Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [34]
He closed his eyes and exhaled through his nose. You are making me insane, Bella. Havent we had this argument a million times, you always begging to be a vampire without delay?
Yes, but well, I have a reason to be human that I didnt have before.
Whats that?
Guess, I said, and I dragged myself off the pillows to kiss him.
He kissed me back, but not in a way that made me think I was winning. It was more like he was being careful not to hurt my feelings; he was completely, maddeningly in control of himself. Gently, he pulled me away after a moment and cradled me against his chest.
You are so human, Bella. Ruled by your hormones. He chuckled.
Thats the whole point, Edward. I like this part of being human. I dont want to give it up yet. I dont want to wait through years of being a blood-crazed newborn for some part of this to come back to me.
I yawned, and he smiled.
Youre tired. Sleep, love. He started humming the lullaby hed composed for me when we first met.
I wonder why Im so tired, I muttered sarcastically. That couldnt be part of your scheme or anything.
He just chuckled once and went back to humming.
For as tired as Ive been, youd think Id sleep better.
The song broke off. Youve been sleeping like the dead, Bella. You havent said a word in your sleep since we got here. If it werent for the snoring, Id worry you were slipping into a coma.
I ignored the snoring jibe; I didnt snore. I havent been tossing? Thats weird. Usually Im all over the bed when Im having nightmares. And shouting.
Youve been having nightmares?
Vivid ones. They make me so tired. I yawned. I cant believe I havent been babbling about them all night.
What are they about?
Different things-but the same, you know, because of the colors.
Colors?
Its all so bright and real. Usually, when Im dreaming, I know that I am. With these, I dont know Im asleep. It makes them scarier.
He sounded disturbed when he spoke again. What is frightening you?
I shuddered slightly. Mostly I hesitated.
Mostly? he prompted.
I wasnt sure why, but I didnt want to tell him about the child in my recurring nightmare; there was something private about that particular horror. So, instead of giving him the full description, I gave him just one element. Certainly enough to frighten me or anyone else.
The Volturi, I whispered.
He hugged me tighter. They arent going to bother us anymore. Youll be immortal soon, and theyll have no reason.
I let him comfort me, feeling a little guilty that hed misunderstood. The nightmares werent like that, exactly. It wasnt that I was afraid for myself-I was afraid for the boy.
He wasnt the same boy as that first dream- the vampire child with the bloodred eyes who sat on a pile of dead people I loved. This boy Id dreamed of four times in the last week was definitely human; his cheeks were flushed and his wide eyes were a soft green. But just like the other child, he shook with fear and desperation as the Volturi closed in on us.
In this dream that was both new and old, I simply had to protect the unknown child. There was no other option. At the same time, I knew that I would fail.
He saw the desolation on my face. What can I do to help?
I shook it off. Theyre just dreams, Edward.
Do you want me to sing to you? Ill sing all night if it will keep the bad dreams away.
Theyre not all bad. Some are nice. So colorful. Underwater, with the fish and the coral. It all seems like its really happening-I dont know that Im dreaming. Maybe this island is the problem. Its really bright here.
Do you want to go home?
No. No, not yet. Cant we stay awhile longer?
We can stay as long as you want, Bella, he promised me.
When does the semester start? I wasnt paying attention before.
He sighed. He may have started humming again, too, but I was under before I could be sure.
Later, when I awoke in the dark, it was with shock. The dream had been so very real so vivid, so sensory I gasped aloud, now, disoriented by the dark room. Only a second ago, it seemed, I had been under the brilliant sun.
Bella? Edward whispered,