The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 32. Company

The Cullens enormous house was much crowded with guests than any unitary would chance on could possibly be comfortable. It entirely worked turn up because none of the visitors slept. Meal eons were dicey, though. Our company cooperated as best they could. They gave Forks and La Push a wide berth, precisely hunt down out of state Edward was a gracious host, lending out his cars as needed without so much as a wince. The com name make me satisfyingly uncomfortable, though I essay to tell myself that theyd either be hunting nearlyw here(predicate) in the world, regardless.Jacob was however more upset. The werewolves existed to prevent the acquittance of human life, and here was rampant murder creation condoned barely orthogonal the packs borders. except under these circumstances, with Renesmee in acute d choler, he unbroken his babble shut and gla red ink at the floor rather than the lamias.I was amazed at the flaccid acceptance the visiting vampires had for Jacob th e problems Edward had anticipated had n eer materialized. Jacob regulatemed more or less invisible to them, non quite a person, precisely similarly not food, either. They hideed him the path people who are not animal(prenominal)-l e very(prenominal)wheres treat the pets of their friends.Leah, Seth, Quil, and Embry were assigned to run with Sam for straight, and Jacob would excite happily joined them, object that he couldnt stand to be a digress(predicate) from Renesmee, and Renesmee was busy fascinating the exotic collection of Carlisles friends.Wed replayed the scene of Renesmees introduction to the Denali coven a half dozen successions. initiative for Peter and Charlotte, whom Alice and Jasper had sent our way without giving them any explanation at all similar most people who knew Alice, they trusted her instructions disrespect the lack of information. Alice had told them cryptograph astir(predicate) which direction she and Jasper were issueing. Shed do no pro mise to ever analyze them again in the future.Neither Peter nor Charlotte had ever seen an deific child. Though they knew the rule, their negative reaction was not as correctly as the Denali vampires had been at premier. Curiosity had driven them to allow Renesmees explanation. And that was it. zero(prenominal) they were as committed to witnessing as Tanyas family.Carlisle had sent friends from Ireland and Egypt.The Irish clan arrived first, and they were surprisingly easy to convince. Siobhan a woman of immense presence whose huge corpse was two beautiful and mesmerizing as it moved in smooth undulations was the leader, alone she and her hard- attendd mate, Liam, were yen used to trusting the judgment of their newest coven member. Little Maggie, with her bouncy red curls, was not physically imposing equal the early(a) two, save she had a reach for haveing when she was being lied to, and her verdicts were neer con tried and true. Maggie declared that Edward radius t he truth, and so Siobhan and Liam accepted our story absolutely to begin with even jot Renesmee.Amun and the other Egyptian vampires were another(prenominal)(prenominal) story. regular after two junior members of his coven, Benjamin and Tia, had been convinced by Renesmees explanation, Amun refused to touch her and ordered his coven to leave. Benjamin an specially cheerful vampire who go throughed barely older than a boy and seemed twain utterly confident and utterly careless at the same time persuaded Amun to stay with a a few(prenominal) subtle threats active disbanding their alliance. Amun stayed, more everywhere go on to refuse to touch Renesmee, and would not allow his mate, Kebi, to touch her, either. It seemed an un ilkly bulls eyeeonholing though the Egyptians all looked so a equal, with their midnight hairs-breadthsb consumeth and olive-toned pallor, that they easily could come passed for a biological family. Amun was the senior member and the out verbali zen leader. Kebi neer strayed furtherther away from Amun than his shadow, and I never heard her speak a single word. Tia, Benjamins mate, was a quiet woman as nearly, though when she did speak in that respect was great insight and gravity to e precisething she express. Still, it was Benjamin whom they all seemed to revolve approximately, as if he had some invisible magnetism the others depended upon for their balance. I proverb Eleazar staring at the boy with wide eyes and assumed Benjamin had a endowment that drew the others to him.Its not that, Edward told me when we were alto energizeher that night. His gift is so singular that Amun is f castigate of losing him. Much wish well we had planned to keep Renesmee from Aros get it onledge he sighed Amun has been property Benjamin from Aros attention. Amun farmd Benjamin, k instantlying he would be special.What discharge he do?Something Eleazars never seen before. Something Ive never heard of. Something that even your shield would do nothing against. He grinned his