Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [203]
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 goad 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-
Back 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, showing 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 wisdom of Kates words. The anger helped me. I would learn faster 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 strong, 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 breathless rather than furious. Again, I said to Kate. Edward only.
She rolled her eyes but flitted forward and pressed her palm to Edwards shoulder.
Nothing, Edward said. I heard the smile in his voice.
And now? Kate asked.
Still nothing.
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 unexpected 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, panting faster as I pushed out against the elastic shield; it felt like it was getting heavier the longer I held it. It pulled back, dragging inward.
No one panic, Zafrina warned the little group 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, their expressions anxious.
Raise 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 if
He 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.
Very good, Zafrina complimented me. Now-
But shed spoken too soon; with a sharp 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.