Amun sneered at him. Perhaps that is the answer.
Carlisles answer was soft and sincere. I wouldnt hold that against you, Amun. We have been friends for a long time, but I would never ask you to die for me.
Amuns voice was more controlled, too. But youre taking my Benjamin down with you.
Carlisle put his hand on Amuns shoulder; Amun shook it off.
Ill stay, Carlisle, but it might be to your detriment. I will join them if thats the road to survival. Youre all fools to think that you can defy the Volturi. He scowled, then sighed, glanced at Renesmee and me, and added in an exasperated tone, I will witness that the child has grown. Thats nothing but the truth. Anyone would see that.
Thats all weve ever asked.
Amun grimaced, But not all that you are getting, it seems. He turned on Benjamin. I gave you life. Youre wasting it.
Benjamins face looked colder than Id ever seen it; the expression contrasted oddly with his boyish features. Its a pity you couldnt replace my will with your own in the process; perhaps then you would have been satisfied with me.
Amuns eyes narrowed. He gestured abruptly to Kebi, and they stalked past us out the front door.
Hes not leaving, Edward said quietly to me, but hell be keeping his distance even more from now on. He wasnt bluffing when he spoke of joining the Volturi.
Why did Alistair go? I whispered.
No one can be positive; he didnt leave a note. From his mutters, its been clear that he thinks a fight is inevitable. Despite his demeanor, he actually does care too much for Carlisle to stand with the Volturi. I suppose he decided the danger was too much. Edward shrugged.
Though our conversation was clearly just between the two of us, of course everyone could hear it. Eleazar answered Edwards comment like it had been meant for all.
From the sound of his mumblings, it was a bit more than that. We havent spoken much of the Volturi agenda, but Alistair worried that no matter how decisively we can prove your innocence, the Volturi will not listen. He thinks they will find an excuse to achieve their goals here.
The vampires glanced uneasily at one another. The idea that the Volturi would manipulate their own sacrosanct law for gain was not a popular idea. Only the Romanians were composed, their small half-smiles ironic. They seemed amused at how the others wanted to think well of their ancient enemies.
Many low discussions began at the same time, but it was the Romanians I listened to. Maybe because the fair-haired Vladimir kept shooting glances in my direction.
I do so hope Alistair was right about this, Stefan murmured to Vladimir. No matter the outcome, word will spread. Its time our world saw the Volturi for what theyve become. Theyll never fall if everyone believes this nonsense about them protecting our way of life.
At least when we ruled, we were honest about what we were, Vladimir replied.
Stefan nodded. We never put on white hats and called ourselves saints.
Im thinking the time has come to fight, Vladimir said. How can you imagine well ever find a better force to stand with? Another chance this good?
Nothing is impossible. Maybe someday
Weve been waiting for fifteen hundred years, Stefan. And theyve only gotten stronger with the years. Vladimir paused and looked at me again. He showed no surprise when he saw that I was watching him, too. If the Volturi win this conflict, they will leave with more power than they came with. With every conquest they add to their strengths. Think of what that newborn alone could give themhe jerked his chin toward meand she is barely discovering her gifts. And the earth-mover. Vladimir nodded toward Benjamin, who stiffened. Almost everyone was eavesdropping on the Romanians now, like me. With their witch twins they have no need of the illusionist or the fire touch. His eyes moved to Zafrina, then Kate.
Stefan looked at Edward. Nor is the mind reader is exactly necessary. But I see your point. Indeed, they will gain much if they win.
More than we can afford to have them gain, wouldnt you agree?
Stefan sighed. I think I must agree. And that means
That we must stand against them while there is still hope.
If we can just cripple them, even, expose them . . .
Then, someday, others will finish the job.
And our long vendetta will be repaid. At last.
They locked eyes for a moment and then murmured in unison. It seems the only way.
So we fight, Stefan said.
Though I could see that they were torn, self-preservation warring with revenge, the smile they exchanged was full of anticipation.
We fight, Vladimir agreed.
I suppose it was a good thing; like Alistair, I was sure the battle was impossible to avoid. In that case, two more vampires fighting on our side could only help. But the Romanians decision still made me shudder.
We will fight, too, Tia said, her usually grave voice more solemn than ever. We believe the Volturi will overstep their authority. We have no wish to belong to them. Her eyes lingered on her mate.
Benjamin grinned and threw an impish glance toward the Romanians. Apparently, Im a hot commodity. It appears I have to win the right to be free.
This wont be the first time Ive fought to keep myself from a kings rule, Garrett said in a teasing tone. He walked over and clapped Benjamin on the back. Heres to freedom from oppression.
We stand with Carlisle, Tanya said. And we fight with him.
The Romanians pronouncement seemed to have made the others feel the need to declare themselves as well.
We have not decided, Peter said. He looked down at his tiny companion; Charlottes lips were set in dissatisfaction. It looked like shed made her decision. I wondered what it was.
