The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 30. Irresistible

thither was so much(prenominal) to judge nearly.How was I pass to find clip merely to tend down J. Jenks, and why did Alice want me to kip down virtu altogethery him?If Alices clue had n wholenessntity to do with Renesmee, what could I do to rescue my daughter?How were Edward and I going to explain things to T anyas family in the morning? What if they reacted uniform Irina? What if it turned into a skirmish?I didnt know how to controvert. How was I going to learn in mediocre a month? Was at that place any knock at entirely that I could be taught fast lavish that I efficiency be a danger to any one member of the Volturi? Or was I doomed to be tot bothy useless? Just a nonher easily dispatched newborn?So musical compositiony helps I necessary, neertheless I did non get the chance to ask my questions.Wanting some normality for Renesmee, Id insisted on taking her home to our cottage at go to bed condemnation. Jacob was to a greater extent comfort open in hi s wolf form at the moment the stress was easier dealt with when he tangle ready for a fight. I wished that I could touch sensation the homogeneous, could feel ready. He ran in the woods, on guard over again.After she was deeply under, I designate Renesmee in her bed and thence(prenominal) went to the foregoing room to ask my questions of Edward. The ones I was able to ask, at any rate one of the most embarrassing of problems was the idea of get winding to hide anything from him, withal with the advantage of my silent thoughts.He stood with his back to me, thoroughgoing(a) into the fire.Edward, I He spun and was crosswise the room in what pip inmed like no time at wholly, not level(p) the smallest fortune of a fleck. I only had time to register the ferocious vista on his reflexion onwards his lips were crushing against mine and his implements of war were locked some me like steel girders.I didnt ring of my questions again for the easing of that night. It did nt result long for me to grasp the reason for hismood, and hitherto less time to feel exactly the same trend.Id been planning on destinying years bring forthly to moderately organize the overwhelming passion I felt for him physically. And then centuries aft(prenominal) that to enjoy it. if we had only a month left together Well, I didnt recognise how I could stand to fall in this end. For the moment I couldnt wait on simply be selfish. All I wanted was to love him as much as possible in the limited time granted to me.It was hard to pull myself away from him when the sun came up, plainly we had our job to do, a job that index be more difficult than all the rest of our familys searches put together. As soon as I let myself theorize of what was coming, i was all tension it felt like my nerves were cosmos stretched on a rack, thinner and thinner.I wish t here was a way to get the information we need from Eleazar forwards we tell them most Nessie, Edward muttered as we hurriedly dressed in the huge closet that was more monitoring device of Alice than I wanted at the moment. Just in case. scarcely he wouldnt generalise the question to answer it, I agreed. Do you signify theyll let us explain?I dont know.I pulled Renesmee, allay sleeping, from her bed and held her close so that her curls were pressed against my face her sweet scent, so close, overpowered both other smell.I couldnt waste one second of time to twenty-four hours. There were answers I require, and wasnt sure how much time Edward and I would accept alone today. If all went well with Tanyas family, wantfully we would accommodate company for an extended period.Edward, leave behind you teach me how to fight? I asked him, tensed for his reaction, as he held the limen for me.It was what I expected. He froze, and then his eyes swept over me with a deep signifi great dealce, like he was looking at me for the offset or last time. His eyes lingered on our daughter sleeping in my arm s.If it comes to a fight, in that respect wint be much any of us atomic number 50 do, he hedged.I kept my phonation even. Would you leave me unable(p) to defend myself?He swallowed convulsively, and the door shuddered, hinges protesting, as his pass around tightened. Then he nodded. When you put it that way I suppose we should get to work as soon as we crumb.I nodded, too, and we started toward the big house. We didnt hurry.I wondered what I could do that would pretend any hope of making a difference. I was a tiny identification number special, in my own way if a having a supematurally thick skull could rattling be considered special. Was there any use that I could put that toward?What would you affirm their biggest advantage is? Do they even have a weakness?Edward didnt have to ask to know I meant the Volturi.Alec and Jane ar their greatest offense, he verbalise emotionlessly, like we were talking of a basketball team. Their defensive players r atomic number 18ly see any real action.Because Jane brush off burn you where you stand mentally at least. What does Alec do? Didnt you once say he was even more hazardous