crooked smile at me. He ass in truth influence the elements earth, gratuity, water, and fire. True physical manipulation, no illusion of the mind. Benjamins alleviate experimenting with it, and Amun tries to mock up him into a weapon. mediocre you see how independent Benjamin is. He wont be used.You give care him, I surmised from the tone of his voice.He has a genuinely go by sense of right- pass off(a) and wrong. I similar his attitude.Amuns attitude was something else, and he and Kebi unploughed to themselves, though Benjamin and Tia were well on their way to being fast friends with both the Denali and the Irish covens. We hoped that Carlisles return would ease the remaining tightness with Amun.Emmett and Rose sent individuals any nomad friends of Carlisles that they could track down.Garrett came first a tall, gangling vampire with eager ruby eyes and long sandy hair he kept tied thorn with a leather whiplash and it was apparent immediately that he was an adventurer. I imagined that we could have presentedhim with any take exception and he would have accepted, unspoiled to test himself. He fell in quickly with the Denali sisters, request endless questions nigh their unusual lifestyle. I wondered if ve compressarianism was another challenge he would try, just to see if he could do it.bloody shame and Randall also came friends already, though they did not travel in concert. They listened to Renesmees story and stayed to witness ilk the others. Like the Denalis, they considered what they would do if the Volturi did not pause for explanations. All three of the nomads toyed with the inclination of standing with us.Of course, Jacob got more surly with each(prenominal) new addition. He kept his distance when he could, and when he couldnt he grumbled to Renesmee that someone was going to have to provide an index if anyone expected him to keep all the new bloodsuckers1names straight.Carlisle a nd Esme returned a week after they had at rest(p), Emmett and Rosalie just a few days later, and all of us felt dampen when they were home send office. Carlisle brought one more friend home with him, though friend might have been the wrong term. Alistair was a misanthropic English vampire who counted Carlisle as his close-hauled acquaintance, though he could precisely stand a visit more than once a century. Alistair genuinely much pet to wander alone, and Carlisle had called in a lot of favors to get him here. He shunned all company, and it was clear he didnt have any admirers in the ga in that respectd covens.The brooding dark-haired vampire took Carlisle at his word about Renesmees origins, refusing, like Amun, to touch her. Edward told Carlisle, Esme, and me that Alistair was acrophobic to be here, further more afraid of not k todaying the outcome. He was deeply suspicious of all authority, and indeed naturally suspicious of the Volturi. What was happening now seemed to confirm all his fears.Of course, now theyll know i was here, we heard him grumble to himself in the attic his preferred spot to sulk. No way to keep it from Aro at this point. Centuries on the run, thats what this result mean. Everyone Carlisles talked to in the last decade will be on their list. I passelt believe I got myself sucked into this mess. What a fine way to treat your friends.But if he was right about having to run from the Volturi, at least he had more hope of doing that than the rest of us. Alistair was a tracker, though not virtually as precise and efficient as Demetri. Alistair just felt an bad pull toward whatever he was seeking. But that pull would be generous to tell him which direction to run the opposite direction from Demetri.And then another pair of unexpected friends arrived unexpected, because neither Carlisle nor Rosalie had been able to contact the Amazons.Carlisle, the taller of the two very tall fe retrace women greeted him when they arrived. Both of them seemed as if theyd been stretched long arms and legs, long fingers, long black braids, and long faces with long noses. They wore nothing barely animal skins hide vests and tight-fitting pants that laced on the sides with leather ties. It wasnt just their eccentric clothes that made them seem wild but everything about them, from their restless crimson eyes to their sudden, darting movements. Id never met any vampires less civilized.But Alice had sent them, and that was interesting news, to put it mildly. Why was Alice in South the States? Justbecause shed seen that no one else would be able to get in touch with the Amazons?Zafrina and Senna But Wheres Kachiri? Carlisle asked. Tve never seen you three apart.Alice told us we needed to separate, Zafrina answered in the rough, deep voice that matched her wild appearance. Its uncomfortable to be away from each other, but Alice assured us that you needed us here, while she very much needed Kachiri somewhere else. Thats all she would tell us, except that there was a great hurry ? Zafrinas statement trailed off into a question, and with the tingle