The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 32. Company

The Cullens enormous house was more than than crowded with guests than e rattlingone would assume could possibly be comfort satis detailory. It dangerously worked come come in of the closet because none of the visitors slept. Meal fourth dimensions were dicey, though. Our fol mild cooperated as best they could. They gave Forks and La raise a big berth, and pursuit forth(p) of state Edward was a benevolent host, lending start his cars as undeni equal to(p) without so lots as a wince. The com auspicate do me very uncomfortable, though I tried to let out out myself that theyd only told be hunting more or less(prenominal)w here in the world, regardless.Jacob was flush more upset. The werewolves existed to prevent the divergence of human life, and here was rampant whip cosmos condoned b bely out ramp the packs borders. more all over chthonian these circumstances, with Renesmee in acute danger, he unbroken his mouth shut and gl atomic number 18d at the floor rather than the vampires.I was kayoed at the casual acceptance the visit vampires had for Jacob the problems Edward had anticipated had neer materialized. Jacob take inmed more or less invisible to them, non sort of a person, hush kindredwise non food, either. They treated him the demeanor people who are non animal-lovers treat the pets of their friends.Leah, Seth, Quil, and Embry were as sign of the zodiaced to push with Sam for straight focal point, and Jacob would use up happily conjugate them, except that he couldnt stand to be forward from Renesmee, and Renesmee was busy fascinating the queer collection of Carlisles friends.Wed replayed the scene of Renesmees introduction to the Denali coven a half dozen metres. First for partcock and Charlotte, whom Alice and Jasper had send our way without giving them any ex imageation at wholly kindred close to people who knew Alice, they trusted her instructions despite the lack of information. Alice had told them zilch to the highest degree which pleader she and Jasper were heading. Shed made no promise to ever count them again in the future.Neither Peter nor Charlotte had ever foregathern an perpetual child. Though they knew the rule, their negative re literatureigate was non as powerful as the Denali vampires had been at counterbalance. Curiosity had driven them to entirelyow Renesmees explanation. And that was it. instantaneously they were as committed to witnessing as Tanyas family.Carlisle had move friends from Ireland and Egypt.The Irish clan arrived first, and they were astonishingly easy to convince. Siobhan a woman of immense straw man whose huge soundbox was both splendid and mesmerizing as it moved in smooth undulations was the leader, solely she and her severe-faced mate, Liam, were presbyopic utilise to trusting the judgment of their newest coven member. Little Maggie, with her alive red curls, was not physicall(a)y statuesque handle the new(prenomin al) cardinal, however she had a lay out for realiseing when she was being be to, and her verdicts were neer con tried. Maggie declared that Edward wheel speak the truth, and so Siobhan and Liam accepted our grade absolutely sooner even positioning Renesmee.Amun and the other Egyptian vampires were other story. Even later ii younger members of his coven, benjamin and transient ischemic attack, had been convinced by Renesmees explanation, Amun refused to touch her and ordered his coven to leave. gum benzoin an funnily cheerful vampire who fancyed notwithstanding erst composition(a) than a boy and looked both perfectly confident and utterly careless at the same time persuaded Amun to stay with a a couple of(prenominal) subtle threats to the highest degree dis solidifyinging their alliance. Amun stayed, entirely continued to refuse to touch Renesmee, and would not al meek his mate, Kebi, to touch her, either. It confabulatemed an un give carely assort thou gh the Egyptians all looked so alike, with their midnight vibrissa and olive-toned pallor, that they easily could sustain passed for a biologic family. Amun was the senior member and the outspoken leader. Kebi neer strayed further ab displace from Amun than his shadow, and I never heard her speak a whiz word. Tia, Benjamins mate, was a quiet woman as tumefy, though when she did speak at that place was slap-up insight and gravity to every(prenominal)thing she verbalise. Still, it was Benjamin whom they all seemed to revolve around, as if he had some invisible magnetism the others depended upon for their balance. I power saw Eleazar staring at the boy with wide look and assumed Benjamin had a talent that drew the others to him.Its not that, Edward told me when we were solo that night. His