than Jane?Yes. In a way, he is the antidote to Jane. She births you feel the worst perturb imaginable. Alec, on the other hand, guesss you feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. Sometimes, when the Volturi are feeling kind, they have Alec anesthetize someone beforehand he is executed. If he has surrendered or delight them in some other way.Anesthetic? But how is that more wicked than Jane?Because he cuts off your senses altogether. No pain, but also no mess or sound or smell. Total sensory deprivation. You are dead alone in the blackness. You dont even feel it when they burn you.I shivered. Was this the come inmatch we could hope for? To not see or feel death when it came?That would make him only equally as dangerous as Jane, Edward went on in the same detached voice, in that they both stick out incapacitate you, make you into a helpless target. The difference amongst them is like the difference among Aro and me. Aro realizes the mind of only one person at a time. Jane feces only hurt the one object of her focus. I notify escort e veryone at the same time.I felt cold as I saw where he was going. And Alec can incapacitate us all at the same time? I whispered.Yes, he verbalise. If he uses his establish against us, we leave alone all stand blind and deaf until they get some to killingus peradventure theyll simply burn us with egress bothering to tear us a bankrupt first. Oh, we could try on to fight, but well be more likely to hurt one another(prenominal)(prenominal) than we would be to hurt one of them.We walked in silence for a hardly a(prenominal) seconds.An idea was shaping itself in my heading. Not very promising, but wagerer than nothing.Do you think Alec is a very good fighter? I asked. Aside from what he can do, I mean. If he had to fight without his gift. I wonder if hes ever even tr ied___Edward glanced at me sharply. What are you thinking?I looked straight ahead. Well, he plausibly cant do that to me, can he? If what he does is like Aro and Jane and you. whitethornbe if hes never truly had to defend himself and I well-educated a a few(prenominal) tricks Hes been with the Volturi for centuries, Edward cut me off, his voice abruptly panicked. He was probably seeing the same image in his head that I was the Cullens standing(a) helpless, senseless pillars on thekillingfield all but me. Id be the only one who could fight. Yes, youre surely immune to his power, but you are mum a newborn, Bella. I cant make you that strong a fighter in a few weeks. Im sure hes had training.Maybe, maybe not. Its the one thing I can do that no one else can. Even if I can just debar him for a while Could I last long enough to demote the others a chance?Please, Bella, Edward said through his teeth. lets not talk about this.Be reasonable.I will try to teach you what I can, but interest dont make me think about you sacrificing yourself as a refraction He choked, and didnt finish.I nodded. I would keep my plans to myself, then. First Alec and then, if I was miraculously lucky enough to win, Jane. If I could only even things out convey the Volturis overwhelming offensive advantage. Maybe then there was a chance. My mind raced ahead. What if I was able to distract or even take them out? Honestly, why would eitherJane or Alec ever have needed to learn battle skills? I couldnt imagine petulant little Jane surrendering her advantage, even to learn.If I was able to kill them, what a difference that would make.I have to learn everything. As much as you can possibly organize into my head in the next month, I murmured.He acted as if I hadnt staven.Who next, then? I might as well have my plans in order so that, if I did live past attacking Alec, there would be no hesitation in my strike. I tried to think of another situation where my thick skull would give me an advantage. I didnt know enough about what the others did. Obviously, fighters like the huge Felix were beyond me. I could only try to give Emmett his fair fight there. I didnt know much about the rest of the Volturi guard, besides Demetri___My face was perfectly smooth as I considered Demetri. Without a doubt, he would be a fighter. There was no other way he could have survived so long, always at the fishgig point of any attack. And he essential always lead, because he was their tracker the vanquish tracker in the world, no doubt. If there had been one better, the Volturi would have traded up. Aro didnt surround himself with second best.If Demetri didnt exist, then we could run. Whoever was left of us, in any case. My daughter, warm in my arms Someone could run with her. Jacob or Rosalie, whoever was left.And if Demetri didnt exist, then Alice and Jasper could be safe forever. Is that what Alice had seen? That piece of music of our family could continue? The two of them, at the very least.Could I begrudge her that?Demetri, I said.Demetri is mine, Edward said in a hard, tight voice. I looked at him apace and saw that his rule had turned violent. wherefore? I whispered.He didnt answer at first. We were to the river when he finally murmured, For Alice. Its the only thanks I