Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [197]
Edwards voice was low as a breath. From what I saw of his thoughts last spring, Aros never wanted anything more than he wants Alice.
I felt my mouth fall open, remembering the nightmarish pictures I had imagined long ago: Edward and Alice in black cloaks with bloodred eyes, their faces cold and remote as they stood close as shadows, Aros hands on theirs Had Alice seen this more recently? Had she seen Chelsea trying to strip away her love for us, to bind her to Aro and Caius and Marcus?
Is that why Alice left? I asked, my voice breaking on her name.
Edward put his hand against my cheek. I think it must be. To keep Aro from gaining the thing he wants most of all. To keep her power out of his hands.
I heard Tanya and Kate murmuring in disturbed voices and remembered that they hadnt known about Alice.
He wants you, too, I whispered.
Edward shrugged, his face suddenly a little too composed. Not nearly as much. I cant really give him anything more than he already has. And of course thats dependent on his finding a way to force me to do his will. He knows me, and he knows how unlikely that is. He raised one eyebrow sardonically.
Eleazar frowned at Edwards nonchalance. He also knows your weaknesses, Eleazar pointed out, and then he looked at me.
Its nothing we need to discuss now, Edward said quickly.
Eleazar ignored the hint and continued. He probably wants your mate, too, regardless. He must have been intrigued by a talent that could defy him in its human incarnation.
Edward was uncomfortable with this topic. I didnt like it, either. If Aro wanted me to do something-anything-all he had to do was threaten Edward and I would comply. And vice versa.
Was death the lesser concern? Was it really capture we should fear?
Edward changed the subject. I think the Volturi were waiting for this-for some pretext. They couldnt know what form their excuse would come in, but the plan was already in place for when it did come. Thats why Alice saw their decision before Irina triggered it. The decision was already made, just waiting for the pretense of a justification.
If the Volturi are abusing the trust all immortals have placed in them , Carmen murmured.
Does it matter? Eleazar asked. Who would believe it? And even if others could be convinced that the Volturi are exploiting their power, how would it make any difference? No one can stand against them.
Though some of us are apparently insane enough to try, Kate muttered.
Edward shook his head. Youre only here to witness, Kate. Whatever Aros goal, I dont think hes ready to tarnish the Volturis reputation for it. If we can take away his argument against us, hell be forced to leave us in peace.
Of course, Tanya murmured.
No one looked convinced. For a few long minutes, nobody said anything.
Then I heard the sound of tires turning off the highway pavement onto the Cullens dirt drive.
Oh crap, Charlie, I muttered. Maybe the Denalis could hang out upstairs until-
No, Edward said in a distant voice. His eyes were far away, staring blankly at the door. Its not your father. His gaze focused on me. Alice sent Peter and Charlotte, after all. Time to get ready for the next round.
* * *
32. COMPANY
The Cullens enormous house was more crowded with guests than anyone would assume could possibly be comfortable. It only worked out because none of the visitors slept. Mealtimes were dicey, though. Our company cooperated as best they could. They gave Forks and La Push a wide berth, only hunting out of state; Edward was a gracious host, lending out his cars as needed without so much as a wince. The compromise made me very uncomfortable, though I tried to tell myself that theyd all be hunting somewhere in the world, regardless.
Jacob was even more upset. The werewolves existed to prevent the loss of human life, and here was rampant murder being condoned barely outside the packs borders. But under these circumstances, with Renesmee in acute danger, he kept his mouth shut and glared at the floor rather than the vampires.