~So blown away by the responses to the last chapter. I expected some reactions, but you guys literally make my day with your reviews. I love reading everyone's theories. Some of you are spot on and some are just a tiny bit off, but I love seeing all the guesses regardless. Next few chapters come with an intensity warning, not for the faint of heart, most definitely.

Chapter 54: Treachery

Jacob came into work an hour early so he could skip out at lunch. He wanted to surprise Bells and see how the place was shaping up for the photo shoot. His wife never ceased to amaze him. Bella worked her butt off to make his dad's dreams come true. The whole time she worked closely with the council, she also juggled working with Collin, supported the pack families and was a wonderful loving mother to his kids. She was everything he ever needed and more.

His thoughts easily reverted back to last night. He could almost feel her in his arms pressed up against his chest. Every time with Bella was good, but there was something extra special about their lovemaking last evening. It had been spontaneous, but was the best response to the tension they both suffered. He was struggling with his will to lay off until after her postpartum period. Bella kept saying she was fine, maybe they could slip away for one more round during the bonfire. The kids would be entertained with the pack and the grandparents. He was making himself hard thinking about that secret spot they ventured to many times before. He needed to get a handle on himself before anyone else showed up for work. He replayed the standard boner killers in his thoughts: Charlie's mustache twitching when he and Bella showed too much PDA, Zoe making him dress up like a princess with her and the picture proof that existed in Bella's top secret hiding place as well as the ultimate shrinkage origin, Quil's hairy ass.

He redirected his thoughts just before Martin, the garage manager surprised him when he opened up the main bay doors.

"You're here bright and early."

Jacob knew he didn't have to do easy mechanic jobs anymore, but he chose to. The work at the garage was more of a hobby. He normally felt rejuvenated after being there especially when Ashley didn't surface. She was busy with her second husband in three years. He was thankful for small favors.

Jacob scooted out from under the Acura. He was cleaning up his hands on the way to the counter to go over the orders with Marty when he was overcome by a gut-wrenching pain. It took a helluva punch to make him hurt, but this doubled him over and he fell to his knees as he struggled to get his breath.

Martin ran around the counter. "Jesus Christ, man. What's the matter?"

Jacob could barely speak. He broke out in a cold sweat. He was trying to suck in oxygen after essentially having every bit of air knocked out of his lungs.

"Is it your appendix? My cousin doubled over like that when his ruptured. Should I call 911?"

Jacob managed to shake his head and slowly got back on his feet. He growled out that he was fine.

"No fucking way that you're fine. Come have a seat in the office."

"No, I said I was fine. I have to go." He knew as soon as the intense pain subsided, something was wrong, very wrong. Jacob didn't have a medical problem, he had a leech problem. He'd felt like he'd been ripped open, but his skin remained intact. However, the dull ache lingered. Jacob was torn in a place that couldn't be seen, but he felt it nonetheless. That meant his worst nightmare was occurring, but he knew he was most definitely awake.

He drove a short distance until he could ditch the truck. The beast emerged and he started to run. Images were sketchy, but he already knew enough from his lost connection. The wolf howled over the loss. Bella. Ace. His unborn sons. They were all gone.

Jacob called to the brothers that could answer him, many didn't. They rendezvoused at the tribal center. A mysterious fog seeped from the broken down front doors. Leah was about to run full speed into the building. Jacob stopped her. They all phased back.

"It's not right. That's rancid. It's poison." He instructed Jared and Leah to go around the building a break all the windows in hopes of clearing out the toxins as quickly as possible. "Sam, go to my house. Claire is babysitting Zoe. I need to know she's safe. Get all the mates, kids and everyone else in one spot."

About that time, Collin and Zane crawled outside choking and coughing covered in blood. Whose blood? One sniff told Jacob it was mainly their own. The two men coughed so hard, they both lost their stomach contents. Collin finally made sense when he uttered something about the clinic. There would be supplies. The guys needed serious medical attention and they all knew a hospital wasn't possible.

Jacob barked out more orders. The tribe had a large van. He said they'd load up everyone for transport to the clinic. He initiated the emergency protocols. Everyone in the loop would be notified: the wives, the parents and the Cullens. Fucking Alice Cullen, wasn't she closely monitoring this situation? How did she not even get a glimpse?