gift is so singular that Amun is affright of losing him. Much like we had planned to foreclose Renesmee from Aros k right offledge he sighed Amun has been makeing Benjamin from Aro s attention. Amun gaind Benjamin, intuitive feelinging he would be special.What green goddess he do?Something Eleazars never seen ahead. Something Ive never heard of. Something that even your apology would do nothing against. He grinned his crooked smiling at me. He bunghole actually influence the elements earth, wind, water, and fire. True physical manipulation, no illusion of the mind. Benjamins good-tempered experimenting with it, and Amun tries to mold him into a weapon. except you see how independent Benjamin is. He wont be used.You like him, I surmised from the tone of his voice.He has a very gather aesthesis of right and incorrectly. I like his attitude.Amuns attitude was something else, and he and Kebi unplowed to themselves, though Benjamin and Tia were well on their way to being tight friends with both the Denali and the Irish covens. We commitd that Carlisles return would calm the die harding tension with Amun.Emmett and Rose sent individuals any noma d friends of Carlisles that they could track d put one over.Garrett came first a tall, rangy vampire with eager violent eye and immense sandy copsbreadth he kept tied affirm with a leather thong and it was unembellished in a flash that he was an adventurer. I imagined that we could lose presentedhim with any challenge and he would father accepted, notwithstanding to test himself. He barbarous in rapidly with the Denali sisters, a trimg perennial questions about their unusual lifestyle. I marveled if ve wankarianism was another challenge he would try, totally to see if he could do it.Mary and Randall similarly came friends already, though they did not travel to regainher. They listened to Renesmees story and stayed to witness like the others. Like the Denalis, they considered what they would do if the Volturi did not wear out for explanations. All deuce-ace of the nomads toyed with the idea of standing with us.Of course, Jacob got more slimy with all(prenomina l) new addition. He kept his distance when he could, and when he couldnt he grumbled to Renesmee that psyche was dismission to provoke to go outside(a) an index if anyone expected him to keep all the new bloodsuckers1names straight.Carlisle and Esme returned a week after they had gone, Emmett and Rosalie hardly a a couple of(prenominal) years later, and all of us entangle raise around when they were stand. Carlisle brought one more friend home with him, though friend major power waste been the wrong term. Alistair was a misanthropic incline vampire who counted Carlisle as his closest acquaintance, though he could hardly stand a visit more than at one time a century. Alistair very more preferred to cheat on only when, and Carlisle had called in a lot of favors to get him here. He shunned all company, and it was clear he didnt withdraw any admirers in the self-possessed covens.The brooding fateful-haired vampire excessivelyk Carlisle at his word about Renesmee s origins, refusing, like Amun, to touch her. Edward told Carlisle, Esme, and me that Alistair was afraid to be here, scarcely more afraid of not k nowing the outcome. He was deeply suspicious of all authority, and because naturally suspicious of the Volturi. What was happening now seemed to confirm all his fears.Of course, now theyll know i was here, we heard him grumble to himself in the attic his preferred spot to sulk. No way to keep it from Aro at this point. Centuries on the run, thats what this will mean. Everyone Carlisles talked to in the brook tenner will be on their list. I do-nothingt believe I got myself sucked into this mess. What a okay way to treat your friends. further if he was right about having to run from the Volturi, at least he had more hope of doing that than the rest of us. Alistair was a tracker, though not nearly as precise and efficacious as Demetri. Alistair practiced felt an tortuous pull toward whatever he was seeking. unless that pull would be enough to severalise him which direction to run the opposite direction from Demetri.And indeed another pair of unpredicted friends arrived upset(prenominal), because neither Carlisle nor Rosalie had been able to contact the Amazons.Carlisle, the taller of the deuce very tall feline women greeted him when they arrived. both(prenominal) of them seemed as if theyd been stretched long arm and legs, long fingers, long black braids, and long faces with long noses. They wore nothing further animal skins blur vests and tight-fitting pants that laced on the sides with leather ties. It wasnt just their eccentric garment that made them seem ludicrous only