~A/N Deep breaths, dear readers. This chapter is the true nail-biter. They've progressively been getting worse. I'm well aware of that and this is my most intense, most gut-wrenching one. Proceed with caution.

Song inspiration is Bruno Mars's "It Will Rain"

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 56: Knocking at Death's Door

Edward opened out his arm like a gate. Jacob growled. He hated when the tick touched him.

"You can't go barreling in the front door. We'll all be massacred."

They had to be careful with their approach. So far, they'd remained undetected, but when the fortress came into sight, Jacob fought the urge not to break the door down. He was so close to Bells and his children, he could feel it. The torn piece of his soul was slowing knitting itself back together, but the wound felt fragile, almost paper-thin like it could easily tear again.

Carlisle motioned for them to all follow him. He knew of two secret entrances if they hadn't been closed off. It had been many years since he'd be with the Volturi, but Aro was a creature of habit and Carlisle doubted he'd changed much. In fact from what he heard from Alice and Edward's descriptions, Volterra was like a place frozen in time as far as the vampire's domain was concerned. When they made it to the first hidden door, they decided to split up. Jacob and Edward would take Leah, Canyon and Paul. Brady and Jared followed Carlisle, Emmett and Rose to the second entrance.

As soon as Jake climbed out of the constricted passage to get inside, he could see they were in a long, dark corridor straight out of medieval times. It was like a maze of hallways with multiple staircases leading down beneath the earth's surface.

Paul commented, "Our descent into hell begins here."

The air was old and dank, the hint of death lingered as well. However, all the supernatural senses picked up on a another scent at the same time.

Edward was shocked, "You smell that? There's already a wolf here."

Jacob breathed that fresh, woodsy scent in. A smile formed on his lips. He only expected to smell death and doom in these halls, but he smelled hope instead. "There sure as fuck is, That's my boy! He's protecting his mom like I knew he would." The urge to phase overwhelmed him. He needed to hear his son's thoughts to know they were still fine.

If they followed the the narrow path of the wolf, it might lead them to Bella. They all knew the mission was comprised of more than merely a rescue. They were there to destroy as well. Jacob needed Bella evacuated, but he also knew he had to be the one to take down the leech leader or his obsession would live on. The danger would never leave them if Aro wasn't destroyed.

Rose found them about that time. Carlisle was on the trail of an old rival, Caius. They'd also determined that Alec had been directly involved in the attack on the reservation. His powers combined with a synthetic noxious gas were responsible for rendering the pack helpless. They had to prevent that substance from being used on them or it was all over before they got started. It was Edward's mission to search the thoughts of anyone they encountered in hopes of taking that deadly toxin out of the equation. This was never a fair fight to begin with.

Jacob instructed Rose to find Bella and get her out of there as quickly as possible. The rest of them were going to split up and attempt a sneak attack on the guard. Edward and Carlisle had drawn out various maps from memory about the layout of the residence on the flight over. He didn't feel as clueless after the tedious trip abroad. They'd worked out plans and strategies non-stop with little to no breaks.

It wasn't long before they came upon a severed leech head. After several twists and turns down a stone staircase, there was a corpse to match. They'd have to come back to that because at this point a fire would be like sounding an alarm that they'd arrive. A few steps later, they ran across another shredded remains. The wolf was a pup but already a proficient leech destroyer. Ace was systematically destroying each vampire he encountered.

Edward said they were almost to the hall where Aro held court. That was the last thing spoken before all hell broke loose. Jacob heard the distress howls of his son. His wolf exploded and his pack followed. He comforted his son through the mind link. They were almost there. He had to hold them off merely seconds more. A battle like none other ensued. That baby-faced blonde one went first. She was so stumped she wasn't inflicting pain on the attackers, that she never saw Leah's wolf coming from behind her.

Ace was projecting the shield the whole time he was kicking ass. All those times, they thought he was too young or didn't understand, he was paying attention and he had perfect control.