He finally determined the air had cleared enough to go in after a couple of long, drawn-out minutes. He didn't need anymore guys rendered helpless. It was torture not going inside to assess the damage immediately. The worst part was knowing that Bella and Ace weren't there. He smelt their scents in the parking lot mixed with a multitude of leech stenches. They were taken and his pack was in dire straights.

He found the pup, Stevie, unconscious with ragged shallow breathing. "Brady! Get the kid outta here."

With all the windows broken and the doors ripped away, natural light poured in. Blood was everywhere, like some goddamned horror movie. The guys didn't know what hit them. Jacob wasn't sure if they'd even had a chance to phase. The poison must have some sort of paralytic. It was the perfect plan. Paralyze the pack and destroy anyone in the way. Bella would be left exposed and vulnerable, easy for the taking. The battle years before proved tactical combat was a challenge for Aro's army. The pack was a strong opponent especially with the Cullen's coven backing them. This was the only way he could have an advantage and it had been devastating in more ways than one.

Leah found Emb. She screamed a shrill cry. Jacob prepared himself for the worst, but he touched his brother and felt warm skin. The low hum of an irregular heartbeat proved his beta was a true warrior. Leah screamed again when she saw Seth under a broken table. This place was supposed to be picture perfect by the day's end and it looked like a fucking war zone: destroyed surroundings, broken bodies and rivers of blood. Jacob lifted up Seth and carried him to the van. Brady came back for Embry and Jared carried a completely distraught Leah as well.

Zane appeared to be healing faster than anyone else. Jacob was mentally accounting for his pack. The urge to search for his family was tearing him apart at the moment, but he had to save these men that put their lives on the line for Bells everyday. She would want him to rescue them. The alpha in him wouldn't let him abandon them in their time of crisis.

He realized they were missing one. "Quil!"

Zane shook his head. "He's dead. I... I saw, he... ugh. Oh God, it was the worst thing I ever... " He started coughing and crying, but eventually gargled out his worry about Claire. She would be devastated. Jacob felt so much pain and remorse since it all began, but had he actually experienced the total loss of a brother, a cousin, a best friend? He searched his connection. Something didn't add up. He told Jared take the others. They couldn't wait any longer. He knew they desperately need oxygen and Collin had a hidden storage room under the building with all sorts of emergency supplies. He had stocked up everything they could ever need during an emergency. Hopefully, Carlisle and Sue were there by now to start treatments immediately.

Jacob ran back in the building. He yelled for Quil realizing he probably would never answer. The residual toxin burned his nose and altered his senses, but he was able to sniff out his friend. He was covered in debris. As soon as he peeled away the pieces, he found Quil soaked in blood, cut open in so many places, he couldn't count them all. Giant open wounds on his stomach were the worst. At first glance, he thought Zane was right and that Quil was dead. A large tear fell from Jacob's right eye and splashed in the sea of blood surrounding the fallen wolf. He heard the sound it made in the still setting, but then he heard a whoosh and a faint thump. A fresh gurgle of blood flowed out in front of his eyes. The dead didn't actively bleed. Those sounds were Quil's heart sputtering as he clung to the sliver of life that was left in him.

Jacob sprang into action and lifted him up. "Don't you dare fucking die on me, man. That's an order!"

He reclined the seat back in Bella's car and found a blanket of Zoe's to apply pressure on the worst wounds. Some spots were showing signs of healing and Quil made his first sounds of a weak cough. He was lucky Bella had a spare key in her console. He had no idea where her actual set was.

Jacob peeled out of the driveway to start speeding to the clinic. His wolf would have been faster but there was no way Quil was stable enough for that type of transport.

They appeared in the middle of the main road. Jacob slammed the brakes. The windows were already down for fresh air.

"She better fucking have something for me. A road sign, a car description, anything. I have to get Quil to Carlisle at the clinic and then we'll meet up to discuss a rescue mission. Until then, everyone able should be searching."

Rose told him Carlisle wasn't there yet. She said there was another emergency. Jacob couldn't stall any longer. Quil's life was in his hands. Something was wrong with Rose and Emmett. Rose pointed toward in the ditch. Jacob saw a body surrounding by a whole bunch of fucking donuts. He trusted them to handle it. He wasn't even sure how that was related to their ordeal but knew it did.