if everything about them, from their restless crimson eyeball to their sudden, darting movements. Id never met any vampires less civilized. entirely Alice had sent them, and that was interesting news, to put it mildly. wherefore was Alice in South America? salutarybecause shed seen that no one else would be able to get i n touch with the Amazons?Zafrina and Senna besides Wheres Kachiri? Carlisle asked. Tve never seen you three apart.Alice told us we involve to separate, Zafrina serve welled in the rough, deep voice that matched her rampantly appearance. Its uncomfortable to be away from each other, but Alice assured us that you needful us here, speckle she very much take Kachiri somewhere else. Thats all she would specialize us, except that there was a groovy hurry ? Zafrinas statement trailed off into a question, and with the tremor of nerves that never went away no matter how often I did this I brought Renesmee out to meet them. condescension their fierce appearance, they listened very calmly to our story, and then allowed Renesmee to prove the point. They were every bit as taken with Renesmee as any of the other vampires, but I couldnt economic aid sad as I watched their swift, jerky movements so close beside her. Senna was al s oral cavityway near Zafrina, never speaking, but it wa snt the same as Amun and Kebi. Kebis port seemed obedient Senna and Zafrina were more like two limbs of one organism Zafrina just happened to be the mouthpiece.The news about Alice was oddly comforting. Clearly, she was on some obscure mission of her throw as she avoided whatever Aro had planned for her.Edward was thrill to nourish the Amazons with us, because Zafrina was enormously talented her gift could make a very insidious offensive weapon. Not that Edward was asking for Zafrina to side with us in the battle, but if the Volturi did not pause when they saw our witnesses, perhaps they would pause for a various kind of scene.Its a very straightforward illusion, Edward explained when it turned out that I couldnt see anything, as usual. Zafrina was intrigued and amuse by my immunity something shed never encountered before and she hovered restlessly man Edward described what I was missing. Edwards look un focus s trip outly as he continued. She can make most people see wha tever she deficiencys them to see see that, and nothing else. For example, right now I would appear to be alone in the middle of a rain forest. Its so clear I might possibly believe it, except for the fact that I can still find you in my blazonry.Zafrinas lips twitched into her hard version of a grinning. A second later, Edwards eyes focused again, and he grinned covering.Impressive, he said.Renesmee was fascinated with the conversation, and she reached out fearlessly toward Zafrina. bed I see? she asked.What would you like to see? Zafrina asked.What you showed Daddy.Zafrina nodded, and I watched anxiously as Renesmees eyes stared blankly into aloofness. A second later, Renesmees dazzling smile lit up her face.More, she commanded.After that, it was hard to keep Renesmee away from Zafrina and her pretty pictures. I worried, because I was quite sure that Zafrina was able to create images that were not pretty at all. But by means of Renesmees intellections Icould see Zafrina s visions for myself they were as clear as any of Renesmees own memories, like they were real and thus essay for myself whether they were appropriate or not.Though I didnt give her up easily, I had to take into account it was a good thing Zafrina was memory Renesmee entertained. I needed my devolves. I had so much to go over, both physically and mentally, and the time was so short.My first attempt at schooling to fight did not go well.Edward had me pinned in about two seconds. But sort of of letting me wrestle my way free which I absolutely could have hed leaped up and away from me. I knew immediately that something was wrong he was still as stone, staring crosswise the meadow we were practicing in.Tm sorry, Bella, he said.No, Im fine, I said. Lets go again.I cant.What do you mean, you cant? We just started.He didnt answer.Look, I know Im no good at this, but I cant get remediate if you dont help me.He said nothing. Play wide-eyedy, I sprang at him. He made no self-den ial at all, and we both ferocious to the dirt. He was motionless as I press my lips to his jugular.I win, I announced.His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.Edward? Whats wrong? why wont you teach me?A full slender passed before he spoke again.I just cant bear it. Emmett and Rosalie know as much as I do. Tanya and Eleazar probably know more. Ask someone else.Thats not fair Youre good at this. You helped Jasper before you fought with him and all the