Edward got Alec next and alerted Carlisle that the one getting away was indeed the source of the poison. He wasted no time confronting one of their many secret weapons. Their side was taking down leeches left and right. Occasionally, they'd take a rough hit and get busted up. Jacob felt bones crack, but they mended as fast as they snapped. Everyone was bouncing back faster than normal. Each time they charged back in the fight, they were a little stronger. This was why they trained so hard these past few years. The pack with the aide of Edward's mind reading and Carlisle's centuries of knowledge made them formidable opponents, despite the disadvantage of being completely outnumbered. For every vampire they exterminated, three or four more would come out of hiding. Jacob had yet to find the one he intended to end with extreme pleasure. Aro was in hiding. Rose was also missing from combat. Jacob hoped that meant she found Bella and that they were back at the plane.

Ace caught wind of something. Jacob saw him lift his snout and sniff the air. The arena was not receiving the same influx of new leeches. Ace didn't hesitate to breakaway from the action. He was scenting something that set his blood to boil. Jacob felt his rage mixed with pain from Bells which was never a good feeling. He let the others know, they were pursuing other threats, most likely the main one.

She's here... she's here

Jacob didn't know who she was, so he urged his son to slow down and wait for him.

He flashed his father a memory of a familiar face and things that were said. His wolf was also consumed with fiery rage. No, it couldn't be. Jake willingly brought the enemy into his pack. They normally could spot deception a mile away. She would suffer for this. It seemed Ace felt just as passionate about inflicting punishment on Monica.

His son obeyed his commands. He slowed down so that Jacob could catch up. The pair broke down the door to a lavish room that had to be Aro's private chamber. It felt like royalty lived there, only Aro was no human king and there was no life in this hellhole. Father and son wolves stood side by side. Aro turned around with his arms extended like he was welcoming them to his home for a grand party. He was one creepy motherfucker, pasty white skin against jet black hair and ruby eyes that reflected the blood of thousands of innocents. This was the face of all Bella's nightmares. Jake had seen plenty of leeches over the years, but this was terror on two legs.

A tall she-vamp with Lady Godiva hair came out of the shadows and stood at Aro's right. Monica, the traitor, took her spot at his left. Ace growled loudly.

"What a disappointment. I thought I had years to train you. You fooled me back there. Who knew you were so cunning?" Aro clapped like he was actually proud of Ace. "This changes things, but all is not lost. My babies are on the way. I will have to settle for only two unless you will surrender to me, Wee One."

Ace took a few steps forward in defiance. He showed no signs of surrender. Jacob knew as a child, his son showed no fear and the wolf was no different, but the alpha cautioned him.

Easy pup. Watch for my signal. Not yet.

Jacob knew the others were still involved in the fight of their lives, but he wished they had one more with them so the numbers would be even. The father and alpha inside him were at odds. He'd seen what his son could do, but he was worried about the scenario they'd walked into. It almost seemed carefully constructed, like this was the plan all along. Aro was waiting for Jacob to come for him.

Monica lunged and landed on Ace's back. He quickly threw her off, but she was on her feet ready for another go at him. Lady Godiva came at Jake just as he was about ready to show the old roommate how much he disliked betrayal. Aro was clapping jovially as he enjoyed the show. Father and son battled it out with the two bitch vamps. Their bulky wolf bodies collided with hard stone walls again and again. Finally, Jacob managed to use all that wild hair against his opponent. He grabbed a huge clump of hair in his powerful jaws, fell to the ground and rolled. While the leech tried to untangle herself from the wolf, Jake ripped off an arm. The bitter taste corrupted his mouth, but he didn't hesitate. The leech stumbled to her feet like losing an arm fucked with her balance. The wolf sprang forward taking off her head in the process. She was so concerned with a severed appendage, she didn't realize her execution was coming. Her lifeless corpse fell to the hard floor. Now he could concentrate on helping his son.