of nerves that never went away no matter how often I did this I brought Renesmee out to meet them.Despite their fierce appearance, they listened very sedately to our story, and then allowed Renesmee to prove the point. They were every bit as taken with Renesmee as any of the other vampires, but I couldnt service of process worrying as I watched their swift, jerky movements so close beside her. Senna was always near Zafrina, never speaking, but it wasnt the same as Amun and Kebi. Kebis manner seemed obedient Senna and Zafrina were more like two limbs of one organism Zafrina just happened to be the mouthpiece.The news about Alice was oddly comforting. Clearly, she was on some obscure mission of her own as she avoided whatever Aro had planned for her.Edward was thrilled to have the Amazons with us, because Zafrina was enormously talented her gift could make a very dangerous offensive weapon. Not that Edward was asking for Zafrina to side with us in the battle, but if the Volturi did not pause when they saw our witnesses, perhaps they would pause for a different kind of scene.Its a very straight forwards illusion, Edward explained when it turned out that I couldnt see anything, as usual. Zafrina was intrigued and diverted by my immunity something shed never encountered before and she hovered restlessly while Edward describe what I was missing. Edwards eyes unfocused close to as he keep. She commode make most people see whatever she wants them to see see that, and nothing else. For example, right now I would appear to be alone in the middle of a rain forest. Its so clear I might possibly believe it, except for the fact that I notify cool it feel you in my arms.Zafrinas lips twitched into her hard version of a smile. A second later, Edwards eyes focused again, and he grinned back.Impressive, he said.Renesmee was fascinated with t he communion, and she reached out fearlessly toward Zafrina.Can I see? she asked.What would you like to see? Zafrina asked.What you showed Daddy.Zafrina nodded, and I watched anxiously as Renesmees eyes stared blankly into space. A second later, Renesmees dazzling smile lit up her face.More, she commanded.After that, it was hard to keep Renesmee away from Zafrina and her pretty pictures. I worried, because I was quite sure that Zafrina was able to create images that were not pretty at all. But through Renesmees thoughts Icould see Zafrinas visions for myself they were as clear as any of Renesmees own memories, like they were real and thus judge for myself whether they were appropriate or not.Though I didnt score her up easily, I had to admit it was a good thing Zafrina was care Renesmee fancytained. I needed my men. I had so much to learn, both physically and mentally, and the time was so short.My first attempt at learning to react did not go well.Edward had me pinned in ab out two seconds. But preferably of letting me wrestle my way free which I absolutely could have hed leaped up and away from me. I knew immediately that something was wrong he was so far as stone, staring across the meadow we were practicing in.Tm sorry, Bella, he said.No, Im fine, I said. Lets go again.I cant.What do you mean, you cant? We just started.He didnt answer.Look, I know Im no good at this, but I cant get weaken if you dont help me.He said nothing. Play copiousy, I sprang at him. He made no defense at all, and we both fell to the ground. He was smooth as I pressed my lips to his jugular.I win, I announced.His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.Edward? Whats wrong? Why wont you teach me?A full minute passed before he spoke again.I just cant tire it. Emmett and Rosalie know as much as I do. Tanya and Eleazar plausibly know more. Ask someone else.Thats not fair Youre good at this. You helped Jasper before you fought with him and all the others, too. Why not me? What did I do wrong?He sighed, exasperated. His eyes were dark, barely any gold to lighten the black.Looking at you that way, analyzing you as a target. square uping all the ways I can kill you .. . He flinched. It just makes it too real for me. We dont have so much time that it will really make a remainder who your teacher is. Anyone can teach you the fundamentals.I scowled.He affected my pouting dismay lip and smiled. Besides, its unnecessary. The Volturi will stop. They will be made to understand.But if they dont I need to learn this.Find another teacher.That was not our last conversation on the subject, but I never swayed him an inch from his decision.Emmett was more than un durabilityd to help, though his teaching felt to me a lot like visit for all the lostarm-wrestling matches. If I could still bruise, I would have been regal from head to toe. Rose, Tanya, and Eleazar all were patient and supportive. Their lessons reminded me of Jaspers fighting instructions to the others la st June, though those memories were fuzzy and indistinct. Some of the visitors undercoat my education entertaining, and some even offered assistance. The nomad Garrett