The same goes for me, Randall said.
And me, Mary added.
The packs will fight with the Cullens, Jacob said suddenly. Were not afraid of vampires, he added with a smirk.
Children, Peter muttered.
Infants, Randall corrected.
Jacob grinned tauntingly.
Well, Im in, too, Maggie said, shrugging out from under Siobhans restraining hand. I know truth is on Carlisles side. I cant ignore that.
Siobhan stared at the junior member of her coven with worried eyes. Carlisle, she said as if they were alone, ignoring the suddenly formal feel of the gathering, the unexpected outburst of declarations, I dont want this to come to a fight.
Nor do I, Siobhan. You know thats the last thing I want. He half-smiled. Perhaps you should concentrate on keeping it peaceful.
You know that wont help, she said.
I remembered Rose and Carlisles discussion of the Irish leader; Carlisle believed that Siobhan had some subtle but powerful gift to make things go her wayand yet Siobhan didnt believe it herself.
It couldnt hurt, Carlisle said.
Siobhan rolled her eyes. Shall I visualize the outcome I desire? she asked sarcastically.
Carlisle was openly grinning now. If you dont mind.
Then there is no need for my coven to declare itself, is there? she retorted. Since there is no possibility of a fight. She put her hand back on Maggies shoulder, pulling the girl closer to her. Siobhans mate, Liam, stood silent and expressionless.
Almost everyone else in the room looked mystified by Carlisle and Siobhans clearly joking exchange, but they didnt explain themselves.
That was the end of the dramatic speeches for the night. The group slowly dispersed, some off to hunt, some to while away the time with Carlisles books or televisions or computers.
Edward, Renesmee, and I went to hunt. Jacob tagged along.
Stupid leeches, he muttered to himself when we got outside. Think theyre so superior. He snorted.
Theyll be shocked when the infants save their superior lives, wont they? Edward said.
Jake smiled and punched his shoulder. Hell yeah, they will.
This wasnt our last hunting trip. We all would hunt again nearer to the time we expected the Volturi. As the deadline was not exact, we were planning to stay a few ni
ghts out in the big baseball clearing Alice had seen, just in case. All we knew was that they would come the day that the snow stuck to the ground. We didnt want the Volturi too close to town, and Demetri would lead them to wherever we were. I wondered who he would track in, and guessed that it would be Edward since he couldnt track me.
I thought about Demetri while I hunted, paying little attention to my prey or the drifting snowflakes that had finally appeared but were melting before they touched the rocky soil. Would Demetri realize that he couldnt track me? What would he make of that? What would Aro? Or was Edward wrong? There were those little exceptions to what I could withstand, those ways around my shield. Everything that was outside my mind was vulnerableopen to the things Jasper, Alice, and Benjamin could do. Maybe Demetris talent worked a little differently, too.
And then I had a thought that brought me up short. The half-drained elk dropped from my hands to the stony ground. Snowflakes vaporized a few inches from the warm body with tiny sizzling sounds. I stared blankly at my bloody hands.
Edward saw my reaction and hurried to my side, leaving his own kill undrained.
Whats wrong? he asked in a low voice, his eyes sweeping the forest around us, looking for whatever had triggered my behavior.
Renesmee, I choked.
Shes just through those trees, he reassured me. I can hear both her thoughts and Jacobs. Shes fine.
Thats not what I meant, I said. I was thinking about my shieldyou really think its worth something, that it will help somehow. I know the others are hoping that Ill be able to shield Zafrina and Benjamin, even if I can only keep it up for a few seconds at a time. What if thats a mistake? What if your trust in me is the reason that we fail?
My voice was edging toward hysteria, though I had enough control to keep it low. I didnt want to upset Renesmee.
Bella, what brought this on? Of course, its wonderful that you can protect yourself, but youre not responsible for saving anyone. Dont distress yourself needlessly.
But what if I cant protect anything? I whispered in gasps. This thing I do, its faulty, its erratic! Theres no rhyme or reason to it. Maybe it will do nothing against Alec at all.
Shh, he hushed me. Dont panic. And dont worry about Alec. What he does is no different than what Jane or Zafrina does. Its just an illusionhe cant get inside your head any more than I can.
But Renesmee does! I hissed frantically through my teeth. It seemed so natural, I never questioned it before. Its always been just part of who she is. But she puts her thoughts right into my head just like she does with everyone else. My shield has holes, Edward!
I stared at him desperately, waiting for him to acknowledge my terrible revelation. His lips were pursed, as if he was trying to decide how to phrase something. His expression was perfectly relaxed.
You thought of this a long time ago, didnt you? I demanded, feeling like an idiot for my months of overlooking the obvious.
He nodded, a faint smile pulling up one corner of his mouth. The first time she touched you.
I sighed at my own stupidity, but his calm had mellowed me some. And this doesnt bother you? You dont see it as a problem?