others, too. Why not me? What did I do wrong?He sighed, exasperated. His eyes were dark, barely any specious to lighten the black.Looking at you that way, analyzing you as a target. ascertaining all the ways I can kill you .. . He flinched. It just makes it too real for me. We dont have so much time that it will really make a residual who your teacher is. Anyone can teach you the fundamentals.I scowled.He touched my pouting lower lip and smiled. Besides, its unnecessary. The Volturi will stop. They will be made to understand.But i f they dont I need to learn this.Find another teacher.That was not our destruction conversation on the subject, but I never swayed him an inch from his decision.Emmett was more than unbidden to help, though his teaching felt to me a lot like revenge for all the lostarm- rassling matches. If I could still bruise, I would have been purple from head to toe. Rose, Tanya, and Eleazar all were patient and supportive. Their lessons reminded me of Jaspers contend instructions to the others last June, though those memories were fuzzy and indistinct. Some of the visitors put my education entertaining, and some even offered assistance. The nomad Garrett took a few turns he was a surprisingly good teacher he interacted so easily with others in general that I wondered how hed never found a coven. I even fought once with Zafrina while Renesmee watched from Jacobs gird. I intentional several tricks, but I never asked for her help again. In truth, though I wish Zafrina very much and I knew s he wouldnt really hurt me, the wild woman scared me to death.I learned many things from my teachers, but I had the sense that my knowledge was still impossibly basic. I had no idea how many seconds I would last against Alec and Jane. I only prayed that it would be long enough to help.Every minute of the day that I wasnt with Renesmee or learning to fight, I was in the backyard working with Kate, toilsome to push my internal protection away of my own brain to protect someone else. Edward encouraged me in this training. I knew he hoped I would find a way of contributing that satisfied me while also keeping me out of the line of fire.It was just so hard. in that location was nothing to get a hold of, nothing hearty to work with. I had only my unfounded desire to be of use, to be able to keep Edward, Renesmee, and as much of my family as possible safe with me. Over and over I tried to force the unfixed shield outside of myself, with only faint, unpredictable success. It felt lik e I was wrestling to stretch an invisible rubber band a band that would change from concrete tangibility into insubstantial smoke at any random moment.Only Edward was unstrained to be our guinea pig to receive shock after shock from Kate while I grappled incompetently with the insides of my head. We worked for hours at a time, and I felt like I should be covered in drive from the exertion, but of course my perfect body didnt opineray me that way. My weariness was all mental.It killed me that it was Edward who had to suffer, my arms wrapped uselessly around him while he winced over and over from Kates low setting. I tried as hard as I could to push my shield around us both every now and then I would get it, and then it would slip away again.I hated this practice, and I wished that Zafrina would help instead of Kate. therefore all Edward would have to do was look at Zafrinas illusions until I could stop him from seeing them. But Kate insisted that I needed give way want by wh ich she meant my abomination of watching Edwards pain. I was beginning to discredit her assertion from the first day wed met that she wasnt sadistic about the use of her gift. She seemed to be enjoying herself to me.Hey, Edward said cheerfully, seek to hide any render of distress in his voice. Anything to keep me from fighting practice. That one barely stung. Good job, Bella.I took a deep breath, trying to apprehend on the button what Id done right, i tested the ductile band, struggling to force it to remain solid as I stretched it away from me.Again, Kate, I grunted through my clenched teeth.Kate press her handle to Edwards shoulder.He sighed in residue. nought that time.She raised an eyebrow. That wasnt low, either.Good, I huffed.Get ready, she told me, and reached out to Edward again.This time he shuddered, and a low breath hissed among his teeth. forbidding Sorry Sorry I chanted, biting my lip. Why couldnt I get this right?Youre doing an marvellous job, Bella, Edwa rd said, pulling me tight against him. Youve really only been working at this for a few days and youre already projecting sporadically. Kate, tell her how well shes doing.Kate pursed her lips. I dont know. Shes obviously got tremendous ability, and were only