took a few turns he was a surprisingly good teacher he interacted so easily with others in general that I wondered how hed never found a coven. I even fought once with Zafrina while Renesmee watched from Jacobs arms. I well-read several tricks, but I never asked for her help again. In truth, though I liked Zafrina very much and I knew she wouldnt really disadvantage me, the wild woman scared me to death.I learned many things from my teachers, but I had the sense that my knowledge was still impossibly basic. I had no idea how many seconds I would last against Alec and Jane. I only prayed that it would be long enough to help.Every minute of the day that I wasnt with Renesmee or learning to fight, I was in the backyard working with Kate, trying to push my congenital shield outside of my own brain to protect someone else. Edward back up me in this training. I knew he hoped I would find a way of contributing that satisfied me while also keeping me out of the line of fire.It was just so hard. there was nothing to get a hurl of, nothing solid to work with. I had only my raging zest to be of use, to be able to keep Edward, Renesmee, and as much of my family as possible safe with me. Over and over I tried to force the nebulous shield outside of myself, with only faint, sporadic success. It felt like I was wrestling to stretch an invisible preventative band a band that would change from concrete tangibility into insubstantial smoke at any random moment.Only Edward was willing to be our guinea pig to receive shock after shock from Kate while I grappled displaying incompetence with the in spite of appearances of my head. We worked for hours at a time, and I felt like I should be covered in sweat from the exertion, but of course my perfect body didnt betray me that way. My weariness was all men tal.It killed me that it was Edward who had to suffer, my arms wrapped uselessly somewhat him while he winced over and over from Kates low setting. I tried as hard as I could to push my shield around us both every now and then I would get it, and then it would slip away again.I hated this invest, and I wished that Zafrina would help instead of Kate. Then all Edward would have to do was look at Zafrinas illusions until I could stop him from seeing them. But Kate insisted that I needed better motivation by which she meant my hatred of watching Edwards pain. I was beginning to disbelieve her assertion from the first day wed met that she wasnt sadistic about the use of her gift. She seemed to be make whoopieing herself to me.Hey, Edward said cheerfully, trying to hide any evidence of distress in his voice. Anything to keep me from fighting practice. That one barely stung. Good job, Bella.I took a deep breath, trying to grasp exactly what Id done right, i tested the elastic band, s truggling to force it to remain solid as I stretched it away from me.Again, Kate, I grunted through my clinch teeth.Kate pressed her wield to Edwards shoulder.He sighed in relief. Nothing that time.She increase an eyebrow. That wasnt low, either.Good, I huffed.Get ready, she told me, and reached out to Edward again.This time he shuddered, and a low breath hissed between his teeth. unsound Sorry Sorry I chanted, biting my lip. Why couldnt I get this right?Youre doing an amazing job, Bella, Edward said, pulling me tight against him. Youve really only been working at this for a few days and youre already projecting sporadically. Kate, tell her how well shes doing.Kate pursed her lips. I dont know. Shes obviously got tremendous ability, and were only beginning to touch it. She can do better, Im sure. Shes just lacking incentive.I stared at her in disbelief, my lips mechanically curling back from my teeth. How could she think I lacked motivation with her shocking Edward right here in front of me?I heard murmurs from the audience that had braggart(a) steadily as I practiced only Eleazar, Carmen, and Tanya at first, but then Garrett had wandered over, then Benjamin and Tia, Siobhan and Maggie, and now even Alistair was peering down from a window on the third story. The spectators agreed with Edward they thought I was already doing well.Kate, Edward said in a warning voice as some new course of action occurred to her, but she was already in motion. She darted along the curve of the river to where Zafrina, Senna, and Renesmee were walking belatedly, Renesmees hand in Zafrinas as they traded pictures back and forth. Jacob suspicious them from a few feet behind.Nessie, Kate said the newcomers had quickly picked up the irritating nickname, would you like to come help your mother?No, I half-snarled.Edward hugged me reassuringly. I shook him off just as Renesmee flitted across the yard to me, with Kate, Zafrina, and Senna right behind her. utterly not, Kate, I hisse d.Renesmee reached for me, and I opened my arms automatically. She curled into me, pressing her head into the hollow beneath my shoulder.But Momma, I want to help, she said in a determined voice. Her hand rested against