Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [214]
If its ever safe again, take her to Charlie. Tell him the whole story someday. Tell him how much I loved him, how I couldnt bear to leave him even when my human life was over. Tell him he was the best father. Tell him to pass my love on to Renée, all my hopes that she will be happy and well
I would have to give Jacob the documents before it was too late. I would give him a note for Charlie, too. And a letter for Renesmee. Something for her to read when I couldnt tell her I loved her anymore.
There was nothing unusual about the outside of the Cullen house as we pulled into the meadow, but I could hear some kind of subtle uproar inside. Many low voices murmured and growled. It sounded intense, and it sounded like an argument. I could pick out Carlisles voice and Amuns more often than the others.
Edward parked in front of the house rather than going around to the garage. We exchanged one wary glance before we got out of the car.
Jacobs stance changed; his face turned serious and careful. I guessed that he was in Alpha mode now. Obviously, something had happened, and he was going to get the information he and Sam would need.
Alistair is gone, Edward murmured as we darted up the steps.
Inside the front room, the main confrontation was physically apparent. Lining the walls was a ring of spectators, every vampire who had joined us, except for Alistair and the three involved in the quarrel. Esme, Kebi, and Tia were the closest to the three vampires in the center; in the middle of the room, Amun was hissing at Carlisle and Benjamin.
Edwards jaw tightened and he moved quickly to Esmes side, towing me by the hand. I clutched Renesmee tightly to my chest.
Amun, if you want to go, no one is forcing you to stay, Carlisle said calmly.
Youre stealing half my coven, Carlisle! Amun shrieked, stabbing one finger at Benjamin. Is that why you called me here? To steal from me?
Carlisle sighed, and Benjamin rolled his eyes.
Yes, Carlisle picked a fight with the Volturi, endangered his whole family, just to lure me here to my death, Benjamin said sarcastically. Be reasonable, Amun. Im committed to do the right thing here-Im not joining any other coven. You can do whatever you want, of course, as Carlisle has pointed out.
This wont end well, Amun growled. Alistair was the only sane one here. We should all be running.
Think of who youre calling sane, Tia murmured in a quiet aside.
Were all going to be slaughtered!
Its not going to come to a fight, Carlisle said in a firm voice.
You say!
If it does, you can always switch sides, Amun. Im sure the Volturi will appreciate your help.
Amun sneered at him. Perhaps that is the answer.
Carlisles answer was soft and sincere. I wouldnt hold that against you, Amun. We have been friends for a long time, but I would never ask you to die for me.
Amuns voice was more controlled, too. But youre taking my Benjamin down with you.
Carlisle put his hand on Amuns shoulder; Amun shook it off.
Ill stay, Carlisle, but it might be to your detriment. I will join them if thats the road to survival. Youre all fools to think that you can defy the Volturi. He scowled, then sighed, glanced at Renesmee and me, and added in an exasperated tone, I will witness that the child has grown. Thats nothing but the truth. Anyone would see that.
Thats all weve ever asked.
Amun grimaced, But not all that you are getting, it seems. He turned on Benjamin. I gave you life. Youre wasting it.
Benjamins face looked colder than Id ever seen it; the expression contrasted oddly with his boyish features. Its a pity you couldnt replace my will with your own in the process; perhaps then you would have been satisfied with me.
Amuns eyes narrowed. He gestured abruptly to Kebi, and they stalked past us out the front door.
Hes not leaving, Edward said quietly to me, but hell be keeping his distance even more from now on. He wasnt