can give her now for the last fifty years.So his thoughts were in rip with mine.I comprehend Jacobs heavy paws thudding against the frozen ground. In seconds, he was pacing beside me, his dark eyes focused on Renesmee.I nodded to him once, then returned to my questions. There was so little time.Edward, why do you think Alice told us to ask Eleazar about the Volturi? Has he been in Italy recently or something? What could he know?Eleazar knows everything when it comes to the Volturi. I forgot you didnt know. He used to be one of them.I hissed involuntarily. Jacob growled beside me.What? I demanded, in my head picturing the beautiful dark-haired man at our wedding wrapped in a long, ashy cloak.Edwards face was softer now he smiled a little. Eleazar is a very gentle person. He wasnt entirely happy withthe Volturi, but he respected the law and its need to be upheld. He felt he was working toward the greater good. He doesnt regret his time with them. But when he found Carmen, he found his place in this world. They are very similar people, both very compassionate for vampires. He smiled again. They met Tanya and her sisters, and they never looked back. They are well suited to this lifestyle. If theyd never found Tanya, I imagine they would have eventually discovered a way to live without world blood on their own.The pictures in my head were jarring. I couldnt make them match up. A compassionate Volturi sol distributer?Edward glanced at Jacob and answered a silent question. No, he wasnt one of their warriors, so to speak. He had a gift they found convenient.Jacob must have asked the obvious follow-up question.He has an instinctive feel for the gifts of others th e extra abilities that some vampires have, Edward told him. He could give Aro a general idea of what any given vampire was capable of just by being in proximity with him or her. This was helpful when the Volturi went into battle. He could warn them if someone in the opposing coven had a skill that might give them some trouble. That was rare it takes quite a skill to even inconvenience the Volturi for a moment. more often, the warning would give Aro the chance to save someone who might be useful to him. Eleazars gift works even with humans, to an extent. He has to truly concentrate with humans, though, because the latent ability is so nebulous. Aro would have him test the people who wanted to join, to see if they had any potential. Aro was sorry to see him go.They let him go? I asked. Just like that?His smile was darker now, a little twisted. The Volturi arent supposed to be the villains, the way they seem to you. They are the cornerstone of our peace and civilization. Each member of the guard chooses to serve them. Its quite honored they all are proud to be there, not forced to be there.I scowled at the ground.Theyre only alleged to be heinous and mephistophelean by the criminals, Bella.Were not criminals.Jacob huffed in agreement.They dont know that.Do you really think we can make them stop and attend?Edward hesitated just the tiniest moment and then shrugged. If we find enough friends to stand beside us. Maybe.If. I suddenly felt the fatality of what we had before us today. Edward and I both started to move rapid, breaking into a run. Jacob caught up quickly.Tanya shouldnt be too much longer, Edward said. We need to be ready.How to be ready, though? We arranged and rearranged, thought and rethought. Renesmee in full view? Or hidden at first? Jacob in the room? Or outside? Hed told his pack to stay close but invisible. Should he do the same?In the end, Renesmee, Jacob in his human form again and I waited nigh the corner from the earlier door in th e dining room, sitting at the big polished table. Jacob let me hold Renesmee he wanted length in case he had to phase quickly.Though I was joyous to have her in my arms, it made me feel useless. It reminded me that in a fight with mature vampires, I was no more than an easy target I didnt need my transfer free.I tried to come back Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and Eleazar from the wedding. Their faces were murky in my ill-lit memories. I only knew they were beautiful, two blondes and two brunettes. I couldnt remember if there was any kindness in their eyes.Edward leaned motionlessly against the back window wall, staring toward the front door. It didnt look like he was seeing the room in front of him.We listened to the cars zooming past out on the freeway, none of them slowing.Renesmee nestled into my neck, her hand against my cheek but no images in my head. She didnt have pictures for her feelings now.What if they dont like me? she whispered, and all our eyes flashed to her face.Of cours e theyll , Jacob started to say, but I silenced him with a look.They dont understand you, Renesmee, because theyve never met anyone like you, I told her, not wanting to lie to her with promises that might not come true. Getting them to understand is the problem.She sighed, and in my head flashed pictures of all of us in one quick burst. Vampire, human, werewolf. She fit nowhere.Youre special, thats not a bad thing.She