"I have to get him help. I'll be over as soon as I can."

Rose looked in the window. "There's no helping him and you know it."

Jacob ignored her statement as he stepped on the gas. As they drove the short distance, Quil proved just what a stubborn fucker he could be. His heart settled on a normal rhythm even if it was weak. He groaned occasionally. He was bleeding all over Bella's car, but at least he was alive. By some miracle, he was still hanging on.

"Quil, Claire will be waiting for you. Get yourself together before you scare that poor girl half to death. You hear me, stay strong for your mate. We need you. Fight, bro, don't stop fighting."

Jacob pulled up at the clinic. He hoisted Quil back into his arms who managed one whispered word before going out again, "Ace."

Sue, Charlie, the wives and Renee were all doing something to stay busy. The clinic was operating as a full service emergency room that morning. The children had all been corralled into the employee area. It wasn't ideal to have them there, but Jacob needed his pack in one spot. The six that were with Bells had suffered severe trauma and near asphyxiation, but so far they were all hanging on, even Quil.

Carlisle was late when they needed him most. Jacob was so ramped up, he was about to explode. He took his fury out on the head bloodsucker that had one job and that was to treat his pack during an emergency.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"My apologies, there was another incidence preceding this. My family took a direct hit as well."

"Wait, what do you mean by that? The Volturi attacked your coven?"

Carlisle quietly nodded as he asked who was the most critical. Jacob led him to Quil.

"Tell me, Carlisle. How bad?"

Jacob knew the vamps didn't express normal human emotions, but he sensed a great loss when he looked at the doctor. Carlisle started yelling for crucial supplies he needed to treat Quil.

"Carlisle."

The doc didn't miss a beat. He started a line in Quil's left arm and Sue hung two bags. He faced Jacob with those strange golden eyes that didn't tear, but Jacob still imagined he was crying in his own way.

"Jasper was destroyed. They got to him. Alice has gone into herself. She's catatonic. Edward is trying to reach her to see if she can help us, but I'm not sure if we didn't lose her as well. She's been unreachable since it happened."

"I'm sorry for your family's loss, but I have to find Bells and Ace. He has to get through to her. I have zero leads."

Jacob turned around and headed to the kitchen. He knew his daughter was in there and right at the moment, she was all he had.

He was able to slip on a scrub top, hoping it would hide some of the blood covering him. Zoe hopped off Claire's lap and bounded into his arms. "Daddy!"

"Hey, Zoe-bug. How's my girl? You okay?"

She smiled and nodded her head that she was. "Claire played dolls with me." He studied her tiny features that were so similar to her mother's. He tried not to let his mind go there, but he stroked her rosy cheek. What if she was all he had left of Bells? Jacob was speechless. He was a leader and he needed to lead, but he was paralyzed in that spot with his daughter in his lap. She was completely oblivious to the fact her mother and brother were missing. He didn't know what his next move should be. The reports back from Sam and the others on patrol were that there wasn't a trace. Alice was not going to help, she was devastated at the loss of her mate. He'd never felt more broken and he'd suffered many times before but nothing compared to this.

Jacob sat there as Zoe mindless chattered. He slowly inhaled her sweet scent that was so similar to her mother's, it hurt his very soul. He fought back tears of loss and desperation until a familiar hand grasped his shoulder. "It's going to be okay, son." Jacob turned around and saw his father.

"What if it's not?" Zoe scooted off his lap when Willow started one of her favorites movies on the television on the wall.

His father had faith in Jacob that he no longer had. How could he fix this? There were no solutions. What if the poison the guys were exposed to did irreparable damage? No one even knew what it was.

"Have you seen Embry?"

Billy said he had. "He's improving."

"Is he awake?"

"No, but I know he's going to recover. He's my son and I know."

Jacob thought about his own son. At least, wherever they were, they were together. It was crazy considering Ace's actual age, but he would protect her and his brothers. Jacob seriously believed that.

Claire tentatively approached. "Can I go out there now? Kim wouldn't let me before. I need to see him and he needs to know I'm here."

Jacob said he'd need to double check first. He knew young Claire didn't need to see what he witnessed earlier, but she was right, if Quil was going to pull through, it'd be because of her.

