AN: Thanks again to my super fast awesome beta ACEMCKEAN. Please read her two stories - Marital Bliss? and The Cullen Brothers. I love them!!! I hope you all love this chapter. It took me a lot longer to get it to a point that I was happy with it then I expected, but I wasn't about to compromise my standards to hurry it out.

Chapter 48

*****EPOV*****

I ran as fast as I could towards Forks. I could hear the others behind me and that just caused me to run faster. Even with my vampire sight, everything was a blur. I reached the appointed meeting area quickly. It was a small clearing just off the main road. The clearing itself was rocky and almost rectangular. On the far side of the clearing, I could hear the wolves. The pounding of their hearts and quick gasping breaths told me that they had run here too.

I heard the other vampires running quickly up behind me. The first group to join me contained Jasper, Connor, Laurent and Garrett. They were followed quickly by Rosalie, Alice, Tanya, Eleazar, Carmen and Kate. The last group was Irina, Emmett, Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle, although nearly as fast as me, always liked to bring up the rear, to protect our backs. Emmett, being Emmett, liked to run a little slower to watch Rosalie's ass, as she ran. Even in times of crisis, he still thought about sex.

"Emmett! Focus!" I growled at him.

"Sorry, Bro! She just looks so hot when she runs," he said, as he wrapped his arms around his blonde wife. He was obviously thinking he would be rewarded for that comment. All he got was a smack to the head by a pissed off Rose, still in her bridesmaid's gown. She missed Bella and the babies almost as much as I did.

"Emmett!" she admonished. "Can you stop thinking with your little head for once!!"

"Sorry Babe," he said, as he rubbed the spot on his head where she had hit him.

"So what now, Edward? I can hear that they are here," Carlisle asked.

"They are all in wolf form. I recommend you and I enter the clearing. I will speak for them, unless they decide that they are comfortable enough to phase. That may come later," I told him.

"What about the rest?" he asked, motioning to our family and friends, who were currently gathered around us.

"Stay here," I told them. "The wolves know you are here, but don't enter the clearing right away. We do not want to start a war here. We have enough enemies to face."

I stepped into the clearing. It was late afternoon now, and the sun was actually shining in Forks. I saw the reflection of the crystals in my skin as they shone off the trees. Carlisle quickly joined me, putting his arm around my shoulder.

Four big wolves stepped out of the trees. A large black wolf, and an even larger russet colored one took up the center position. They were both as tall as I was, yet they were still standing on all four feet. A silver colored wolf and a chocolate colored one brought up the rear. They were a little smaller than the first two, but no less menacing. There were at least five more in the woods, maybe six.

"I appreciate your willingness to meet with us," Carlisle said, addressing the wolves.

"Why is Bella involved in this?" I asked, for the lead wolf, Jacob.

"Last year when she was injured in Phoenix, it wasn't an accident like we claimed. She was attacked by a vampire, a tracker named James. After he threatened her mother, she slipped out of our care and went to meet him, in exchange for her mother's freedom," Carlisle started explaining.

"Sounds like Bella," I commented for the russet wolf, and then I smiled at him and nodded my agreement.

"Anyways, she went alone to a ballet studio and was nearly killed. Edward arrived just in time, followed by the rest of us. We destroyed him and figured that was the end of it. One of our current companions was a part of his coven for a time, but got tired of his games and left. The third member was his mate, Victoria," Carlisle went on to explain.

"Mate for a mate," I said, hearing Jacob's thoughts.

"Exactly," Carlisle said.

"So what do we do?" I asked for Jacob again.

"We have one amongst us who can see the future," Carlisle told him.

At this the wolves minds went crazy. They were concerned, scared and angry, all at the same time.

Alice stepped out of the bushes and stood between Carlisle and me. I frowned as she did so, ignoring my instructions as always.

"I am the one that they are speaking about," Alice said softly.

"So what does your fortune teller say about this?" I asked for the wolves.

"I cannot see your future. In fact, when I am near you I can see very little. The same goes for the babies, and Bella when she is with them. All I was able to see is that Victoria has amassed an army of twenty five young strong vampires. We know she has Bella and the babies, and her plan is to kill them if we survive the onslaught of her newborns, or force her to live alone if we are killed. I cannot see the outcome," Alice explained.

The wolves were happy about this. They did not like the idea of a vampire knowing their futures.