shook her head in disagreement. She thought of our strained faces and said, This is my fault.No, Jacob, Edward, and I all said at exactly the same time, but before we could argue further, we heard the sound wed been postponement for the slowing of an engine on the freeway, the tires moving from pavement to soft dirt.Edward darted around the corner to stand waiting by the door. Renesmee hid in my hair. Jacob and I stared at each other across the table, desperation on our faces.The car moved quickly through the woods, faster than Charlie or Sue drove. We heard it pull into the meadow and stop by the front porch. Four doors opened and closed. They didnt speak as they approached the door. Edward opened it before they could knock.Edward a female voice enthused.Hello, Tanya. Kate, Eleazar, Carmen.Three murmured hellos.Carlisle said he needed to talk to us right away, the first voice said, Tanya. I could hear that they all were still outside. I imagined Edward in the doorway, blocking their entrance. Whats the problem? disconcert with the werewolves?Jacob rolled his eyes.No, Edward said. Our truce with the werewolves is stronger than ever.A woman chuckled.Arent you going to invite us in? Tanya asked. And then she continued without waiting for an answer. Wheres Carlisle?Carlisle had to leave.There was a before long silence.Whats going on, Edward? Tanya demanded.If you could give me the benefit of the doubt for just a few minutes, he answered. I have something difficult to explain, and Ill need you to be open-minded until you understand.Is Carlisle al l right? a male voice asked anxiously. Eleazar.None of us is all right, Eleazar, Edward said, and then he patted something, maybe Eleazars shoulder. But physically, Carlisle is fine.Physically? Tanya asked sharply. What do you mean?I mean that my entire family is in very laborious danger. But before I explain, I ask for your promise. Listen to everything I say before you react. I am begging you to hear me out.A longer silence greeted his request. Through the strained hush, Jacob and I stared wordlessly at each other. His russet lips paled.Were listening, Tanya finally said. We will hear it all before we judge. convey you, Tanya, Edward said fervently. We wouldnt involve you in this if we had any other choice. Edward moved. We heard four sets of footsteps walk through the doorway.Someone sniffed. I knew those werewolves were involved, Tanya muttered.Yes, and theyre on our side. Again.The reminder silenced Tanya.Wheres your Bella? one of the other female voices asked. How is she?Shel l join us gyply. Shes well, thank you. Shes taken to immortality with amazing finesse.Tell us about the danger, Edward, Tanya said quietly. Well listen, and well be on your side, where we belong.Edward took a deep breath. Id like you to envision for yourselves first. Listen in the other room. What do you hear?It was quiet, and then there was movement.Just listen first, enliven, Edward said.A werewolf, I assume. I can hear his center field, Tanya said.What else? Edward asked.There was a pause.What is that thrumming? Kate or Carmen asked. Is that some kind of a bird?No, but remember what youre hearing. Now, what do you smell? Besides the werewolf.Is there a human here? Eleazar whispered.No, Tanya disagreed. Its not human but closer to human than the rest of the scents here. What is that, Edward? I dont think Ive ever smelled that fragrance before.You most certainly have not, Tanya. Please, please remember that this is something entirely new to you. Throw away your preconceived no tions.I promised you I would listen, Edward.All right, then. Bella? Bring out Renesmee, please.My legs felt strangely numb, but I knew that feeling was all in my head. I forced myself not to hold back, not to move sluggishly, as I got to my feet and walked the few short feet to the corner. The heat from Jacobs body flamed close behind me as he fishy my steps.I took one step into the bigger room and then froze, unable to force myself farther forward. Renesmee took a deep breath and then peeped out from under my hair, her little shoulders tight, expecting a rebuff.I thought Id prepared myself for their reaction. For accusations, for shouting, for the lifelessness of deep stress.Tanya skittered back four steps, her strawberry curls quivering, like a human confronted by a venomous snake. Kate jumped back all the way to the front door and braced herself against the wall there. A shocked hiss came from between her clenched teeth. Eleazar threw himself in front of Carmen in a protective crouch.Oh please I heard Jacob complain under his breath.Edward put his arm around Renesmee and me. You promised to listen, he reminded them.Some things cannot be heard Tanya exclaimed. How could you, Edward? Do you not know what this means?We have to get out of here, Kate said anxiously, her hand on the doorknob.Edward Eleazar seemed beyond words.Wait, Edward said, his voice harder now. Remember what you hear, what you smell. Renesmee is not what you think she is.There are no thoions to this rule, Edward, Tanya snapped back.Tanya, Edward said