Zane was up, walking around. He wanted to see Claire first. Jacob thought that was a good distraction while Carlisle worked on Quil. "How did Quil make it?"

"He's a warrior, like all of you."

"My head's still fuzzy, but man, Jake, I swear, they completely opened him up. Things fell out that shouldn't have. I can't even describe it. How'd you patch him up?"

"I didn't. Look. It's bad and he's torn up, but I didn't find anything spilled out as you put it other than he was bleeding uncontrollably."

Zane shook his head in disbelief. "Weird. Weird fucking shit is going on. I know that mist fucked with all my senses, but my memory isn't totally blown. Look at this." He lifted his arm over his head and rotated it all around. "I thought they pulled my damned arm off. It was dangling, now it's fine."

"You heal. It's the wolf."

"Nope, no one set this and it was completely unhinged, out of the socket when I blacked out. Here's the truth, we couldn't breathe, we couldn't move and they massacred us. We should all be dead, but we're not and I don't know why. It's a complete mindfuck. I'm so sorry," he started to cry. "I'm so sorry we let you down and that they took them." The poor kid couldn't stop sobbing which only led to more coughing and struggling for breath. Jacob knew there was nothing they could do differently. Brit grabbed her son's arm and insisted he sit down and put his oxygen mask back on. Somehow, someway, these leeches had inside information because they were never detected. They knew exactly where to get to Bella and how to carry it all out. He kept saying they'd never underestimate Aro and yet, they did.

Hours later after a meeting with Edward, Jacob was back at the clinic to check on everyone's condition. Seth, Collin and Zane were the only ones that had healed enough to wake up, they weren't exactly themselves, far from it. It was concerning how many hours the others had been out. Carlisle was right. The pixie was a blank slate. Jacob tried the nice approach with some pleading, then he damned near turned violent with her, but Edward pulled him off. That only ended in a lot more yelling, pushing and shoving. After hours of apologies and interrogation, her brother got one thought from her silent brain.

Aro.

That was a fucking revelation. NOT!

Edward took it to mean, they would take Bella and Ace back to Volterra. He doubted Aro came to America. Emmett had started the leg work of getting them a private jet. He'd been waiting for the opportunity to take his maiden voyage since getting a pilot's license. An extended trip across the ocean could possibly end in death for several reasons, but there were no other options.

Now it was up to Jacob to figure out who could travel with him and who needed to remain. There was no guarantee stragglers hadn't stayed behind in hopes of finishing off the pack. It was a legitimate worry. Aro had to know Jacob would stop at nothing to rescue his wife and son.

They'd even hit the Cullens. Taking out Jasper was a calculated move. Edward said he happened to be the one out on reconnaissance. It could've been any of them since they often took turns. Jacob remembered how hard Jasper fought in battle, maybe it was exactly who they wished to get rid of. He was sure they'd also love to destroy Edward, but maybe Aro still thought he could obtain him for his guard if he'd captured Bella.

Jake met with the pack just outside the clinic entrance. Sam volunteered to stay back and oversee the protection of the reservation. They had three incapacitated wolves and three weak ones that might take days to be 100%. That left them with ten battle ready, but the latest news brought to Jacob's attention were that Emily and Rachel were taking care of their sons who'd recently spiked high fevers, so there would soon be two new wolves on the reservation.

Sam and Paul both gave their permission for Jacob to urge things along. They knew their boys could handle it, that they wanted to protect their families alongside their fathers. Alice couldn't travel and Esme insisted on staying by her side. Carlisle was giving Sue and Collin the treatment plans that appeared to be stabilizing Embry and Stevie, but so far hadn't done much more than barely keep Quil alive. Jacob was leery about taking five more guys away from the pack, but Sam said that the rescue group would most likely be the ones to face an experienced Volturi guard. The odds weren't even in their favor with the four Cullens and six of them.

Jacob told the five going with him to say their goodbyes and gather a few supplies. They were meeting up at nearby airstrip in less than two hours. Leah stepped out like she had something to say.

"Is it Emb?"

She shook her head.

"Seth?"

"No, Emb's stable just not awake and Seth is just trying to hold down some food, but so far no luck. He's still pretty dehydrated and sick. I need to say my peace about that suicide mission you're about to undertake. Black, you can't be serious. Nicky's fifteen."

