The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 36. Bloodlust

They came with pageantry, with a course of beauty.They came in a rigid, formal formation. They go together, that it was non a march they f reach chastiseed in perfect synchronicity from the trees a dark, unbroken go that find unmatchableselfmed to hover a few inches above the white sat once, so suave was the advance.The issueer perimeter was gray the color darkened with distributively cable of bodies until the affection of the formation was deepest black. E precise face was cowled, shadowed. The faint brushing operate of their feet was so regular it was ilk music, a complicated beat that neer falte vehement.At some sign I did not hang or perhaps there was no sign, only millennia of practice the configuration f archaiced step forwardward. The cause was too stiff, too squ atomic desensitizeer 18 to resemble the opening of a f woefuler, though the color suggested that it was the opening of a fan, graceful but very angular. The gray-cloaked figures get nearly to th e flanks while the darker forms s disposed precisely forward in the effect, apiece movement well-nigh cont turn.Their progress was slow but deliberate, with no hurry, no ten-spotsion, no anxiety. It was the footprint of the invincible.This was around my old nightmare. The only thing lacking was the gloating trust Id seen on the faces in my dream the grins of vindictive joy. Thus uttermost, the Volturi were too condition to show every emotion at each(prenominal). They also showed no surprise or dismay at the ingathering of vampires that waited for them here a collection that fancyed suddenly disorganized and unprepared in comparison. They showed no surprise at the giant wolf that stood in our midst.I couldnt military service counting. at that place were xxxii of them. Even if you did not count the devil drifting, waifish black-cloaked figures in the very abide, who I took to be the wives their protected position suggesting that they would not be involved in the a ttack we were still outnumbered. There were butt against nineteen of us who would fight, and thus s even up to a greater extent than to watch as we were destroyed. Even counting the ten wolves, they had us.The redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming, Garrett muttered mysteriously to himself and and then chuckled once. He slid unmatchable tincture closer to Kate.They did issue forth, Vladimir whispered to Stefan.The wives, Stefan hissed back. The unblemished nurse. All of them together. Its well we didnt try Volterra.And then, as if their numbers were not enough, while the Volturi slowly and majestic all(prenominal)y advanced, more vampires began get into the clearing behind them.The faces in this probablely endless influx of vampires were the antithesis to the Volturis appearanceless discip problem they wore a kaleidoscope of emotions. At first there was the profane and even some anxiety as they saw the unexpected force awaiting them. plainly that concern pass ed quickly they were secure in their overwhelming numbers, secure in their position behind the unstoppable Volturi force. Their features returned to the expression theyd worn before wed surprise them.It was easy enough to at a lower placestand their mindset the faces were that explicit. This was an angry mob, whipped to a fierceness and slavering for undecomposedice. I did not fully realize the vampire worlds feeling toward the deity children before I enunciate these faces.It was clear that this motley, disorganized horde more than forty vampires altogether was the Volturis own kind of visualise. When we were dead, they would spread the interchange that the criminals had been eradicated, that the Volturi had acted with vigor but im pauseiality. Most looked care they hoped for more than just an opportunity to witness they wanted to help tear and burn.We didnt excite a prayer. Even if we could somehow neutralize the Volturis advantages, they could still bury us in bodie s. Even if we killed Demetri, Jacob would not be able to outrun this.I could feel it as the analogous comprehension sunk in around me. Despair weighted the air, thrust me down with more pressure than before.One vampire in the fence force did not appear to belong to either party I get alongd Irina as she hesitated in between the ii companies, her expression peculiar among the opposites. Irinas horrified gaze was locked on Tanyas position in the front line. Edward shooted, a very low but fervent intemperate.Alistairwas pay, he murmured to Carlisle.I watched Carlisle glimpse at Edward questioningly.Alistair was right? Tanya whispered.They Caius and Aro come to destroy and acquire, Edward breathed almost mutely back only our place could look. They have many layers of strategy already in place. If Irinas accusation had somehow proven to be false, they were commit to beget an some other reason to take falseense. but they can see Renesmee now, so they are perfectly san guine well-nigh their course. We could still attempt to sustain once against their other contrived charges, but first they have to stop, to stress the right about Renesmee. Then, even lower. Which they have no feelingion of doing.Jacob gave a rummy little huff.And then, unexpectedly, two seconds later, the procession did halt. The low music of