sharply, you can hear her heartbeat Stop and think about what that means.Her heartbeat? Carmen whispered, peering around Eleazars shoulder.Shes not a full vampire child, Edward answered, directing his attention toward Carmens less hostile expression. She is half-human.The four vampires stared at him like he was speaking a language none of them knew.Hear me. Edwards voice shifted into a smooth velvet tone of persuasion. Renesmee is one of a k ind. I am her father. Not her creator her biological father.Tanyas head was shaking, just a tiny movement. She didnt seem aware of it.Edward, you cant expect us to , Eleazar started to say.Tell me another explanation that fits, Eleazar. You can feel the warmth of her body in the air. ocellus runs in her veins, Eleazar. You can smell it.How? Kate breathed.Bella is her biological mother, Edward told her. She conceived, carried, and gave birth to Renesmee while she was still human. It nearly killed her. I was hard-pressed to get enough venom into her heart to save her.Tve never heard of such a thing, Eleazar said. His shoulders were still stiff, his expression cold.Physical relationships between vampires and humans are not common, Edward answered, a turn of dark humor in his tone now. Human survivors of such trysts are even less common. Wouldnt you agree, cousins? twain Kate and Tanya scowled at him.Come now, Eleazar. Surely you can see the resemblance.It was Carmen who responded t o Edwards words. She stepped around Eleazar, ignoring his half-articulated warning, and walked carefully to stand right in front of me. She leaned down slightly, looking carefully into Renesmees face.You seem to have your mothers eyes, she said in a low, calm voice, but your fathers face. And then, as if she could not help herself, she smiled at Renesmee.Renesmees answering smile was dazzling. She touched my face without looking away from Carmen. She imagined miserable Carmens face, wondering if that was okay.Do you mind if Renesmee tells you about it herself? I asked Carmen. I was still too stressed to speak above a whisper. She has a gift for explaining things.Carmen was still smiling at Renesmee. Do you speak, little one?Yes, Renesmee answered in her trilling high soprano. All of Tanyas family flinched at the sound of her voice except for Carmen. But I can show you more than I can tell you.She placed her little dimpled hand on Carmens cheek.Carmen stiffened like an electric sho ck had run through her. Eleazar was at her side in an instant, his hands on her shoulders as if to yank her away.Wait, Carmen said breathlessly, her unblinking eyes locked on Renesmees.Renesmee showed Carmen her explanation for a long time. Edwards face was intent as he watched with Carmen, and I wished so much that I could hear what he heard, too. Jacob shifted his freight impatiently behind me, and I knew he was wishing the same.Whats Nessie showing her? he grumbled under his breath.Everything, Edward murmured.Another minute passed, and Renesmee dropped her hand from Carmens face. She smiled winningly at the stunned vampire.She really is your daughter, isnt she? Carmen breathed, switching her wide topaz eyes to Edwards face. Such a lustrous gift It could only have come from a very keen father.Do you believe what she showed you? Edward asked, his expression intense.Without a doubt, Carmen said simply.Eleazars face was sturdy with distress. CarmenCarmen took his hands into her o wn and squeezed them. Impossible as it seems, Edward has told you nothing but truth. Let the child show you.Carmen nudged Eleazar closer to me and then nodded at Renesmee. Show him, mi queridaRenesmee grinned, uncontaminatingly delighted with Carmens acceptance, and touched Eleazar lightly on the forehead.Ay carayhespit, and jerked away from her.What did she do to you? Tanya demanded, coming closer warily. Kate crept forward, too.Shes just trying to show you her side of the legend, Carmen told him in a soothing voice.Renesmee frowned impatiently. Watch, please, she commanded Eleazar. She stretched her hand out to him and then left a few inches between her fingers and his face, waiting.Eleazar eyed her suspiciously and then glanced at Carmen for help. She nodded encouragingly. Eleazar took a deep breath and then leaned closer until his forehead touched her hand again.He shuddered when it began but held still this time, his eyes closed in concentration.Ahh, he sighed when his eyes r eopened a few minutes later. I see.Renesmee smiled at him. He hesitated, then smiled a slightly un ordain smile in response.Eleazar? Tanya asked.Its all true, Tanya. This is no immortal child. Shes half-human. Come. See for yourself.In silence, Tanya took her turn standing warily before me, and then Kate, both showing shock as that first image hit them with Renesmees touch. But then, just like Carmen and Eleazar, they seemed completely won over as soon as it was done.I shot a glance at Edwards smooth face, wondering if it could really be so easy. His golden eyes were clear, unshadowed. There was no deception in this, then.Thank you for listening, he said quietly.But there is the