Leah POV

Somehow, I found my way back to the house. I fought through the overgrown garden as plants caught around my feet and scratched at my skin. I could see the side door ahead, open ajar. The sound of fighting rang all around. Until I could phase I had to be careful, but still fast, so I checked the corridor was clear before running back to the main hall. I skirted to a halt at the balcony as I took in the sight below me. One of the doors had been busted open and a polar bear and two arctic foxes were fighting off a group of seven leeches. No one else seemed to have followed them yet. I knew if Shay, Alex and Dylan were here though, Cris couldn't be far behind.

I didn't know where to go next. Shay was monstrous and bowling around all over the place. I watched in awe as Dylan and Alex danced around him naturally, their smallness proving an asset. They skirted out of his way with ease as he caught a leech under him and ripped their head off with his paws.

The twins were going their own tag team routine and wearing down another leech, picking them apart bit by bit. Shay continued to mow through them until the last two fled up the stairs from him in fear. Shay's eyes followed their movement as they ran right past, before falling on me. As he looked at me, I heard an excited howl somewhere in the distance - Cris.

My heart leaped and I flew down the stairs towards Shay. "Where is he?"

Shay shook his head, gesturing for me to climb aboard. Dylan and Alex were skipping around us.

"Not yet... the girls need help." I stepped back from all three of them and looked to the door leading to the cellar. According to Joham there was a trap set somewhere. I was about to try and work out the best way forward when a black wolf came barreling into the room. There were leeches on his tail, and as soon as he'd cleared the doorway he spun to face them. Shay, Dylan and Alex immediately joined the fray. I was about to slip away from the fighting, but as turned back to the door I came face to face with another snarling half breed. The girl, with ratty brown hair rounded on me. I matched her step for step as we circled each other.

I still couldn't phase, but my strength continued to increase. The girl looked tired and beat up. I was about to dive at her, when someone pounced on me from behind.

"Get away from my daughter, Dog," the female voice hissed in my ear, as my neck was bent backwards towards teeth.

I managed to get my leg looped around theirs and kicked it out, putting us off balance. It was enough too slink out of their hold. I spun, coming face to face with Sophia as she put herself between me and the half breed.

"Bit ironic, you being the motherly type," I snorted.

Gradually, more wolves and leeches were filtering into the room. Sophia's eyes scanned around. She took a further step back. Her chances of escape were slim. She quickly felt in her pocket and produced a set of keys.

She showed them to me. "Let us go. I'll tell you about the traps and give you the cell keys."

I considered the options. If I let her go, she could come back one day and start this all over again. If I didn't we could all die anyway. "You tell me and give over the keys and I'll let you leave. If I see you ever again though, that will be it."

She seemed to assess me. "Is my son still near the dock?"

The little boy suddenly made more sense to me. "No."

Sophia hissed, "What have you done with him? "

I shook my head. "I don't trust you. You'll take Megan."

Sophia took her daughter's hand, keeping her close. "I only want my children, Leah. You can keep that brat. I'm offering a truce."

I sized her up. She was anxious, but more importantly she had two things I needed. I couldn't risk not meeting her halfway.

"Keys..." I ordered.

She handed them to me. "My son?"

I snorted angrily. "Near a fallen tree not far from the boat. The trap?"

"Mines and trip wires - all pressure triggered. As soon as you step off they explode."

I inhaled sharply. What the hell were we dealing with. "What about disarming them?"

She almost laughed, before realizing what a dangerous move that would be. "They're rigged. You don't think my father would give any one a chance of escape, do you?"

I made a step towards her angrily. "You have five seconds to get out of my sight."

Sophia didn't need telling twice and fled down the corridor with her daughter and out of view.

I looked down at the keys in my hand, and only then realized how much I was shaking. If Joham really had set mines everywhere we were all in desperate danger. It was only a matter of time before someone triggered one. I had to move quickly. The sooner I got the girls out and clear of the building the sooner the packs could retreat. I was about to carefully make my way down stairs, when strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

Defensively, I swung my fist backwards over my shoulder at their head. I made impact.

The male behind me grunted in pain and released me. "I missed you too."

My heart soared as I recognized the voice and spun round, throwing myself into my brother's arms.

He squeezed me tightly back, before gently pushing me away and searching me for any kind of pain. "Are you ok? What happened to your face?"

Surprised, I felt my skin. It was torn in several lines. Anna must have caught me when she attacked me in the forest. "I'll tell you later. Otherwise, I'm fine. A little out of my comfort zone, but aren't we all." I paused. "Bella's dead."