"I'm aware of that, but I have to have some numbers with me and he's quick."

"I'm faster than all of you and you know it."

"Lee, your wiped out emotionally. Both Seth and Embry were hit hard and you have Rae to consider."

"I know that and that's why I have to go and fight with the rest of you. I can't do anything else for them. Mom's here. They have Charlie and Amy. Carlisle says Seth will be fine as long as he has the IV and the oxygen and he thinks Embry will wake up soon. Rae's plenty happy with her cousins and aunts. I have to do this. I have to protect my alpha queen. She called me into service and I swore I'd never let her down."

"Are you sure?"

"Have I ever been anything but?"

Jacob said he'd break it to the kid that he had res duties instead. Jacob went inside to tell the others the plan. They honestly had no plan. He figured they'd sort it out on the twelve hour flight over there. The big vamp was assuring him the jet they had would make it faster and that they had a favorable headwind predicted.

Aro had been planning this assault on Bella for most likely fifteen years. He'd be expecting them and no doubt he had a small army awaiting their arrival, complete with deathtraps, a real life dungeon and a tunnel that led straight to hell.

Charlie and Renee were entertaining Zoe. She ran to Jake when he came in the room. "Go home?"

He kissed her nose, "No, Junebug. I have to go on a trip. You're going to stay with Renny. In fact, I bet Renny will stay at our house so you still can have all your toys and sleep in your own bed."

Renee forced a smile and said that's exactly what they'd do. It would be a grand slumber party just like she and her mommy used to have.

With the mention of Bella, Jacob's exhausted daughter whined, "I wan Mommy."

He looked up at Charlie again and saw all the worry and sorrow etched across his face. He'd seen him beaten down and that low only once before. It was the day Carlisle called and said Bella had passed away. Jacob gave his daughter one more hug and promised he'd be back soon. After all, he'd never broken that sort of promise to her, so he didn't plan on this time being any different.

He gave Renee a hug and whispered a different promise. "I will not come back without them. Take care of my daughter."

Charlie shook his hand and pulled him into a hug with the other. "I trust you, Jake. Just be careful. Don't worry about Zoe, you know how much family she has here. We love her so much. She's Bells made over."

Barry walked up to Jacob next. They'd barely had a second of silence since the whole thing started. He looked at Bella's loyal friend and saw the hurt in his eyes. Jacob knew he loved Bells like she was his flesh and blood sister. They were family.

"You're going to do this."

Jacob grabbed him and hugged him close. Barry believed and Jacob wanted him to be right more than anything.

He had a brief discussion with his father, then he walked around the beds to each one of the guys. He gave them a few alpha commands. They had no choice but to heal and get better. It was somewhat encouraging to see the change for the better in some of the guys. However, watching Quil cut him deep. He still looked so damn bad. Claire was sitting in a chair holding tight to Quil's hands. "He's holding his body temperature better."

"That's a good sign."

Quil still looked paler than Quil ever had. He was receiving a steady drip of donated blood and fluids. Jacob noticed everyone that was able had donated a pint.

"Claire, he's one tough, ornery bastard. You know that right? He doesn't give up." Jacob had personally beat the shit out of him during a dare once because Quil absolutely refused to say uncle. He didn't offer up the details of that incidence. Claire had enough to worry about without bringing up her imprint's general stupidity. It further proved to Jake he was as strong as an ox. Quil could take a beating and still laugh about it later.

"We were so close, all the promises we made to each other... " She wiped away a few tears, "What if none of it ever happens?"

Jacob told her Quil would make good on the promises, but she needed to take care of herself too. Quil was going to need her strength to draw on when he woke up. He gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Believe. I was in a pit earlier, but I'm going to get my family back. There's no other outcome that's acceptable. Quil heard my order earlier. He never disobeys a direct order. We're all going to recover from this."

Jacob looked up at Carlisle while he gave Quil one last assessment. He slightly shook his head. Even the doctor had given up. Jacob hoped he hadn't given false hope to Claire, to his pack or to himself. He spoke from the heart. He didn't want to believe he'd ever let any of them down.