grave danger you warned us of, Tanya said. Not directly from this child, I see, but surely from the Volturi, then. How did they find out about her? When are they coming?I was not surprised at her quick understanding. After all, what could possibly be a threat to a family as strong as mine? Only the Volturi.W hen Bella saw Irina that day in the mountains, Edward explained, she had Renesmee with her.Kate hissed, her eyes narrowing to slits, irina did this? To you? To Carlisle? Irina?No, Tanya whispered. Someone else Alice saw her go to them, Edward said. I wondered if the others noticed the way he winced just slightly when he spoke Alices name.How could she do this thing? Eleazar asked of no one.Imagine if you had seen Renesmee only from a distance. If you had not waited for our explanation.Tanyas eyes tightened. No matter what she thought You are our family.Theres nothing we can do about Irinas choice now. Its too late. Alice gave us a month.Both Tanyas and Eleazars heads cocked to one side. Kates brow furrowed.So long? Eleazar asked.They are all coming. That must take some preparation.Eleazar gasped. The entire guard?Not just the guard, Edward said, his higgle straining tight. Aro, Caius, Marcus. Even the wives.Shock glazed over all their eyes.Impossible, Eleazar said blankly.I would h ave said the same two days ago, Edward said.Eleazar scowled, and when he spoke it was nearly a growl. But that doesnt make any sense. Why would they put themselves and the wives in danger?It doesnt make sense from that angle. Alice said there was more to this than just punishment for what they think weve done. She thought you could help us.More than punishment? But what else is there? Eleazar started pacing, stalking toward the door and back again as if he were alone here, his eyebrows furrowed as he stared at the floor.Where are the others, Edward? Carlisle and Alice and the rest? Tanya asked.Edwards hesitation was almost unnoticeable. He answered only part of her question. Looking for friends who might help us.Tanya leaned toward him, holding her hands out in front of her. Edward, no matter how many friends you gather, we cant help you win. We can only die with you. You must know that. Of course, perhaps the four of us deserve that after what Irina has done now, after how weve fai led you in the past for her sake that time as well.Edward shook his head quickly. Were not asking you to fight and die with us, Tanya. You know Carlisle would never ask for that.Then what, Edward?Were just looking for witnesses. If we can make them pause, just for a moment. If they would let us explain He touched Renesmees cheek she grabbed his hand and held it pressed against her skin. Its difficult to doubt our story when you see it for yourself.Tanya nodded slowly. Do you think her past will matter to them so much?Only as it foreshadows her future. The point of the restriction was to protect us from exposure, from the excesses of children who could not be tamed.Im not dangerous at all, Renesmee interjected. I listened to her high, clear voice with new ears, imagining how she sounded to the others. I never hurt Grandpa or Sue or Billy. I love humans. And wolf-people like my Jacob. She dropped Edwards hand to stool back and pat Jacobs arm.Tanya and Kate exchanged a quick glance. If Irina had not come so soon, Edward mused, we could have avoided all of this. Renesmee grows at an unprecedented rate. By the time the month is past, shell have gained another half year of development.Well, that is something we can certainly witness, Carmen said in a decided tone. Well be able to promise that weve seen her mature ourselves. How could the Volturi ignore such evidence?Eleazar mumbled, How, indeed? but he did not look up, and he continued pacing as if he were paying no attention at all.Yes, we can witness for you, Tanya said. Certainly that much. We will consider what more we might do.Tanya, Edward protested, hearing more in her thoughts than there was in her words, we dont expect you to fight with us.If the Volturi wont pause to listen to our witness, we cannot simply stand by, Tanya insisted. Of course, I should only speak for myself.Kate snorted. Do you really doubt me so much, sister?Tanya smiled widely at her. It is a felo-de-se mission, after all.Kate flashed a grin back and then shrugged nonchalantly. Im in.I, too, will do what I can to protect the child, Carmen agreed. Then, as if she couldnt resist, she held her arms out toward Renesmee. May I hold you, bebe linda?Renesmee reached eagerly toward Carmen, delighted with her new friend. Carmen hugged her close, murmuring to her in Spanish.It was like it had been with Charlie, and before that with all the Cullens. Renesmee was irresistible. What was it about her that drew everyone to her, that made them willing even to pledge their lives in her defense?For a moment I thought that maybe what we were attempting might be possible. Maybe Renesmee could do the unimaginable and win over our enemies as she had our friends.And then I remembered that Alice had left us, and my hope vanished as quickly as it had appeared.