beginning to touch it. She can do come apart, Im sure. Shes just lacking incentive.I stared at her in disbelief, my lips automatically kink back from my teeth. How could she think I lacked motivation with her shocking Edward right here in front of me?I heard murmurs from the consultation that had grown steadily as I practiced only Eleazar, Carmen, and Tanya at first, but then Garrett had wandered over, then Benjamin and Tia, Siobhan and Maggie, and now even Alistair was peering down from a windowpane on the third story. The spectators agreed with Edward they approximation I was already doing well.Kate, Edward said in a admonition voice as some new course of action occurred to her, but she was already in motion. She darted along the curve of the river to where Zafrina, Senna, and Renesmee were walking slowly, Renesmees strive in Zafrinas as they traded pictures back and forth. Jacob shadowed them from a few feet asshole.Nessie, Kate said the newcomers had quickly picked up the irritating nickname, would you like to come help your mother?No, I half-snarled.Edward hugged me reassuringly. I shake him off just as Renesmee flitted across the yard to me, with Kate, Zafrina, and Senna right behind her. abruptly not, Kate, I hissed.Renesmee reached for me, and I opened my arms automatically. She curled into me, pressing her head into the jab beneath my shoulder.But Momma, I want to help, she said in a resolved voice. Her hand rested against my neck, reinforcing her desire with images of the two of us together, a team.No, I said, quickly backing away. Kate had taken a mensural rate in my direction, her hand stretched toward us. delay away from us, Kate, I warned her.No. She began stalking forward. She smiled like a hunter cornering her prey.I shifted Renesmee so that she was clinging to my back, still backing away at a pace that matched Kates. at present my hands were free, and if Kate wanted to keep her hands attached to her wrists, shed better keep her distance.Kate probably didnt understand, never having known for herself the passion of a mother for her child. She mustnot have realized just how far historic too far shed already gone. I was so furious that my vision took on a strange reddish tint, and my dialect tasted like burning metal. The strength I usually worked to keep restrained flowed through my muscles, and I knew I could crush her into diamond-hard debris if she pushed me to it.The rage brought every aspect of my being into corkinger focus. I could even feel the elasticity of my shield more exactly now feel that it was not a band so much as a layer, a thin lease that covered me from head to toe. With the anger ruffle through my body, I had a better sense of i t, a tighter hold on it. I stretched it around myself, out from myself, swaddling Renesmee all in all inside it, just in causa Kate got past my guard.Kate took another calculated step forward, and a vicious snarl ripped up my throat and through my clenched teeth.Be careful, Kate, Edward cautioned.Kate took another step, and then made a mistake even someone as inexpert as I could recognize. reasonable a short leap away from me, she looked away, turning her attention from me to Edward.Renesmee was secure on my back I coiled to spring.Can you hear anything from Nessie? Kate asked him, her voice calm and easy.Edward darted into the space between us, blocking my line to Kate.No, nothing at all, he answered. Now give Bella some space to calm down, Kate. You shouldnt prickle her like that. I know she doesnt seem her age, but shes only a few months old.We dont have time to do this gently, Edward. Were going to have to push her. We only have a few weeks, and shes got the potential to st omach off for a minute, Kate.Kate frowned but took Edwards warning more seriously than shed taken mine.Renesmees hand was on my neck she was remembering Kates attack, screening me that no harm was meant, that Daddy was in on it.This did not pacify me. The spectrum of light I saw still seemed tainted with crimson. But I was in better control of myself, and I could see the information of Kates haggling. The anger helped me. I would learn sudden under pressure.That didnt mean I liked it.Kate, I growled. I rested my hand on the small of Edwards back. I could still feel my shield like a severe, flexible sheet around Renesmee and me. I pushed it farther, forcing it around Edward. There was no sign of a flaw in the stretchy fabric, no threat of a tear. I panted with the effort, and my words came out sounding non-living rather than furious. Again, I said to Kate. Edward only.She involute her eyes but flitted forward and pressed her palm to Edwards shoulder.postal code, Edward said. I heard the smile in his voice.And now? Kate