Monica inflicted another powerful blow to Ace and he wasn't so quick to get up. In fact, he fell back down in a crumbled heap. He was exhausted and injured. She had done them so wrong and hurting his son in front of him was the last straw. Jacob's rage fueled his power. He lunged for her, knocking her off her feet so he could easily pin her at the shoulders. She knew it was the end of the line. At that point, Monica stopped fighting back. Had that been what she wanted all along? She wanted someone to come along and destroy her, ending her miserable existence? He'd be happy to fulfill her destiny after what he witnessed and the betrayal he felt.

Aro spoke, reminding him he was still there enjoying this show as wolves battled his own kind. "Tell him, dear. He should hear it from you."

The wolf opened wide and held that marble throat between his teeth. Monica uttered out her final words. "So sad about Quil, but he deserved it. My heart had been stomped one too many times by shitty guys. Go ahead, kill me, Jake. You're next no matter what and then that sniveling coward of a wife will follow."

He severed her head with one savage bite. Jacob tossed the fucking thing into Aro's hands like a ball. That monster was cackling with laughter holding Monica by her stringy hair. He was completely insane, but he had only humored them up until that point. Whatever headway they'd made inside the walls at Volterra had been allowed. Aro dropped Monica's remains, kicked her head with the side of his foot, then lifted his arm high over his head and snapped his fingers. A rumble came from the walls and overhead almost like they were experiencing an earthquake. The next thing Jake knew the whole room exploded with hooded demons. They came out of thin air, it seemed... more vamps than he'd ever seen and they were ready to kill.

Ace was back on all fours, but they were surrounded. Jacob wasn't giving up, but there was little chance they'd get out of there with their lives. Just when every odd was against them, the entire atmosphere changed once more. Every surface area of the room suddenly ignited in flames. Jacob saw his entire life flash through his mind. He saw his mom and dad, his sisters, Embry, his pack, La Push and he saw Bells with all their kids in her arms. He saw his past, present and future and he also saw an impossible victory unfold. Edward had started a fire with some substance he'd found. They were going to use Aro's weapons against him. The pack broke in the next second while the Cullens were forced to pull back or else they'd suffer in the flames. Now was the test, they'd all see what they were truly made of. They were ending this war once and for all or they would all die trying.

Jacob carried his limp son in his arms. Edward knew the way to the room where Bella was being held. Once, the head leech went down, Jacob had little time for celebration. Jake, ripped him in several pieces and the guys pinned him down. Jacob phased back human so that he could face him as a man. It was cathartic to show Aro he was being destroyed that way. He knew Aro would see it all, the way he and Bella loved each other, what living truly was. Doubtful, the menace actually remembered his previous life. Jacob grabbed each side of his face and slowly twisted, relishing each cracking sound that human-like facade made as it crumbled.

He only said one phrase, "Credo che si vince." Jacob finished it.

Edward translated as the head went sailing into the fire. Jacob hoisted the body over his head and watched it ignite. "You're damn right, I won."

The remaining vamps scattered if they'd managed not to be dismembered and burned. The ancient corridors were empty and abandoned now. At least Edward confirmed all the leaders and most powerful ones had been destroyed. Jacob never expected to rid the entire world of all vampires, but after this showdown, he expected the pack would have a reputation and not many would dare cross them intentionally.

Jake was hoping they could be on their way home. He was confused why Bella hadn't been taken to safety. Edward explained how Rose discovered Bella in the final stages of labor and that's why Carlisle had disappeared during the final showdown. Jacob was more anxious than ever to see her. She must be so scared with Ace phasing and taking off on top of going into premature labor.