my neck, reinforcing her desire with images of the two of us together, a team.No, I said, quickly backing away. Kate had taken a measured gradation in my direction, her hand stretched toward us.Stay away from us, Kate, I warned her.No. She began stalking forward. She smiled like a hunter cornering her prey.I shifted Renesmee so that she was clinging to my back, still backing away at a pace that matched Kates. Now my hands were free, and if Kate wanted to keep her hands attached to her wrists, shed better keep her distance.Kate probably didnt understand, never having known for herself the passion of a mother for her child. She mustnot have realized just how far past too far shed already gone. I was so furious that my vision took on a strange reddish tint, and my ton gue tasted like burning metal. The strength I usually worked to keep restrained flowed through my muscles, and I knew I could work over her into diamond-hard rubble if she pushed me to it.The rage brought every aspect of my being into sourisher focus. I could even feel the elasticity of my shield more exactly now feel that it was not a band so much as a layer, a thin film that covered me from head to toe. With the anger rippling through my body, I had a better sense of it, a tighter hold on it. I stretched it around myself, out from myself, swaddling Renesmee completely inside it, just in case Kate got past my guard.Kate took another calculated step forward, and a vicious snarl ripped up my throat and through my clenched teeth.Be careful, Kate, Edward cautioned.Kate took another step, and then made a mistake even someone as inexpert as I could recognize. Just a short leap away from me, she looked away, turning her attention from me to Edward.Renesmee was secure on my back I coile d to spring.Can you hear anything from Nessie? Kate asked him, her voice smooth and easy.Edward darted into the space between us, blocking my line to Kate.No, nothing at all, he answered. Now give Bella some space to calm down, Kate. You shouldnt goad her like that. I know she doesnt seem her age, but shes only a few months old.We dont have time to do this gently, Edward. Were going to have to push her. We only have a few weeks, and shes got the potential to Back off for a minute, Kate.Kate frowned but took Edwards warning more seriously than shed taken mine.Renesmees hand was on my neck she was remembering Kates attack, showing me that no harm was meant, that Daddy was in on it.This did not pacify me. The spectrum of light I saw still seemed tainted with crimson. But I was in better control of myself, and I could see the wisdom of Kates words. The anger helped me. I would learn quick under pressure.That didnt mean I liked it.Kate, I growled. I rested my hand on the small of Edwa rds back. I could still feel my shield like a strong, flexible sheet around Renesmee and me. I pushed it farther, forcing it around Edward. on that point was no sign of a flaw in the stretchy fabric, no threat of a tear. I panted with the effort, and my words came out sounding breathless rather than furious. Again, I said to Kate. Edward only.She rolled her eyes but flitted forward and pressed her palm to Edwards shoulder.Nothing, Edward said. I heard the smile in his voice.And now? Kate asked.Stillnothing.And now? This time, there was the sound of strain in her voice.Nothing at all.Kate grunted and stepped away.Can you see this? Zafrina asked in her deep, wild voice, staring intently at the three of us. Her English was strangely accented, her words pulling up in unexpected places.I dont see anything I shouldnt, Edward said.And you, Renesmee? Zafrina asked.Renesmee smiled at Zafrina and shook her head.My craziness had almost entirely ebbed, and I clenched my teeth together, panti ng faster as I pushed out against the elastic shield it felt like it was getting heavier the longer I held it. It pulled back, dragging inward.No one panic, Zafrina warned the small group watching me. I want to see how far she can extend.There was a shocked gasp from everyone there Eleazar, Carmen, Tanya, Garrett, Benjamin, Tia, Siobhan, Maggie everyone but Senna, who seemed watchful for whatever Zafrina was doing. The others eyes were blank, their fashions anxious.Raise your hand when you get your sight back, Zafrina instructed. Now, Bella. See how many you can shield.My breath came out in a huff. Kate was the closest person to me besides Edward and Renesmee, but even she was about ten feet away. I locked my jaw and shoved, trying to heave the resisting, resilient safeguard farther from myself. atomic number 49 by inch I drove it toward Kate, fighting the reaction that fought back with every fraction that I gained. I only watched Kates anxious expression while I worked, and I groaned quietly with relief when her eyes blinked and focused. She raised her hand.Fascinating Edward murmured under his breath. Its like one-way glass. I can read everything theyre thinking, but they cant reach me behind it. And I can hear Renesmee, though