I have two theories, one more likely than the other.
Give me the least likely first.
Well, shes your daughter, he pointed out. Genetically half you. I used to tease you about how your mind was on a different frequency than the rest of ours. Perhaps she runs on the same.
This didnt work for me. But you hear her mind just fine. Everyone hears her mind. And what if Alec runs on a different frequency? What if?
He put a finger to my lips. Ive considered that. Which is why I think this next theory is much more likely.
I gritted my teeth and waited.
Do you remember what Carlisle said to me about her, right after she showed you that first memory?
Of course I remembered. He said, Its an interesting twist. Like shes doing the exact opposite of what you can.
Yes. And so I wondered. Maybe she took your talent and flipped it, too.
I considered that.
You keep everyone out, he began.
And no one keeps her out? I finished hesitantly.
Thats my theory, he said. And if she can get into your head, I doubt theres a shield on the planet who could keep her at bay. That will help. From what weve seen, no one can doubt the truth of her thoughts once theyve allowed her to show them. And I think no one can keep her from showing them, if she gets close enough. If Aro allows her to explain. . . .
I shuddered to think of Renesmee so close to Aros greedy, milky eyes.
Well, he said, rubbing my tight shoulders. At least theres nothing that can stop him from seeing the truth.
But is the truth enough to stop him? I murmured.
For that, Edward had no answer.
35. DEADLINE
Headed out? Edward asked, his tone nonchalant. There was a sort of forced composure about his expression. He hugged Renesmee just a little bit tighter to his chest.
Yes, a few last-minute things, I responded just as casually.
He smiled my favorite smile. Hurry back to me.
Always.
I took his Volvo again, wondering if hed read the odometer after my last errand. How much had he pieced together? That I had a secret, absolutely. Would he have deduced the reason why I didnt confide in him? Did he guess that Aro might soon know everything he knew? I thought Edward could have come to that conclusion, which explained why he had demanded no reasons from me. I guessed he was trying not to speculate too much, trying to keep my behavior off his mind. Had he put this together with my odd performance the morning after Alice left, burning my book in the fire? I didnt know if he could have made that leap.
It was a dreary afternoon, already dark as dusk. I sped through the gloom, my eyes on the heavy clouds. Would it snow tonight? Enough to layer the ground and create the scene from Alices vision? Edward estimated that we had about two more days. Then we would set ourselves in the clearing, drawing the Volturi to our chosen place.
As I headed through the darkening forest, I considered my last trip to Seattle. I thought I knew Alices purpose in sending me to the dilapidated drop point where J. Jenks referred his shadier clients. If Id gone to one of his other, more legitimate offices, would I have ever known what to ask for? If Id met him as Jason Jenks or Jason Scott, legitimate lawyer, would I ever have unearthed J. Jenks, purveyor of illegal documents? Id had to go the route that made it clear I was up to no good. That was my clue.
It was black when I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant a few minutes early, ignoring the eager valets by the entrance. I popped in my contacts and then went to wait for J inside the restaurant. Though I was in a hurry to be done with this depressing necessity and back with my family, J seemed careful to keep himself untainted by his baser associations; I had a feeling a handoff in the dark parking lot would offend his sensibilities.
I gave the name Jenks at the podium, and the obsequious matre d led me upstairs to a small private room with a fire crackling in a stone hearth. He took the calf-length ivory trench coat Id worn to disguise the fact that I was wearing Alices idea of appropriate attire, and gasped quietly at my oyster satin cocktail dress. I couldnt help being a little flattered; I still wasnt used to being beautiful to everyone rather than just Edward. The matre d stuttered half-formed compliments as he backed unsteadily from the room.
I stood by the fire to wait, holding my fingers close to the flame to warm them a little before the inevitable handshake. Not that J wasnt obviously aware that there was something up with the Cullens, but it was still a good habit to practice.
For one half second, I wondered what it would feel like to put my hand in the fire. What it would feel like when I burned. . . .
Js entrance distracted my morbidity. The matre d took his coat, too, and it was evident that I was not the only one who had dressed up for this meeting.
Im so sorry Im late, J said as soon as we were alone.
No, youre exactly on time.
He held out his hand, and as we shook I could feel that his fingers were still quite noticeably warmer than mine. It didnt seem to bother him.
You look stunning, if I may be so bold, Mrs. Cullen.
Thank you, J. Please, call me Bella.
I must say, its a different experience working with you than it is with Mr. Jasper. Much less unsettling. He smiled hesitantly.
Really? Ive always found Jasper to have a very soothing presence.
His eyebrows pulled together. Is that so? he murmured politely while clearly still in disagreement. How odd. What had Jasper done to this man?
Have you known Jasper long?
He sighed, looking uncomfortable. Ive been working with Mr. Jasper for more than twenty years, and my old partner knew him for fifteen years before that. He never changes. J cringed delicately.
Yeah, Jaspers kind of funny that way.
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