Carlisle was attending to her, but a premature twin birth inside a dungeon was less than favorable conditions. Jake was hopeful they could move her to a hospital. Once the enemies were dealt with, his son's wolf retreated. He carried only a small, exhausted boy in his arms now. He ran into Jake's arms after phasing back, muttered out a few words about Bella and then drifted off to sleep. It was similar to the way he did when Jacob tucked him in at night after playing hard all day. They all knew that wasn't the case. He'd fought like the warrior he was destined to be. Ace had healed from all the injuries. Just like Bella realized a few days ago, he never bled once. Jacob and the others were covered dried blood, as well as oozing cuts all over them. They all suffered painful injuries, but were healing as they should. He knew he was asking an extreme sacrifice of those that came to Italy. There was a good chance some wouldn't make it out alive, but they did. He was relieved that he didn't have to make that terrible announcement to anyone's family. Now, all they needed to know for certain was that the ones left behind were better as well. So far, Leah couldn't get a connection to last longer than a gargled 'hello.'

Emmett, Brady, Canyon and Jared said they would still patrol the hallways just in case one of the leeches decided to come back. When they got close to the room, they all heard the screams from Bells. Leah took Ace from him and told him to go. Paul said he was going to find a place for them to rest close by. No one was sure how long the births would take. Jacob slowly entered the room since he could tell Bella was in the middle of a contraction. Rose had her propped up and was wiping her brow with a cloth while Bella panted through the pain.

Carlisle had one small medical bag he'd carried. There were more supplies on the plane but that was a fairly far distance away. He asked if they could get her to a back to the plane, but the doctor shook his head. Judging from the position Bella was in, she might be pushing soon. There was no way they were escaping this place until those babies were born.

She was so pale. She barely could say his name. "Jacob, I knew you were here. I felt you."

He moved onto the bed with her. "Of course, you did. I felt you too, honey. I'm here now. It's done. I told you, we'd protect you. He'll never threaten you or our kids again." He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick kiss to her dry lips. He was ecstatic to destroy Aro, but his heart sank when he saw Bella. She didn't look well. He knew labor was taxing, but she was practically radiant the entire time she labored with Zoe. Although, Bella was in the new wing of the hospital that day. She enjoyed the comforts of a luxury birth suite complete with a jacuzzi tub. This was nothing short of a primitive jail cell. She deserved better. So did his sons, but there was nothing he could do about that and Jacob suddenly felt entirely helpless.

"Atticus?"

"Leah has him just outside the door. He's resting, but he's perfectly fine." She looked relieved, but closed her eyes. She would open them wide when she was assaulted by another labor pain which were coming almost every minute according to Carlisle. He'd never seen someone fall deep asleep every thirty seconds or so, but that's exactly what she was doing.

Jacob was worried about Bells and he was nervous for his sons, "Will they be okay? It's early."

"Yes, normally this is considered a safe time of delivery. I'd rather us be at the hospital of course, but we'll do the best we can. I have no doubt these babies are stronger than most, just like their mother." He asked permission to assess the position of the first twin. Jacob didn't like to think about Dr. Fang's hands in certain regions of his mate's body, but he was a trained physician. He told him to go ahead.

Carlisle's gloved hands came back from under the sheet bright red with Bella's blood. Jacob tried to remind himself childbirth was a bloody ordeal. He watched the vampires in the room carefully. Edward hadn't come inside which was a good thing. Jake didn't want him to be in the room with Bells like that. He should be patrolling the halls with the guys the entire time, especially since he could read anyone that might be approaching.

Carlisle startled Bells who looked more and more exhausted to Jacob, "Bella, with the next contraction, I want you to push."

She barely acknowledged Carlisle. She was already completely wiped out. Jacob took the rag from Rose and dabbed it across her forehead. "You got this babe. You're so strong. Bring these boys into the world and then we're going home. I love you so much." He'd only been apart from her roughly two days, but he couldn't stop touching or looking at her like they'd been apart for weeks. His heart and soul had ached every second he didn't know her fate. There was a brief time when he questioned if he'd ever see her again.