Finally speaking for myself, I said, "This is what we propose...." I spilled my plans for the battle and I could see the four wolves nodding in agreement. Honestly, I think any plan that allowed them to rip vampires apart would have been okay with them.

"Edward!" Jacob's thought's called to me.

"Yes," I asked(,) turning to the lead wolf.

"A few things... First, sorry about the house and running you guys out of town. You guys aren't so bad. Second, I can see how much you love Bella and I am sorry that this has happened. Third, I think that all my wolves need to smell all your vampires. So no slip ups are made," Jacob thought to me.

"Jacob says he's sorry about the house and running us out of town. Also he is sorry that Bella has been taken. Most importantly, he would like us all to come into the clearing to let all the wolves get the scent of their allies, so no mistakes are made," I summarized for them.

With that Esme, Rosalie, Emmett and Japer stepped out of the trees, followed quickly by the rest of our family and friends. I noticed that the couples all stayed close to each other. I took a deep breath, missing Bella and our children even more. I stood with my family as six more wolves came out of the bushes.

Ten wolves in total, it was certainly a formidable sight.

"Stay still while the wolves smell you," I told everyone, for Jacob. "Oh and you guys may want to hold your breath. They don't smell too good."

"That is an understatement," Kate said.

"Apparently we don't smell to good to them either," I said. The wolves made a sound that sounded an awful lot like laughter.

They started at the far end, sniffing each of us as they went. Laurent, Irina, Garrett, Kate, Connor, Tanya, Rosalie, Emmett, Esme, Carlisle, Alice, Jasper, me, Carmen and finally Eleazar.

"So we are going to scout through Forks, to see if anyone has been here, or hopefully a trace scent of Bella and the babies. We will meet you guys at the baseball clearing in four hours. That should give us more than enough time to get ready," I told them.

Everyone agreed and the wolves ran off to check around La Push and check in with the young wolves that they left there, although I was certain they knew everything already with the mental connection they had. I looked at Carlisle for some direction.

"We can look around town. It's late now and we can get around without being seen. I need everyone to concentrate on the scents. Tanya, you and your family should stay near at least one member of my family(,) so that someone who knows Bella's scent will be there. Rose, Alice and Emmett, you take Charlie's house with Kate and Garrett. Tanya, Connor, Laurent, Irina, and Jasper, you guys take our old house and the surrounding area. Edward, you stay with me and the rest. We will start at the high school and head into the woods from there. Everyone, call if you see or smell anything," Carlisle directed.

Everyone split and took off towards their final destinations. I finally believed we had a plan that would allow me to be with my Bella and our children again. I would marry her the second she was safe, and then I would never let her go again.

*****BPOV*****

As we drove along, I undid the buttons at the neck of my dress. If Arriel's plan was going to work, I needed to feed them now. Riley and Bobby were obviously uncomfortable with my state of undress and turned all attention from me, other than Riley's hand, resting lightly on my ankle. As soon as my top half was free of my dress, I set the babies in place to nurse. They managed to do so with their hands still entwined.

Arriel put her free hand to my chest and shared a vision of a small piece of metal on the ground to my right being turned to dust by me, even with Riley's hand on my ankle. Slowly I picked up the piece of metal, carefully, so as not to disturb my children or alert Riley and Bobby to my actions.

I grasped it firmly in my hand, feeling the metal give way in my hand. Interesting!! Apparently my vampire strength was still intact! I leaned down and kissed their little heads, a silent thank you to them, for the information I just received. Now, when to put my plan in action.

We drove into Forks quickly and I saw the Police station flash by as we made for the far side of town. Charlie's car was there. Now was the time.

I pulled the twins from their place at my breast and fixed my dress. They looked up at me and smiled. Then Jace got a look of concentration on his face, he wrinkled his little nose, just like Edward did. Actually he would have simply had to add his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, and their facial expressions would have been identical. I smiled and Arriel gave me a vision to hold them tightly, so I did.

Then Riley screamed, "Bobby!! What the hell are you doing?" Then he dropped to the ground in a fetal position. Bobby jumped from his position in the front seat, with the car still moving. He focused his eyes on me, trying to bring me down with his power. I felt nothing. Jace's nose wrinkled again and Bobby dropped to the floor of the car, screaming in pain. I held the twins to me and twisted to kick the back doors of the van open, as I saw the van heading towards a cliff. Just as the van left the road I jumped, landing softly with both my children pinned to my chest.

