Leah POV

Somehow I managed to hold it together enough to get Emily and I out of the cellar. The door leading to the hall still hung of its hinges, allowing me just enough space to squeeze through. My heart felt numb, but my limbs pushed on.

I was cautious as I entered the room. The sound of fighting seemed to have moved off into the distance, but I couldn't be completely sure. The dust still hadn't settled, but I could see enough to realize that the ceiling had caved in and the staircase above had collapsed as well. It left me only one exit.

Trying not to think about Sam being left alone in the dank dark, I took the unknown corridor. My focus now had to be on getting Emily out. As I moved along, I dodged the debris. It was everywhere along with the smell of burning which filled my nostrils. There was no one to be seen though and I was immediately worried. Unsure of where to go, I saw some doors open that lead to a patio. Perhaps I could spot something from outside?

Emily stirred against me, groaning as I readjusted her in my grip. As soon as I reached the balcony, I inhaled the fresh air deeply. When I looked around I was no better off though. A cliff edge was before us. I was going to have to walk aimlessly through the mansion, with Emily in my arms.

I was about to move off when the sound of air beating fell around me. Jaden swooped down to the balcony, catching me off guard. He landed on the concrete and phased back smoothly, remaining crouched to hide his body.

He saw my surprised look. "Rachel found us just before the hall collapsed. No one else can get through yet. How is she?" He gestured to Emily.

"Not good. We need to get her help." I gently sunk to the ground with her as exhaustion threatened to take over. "Sam's trapped. He needs help. I couldn't get him out." My voice wavered.

Jaden touched my hand gently in reassurance. "We'll work something out, ok? We'll get him. Have you seen the baby?"

"Yes. I hid her in the forest." I nodded desperately, hoping that his statement about Sam rang true.

He looked relieved. "Ok. That's good. At least she's not still inside."

I paused, scared to ask. "What about my brother, is he safe? Cris, Jake, Embry are they..."

"They're all fine, a few cuts and bruises here and there, but nothing they won't recover from. We lost two young wolves from the other pack though and one of the allied vampires is dead. When the last explosion went off we had to retreat and regroup. A lot of the vamps fled at the same time, but it's not completely over. The main problem is that no one's seen Joham." Jaden looked disheartened sharing the news.

"He ran. Last time I saw him Edward was trying to decapitate him." I sighed and looked at the ruins of the building behind us and then back to her. I had no idea how far would I have to go around. "We need to get her out of here and to help."

"Let me take her. I can fly her to the dock and then come back for you," Jaden suggested.

I had to be honest, his idea daunted me. "Can you do it safely? That's a big drop."

He almost looked offended. "Trust me."

Reluctantly, I nodded.

We carefully lifted Emily together so that she was sitting up. Jaden looked around briefly before ripping off an old curtain hung by the patio door. He wrapped it around her to keep her warm. Why didn't I think of that?

Jaden stood back and phased, softly lifting off and hovering above us. I was impressed as he lowered himself down, until he was in reach of Emily. Gently as he could, he wrapped his talons around her arms and shoulders, securing her in his grip. Moving upwards, her body followed him until her feet left the ground and she hung limply between us. She looked like a rag doll.

Jaden moved around slightly and seemed to be testing her weight. He then met my eyes before swooping off into the mist like a dart. The minute he left I turned around to go back to Sam. I knew everyone would kill me for going back alone, but there was no way I was waiting for reinforcements. I had been kidding myself to think I could walk away like that. I had only walked a few feet when the whole world shook around me. I glanced towards the cellar entrance as something hard hit my head...

My vision was blurred and my ears rung. It took me a minute to focus as I realized there had been another explosion. There was a stench of singed flesh in the air and my head ached. Automatically, I reached for the back of my skull. It was damp. I brought my fingers to my face, rubbing them together. Blood.

I sat up slowly, pressing my back against the wall. My body still wasn't regenerating at normal speed, so I took a moment to gather my bearings while I healed. I looked down at my clothes which in some parts had been burnt away. My skin below was red and charred; it was my own flesh I had smelt. I coughed as I realized there was an amber glow around me and it was stronger towards the cellar.