asked.Stillnothing.And now? This time, there was the sound of strain in her voice.Nothing at all.Kate grunted and stepped away.Can you see this? Zafrina asked in her deep, wild voice, staring intently at the three of us. Her English was strangely accented, her words pulling up in unforeseen places.I dont see anything I shouldnt, Edward said.And you, Renesmee? Zafrina asked.Renesmee smiled at Zafrina and shook her head.My fury had almost entirely ebbed, and I clenched my teeth together, heaving faster as I pushed out against the elastic shield it felt like it was getting heavier the longer I held it. It pulled back, force inward.No one panic, Zafrina warned the little separate watching me. I want to see how far she can extend.There was a shocked gasp from everyone there Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, Garrett, Benjamin, Tia, Siobhan, Maggie everyone but Senna, who seemed prepared for whatever Zafrina was doing. The others eyes were blank, th eir expressions anxious. lambaste your hand when you get your sight back, Zafrina instructed. Now, Bella. See how many you can shield.My breath came out in a huff. Kate was the closest person to me besides Edward and Renesmee, but even she was about ten feet away. I locked my jaw and shoved, trying to heave the resisting, resilient safeguard farther from myself. Inch by inch I drove it toward Kate, fighting the reaction that fought back with every fraction that I gained. I only watched Kates anxious expression while I worked, and I groaned quietly with relief when her eyes blinked and focused. She raised her hand.Fascinating Edward murmured under his breath. Its like one-way glass. I can read everything theyre thinking, but they cant reach me behind it. And I can hear Renesmee, though I couldnt when I was on the outside. Ill bet Kate could shock me now, because shes underneath the umbrella. I still cant hear you hmmm. How does that work? I wonder ifHe continued to mumble to himself, but I couldnt listen to the words. I ground my teeth together, struggling to force the shield out to Garrett, who was closest to Kate. His hand came up. truly good, Zafrina complimented me. Now But shed spoken too soon with a swell gasp, I felt my shield recoil like a rubber band stretched too far, snapping back into its original shape. Renesmee, experiencing for the first time the blindness Zafrina had conjured for the others, trembled against my back. Wearily, I fought back against the elastic pull, forcing the shield to include her again.Can I have a minute? I panted. Since Id become a vampire, I hadnt felt the need to rest even once before this moment. It was unnerving to feel so drained and yet so strong at the same time.Of course, Zafrina said, and the spectators relaxed as she let them see again.Kate, Garrett called as the others murmured and drifted sensitively away, grim by the moment of blindness vampires were not used to feeling vulnerable. The tall, sandy-haired Gar rett was the only non-gifted unending whoseemed drawn to my practice sessions. I wondered what the draw was for the adventurer.I wouldnt, Garrett, Edward cautioned.Garrett continued toward Kate despite the warning, his lips pursed in speculation. They say you can put a vampire flat on his back.Yes, she agreed. Then, with a sly smile, she wiggled her fingers playfully at him. unusual?Garrett shrugged. Thats something Ive never seen. Seems like it might be a bit of an exaggeration___Maybe, Kate said, her face absolutely serious. Maybe it only works on the weak or the young. Im not sure. You look strong, though. Perhaps you could withstand my gift. She stretched her hand out to him, palm up a clear invitation. Her lips twitched, and I was pretty sure her lumbering expression was an attempt to hustle him.Garrett grinned at the challenge. Very confidently, he touched her palm with his index finger.And then, with a loud gasp, his knees buckled and he keeled over backward. His head h it a piece of granite with a sharp cracking noise. It was shocking to watch. My instincts recoiled against seeing an amaranthine incapacitated that way it was profoundly wrong.I told you so, Edward muttered.Garretts eyelids trembled for a few seconds, and then his eyes opened wide. He stared up at the smirking Kate, and a wondering smile lit his face.Wow, he said.Did you enjoy that? she asked skeptically.Im not crazy, he laughed, shaking his head as he got slowly to his knees, but that was sure somethingThats what I hear.Edward rolled his eyes.And then there was a low commotion from the front yard. I heard Carlisle speaking over a babble of surprised voices.Did Alice send you? he asked someone, his voice unsure, slightly upset.Another unexpected guest?Edward darted into the house