Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [192]
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 past-for 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