Bella didn't even take five minutes to deliver Max. He slipped out with ease into Carlisle's hands. After a brief assessment that he was breathing fine on his own and appeared healthy, he handed him off to Jacob. That was the best way of keeping him warm since they had no other equipment. Jacob situated him between the two of them.

"Look Bells. You did it. One down, one to go."

She barely had any strength left in her but she smiled and kissed his cheek. "Maximus William Black. I love you."

Her head fell back and she went into a deep sleep. Jacob knew this was nothing like Zoe's birth for obvious reasons. He saw a concerned expression develop on Carlisle's face.

"Is that normal?"

"She's been through an extreme ordeal."

"How long before Rebel is born?"

Carlisle was feeling around Bella's abdomen. He said he feared the other twin was in the wrong position and he was going to attempt to turn him. "He's transverse." Jacob wasn't sure what that meant.

Jacob asked if the contractions had stopped. But Carlisle said he'd just palpated one. The labor was still progressing

All the screaming and carrying on from before had virtually ceased. Bella kept sleeping through everything that was going on with her body. Even as Carlisle appeared a little too forceful with his manual rotation of their son, Bells was still and quiet.

A sick feeling overtook Jacob. He had just faced off with a vast assortment of some of the most powerful immortals in existence. There was no way to even count how many they'd fought off and destroyed, but this silence from Bells frightened him more than any other danger he'd experienced.

He kept looking at Maximus nestled between them. Bella should be awake for their son's first few minutes of life. He knew if she could, she'd open her eyes. He tried to talk to her. Jacob started describing the baby to her. About that time, Edward barged inside without even a knock.

"Get out! You don't get to be in her for this."

"Carlisle, I found a medical facility, it's less than ten miles from here."

"We can't move her, Edward."

"I could call for an ambulance perhaps."

"She won't survive the journey."

Edward pointed to the floor. "She's dying. Look at that. I smelled it from outside."

What they were saying barely registered in Jacob's brain. Bells survived a horrific attack and kidnapping. She'd given birth like a pro with Ace and Zoe. He missed out the first time, but she told him it was similar just longer than Zoe's birth. She brought Maximus into the world with only a few pushes. Why were Carlisle and Edward talking about her like she was some type of fragile being? His Bells was just as much of a warrior as any member of his pack.

Then Jake glanced to the floor where Edward pointed. Blood pooled at Carlisle's feet. He avoided most of the up close and personal stuff when their daughter was born, but that volume of expanding crimson at the foot of the bed and on the ground seemed excessive.

"Why's she bleeding so much?"

"The other placenta is detaching prematurely. I have to get the baby delivered. He's still breech, but it's a breech I can work with now."

Edward and Rose both asked about a C-section.

Carlisle said that would be the quickest, but with zero equipment on top of all the blood she'd already loss, he wasn't willing to risk cutting into her. He gave Rose orders about what to do. Jacob focused on his newborn son's tiny features to remain calm. The two vampires looked like they were brutalizing his wife's battered body. Rose was on her knees next to Bells while she pushed from the top since Bella had nothing left to give herself. Meanwhile, the doctor's hands disappeared inside Bells. He finally announced he had Rebel by the ankles. Seconds later, their other son was visible to Jacob.

He didn't cry immediately like his brother. Jacob screamed for Paul. He passed Max off to his uncle and told him to keep him against his chest. He wanted to help Carlisle however he could.

"Breathe, son... breathe."

Carlisle rubbed the tiny infant's chest. He was giving Jacob instructions on how to deliver a lifesaving breath to his son. He covered his mouth and nose and did what Carlisle said. Tense minutes passed before Rebel fought his way back. He joined their world approximately fifteen minutes after his brother. Once he wailed out a few lusty cries, he pinked right up. Relief filled Jacob. Bella would not have been able to handle the loss of either son. Both boys were tiny but appeared strong. Jacob took his son so Carlisle could tend to Bella. She was still losing way too much blood.

