Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [204]
Of course, Zafrina said, and the spectators relaxed as she let them see again.
Kate, Garrett called as the others murmured and drifted slightly away, disturbed by the moment of blindness; vampires were not used to feeling vulnerable. The tall, sandy-haired Garrett was the only non-gifted immortal who seemed drawn to my practice sessions. I wondered what the lure 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. Curious?
Garrett shrugged. Thats something Ive never seen. Seems like it might be a bit of an exaggeration
Maybe, Kate said, her face suddenly 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 grave 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 hit a piece of granite with a sharp cracking noise. It was shocking to watch. My instincts recoiled against seeing an immortal 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 something!
Thats 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 warm up the new guest, prepare him or her or them for the idea of what 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 room 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 wary as he responded. Then what brings you here now?
Word travels, a different voice answered, just as feathery 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 hoping to clear up. What you see 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 they will fall, we will be here to see it.
Or even to help defeat them, the second added. They spoke in a smooth tandem, their voices so similar that less sensitive ears would assume there was only one speaker. If we think you have a chance of success.
Bella? Edward called to me in a hard voice. Bring Renesmee here, please. Maybe we should test our Romanian visitors claims.
It helped to know