and most of the others imitated him. I followed more slowly, Renesmee still perched on my back. I would give Carlisle a moment. Let him quick up the new guest, prepare him or her or them for the idea of w hat was coming.I pulled Renesmee into my arms as I walked cautiously around the house to enter through the kitchen door, listening to what I couldnt see.No one sent us, a deep whispery voice answered Carlisles question. I was immediately reminded of the ancient voices of Aro and Caius, and I froze just inside the kitchen.I knew the front manner was crowded almost everyone had gone in to see the newest visitors but there was barely any noise. Shallow breathing, that was all.Carlisles voice was on the alert as he responded. Then what brings you here now?Word travels, a different voice answered, just as featherlike as the first. We heard hints that Volturi were moving against you. There were whispers that you would not stand alone. Obviously, the whispers were true. This is an impressive gathering.We are not challenging the Volturi, Carlisle answered in a strained tone. There has been a misunderstanding, that is all. A very serious misunderstanding, to be sure, but one were hopin g to clear up. What yousee are witnesses. We just need the Volturi to listen. We didnt We dont care what they say you did, the first voice interrupted. And we dont care if you broke the law.No matter how egregiously, the second inserted.Weve been waiting a millennium and a half for the Italian scum to be challenged, said the first. If there is any chance theywill fall, we will be here to see it.Or even to help defeat them, the second added. They spoke ina smooth tandem, their voices so similar that less sensitive ears would assume there was only one speaker. If we think you havea chance of success.Bella?Edward called to me ina hard voice. Bring Renesmee here, please. Maybe we should test our Roumanian visitors claims.It helped to know that probably half of the vampires in the other room would come to Renesmees defense if these Romanians were upset by her. I didnt like the sound of their voices, or the dark terror in their words. As I walked into the room, I could see that I was n ot alone in that assessment. Most of the motionless vampires glared with un hail-fellow eyes, anda few Carmen, Tanya, Zafrina, and Senna repositioned themselves subtly into defensive poses between the newcomers and Renesmee.The vampires at the door were both slight and short, one dark-haired and the other with hair so ashy blond that it looked brainsick gray. They had the same powdery look to their skin as the Volturi, though I thought it was not so pronounced. I couldnt be sure about that, as I had never seen the Volturi except with human eyes I could not make a perfect comparison. Their sharp, narrow eyes were dark burgundy, with no milky film. They wore very easy black clothes that could pass as modern but hinted at of age(p) designs.The dark one grinned when I came into view. Well, well, Carlisle. You have been naughty, havent you?Shes not what you think, Stefan.And we dont care either way, the redheaded responded. As we said before.Then youre grateful to observe, Vladim ir, but it is definitely not our plan to challenge the Volturi, as we said before.Then welljust cross our fingers, Stefan began.And hope we get lucky, sinless Vladimir.In the end, we had pulled together seventeen witnesses the Irish, Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie the Egyptians, Amun, Kebi, Benjamin, and Tia the Amazons, Zafrina and Senna the Romanians, Vladimir and Stefan and thenomads, Charlotte and Peter, Garrett, Alistair, Mary, and Randall to supplement our family of eleven. Tanya, Kate, Eleazar, and Carmen insisted on being counted as part of our family.Aside from the Volturi, it was probably the largest friendly gathering of mature vampires in perpetual history.We all were beginning to be a little bit hopeful. Even I couldnt help it.Renesmee had won over so many in such a brief time.The Volturi only had to listen for just the tiniest second.The lasttwo surviving Romanians focused only on their bitter resentment of the ones who had overthrown their empire fifteen hundred years earlier took everything in stride. They would not touch Renesmee, but they showed no aversion to her. They seemed mysteriously delighted by our alliance with the werewolves.They watched me practice my shield with Zafrina and Kate, watched Edward answer unspoken questions, watched Benjaminpull geysers of water from the river or sharp gusts of wind from the still air with just his mind, and their eyes glowed with their fierce hope that the Volturi had in conclusion met their match.We did not hope for the same things, but we all hoped.