He heard them mention doing a hysterectomy, but Jake didn't know how that would work. Carlisle wouldn't do the Cesarean because of lack of equipment. What had changed? Nothing. Things had only gotten worse for her.

All eyes were on Jacob. He and Bella weren't sure if they'd have more children. They had decided she definitely needed a longer break, but everything was life or death now.

"Do whatever you need to save her. Help her. We can't lose her." Of course, the douche didn't leave once he came inside. Jacob and his pack were indebted to Edward for several reasons, but he felt like an intruder to him at that point. He kept interrupting Carlisle, voicing his opinions. He also wouldn't stop saying how they were losing her.

Jacob ended up giving Rebel to Paul as well so he could focus on Bells. He kissed them both on the forehead.

He encased her hand in his. "Bells, honey. Fight. You've got to fight harder. I know you're tired. These boys need you. Zoe and Ace need you. I need you. Please, honey, wake up."

Carlisle said he needed her uterus to clamp down and it wasn't happening soon enough. Rose jumped over them. She grabbed a syringe, sucked liquid out of bag and plunged it into Bella's leg.

Both Rose and Carlisle appeared distraught. "The Pitocin's not helping either."

Jacob heard her heartbeat start to diminish. It was slower and softer to him each beat that he listened for.

Edward shouted, "Change her! It's the only way now, Carlisle. You know it."

Jacob glared at him. He had no right to be there or make any suggestions such as that.

"Don't you fucking dare even think about it. The answer is no!"

"Are you seriously going to let her die in your arms, dog, when we have the ability to save her? She'll still exist if Carlisle changes her."

It was at that point his mind, body and spirit went to war with each other. Jacob couldn't lose her, but she'd risked so much to remain human. This thing with Aro all those years ago terrified her. She was almost convinced to join the Cullens and suffer the fate of becoming like them. He knew now without a doubt, Bella didn't want that. She chose life. She said it all the time. I want to be as normal as possible.

"NO!"

Edward rushed to her side like he wasn't taking no for an answer.

"I will fucking knock your head off your body right here. Back off! Bella would want me to say no."

"You're a selfish beast and you're a quitter. Bella sacrificed everything to be with you and you're letting her go without a fight."

"I fought plenty and you know what else, Bella's still fighting too. I know it, I feel it. That's the difference between us. I always believed in her and you never gave her enough credit." Jacob kissed her cool cheeks. "Don't quit, honey. I love you. We have our whole lives ahead of us now. Fight, Bells, dammit... fight!"

Rose interrupted their disagreement. She tended to agree with Jake. "Edward, the mutt's right. Bella and I discussed this once. She wouldn't want that. Her heart's still beating."

Edward grumbled under his breath, "Barely."

Leah burst through the door with Ace in her arms about that time. This was last place their little boy needed to be. Paul jumped up, with both babies in his arms to block the horrific scene unfolding on the bed. He told Leah she should took Ace back out into the hall.

"Wait, you have to hear this. I finally got a call through to home. It's Embry. He's awake. They're all awake! Jake, Quil collaborated Zane's story. He swears he was dead. You have to hear this."

Ace started to come around, "Momma. Help, Mommy!" He screamed when he saw what was going on as he struggled to get away from Leah.

Leah hit her phone's speaker button. Quil yelled it out so they all could hear just as Jacob heard one final frail heartbeat from Bells. The love of his life, his soulmate and imprint, the mother of his children had just faded away in his arms. "It's Ace! Ace did it. He heals people!"

~Thanks so much for reading.

Breathe. This took a lot out of me to write.

Okay, battle scenes intimidate me, much like love scenes. I usually write the bare bones and then come back and add details that I think make for a more exciting read. Quick question, how did I do? Who is on the edge or should I say ledge? I'm curious to how many 'update immediately' requests I'm about to receive. You've all been so good to me during this story (accept for a rude guest, but I think she quit). I promise not to leave you hanging too long.