Dazed, I stumbled to my feet as quickly as I could. "Sam! Sam!"

I slipped and stumbled my way back towards him. The door was now gone, thrown completely from its hinges. I got level with the doorway and immediately fell back, shielding my body. Everything down there was burning and the heat was scolding. There was no way I could venture in there and deep down I knew there was no point. One look was enough to tell me there was no one left to save. I fell to my knees in despair as the tears came. I had thought before was hard, but this time Sam really was gone.

I lost track of time as I sat on the floor crying. My whole body ached and my mind was barely able to focus on anything but thoughts of Sam. It wasn't until I was stirred by the wolf inside me growling impatiently that I realized I had to move. It was a strange sensation that brought me back to reality; I could feel her near the edge of my skin. The urge to phase like an itch I couldn't scratch. Pushing myself up, I took my first step away from the cellar; it was time to leave this hell hole. There would be time to cry later.

Carefully, I scrambled over the latest rubble. It took a minute as my concussion and shock faded slowly. A couple of times I even struggled to find a steady spot to stand on, but eventually, I managed to reach clearer ground. The metal rods of the foundations poked out here and there, and I grabbed the sharpest one I could find. I may not be able to phase yet, but after Anna I wouldn't hesitate to put a stake through a half-breeds heart if I got the chance. My compassion for living creatures had long passed.

Keeping the spear tightly in my hand, I began to climb through the corridor, finding solid foot holes for me to use. Sadly, my way was blocked yet again, however where the ceiling had recently caved in there was tiny gap to the next level. Having no choice, I climbed back up the rubble and reached on tiptoes. Lightly throwing the metal rod ahead of me, I gripped the jagged edges and using as much of my strength as I could pulled myself up. It was tight and a struggle, but come hell or high water I would get there. I eventually lifted myself high enough to be half way up; my hips were level with the edge and with one last effort I squeezed my knee through and up on to the side. I rolled onto the floor above me.

Quickly, I took a defensive stance, keeping low to the ground. Without realizing I'd been crying again, I wiped my tears away quickly. I felt for my weapon which I gripped as I spun round in a small circle, getting my bearings. I was in a smaller laboratory to the one of the ground floor. There was an old generator near the gap, sending sparks out occasionally.

I turned quickly and made my way to the door. I yanked it as far open as I could and slipped through into the corridor. Everywhere was dark and full of ash, but the sounds of fighting seemed immediately closer and in the direction I needed to go.

I kept to the walls, sliding along to remain hidden for as long as I could. I wasn't a coward, but I knew when I was at a disadvantage. Eventually, I reached a small staircase and moved downwards, entering another hall. My eyes widened in horror as vampires met wolves head on and half breed bodies crashed to the floor. Blood had filled the floor, making it wet and slippery for the wolves. I tried to pick out who was here. I noticed Jared immediately and realized that it was his pack fighting as well as Cris's. The Denali clan, Alice and Jasper were with them too. I finally spotted Rose in the fray, but with one look I could tell something was drastically wrong. Her eyes were black and she was killing with no remorse, ripping throat after throat of half-breeds out. She was soaked in blood and had a savage look about her. I couldn't see Emmett anywhere.

I felt sick, but she didn't even look my way and simply continued her slaughter, chasing a teenage looking girl off down another corridor. There was no sign of Cris, Jacob or my pack anywhere.

I had no idea where to go, and had few options as a leech suddenly jumped in front of me, sneering. It was an older man than Joham's usual lackeys and it took barely a second before he was on me. I tried to fight back as he grappled against me, shoving me to the floor as his teeth snapped at my neck, but my strength would never be enough unphased. The only hope I had was to use the rod in my hand as a defensive weapon. Somehow, I managed to grip it at both ends and shove it up against the leech's throat, trying to push his mouth away from me. It was working, but I didn't have long. I needed help.

