Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [244]
Leave in peace, Aro, Carlisle said stiffly. Please remember that we still have our anonymity to protect here, and keep your guard from hunting in this region.
Of course, Carlisle, Aro assured him. I am sorry to earn your disapproval, my dear friend. Perhaps, in time, you will forgive me.
Perhaps, in time, if you prove a friend to us again.
Aro bowed his head, the picture of remorse, and drifted backward for a moment before he turned around. We watched in silence as the last four Volturi disappeared into the trees.
It was very quiet. I did not drop my shield.
Is it really over? I whispered to Edward.
His smile was huge. Yes. Theyve given up. Like all bullies, theyre cowards underneath the swagger. He chuckled.
Alice laughed with him. Seriously, people. Theyre not coming back. Everybody can relax now.
There was another beat of silence.
Of all the rotten luck, Stefan muttered.
And then it hit.
Cheers erupted. Deafening howls filled the clearing. Maggie pounded Siobhan on the back. Rosalie and Emmett kissed again-longer and more ardently than before. Benjamin and Tia were locked in each others arms, as were Carmen and Eleazar. Esme held Alice and Jasper in a tight embrace. Carlisle was warmly thanking the South American newcomers who had saved us all. Kachiri stood very close to Zafrina and Senna, their fingertips interlocked. Garrett picked Kate up off the ground and swung her around in a circle.
Stefan spit on the snow. Vladimir ground his teeth together with a sour expression.
And I half-climbed the giant russet wolf to rip my daughter off his back and then crushed her to my chest. Edwards arms were around us in the same second.
Nessie, Nessie, Nessie, I crooned.
Jacob laughed his big, barky laugh and poked the back of my head with his nose.
Shut up, I mumbled.
I get to stay with you? Nessie demanded.
Forever, I promised her.
We had forever. And Nessie was going to be fine and healthy and strong. Like the half-human Nahuel, in a hundred and fifty years she would still be young. And we would all be together.
Happiness expanded like an explosion inside me-so extreme, so violent that I wasnt sure Id survive it.
Forever, Edward echoed in my ear.
I couldnt speak anymore. I lifted my head and kissed him with a passion that might possibly set the forest on fire.
I wouldnt have noticed.
* * *
39. THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER
So it was a combination of things there at the end, but what it really boiled down to was Bella, Edward was explaining. Our family and our two remaining guests sat in the Cullens great room while the forest turned black outside the tall windows.
Vladimir and Stefan had vanished before wed stopped celebrating. They were extremely disappointed in the way things had turned out, but Edward said that theyd enjoyed the Volturis cowardice almost enough to make up for their frustration.
Benjamin and Tia were quick to follow after Amun and Kebi, anxious to let them know the outcome of the conflict; I was sure we would see them again-Benjamin and Tia, at least. None of the nomads lingered. Peter and Charlotte had a short conversation with Jasper, and then they were gone, too.
The reunited Amazons had been anxious to return home as well-they had a difficult time being away from their beloved rain forest-though they were more reluctant to leave than some of the others.
You must bring the child to see me, Zafrina had insisted. Promise me, young one.
Nessie had pressed her hand to my neck, pleading as well.
Of course, Zafrina, Id agreed.
We shall be great friends, my Nessie, the wild woman had declared before leaving with her sisters.
The Irish coven continued the exodus.
Well done, Siobhan, Carlisle complimented her as they said goodbye.
Ah, the power of wishful thinking, she answered sarcastically, rolling her eyes. And then she was serious. Of course, this isnt over. The Volturi wont forgive what happened here.
Edward was the one to answer that. Theyve