Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [217]
My voice was edging toward hysteria, though I had enough control to keep it low. I didnt want to upset Renesmee.
Bella, what brought this on? Of course, its wonderful that you can protect yourself, but youre not responsible for saving anyone. Dont distress yourself needlessly.
But what if I cant protect anything? I whispered in gasps. This thing I do, its faulty, its erratic! Theres no rhyme or reason to it. Maybe it will do nothing against Alec at all.
Shh, he hushed me. Dont panic. And dont worry about Alec. What he does is no different than what Jane or Zafrina does. Its just an illusion-he cant get inside your head any more than I can.
But Renesmee does! I hissed frantically through my teeth. It seemed so natural, I never questioned it before. Its always been just part of who she is. But she puts her thoughts right into my head just like she does with everyone else. My shield has holes, Edward!
I stared at him desperately, waiting for him to acknowledge my terrible revelation. His lips were pursed, as if he was trying to decide how to phrase something. His expression was perfectly relaxed.
You thought of this a long time ago, didnt you? I demanded, feeling like an idiot for my months of overlooking the obvious.
He nodded, a faint smile pulling up one corner of his mouth. The first time she touched you.
I sighed at my own stupidity, but his calm had mellowed me some. And this doesnt bother you? You dont see it as a problem?
I have two theories, one more likely than the other.
Give me the least likely first.
Well, shes your daughter, he pointed out. Genetically half you. I used to tease you about how your mind was on a different frequency than the rest of ours. Perhaps she runs on the same.
This didnt work for me. But you hear her mind just fine. Everyone hears her mind. And what if Alec runs on a different frequency? What if-?
He put a finger to my lips. Ive considered that. Which is why I think this next theory is much more likely.
I gritted my teeth and waited.
Do you remember what Carlisle said to me about her, right after she showed you that first memory?
Of course I remembered. He said, Its an interesting twist. Like shes doing the exact opposite of what you can.
Yes. And so I wondered. Maybe she took your talent and flipped it, too.
I considered that.
You keep everyone out, he began.
And no one keeps her out? I finished hesitantly.
Thats my theory, he said. And if she can get into your head, I doubt theres a shield on the planet who could keep her at bay. That will help. From what weve seen, no one can doubt the truth of her thoughts once theyve allowed her to show them. And I think no one can keep her from showing them, if she gets close enough. If Aro allows her to explain
I shuddered to think of Renesmee so close to Aros greedy, milky eyes.
Well, he said, rubbing my tight shoulders. At least theres nothing that can stop him from seeing the truth.
But is the truth enough to stop him? I murmured.
For that, Edward had no answer.
* * *
35. DEADLINE
Headed out? Edward asked, his tone nonchalant. There was a sort of forced composure about his expression. He hugged Renesmee just a little bit tighter to his chest.
Yes, a few last-minute things , I responded just as casually.
He smiled my favorite smile. Hurry back to me.
Always.
I took his Volvo again, wondering if hed read the odometer after my last errand. How much had he pieced together? That I had a secret, absolutely. Would he have deduced the reason why I didnt confide in him? Did he guess that Aro might soon know everything he knew? I thought Edward could have come to that conclusion, which explained why he had demanded no reasons from me. I guessed he was trying not to speculate too much, trying to keep my behavior off his mind. Had he put this together with my odd performance the morning after Alice left, burning my