As if in answer, a growl rang out around me and I saw a pair of teeth grip the leech's shoulders as he was hauled backwards and away from me. I sat up in disbelief as a giant gray wolf tore him to pieces... Paul.

I shook my head and jumped up. Jared was suddenly by my side, his wolf eyes staring questioningly at me.

"Sam's..." I shook my head as my words choked.

Jared whined lowly, nudging me with his head. I could almost feel the ripple of the news go around the pack. Each one, no matter if they were fighting seemed to flinch. I had to give them something to hope for. "The girls should all be safe."

Jared nodded and nudged me lightly towards an exit, then with a lonely desperate howl charged off back into the fight. They were definitely winning and in control - the leeches were dwindling slowly but surely. I managed to clear the rest of the room without any further attacks and what was left of Jared's pack helped to ensure me a clear path. Everyone clearly had their hands full, so I had no idea where to go next.

I flew out of the hall and headed into the corridor Jared had nudged me towards. This one was short though and the doors to the outside were opened. Light filtered through and, despite everything, my heart lifted just a little at the sight of freedom. The only thing blocking my path appeared to be a male half-breed.

At my presence, he turned slowly to face me and smiled cruelly.

My blood boiled and I gripped the steel rod in my hand. I was sick to the teeth of leeches and running. I mockingly gestured with my hand for him to come forward. "Let's dance."

The male laughed bitterly. "I'll do more than dance with you, gorgeous."

He launched at me, but I spun out of his way, circling back around him. As he jumped at me again, I quickly side stepped and hit him with the rod with all my force. He grunted and shifted away eying me up.

We continued like that for a moment. Every time he dived at me, I'd batter him with my weapon. I could see it hurt by the way he flinched.

On his next attack, his nails caught me, ripping at my weapon hand. I dropped the steel rod in pain and he used the opportunity to pin me up against the wall. His teeth came towards me as he forced my head to the side roughly with his hands.

My body trembled. My anger rose and something inside me broke. With a mighty snarl I phased, landing on all fours with him beneath me. My teeth sunk into his neck, ripping out his jugular. I was so happy to be free I paid no notice to his blood. I howled, a mixed noise full of anger, grief and anxiety. My heart skipped when my boys howled back in the distance and I took off at full pelt towards the outside.

"Leah!" Seth shouted. His mind was like a void and so incredibly empty and dark, but at my voice everything changed. Light burst in my mind, his hope soared and love poured through towards me. "The explosion... we thought... Jaden said..."

"You're alive." Embry sounded terrified and elated at the same time. "Fuck, Leah, don't do that to us ever again."

I laughed internally. "God, I missed your dramatics." My thoughts were warm and kind. I had missed them, not just my pack, but them. "Where are you?"

Seth growled playfully. "Oh, we're coming!"

I could see in their minds that they had turned away from a part of the building and were flying through the forest towards me at full pelt. "Where's Cris?"

Embry wasn't happy to answer. "We couldn't stop him. When Jaden told us there was an explosion and you'd gone back inside he lost it."

I caught an image of Cris in Embry's memory. He was phased and silently sinking to the floor in a war torn hall. He looked as if his heart had just been ripped out. The fighting continued on around him as wolves clashed against vampires. My view swung to Seth, who had phased back naked on the floor on all fours and was dry heaving - no, not heaving... sobbing. The feeling off loss and desolation closed in around my heart. Embry glanced at Jake, who was shaking his head and repeating 'no' over and over again. He looked deathly pale, but his expression changed suddenly as a blood curdling howl rang out; Cris had risen, his eyes dark, his muscles taught with fury and murder written all over his face. He looked at Jake and with a silent nod they took off out the door.

"I think they went after Joham. I'm sorry we didn't follow them. We tried to find another way through. We had to find you ourselves. We had to see... and bring you home," Embry explained, cutting off painfully.