Seth's face fell. "I know. Edward read someone's mind before we even got close. He lost it, Leah. He just abandoned everyone and flew into the forest."

I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. "What about the rest of the Cullens?"

"They split up, Rose, Emmett, Alice, Jasper and the Denali clan came with us. Esme and Carlisle followed Edward," Seth explained.

Grinding my teeth, I let the information sink in. "We could need Carlisle. Emily's really sick."

My brother frowned. "We'll sort her out, ok? Don't panic?"

I knew he didn't mean it patronizingly, but telling me not to panic after the last few days I'd been through was a bit rich. I calmed myself. It wasn't Seth's fault. "Where's Embry and Cris? What about backup? Are you injured at all?"

"I'm fine. Most the guys got held back. A few of us managed to make a gap in their defenses and get through before they closed it up again. As far as I know they're ok, but I don't have a direct link to Cris." As he explained, he was constantly looking around for any sign of danger. "Can you phase?"

"Not yet," I said frustrated.

"Ok, we need to get you somewhere safe then." He grabbed my arm to lead me away.

I was about to tell him about the bombs, when a vampire hurtled towards him.

Seth pushed me back automatically and I landed against the wall. He phased mid air, meeting them head on. Seeing that there was still a dozen leeches or so in the room, I knew my brother would be needed. He couldn't afford to be absent. I squeezed the keys in my hand and sneaked away to the cellar door.

I was halfway down the steps when a deep boom rumbled through the foundations of the building. The floor above me trembled and shook violently. I stumbled off balance clutching for the cold brick wall beside me to steady myself as dust and dirt fell from the ceiling. It felt like an earthquake had just hit.

"Seth!" I shouted and scrambled back up the steps. As soon as I reached the door, I tried to push it open, but it was blocked. Something had pinned it shut. "Seth!" I yelled again. I prayed to god whatever had exploded on the other side hadn't hurt him. One thing for certain, was that someone had triggered something and I prayed it was a vampire and not one of us. After shouting a few more times, my voice began to go hoarse. I was desperately thirsty. Hearing no answer from anyone, I gave the door one last shove, before slumping to the floor defeated. I tried to stop myself from panicking as a million thoughts ran through my head. The air around me was now dusty and gray and I coughed a little, trying to clear my lungs. I realized there was no point sitting her uselessly. I just had to hope my brother was ok. I tried to phase once more to check, but there was still nothing. I decided to at least go and release Emily and Rachel and look for Kim.

I had only just reached the bottom step when it dawned on me that the corridor could well be treacherous. It seemed right up Joham's street to do something so evil. I turned my whole focus to the corridor as I made my way forward, scanning every inch of the floor for a sign of a trap. I was beginning to think it was all safe when I spotted something out of place. I looked closer; sure enough, the ground was broken right outside the girl's cell door and I could just make out the shine of something metal protruding.

Stepping well around the area, I reached over and unlocked the door. It swung open and I hopped inside. My stomach dropped at the sight before me.

Rachel was sat on the floor, her back against the wall, with Emily braced between her legs as she rubbed her back. "Breathe, Em'. It'll pass, just breathe."

Emily's hands were gripping Rachel's knees tight as she tried to pant. Her face was contorted in pain and it wasn't until she relaxed, did either of the girls notice me.

Rachel gasped, but my focus was on Emily.

"Leah!" Emily tried to move towards me, but let out a high pitched shriek.

I flew to her side and crouched down. "Emily, what is it?"

She looked pale and gaunt, sweat was on her brow as she clutched her stomach.

Rachel looked petrified. "I think she's in labor."

"Hell, Em', couldn't you hang on a bit longer?" I joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

"Guess not," she grunted and grabbed my hand, squeezing tight. "Another one." She clenched her eyes shut.

"It's ok. Everyone's here. We'll get you out." I soothed as her fingers dug into mine.

Gently, I released her hand and stood. My attention had been caught by something else. In the distance I could make out the sound of scraping and things being moved around. It was coming from the door. For a minute I feared for the girls. What if it was a leech behind the door and not one of the guys? I turned back into the room and was about to tell them to get back into the corner, when a loud bang sounded. I looked back to the steps - the door was hanging off its hinges and a black wolf was squeezing its way through the rubble and small gap he had made.

As soon as he saw me, he took off at speed towards me. I didn't even have time to shout a warning about the mine as Sam charged into the room. He missed it by inches, purely by luck, as he phased back to human in front of Emily.

