Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [193]
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, bebé 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 Renesmee-still in Carmens arms with Kate hovering over them-and 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!
Excuse me, Edward said in a stunned voice. He reached out and caught Eleazars shoulder as he was about to turn again for the door. What did you just call my wife?
Eleazar looked at Edward curiously, his manic pacing forgotten for the moment. A shield, I think. Shes blocking me now, so I cant be sure.
I stared at Eleazar, my brows furrowing in confusion. Shield? What did he mean about my blocking him? I was standing right here beside him,