I watched the van, containing Bobby and Riley plunge down a forty foot cliff. I knew that would only buy me a few minutes, but I took off, running as fast as I could towards Charlie's house. I didn't know why we needed to go there, what I would say, how I would explain all the changes, but Arriel's vision told me they would be safe there. I would do anything to ensure their safety.

"Come on you two, let's go meet Grandpa. I hope you guys know what you are talking about!" I told them, running full speed.

I sure am glad I left the clumsiness behind with my other human frailties.

It wasn't long before I reached the familiar street. No sign of Charlie's cruiser. I dashed to the back of the house, nothing that my bedroom window was slightly ajar. I transferred both babies into one arm and jumped through the window. Once inside, I was stunned at how messy the place was. My room was just as I left it, other than my bed. It looked as though Charlie had slept on it a few night. My heart hurt, knowing how much pain he must have been in. The rest of the house looked as though I was the last one to clean it, weeks ago.

"Ugg," I said to myself as I went into the living room. There were papers, take out cartons, dishes and beer cans everywhere. I saw missing posters with my face on them scattered everywhere. I cleared a quick spot on the couch and laid the twins down before dashing to the kitchen for a garbage bag and the recycling bin. I may be running for my life but the twins were not going to be here in this MESS.

At vampire speed it took me less than a minute to clear the debris and grab the dirty dishes and take out containers. I refrained from dusting, but barely. I picked up the twins and sat on the couch with them. Arriel let me know that Charlie would be arriving in under a minute.

I took a deep breath and waited. I was about to test my control with my very human father in very close confines. To say I was nervous was an understatement.

Arriel reached her little hand to me and showed me a vision of Charlie hugging me, and my control holding fine. She also showed me Rose and Alice holding them while I hugged Edward. I was going to be reunited with him soon. First I needed to get through my reunion with Charlie. I pray this goes well.

*****ChPOV*****

Another day, another night. Bella is gone. Renee hates me. She thinks I drove Bella off. That I did something wrong and that I wasn't doing enough to find her. The truth was I didn't know what else to do. I missed my little girl. I would do anything to have her home, even for a minute.

Anything to tell her that I loved her, no matter what.

Maybe I hadn't said it enough, maybe she didn't know...

I pulled into my driveway and stared up at my empty house. I hoped there was beer in the fridge because I was going to need it. I slammed the car door and trudged up the steps towards my dark, dismal house. I stuck my key in the door, and closed my eyes in silent prayer. Maybe she would be there, smiling and throwing herself in my arms.

Yeah right! I'd said that prayer too many times. I honestly didn't know if she was even alive. And the Cullens, disappeared too. Their house was burnt to the ground so I knew I'd never see them again. They were gone, according to the hospital Carlisle had called saying they were in South America indefinitely. Some emergency. They asked about Bella, but he said that he knew nothing, other than what I had told Alice.

Billy was sort of sympathetic, but Jake had run off too. I thought that we would be in the same boat, but he didn't even seem upset. He refused to file a missing person's report or do anything else to try to find him. He told me that Jake would come back in his time. He was a grown man and was doing what was best for him.

Not the kind of reaction I expected. But then again, maybe I was just jaded. I missed Bella.

I opened the door, not even bothering to turn on the light.

I took off my gun belt and headed towards the living room when I heard a voice, it was almost familiar.

"Daddy," she said.

"Who?" I asked.

"Daddy, it's me. It's Bella," she said.

I flung myself at the light switch, looking into the living room.

"Bella?" I asked.

"Yes Daddy. It's really me. I know, I look and sound different, but..." she started.

The woman I was staring at had two small babies in her arms. She was stunning, wearing a wedding gown and did I mention the two tiny babies.

"Bella, is it really you?" I asked.

"Yes, Daddy. I'm so sorry," she said, tears running down her cheeks.

She looked so pale, but I could see the shape of her eyes, and though the color was different, I recognized my little girl. I threw myself across the room and dropped at her feet in front of the couch.

"What happened to you? Where? How? And the babies... Whose?" I sputtered, trying to get the words all out at the same time.

"Daddy..." she started.

"Actually, Bella. I don't care. I just want to hold you. I love you so much Honey. I missed you. My little girl," I sobbed as I scooped her into my arms, hugging her around the babies.