Seth had gone very quiet as he charged towards me. Images of me dead kept appearing in his mind. He replayed the minute the initial explosion drove him out of the room and away from me. Then,Jaden telling him he'd found me, only to lose me again. The relief he felt was overwhelming me.

I slowed my pace, realizing just how desperate both of them still felt. "I'm really ok," I reassured, feeling the depth of their emotions hit me once more. "I'm here. I was actually worried about you guys more."

It didn't take them long to reach me. As they approached, both of them restrained themselves from phasing back to hug me. We all knew we were safer in wolf form. Instead, they both nuzzled me comfortingly, running their bodies along mine, and I nudged them back just as affectionately. After a few minutes we all pulled apart. I looked at their still sad eyes.

I sighed internally as the pain I'd been trying to protect them from washed over me. "Guys, there's something you should know. Sam's gone. I tried to go back, but I was too late."

They both fell into stunned silence. Flickers of memories and conversations they'd had with him flashed before my eyes. He was their pack brother too. As they absorbed the news, my pain became theirs and their pain became mine. They remembered the others who had been lost... Colin, Brady, and Emmett. Each one was a knife to our combined hearts. I saw Emmett go down, protecting my brother from an assault of six leeches... I saw Colin and Brady fighting together side by side... Brady went down, Colin refused to leave him, an explosion went off - they were killed instantly, their bodies hitting the wall and crumbling to the floor, eyes wide open, yet void of life. All of them would forever be owed a debt. Their families, their loved ones, we could never give them back to them... what consolation could I ever offer Rose?

"Are Emily and the girls safe?" I asked eventually.

Seth sighed. "Esme found Nessie and took her back to the dock, but when the explosions started Nessie ran off again. Esme was going to follow her, but then Jaden arrived with Emily and needed help. Last we heard Kim and Rachel had joined them by the boat."

"Oh, guys." I sighed. "I hope to god that Emily and the baby are ok." I trailed off sadly before my heart sunk all over again. "How will we ever tell her about Sam? It'll kill her."

Seth nudged me again. "We'll all be there for her and each other."

I tried to gather myself and looked at the forest and then back to the mansion. So much death surrounded us. We needed to stop it once and for all.

"Leah, what are you thinking?" Seth said anxiously.

I shook my head. "Nothing you'll like."

"So, tell us," Embry scolded.

"We need to finish this." There were two options. "We can either return to the hall and help Jared's and Cris's packs finish off the leeches or we can go after Joham."

Seth sighed. "Why do I feel like you already made your mind up about this?"

"I have, but only because the guys have it in hand inside. Also, if Joham escapes this could happen all over again. Too many good people have died today. I won't let it happen again. As long as he's out there, we'll never be safe and we'll always looking over our shoulder. Besides, we have to find Cris and Jake. Joham doesn't fight fair - his pyrotechnics are proof of that..." I limited my memory of what had happened with Sam, but showed them enough to know he was not against any way of winning. "And, even if Jake and Cris or Edward have managed to kill him, I need proof that he won't be coming back to haunt us. This ends today."

I broke off and tried listening through the alpha link for Cris or Jake, but there was nothing. Whereever they were they were blocking me out, or maybe just not expecting me, I reminded myself.

"Leah, it's not safe for you to be anywhere near him." Seth argued, clearly disliking my plan.

Embry felt much the same. "Let us take you to the docks, Emily needs you. Then Seth and I will go," he suggested.

"No. I need to be a part of this," I explained. "We need to finish this as a pack."

Relief flooded them as they realized that for once in my life I intended to see something through together and not tail off without them.

"Ok. As a pack," They both confirmed.

I breathed heavily, focusing my thoughts.

"So, what way?" Embry asked.

I put my nose to the ground and inhaled deeply. "Follow me."

AN

So, how was it? What did you think?

Thanks to everyone that left feedback on the last chapter and those still joining even now! It really is winding down to the end. A huge thanks go out to my wonderful beta dontcallmeleelee as always.

This chapter is part one of two and the second should be up within a week, but please feel free to leave me some feedback in the meantime!

xxx