Breaking Dawn

by Stephenie Meyer

  The car moved quickly through the woods, faster than Charlie or Sue drove. We heard it pull into the meadow and stop by the front porch. Four doors opened and closed. They didnt speak as they approached the door. Edward opened it before they could knock.

  Edward! a female voice enthused.

  Hello, Tanya. Kate, Eleazar, Carmen.

  Three murmured hellos.

  Carlisle said he needed to talk to us right away, the first voice said, Tanya. I could hear that they all were still outside. I imagined Edward in the doorway, blocking their entrance. Whats the problem? Trouble with the werewolves?

  Jacob rolled his eyes.

  No, Edward said. Our truce with the werewolves is stronger than ever.

  A woman chuckled.

  Arent you going to invite us in? Tanya asked. And then she continued without waiting for an answer. Wheres Carlisle?

  Carlisle had to leave.

  There was a short silence.

  Whats going on, Edward? Tanya demanded.

  If you could give me the benefit of the doubt for just a few minutes, he answered. I have something difficult to explain, and Ill need you to be open-minded until you understand.

  Is Carlisle all right? a male voice asked anxiously. Eleazar.

  None of us is all right, Eleazar, Edward said, and then he patted something, maybe Eleazars shoulder. But physically, Carlisle is fine.

  Physically? Tanya asked sharply. What do you mean?

  I mean that my entire family is in very grave danger. But before I explain, I ask for your promise. Listen to everything I say before you react. I am begging you to hear me out.

  A longer silence greeted his request. Through the strained hush, Jacob and I stared wordlessly at each other. His russet lips paled.

  Were listening, Tanya finally said. We will hear it all before we judge.

  Thank you, Tanya, Edward said fervently. We wouldnt involve you in this if we had any other choice.

  Edward moved. We heard four sets of footsteps walk through the doorway.

  Someone sniffed. I knew those werewolves were involved, Tanya muttered.

  Yes, and theyre on our side. Again.

  The reminder silenced Tanya.

  Wheres your Bella? one of the other female voices asked. How is she?

  Shell join us shortly. Shes well, thank you. Shes taken to immortality with amazing finesse.

  Tell us about the danger, Edward, Tanya said quietly. Well listen, and well be on your side, where we belong.

  Edward took a deep breath. Id like you to witness for yourselves first. Listenin the other room. What do you hear?

  It was quiet, and then there was movement.

  Just listen first, please, Edward said.

  A werewolf, I assume. I can hear his heart, Tanya said.

  What else? Edward asked.

  There was a pause.

  What is that thrumming? Kate or Carmen asked. Is that some kind of a bird?

  No, but remember what youre hearing. Now, what do you smell? Besides the werewolf.

  Is there a human here? Eleazar whispered.

  No, Tanya disagreed. Its not human but closer to human than the rest of the scents here. What is that, Edward? I dont think Ive ever smelled that fragrance before.

  You most certainly have not, Tanya. Please, please remember that this is something entirely new to you. Throw away your preconceived notions.

  I promised you I would listen, Edward.

  All right, then. Bella? Bring out Renesmee, please.

  My legs felt strangely numb, but I knew that feeling was all in my head. I forced myself not to hold back, not to move sluggishly, as I got to my feet and walked the few short feet to the corner. The heat from Jacobs body flamed close behind me as he shadowed my steps.

  I took one step into the bigger room and then froze, unable to force myself farther forward. Renesmee took a deep breath and then peeped out from under my hair, her little shoulders tight, expecting a rebuff.

  I thought Id prepared myself for their reaction. For accusations, for shouting, for the motionlessness of deep stress.

  Tanya skittered back four steps, her strawberry curls quivering, like a human confronted by a venomous snake. Kate jumped back all the way to the front door and braced herself against the wall there. A shocked hiss came from between her clenched teeth. Eleazar threw himself in front of Carmen in a protective crouch.

  Oh please, I heard Jacob complain under his breath.

  Edward put his arm around Renesmee and me. You promised to listen, he reminded them.

  Some things cannot be heard! Tanya exclaimed. How could you, Edward? Do you not know what this means?

  We have to get out of here, Kate said anxiously, her hand on the doorknob.

  Edward . . . Eleazar seemed beyond words.

  Wait, Edward said, his voice harder now. Remember what you hear, what you smell. Renesmee is not what you think she is.

  There are no exceptions to this rule, Edward, Tanya snapped back.

  Tanya, Edward said sharply, you can hear her heartbeat! Stop and think about what that means.

  Her heartbeat? Carmen whispered, peering around Eleazars shoulder.

  Shes not a full vampire child, Edward answered, directing his attention toward Carmens less hostile expression. She is half-human.

  The four vampires stared at him like he was speaking a language none of them knew.

  Hear me. Edwards voice shifted into a smooth velvet tone of persuasion. Renesmee is one of a kind. I am her father. Not her creatorher biological father.

  Tanyas head was shaking, just a tiny movement. She didnt seem aware of it.