I let out a sigh of relief and allowed my heart to beat again. Moving back, I gave everyone some space. Emily was crying just at the sight of him. Sam picked her up without hesitation, cradling her in his arms. As he did, he also met my eye.

"You ok?" He mouthed, looking between Rachel and I.

We nodded and he seemed satisfied and turned back to his wife. They murmured quietly to each other, so I turned away and helped Rachel up. As I went to lend her a hand I gasped. She shot a finger to her mouth, begging me to be quiet.

"I don't want to scare her anymore than she already is," she whispered.

I nodded, but my stomach twisted. Where Emily had been sitting there was a pool of blood... too much blood. Sam was watching us as he held her tight to him bridal style.

"She needs help," I murmured.

His face dropped as he looked between the blood patch and his wife. The significance of it dawning on him. "Can you phase?" he asked me.

"No." I shook my head sadly.

Sam looked down at Emily. I could tell he was thinking about what to do. He moved back towards us, gently readjusting her in his arms. She was barely conscious.

He looked at me solemnly. "I need you to take her. I'm going to check if the coast is clear, then I'll lead you all out."

I nodded and held my arms out ready to receive Emily. She whimpered as he passed her over. Kissing her head lightly, he met my eyes worriedly.

"She'll be ok, Sam," I reassured.

He looked at me skeptically, but didn't comment. Instead he headed towards the door. My heart skipped a beat; he was about to set his foot down outside the cell again.

"Sam, wait..." I shrieked.

His foot paused mid air before he retracted his step and looked at me questioningly.

I breathed a sigh of relief as he came away from the entrance. "It's booby trapped." I pointed out to him.

His face paled and he gulped hard. "Shit. Is that what I think it is?"

I nodded. "Be careful."

He smiled nervously. "Thanks, Leah."

I watched on tenterhooks as he stepped over the mine this time. Turning back to Rachel, I was about to explain what was going on above. I had only just started when Sam's heavy footsteps in the corridor simply stopped and he cursed angrily.

Rachel and I looked curiously at each other and poked our heads out the doorway. I kept Emily tight against me; her head rested on my shoulder.

Sam was stood frozen, balanced oddly. His eyes were closed and he was breathing deeply, trying to calm himself. I knew straight away that something was desperately wrong.

"Sam?" I called, carefully stepping around the mine, keeping hold of Emily. I gestured for Rachel to copy me and she followed my footing.

Slowly, Sam turned his body to face us, his feet remaining locked where they were. He looked sadly at Emily, who was now unconscious in my arms. The look he gave me was one of defeat.

Rachel broke the silence. "Sam, what is it?" She took a step towards him.

"Don't come any closer, any of you," he shouted desperately.

I looked to his strangely positioned foot again as realization stuck me. "Oh, no. Sam." My breath caught in my throat, cutting off my words. I moved forward automatically.

"Leah, don't," he ordered. "It's too dangerous!"

"Sam, don't be stupid; we can get help."

He glanced again at Emily and then to my hands. I followed his gaze. My hands and shirt were already soaked red.

Sam shook his head. "She's losing too much blood. There's no time. She has to come first."

I turned to Rachel who seemed to have gone into shock.

We had to remain focused, so I grasped her arm, keeping Emily supported and made her look at me. "I need you to get help, ok? Can you do that?"

She nodded uncertainly, glancing between Sam and I.

"Rachel?" I said sternly, raising my voice.

She seemed to shake herself out of her stupor. "Y... yes." She finally managed.

"Good. Follow me." I lead her carefully back towards Sam, my eyes skirting for any more traps. I was never going to forgive myself for missing one. I had fucked up. This was my fault and I had to find a way to fix it.

Sam grunted, "Leah, I said..."

"Shut up, Sam!" I snapped. I looked back to Rachel who was moving just as cautiously as me.

"Is it safe to go past him?" she asked nervously.

"Yeah, if you go around you'll be fine. Just keep to the opposite wall and move slowly," I explained softly.

"What about Kim? We need to find her too," Rachel said worriedly.

I offered her a small reassuring smile. "We will. One thing at a time."

Sam heard our conversation. "Kim's safe. We found her in another part of the building."

Rachel looked appeased and I temporarily felt her relief. We all held our breath as Rachel carefully crept around Sam. As soon as she was past she took off at speed down the hallway for help.

I turned and closed the distance between Sam and I. Emily hadn't woken up, but was still bleeding just as profusely. Gently, I too crept around Sam before placing her down softly a short distance from the steps and returning. Dropping flat to the floor, I tried to examine the plate he was standing on - not that I had any idea what I was looking at.