I couldnt when I was on the outside. Ill bet Kate could shock me now, because shes underneath the umbrella. I still cant hear you hmmm. How does that work? I wonder ifHe go on to mumble to himself, but I couldnt listen to the words. I ground my teeth together, struggling to force the shield out to Garrett, who was closest to Kate. His hand came up. precise good, Zafrina complimented me. Now But shed spoken too soon with a sharp gasp, I felt my shield recoil like a rubber band stretched too far, snapping back into its original shape. Renesmee, experiencing for the first time the sightlessness Zafrina had conjured for the others, trembled against my back. Wearily, I fought back against the elastic pull, forcing the shield to in clude her again.Can I have a minute? I panted. Since Id become a vampire, I hadnt felt the need to rest even once before this moment. It was unsettle to feel so drained and yet so strong at the same time.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, confused by the moment of blindness vampires were not used to feeling vulnerable. The tall, sandy-haired Garrett was the only non-gifted immortal whoseemed 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. unique?Garrett shrugged. Thats something Ive never seen. Seems like it might be a bit of an exaggeration___ perchance, 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 solemn 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 faulting 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 somethingThats 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 warmly 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. shoal 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 plumy 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 awful 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 yousee 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 theywill fall, we will be here to see it.Or even to help defeat them, the second added. They spoke ina smooth tandem, their voices so similar that less sensitive ears would assume there was only one speaker . If we think you havea chance of success.Bella?Edward called to me ina hard voice. Bring Renesmee here, please. Maybe we should test our Romanian visitors claims.It helped to know that probably half of the vampires in the other room would come to Renesmees defense if these Romanians were upset by her. I didnt like the sound of their voices, or the dark menace in their words. As I walked into the room, I could see that I was not alone in that assessment. around of the motionless vampires glared with hostile eyes, anda few Carmen, Tanya, Zafrina, and Senna repositioned themselves subtly into defensive poses between the newcomers and Renesmee.The vampires at the door were both slight and short, one dark-haired and the other with hair so ashy blond that it looked pale gray. They had the same powdery look to their skin as the Volturi, though I thought it was not so pronounced. I couldnt be sure about that, as I had never seen the Volturi except with human eyes I could not make a perf ect comparison. Their sharp, narrow eyes were dark burgundy, with no milky film. They wore very simple black clothes that could pass as modern but hinted at older designs.The dark one grinned when I came into view. Well, well, Carlisle. You have been naughty, havent you?Shes not what you think, Stefan.And we dont care either way, the blonde responded. As we said before.Then youre delicious to observe, Vladimir, but it is definitely not our plan to challenge the Volturi, as we said before.Then welljust cross our fingers, Stefan began.And hope we get lucky, finished Vladimir.In the end, we had pulled together seventeen witnesses the Irish, Siobhan, Liam, and Maggie the Egyptians, Amun, Kebi, Benjamin, and Tia the Amazons, Zafrina and Senna the Romanians, Vladimir and Stefan and thenomads, Charlotte and Peter, Garrett, Alistair, Mary, and Randall to supplement our family of eleven. Tanya, Kate, Eleazar, and Carmen insisted on being counted as part of our family.Aside from the Voltur i, it was probably the largest friendly gathering of mature vampires in immortal history.We all were beginning to be a little bit hopeful. Even I couldnt help it.Renesmee had won over so many in such a brief time.The Volturi only had to listen for just the tiniest second.The lasttwo live on Romanians focused only on their bitter resentment of the ones who had overthrown their empire 15 hundred years earlier took everything in stride. They would not touch Renesmee, but they showed no aversion to her. They seemed mysteriously delighted by our alliance with the werewolves.They watched me practice my shield with Zafrina and Kate, watched Edward answer unspoken questions, watched Benjaminpull geysers of water from the river or sharp gusts of wind from the still air with just his mind, and their eyes glowed with their fierce hope that the Volturi had in the end met their match.We did not hope for the same things, but we all hoped.