continued to tell the tale of a maiden who'd traded her freedom to save her father, and had fallen in love with her captor, a beast, cursed by an evil enchantress. Jasper had to smile it almost fit ironically, though he wouldn't consider Major to be a beast holding her captive. She came willingly.
Once Gabe and Ari fell asleep, Jasper pulled Bella onto his lap.
"It's an idea, I'm not sure how I feel about it, but, it's likely our safest bet." Bella nuzzled his cheek, and looked at him waiting. He sighed.
"Alice suggested we hold some sort of ceremony for the twins, we'd have to send out an invite to the Volturi along with the documents about hybrids, and basically hope for the best." Bella took an unnecessary breath and thought before she spoke. It was probably the safest thing, trying to hide the children wouldn't help, Aro would see, she was sure he'd send the guard after them. If they showed force, Aro would still kill them. If they waited for him to send scouts and they reported back that they'd created "Children of the Night" They'd be eliminated without a thought or a chance to explain. Granted it was Alice who suggested it, Bella had to reason it was a good plan. She touched Jasper's cheek and pulled his face up to hers, planting her soft lips on his own.
"I think it's our best bet, I know my God of War would always protect our family." Her complete faith in him didn't shock him, but every time he looked at her, and she'd smile at him, he found himself completely and utter lucky to be able to call the beautiful woman on his lap his mate and wife.
"I'll tell the others."
A/N Okay I was going to have the Volturi show up this chapter, but I'm already upset with the chapter and I'm planning the next one as we speak, please bear with me, it's apparent I've upset someone deity as my other grandmother just broke her hip in 3 places, and my other grandmother that died, her mother just died. Life isn't looking too good right for my family. I'll update as soon as I'm able. Thank you for being faithful and patient.