There was one more promise he made to himself. A certain city in Italy would burn in the next 24 hours with the stacked corpses of the undead when Jacob personally directed them back to hell where they belonged. Aro carefully constructed a plan to possess Bella, but he had most definitely underestimated the power and determination that resided within her mate. They suffered a paralyzing defeat, but Jacob would not lose the war.

Meanwhile...

Bella jerked awake. Her head pounded like a jackhammer and her mouth felt like cotton.

She had no idea where she was or how long she'd been out. There was a vague recollection of waking up on a plane and immediately being stuck again, followed by a burning liquid running up her arm.

Atticus.

She reached her arms for him and discovered his warm body nearby. Bella gazed upon his flushed cheeks and studied the way he breathed. He was soundly sleeping. They must have drugged him as well. Bella brushed his sweaty hair off his face. He was burning up. She knew what that meant.

Her next thoughts were for her unborn sons. Bella would barely take a Tylenol for aches and pains. She was very conscientious about taking care of herself during pregnancy. What the hell was the gas they bombed the center with? Who knew how much dope they'd pumped into her veins? She patted her tummy and there was absolutely no movement. She panicked. Bella nudged her sons with a little more determination.

"Rebel," she shook the spot he frequented under her ribs. Then she tapped above her pubic bone. "Max, wake up. Please, show Mommy you're both okay."

There was no activity. Her heart sank to the very depths of despair. No. Please, no.

A groggy Ace surprised her, "Momma."

Bella wrapped her heated child in her arms. "Atticus. I'm right her. We're together. You're sick, honey, save your strength."

"Momma, okay?"

"Yes, I think so, just tired and thirsty."

"Babies?"

He was asking about the twins. She fell silent, she had no idea what to say. Bella was still pretty out of it. She hoped and prayed they were merely sleeping.

Her son deliberately put his left, then his right hand on her stomach. He repeated his question. "Babies?" And at that moment, they both gave their older brother strong kicks against his palms. He chuckled, "Good babies."

Relief flooded her. She covered Atticus's hands and felt both babies move and squirm around. She didn't say anything else when it seemed he drifted off again, but then he grasped her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers atop her wiggly stomach, "Honey, do you remember?"

He nodded. "Bad."

"Yes, the bad people took us, but your father will come." She knew that was the truest statement ever uttered. Bella was trying to remember the pack. Why hadn't they fought back? What happened to them?

"Do you remember your uncles?"

"I help. I help more, but I go to sleep."

"Sure, baby. Your Mommy's big helper. Just rest for now."

He was such a brave boy. She didn't want him to be kidnapped like she was, but it was somewhat comforting to be together.

He dozed off again. Bella wondered how long he had left if they were surrounded by vampires when he was already exhibiting enhanced abilities even before their lives were at stake? She wanted to spare him that sort of responsibility but maybe it was his destiny all along.

The door rattled as if someone turned the key. Bella rolled and sheltered her son's body with hers. Ace heard the commotion. He groaned again and wrapped his arm over abdomen. The twins had settled back down.

Bella didn't know who she expected or what was about to happen. She was in a stone room, but on a comfortable bed. One small lamp illuminated the room. She almost recognized the place from nightmares that vacated her thoughts years ago when she made it back to Jake. He buried her nightmares, but they'd returned with a vengeance.

Bella was afraid so she shut her eyes tight. Maybe whomever it was would leave if she appeared to still be sleeping.

Footstep clacked across the floor. She was almost certain they were high heels. A woman? Who though? Jane? Jane had been the one to hitch a ride to Forks several years before, but she disappeared without a trace.

"Open your eyes. I know you're awake."

Atticus made a feral growl from behind her. His wolf was closer than ever. "Awe, that's not nice. We were such good friends before."

Bella's eyes opened wide to meet ruby red ones that hovered over her face.

No. It couldn't be. She had to be dreaming after all.

Atticus tightened his grip on her. Bella was devastated by what she saw. The vampire spoke again. "Hello, roomie. It's been a long time."

~Thanks for reading.

Who's jaw hit the floor and who's screaming, "Yes, I knew it!"

Tell me your latest predictions. Many of you had Monica pegged as being shifty way back when. How worried are you about the pack, especially Quil?

Preview: Bella and Ace face an uphill battle in the next chapter and a very heated argument transpires between old friends.