  Edward, you cant expect us to, Eleazar started to say.

  Tell me another explanation that fits, Eleazar. You can feel the warmth of her body in the air. Blood runs in her veins, Eleazar. You can smell it.

  How? Kate breathed.

  Bella is her biological mother, Edward told her. She conceived, carried, and gave birth to Renesmee while she was still human. It nearly killed her. I was hard-pressed to get enough venom into her heart to save her.

  Ive never heard of such a thing, Eleazar said. His shoulders were still stiff, his expression cold.

  Physical relationships between vampires and humans are not common, Edward answered, a bit of dark humor in his tone now. Human survivors of such trysts are even less common. Wouldnt you agree, cousins?

  Both Kate and Tanya scowled at him.

  Come now, Eleazar. Surely you can see the resemblance.

  It was Carmen who responded to Edwards words. She stepped around Eleazar, ignoring his half-articulated warning, and walked carefully to stand right in front of me. She leaned down slightly, looking carefully into Renesmees face.

  You seem to have your mothers eyes, she said in a low, calm voice, but your fathers face. And then, as if she could not help herself, she smiled at Renesmee.

  Renesmees answering smile was dazzling. She touched my face without looking away from Carmen. She imagined touching Carmens face, wondering if that was okay.

  Do you mind if Renesmee tells you about it herself? I asked Carmen. I was still too stressed to speak above a whisper. She has a gift for explaining things.

  Carmen was still smiling at Renesmee. Do you speak, little one?

  Yes, Renesmee answered in her trilling high soprano. All of Tanyas family flinched at the sound of her voice except for Carmen. But I can show you more than I can tell you.

  She placed her little dimpled hand on Carmens cheek.

  Carmen stiffened like an electric shock had run through her. Eleazar was at her side in an instant, his hands on her shoulders as if to yank her away.

  Wait, Carmen said breathlessly, her unblinking eyes locked on Renesmees.

  Renesmee showed Carmen her explanation for a long time. Edwards face was intent as he watched with Carmen, and I wished so much that I could hear what he heard, too. Jacob shifted his weight impatiently behind me, and I knew he was wishing the same.

  Whats N
essie showing her? he grumbled under his breath.

  Everything, Edward murmured.

  Another minute passed, and Renesmee dropped her hand from Carmens face. She smiled winningly at the stunned vampire.

  She really is your daughter, isnt she? Carmen breathed, switching her wide topaz eyes to Edwards face. Such a vivid gift! It could only have come from a very gifted father.

  Do you believe what she showed you? Edward asked, his expression intense.

  Without a doubt, Carmen said simply.

  Eleazars face was rigid with distress. Carmen!

  Carmen took his hands into her own and squeezed them. Impossible as it seems, Edward has told you nothing but truth. Let the child show you.

  Carmen nudged Eleazar closer to me and then nodded at Renesmee. Show him, mi querida.

  Renesmee grinned, clearly delighted with Carmens acceptance, and touched Eleazar lightly on the forehead.

  Ay caray! he spit, and jerked away from her.

  What did she do to you? Tanya demanded, coming closer warily. Kate crept forward, too.

  Shes just trying to show you her side of the story, Carmen told him in a soothing voice.

  Renesmee frowned impatiently. Watch, please, she commanded Eleazar. She stretched her hand out to him and then left a few inches between her fingers and his face, waiting.

  Eleazar eyed her suspiciously and then glanced at Carmen for help. She nodded encouragingly. Eleazar took a deep breath and then leaned closer until his forehead touched her hand again.

  He shuddered when it began but held still this time, his eyes closed in concentration.

  Ahh, he sighed when his eyes reopened a few minutes later. I see.

  Renesmee smiled at him. He hesitated, then smiled a slightly unwilling smile in response.

  Eleazar? Tanya asked.

  Its all true, Tanya. This is no immortal child. Shes half-human. Come. See for yourself.

  In silence, Tanya took her turn standing warily before me, and then Kate, both showing shock as that first image hit them with Renesmees touch. But then, just like Carmen and Eleazar, they seemed completely won over as soon as it was done.

  I shot a glance at Edwards smooth face, wondering if it could really be so easy. His golden eyes were clear, unshadowed. There was no deception in this, then.

  Thank you for listening, he said quietly.

  But there is the grave danger you warned us of, Tanya said. Not directly from this child, I see, but surely from the Volturi, then. How did they find out about her? When are they coming?

  I was not surprised at her quick understanding. After all, what could possibly be a threat to a family as strong as mine? Only the Volturi.

  When Bella saw Irina that day in the mountains, Edward explained, she had Renesmee with her.

  Kate hissed, her eyes narrowing to slits. Irina did this? To you? To Carlisle? Irina?

  No, Tanya whispered. Someone else . . .

  Alice saw her go to them, Edward said. I wondered if the others noticed the way he winced just slightly when he spoke Alices name.

  How could she do this thing? Eleazar asked of no one.

  Imagine if you had seen Renesmee only from a distance. If you had not waited for our explanation.