"Leah," Sam called.

I ignored him and shifted to another angle. All I could see was the metal trigger he was stood on. I hit the floor in frustration. This wasn't happening.

"Leah..." His voice rose. "Leah, get up!"

I failed to look up and shook my head.

His voice softened. "Leah, please."

I sighed and finally stood to hear him out. We just had to wait out help. I was willing to defend them both until that came.

"It's going to be ok." Sam drew my attention back to him.

Before I could speak, the building shook violently again as another explosion took place; this one was even closer. I cringed as dust and dirt fell from the ceiling. Who had triggered it this time?

Amazingly, Sam somehow managed to keep his foot down on the mine, although the other one shifted slightly to keep him standing. I couldn't help but fall back into the wall in despair.

"How? How is it going to be ok?" I whispered, covering my head with my hands. I wanted to scream. My stomach was churning wildly, threatening to empty itself. What could I do? There had to be something?

"Leah," Sam called softly again. "You've got to take Emily and go."

Finally, I lifted my hands and looked at him solemnly. "Sam, I won't just leave you. I can't. Rachel's..."

He looked angry and desperate. "Leah, if you don't go now, she could die. So could you. I don't want either of you near me when this thing goes off." His anger faded and his wide eyes begged me. "Please," he choked.

"Sam, don't talk like that. We might be able to disarm it. There has to be a way." I tried to ignore Sophia's warning about them being rigged.

He saw right through me. "Don't lie to yourself," Sam whispered. "We both know that's not going to happen. And, I'm not willing to risk anyone else's life trying. One mistake is all it takes. Besides, this building could go at any minute. I barely kept my foot on this thing a minute ago."

"I won't leave you." I reiterated. "I can't."

Sam sighed. "You have too."

I glanced back to the stairs, internally begging for help to come. "I've never listened to you before, Uley. Why would I start now?"

He laughed bitterly. "Because I'm right."

"Sam."

He cut me off. "No. You need to listen to me... there's people that need you more right now. Emily's one of them. You've always been the strong logical one, and we both know I'm never getting off this trigger."

As an alpha, I instinctively knew he was right, but I still shook my head, refusing to accept it. The human part of me just couldn't. My chest felt like it was being ripped open as I made myself step towards him. Even after all these years, he was Sam to me.

"I'm so sorry." My voice cracked as I fought back my threatening tears.

"This isn't your fault," he whispered. "Listen..."

I shook my head. "I'm not saying any goodbyes. As soon as Emily's out I'm coming back. We'll work something out."

He laughed sadly. "Stubborn as always."

I went to speak, but he cut me off.

"Stop. Look at me."

I met his eyes. Those same eyes that had once looked at me with so much love shone brightly. It took me back so many years. "You have to know, I never regretted loving you." He paused. "Promise me, whatever happens you know this isn't your fault... today, back then, none of it is your fault."

"Sam..."

He shook his head. "Show them how to be strong, alright?"

I knew exactly what he was saying. I felt tears rolling down my face and without thinking pressed my lips against his. It wasn't a romantic kiss. It was a goodbye. I couldn't even process how we'd got to this point. It didn't feel real. It was all happening so fast. This wasn't right.

He kissed me back softly before pulling away. He nodded sadly. "There's no time. Now go."

"I can bring Emily over?" I whispered.

His eyes glistened sadly. "No. I don't want her near this thing. Just make sure she knows I love her and that I'll always be with her."

"I'm coming back." I repeated. "We'll get you out."

He smiled. "No. You won't."

In my heart of hearts, I knew the chances of me making it back down here and finding a way to disarm the bomb was incredibly slim. I looked at Sam once more before nodding.

My lip trembled, my legs quaked and my heart broke, but somehow I managed to turn my back on him and see through the tears flooding my vision. I picked up Emily and held her close as I fought the sobs that ripped through my throat; deep down, I doubted she would ever see her husband again. My feet stumbled as the devastation hit me. Time had never passed so slowly. I trudged along step by step, forcing myself to only look forward. Eventually, I reached the steps and climbed them steadily. I turned back to take one last look at Sam down below.

I realized he was crying too. "It'll be ok." He smiled sadly.

I couldn't speak, the tears fell so hard. I nodded firmly and then I did the hardest thing I would ever have to do in my life... I walked away from Samuel Uley for the last time.

AN

Beta credit to Don'tcallmeleelee

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