"Oh, Daddy. I love you! I missed you too," she sobbed, burying her head against my shoulder.

We sat like that for a few minutes, both of us sobbing and crying.

"Bella. What's going on? I need to know," I told her.

"Daddy, I can't explain everything. Not without putting your life in danger. I will explain what I can, but I'm here because we need your help," she told me.

"I will help you with anything(,) Bella. I love you. I love you so much, Sweetheart," I told her.

"Thank you, Daddy. First I need to tell you that these two little ones," she said, motioning to the babies on her lap. "These two are your grandchildren. My children."

"But how... it hasn't been that long?" I stuttered.

"Daddy. Edward isn't human. Nor am I anymore for that matter," she explained.

"What do you mean 'not human'?" I asked her.

"I really can't explain that, Daddy. It's for your own safety. Anyways I ran because I was pregnant and I knew that it wasn't going to be the nine month kind. Edward and his family were gone, for that emergency, and I couldn't reach anyone. I needed to get away to keep you safe, and them too," she said motioning to the babies.

"I'm a grandpa?" I asked.

"Yup. This is Jace Edward and Arriel Carlie. Both named for their family. The C in Jace is for you and Carlisle and Carlie is a mix of you and Carlisle too," she told me, as I looked into the faces of these two tiny people.

"They are beautiful, Bells. Certainly not what I expected. So what about Edward? I assume because of the gown..." I started.

"We were to be married today. I wanted you there, but it wasn't safe for you. I tried to keep this from you, Daddy, so you would be safe," she started crying.

"What happened? Where is the family now? Why do you need help?" I asked all at once.

"I was kidnapped by a sadistic mean woman and her henchmen, but I briefly escaped. They will be after me soon. I don't know where Edward and the family are... they were waiting for me at the church when this happened.... I need you to watch the babies. I know that Alice will come here for them. I need to leave though to keep you all safe," she told me.

"Bella, wait! I have a gun. I will protect you!" I vowed. I would kill anyone who threatened my little girl and her babies. Nobody would dare hurt them. I would make sure of that.

"Daddy, no gun can protect me from what is coming. I need to go. Take care of them please," she said standing up from her position on my lap, putting the babies in my arms.

"Bella, wait!" I called as she turned to leave.

I laid the tiny babies on the couch and ran through the house, following her. She ran through the back door into the forest. I followed, calling her name.

"Bella!!! Bella, PLEASE!!!!" I yelled, running through the trees, following her.

She dashed back to me, faster than I ever dreamed she could.

"Daddy! I will do my best to come back to you and them. Please go inside. Please keep my babies safe!" she said.

"Bella, I promised myself if I ever saw you again that I would tell you this. I swore! Bella, I love you more than anything. None of this craziness matters to me. You are my little girl and I love you more than my own life. I will keep your babies safe, with my last breath, I swear it!" I told her, wrapping her into my arms in a big hug.

Why the heck hadn't I done this all along?

Why did I have to lose her before I told my little girl how much I loved her?

"I love you too, Daddy. So much," she said, kissing my cheek. "Keep them safe. If you see any of the Cullens, tell them I'm safe and that this is Arriel's plan. They'll understand," she instructed.

"I will Bells. I love you, Baby Girl!" I told her.

"Thank you, Daddy. I love you! Oh and you can read to them. They love to be read to!" she called to me as she took off running.

I dashed back inside to see the two babies exactly where I left them on the couch. I scooped them up in my arms, admiring how much they looked like my Bella. They each had a few of her features, but their dad certainly had a role in them too. I looked around, realizing that I had nothing suitable to read to them, so I decided to pick up the newspaper and the three of us headed for the recliner to get cozy.

I laid them on my chest, snuggled close together. I listened to the sounds they made. Quick little breaths, rapid heart beats and the occasional coo. My grandchildren!!

Hmm! I certainly expected to wait a few more years for this. Oh well! They are here and perfect, just like my Bella. I opened the newspaper to the sports section, and started reading.

"The Seattle Mariners signed Tim Jones to a four year contract...." I read to them. As I did my mind wandered back to my own little brunette baby, and sitting in this exact chair with her, when she was only days old, reading her the sports section. I smiled at the memory. One of the few memories I had from her time here in Forks, before Renee left.

I would protect these two with my life. It was all I had to give them and I would do it. My Bells trusted me with them and I would die before I let her down.

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