  Tanyas eyes tightened. No matter what she thought You are our family.

  Theres nothing we can do about Irinas choice now. Its too late. Alice gave us a month.

  Both Tanyas and Eleazars heads cocked to one side. Kates brow furrowed.

  So long? Eleazar asked.

  They are all coming. That must take some preparation.

  Eleazar gasped. The entire guard?

  Not just the guard, Edward said, his jaw straining tight. Aro, Caius, Marcus. Even the wives.

  Shock glazed over all their eyes.

  Impossible, Eleazar said blankly.

  I would have said the same two days ago, Edward said.

  Eleazar scowled, and when he spoke it was nearly a growl. But that doesnt make any sense. Why would they put themselves and the wives in danger?

  It doesnt make sense from that angle. Alice said there was more to this than just punishment for what they think weve done. She thought you could help us.

  More than punishment? But what else is there? Eleazar started pacing, stalking toward the door and back again as if he were alone here, his eyebrows furrowed as he stared at the floor.

  Where are the others, Edward? Carlisle and Alice and the rest? Tanya asked.

  Edwards hesitation was almost unnoticeable. He answered only part of her question. Looking for friends who might help us.

  Tanya leaned toward him, holding her hands out in front of her. Edward, no matter how many friends you gather, we cant help you win. We can only die with you. You must know that. Of course, perhaps the four of us deserve that after what Irina has done now, after how weve failed you in the pastfor her sake that time as well.

  Edward shook his head quickly. Were not asking you to fight and die with us, Tanya. You know Carlisle would never ask for that.

  Then what, Edward?

  Were just looking for witnesses. If we can make them pause, just for a moment. If they would let us explain . . . He touched Renesmees cheek; she grabbed his hand and held it pressed against her skin. Its difficult to doubt our story when you see it for yourself.

  Tanya nodded slowly. Do you think her past will matter to them so much?

  Only as it foreshadows her future. The point of the restriction was to protect us from exposure, from the excesses of children who could not be tamed.

  Im not dangerous at all, Renesmee interjected. I listened to her high, clear voice with new ears, imagining how she sounded to the others. I never hurt Grandpa or Sue or Billy. I love humans. And wolf-people like my Jacob. She dropped Edwards hand to reach back and pat Jacobs arm.

  Tanya and Kate exchanged a quick glance.

  If Irina had not come so soon, Edward mused, we could have avoided all of this. Renesmee grows at an unprecedented rate. By the time the month is past, shell have gained another half year of development.

  Well, that is something we can certainly witness, Carmen said in a decided tone. Well be able to promise that weve seen her mature ourselves. How could the Volturi ignore such evidence?

  Eleazar mumbled, How, indeed? but he did not look up, and he continued pacing as if he were paying no attention at all.

  Yes, we can witness for you, Tanya said. Certainly that much. We will consider what more we might do.

  Tanya, Edward protested, hearing more in her thoughts than there was in her words, we dont expect you to fight with us.

  If the Volturi wont pause to listen to our witness, we cannot simply stand by, Tanya insisted. Of course, I should only speak for myself.

  Kate snorted. Do you really doubt me so much, sister?

  Tanya smiled widely at her. It is a suicide mission, after all.

  Kate flashed a grin back and then shrugged nonchalantly. Im in.

  I, too, will do what I can to protect the child, Carmen agreed. Then, as if she couldnt resist, she held her arms out toward Renesmee. May I hold you, beb linda?

  Renesmee reached eagerly toward Carmen, delighted with her new friend. Carmen hugged her close, murmuring to her in Spanish.

  It was like it had been with Charlie, and before that with all the Cullens. Renesmee was irresistible. What was it about her that drew everyone to her, that made them willing even to pledge their lives in her defense?

  For a moment I thought that maybe what we were attempting might be possible. Maybe Renesmee could do the impossible and win over our enemies as she had our friends.

  And then I remembered that Alice had left us, and my hope vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

  31. TALENTED

  What is the werewolves part in this? Tanya asked then, eyeing Jacob.

  Jacob spoke before Edward could answer. If the Volturi wont stop to listen about Nessie, I mean Renesmee, he corrected himself, remembering that Tanya would not understand his stupid
nickname, we will stop them.

  Very brave, child, but that would be impossible for more experienced fighters than you are.

  You dont know what we can do.

  Tanya shrugged. It is your own life, certainly, to spend as you choose.

  Jacobs eyes flickered to Renesmeestill in Carmens arms with Kate hovering over themand it was easy to read the longing in them.

  She is special, that little one, Tanya mused. Hard to resist.

  A very talented family, Eleazar murmured as he paced. His tempo was increasing; he flashed from the door to Carmen and back again every second. A mind reader for a father, a shield for a mother, and then whatever magic this extraordinary child has bewitched us with. I wonder if there is a name for what she does, or if it is the norm for a vampire hybrid. As if such a thing could ever be considered normal! A vampire hybrid, indeed!