perfectly synchronisedmovements turned to silence. The f right of natureless discipline remained unbroken the Volturi froze into absolute stillness as nonpareil. They stood about a hundred yards away from us.Behind me, to the sides, I perceive the beating of large hearts, closer than before. I risked glances to the left and the right from the corners of my eye to see what had stopped the Volturi advance.The wolves had joined us.On either side of our scratchy line, the wolves branched out in long, bordering subdivisions. I only spared a work out of a second to note that there were more than ten wolves, to recognize the wolves I kne w and the ones Id never seen before. There were sixteen of them spaced evenly around us seventeen total, counting Jacob. It was clear from their heights and oversized paws that the newcomers all were very, very young. I supposed I should have foreseen this. With so many vampires encamped in the neighborhood, a werewolf population explosion was inevitable.More children last. I wondered why Sam had allowed this, and then I realized he had no other choice. If any of the wolves stood with us, the Volturi would be sure to search out the informality. They had gambled their entire species on this stand.And we were going to lose.Abruptly, I was furious. Beyond furious, I was murderously enraged. My insoluble despair vanished entirely. A faint reddish glow highlighted the dark figures in front of me, and all I wanted in that moment was the receive to sink my teeth into them, to rip their limbs from their bodies and pile them for vehement. I was so madden I could have danced around the pyre where they roasted alive I would have laughtered while their ashes smoldered. My lips curved back automatically, and a low, fierce snarl tore up my throat from the pit of my stomach. I realized the corners of my emit were turned up in a grimace.Beside me, Zafrina and Senna echoed my hushed growl. Edward squeezed the eliminate he still held, cautioning me.The shadowed Volturi faces were still expressionless for the most part. Only two sets of eyeball betrayed any emotion at all. In the very center, pitiable upsets, Aro and Caius had paused to evaluate, and the entire halt had paused with them, waiting for the order to kill. The two did not look at each other, but it was obvious that they were communicating. Marcus, though touching Aros other hand, did not seem partof the conversation. His expression was not as short as the arrests, but it was nearly as blank. Like the one other time Id seen him, he appeared to be utterly bored.The bodies of the VolturFs witnesses leane d toward us, their eyeball fixed furiously on Renesmee and me, but they stayed near the fringe of the forest, leaving a colossal berth between themselves and the Volturi soldiers. Only Irina hovered close behind the Volturi, just a few paces away from the ancient females both fair-haired with powdery cutis and filmed eyes and their two massive soundboxguards.There was a adult female in one of the darker gray cloaks just behind Aro. I couldnt be sure, but it looked wish well she might actually be touching his back. Was this the other scale, Renata? I wondered, as Eleazar had, if she would be able to repel me.But I would not waste my life trying to get to Caius or Aro. I had more vital targets.I searched the line for them now and had no barrier picking out the two petite, deep gray cloaks near the heart of the arrangement. Alec and Jane, advantageously the smallest members of the guard, stood just to Marcuss side, flanked by Demetri on the other. Their have intercoursely faces were smooth, giving nonentity away they wore the darkest cloaks beside the pure black of the ancients. The witch twins, Vladimir had called them. Their powers were the cornerstone of the Volturi offensive. The jewels in Aros collection.My muscles flexed, and nastiness welled in my mouth.Aros and Caiuss clouded red eyes flickered across our line. I read disappointment in Aros face as his gaze roved over our faces again and again, looking for one that was missing. Chagrin tightened his lips.In that moment, I was nothing but grateful that Alice had run.As the pause lengthened, I hear Edwards breath speed.Edward? Carlisle asked, low and anxious.Theyre not sure how to proceed. Theyre weighing options, choosing key targets me, of course, you, Eleazar, Tanya. Marcus is reading the strength of our ties to each other, looking for weak points. The Romanians presence irritates them. Theyre worried about the faces they dont recognize Zafrina and Senna in particular and the wolves, n aturally. Theyve never been outnumbered before. Thats what stopped them.Outnumbered? Tanya whispered incredulously.They dont count their witnesses, Edward breathed. They are nonentities, mindless to the guard. Aro just enjoys an audience.Should I speak? Carlisle asked.Edward hesitated, then nodded. This is the only chance youll get.Carlisle shape his shoulders and paced several steps a conduct of our defensive line. I hated to see him alone, unprotected.He spread his arms, holding his palms up as if in greeting. Aro, my old friend. Its been centuries.The white clearing was dead silent for a long moment. I could feel the tension rolling off Edward as he listened to Aros judging of Carlisles words. The strain mounted as the seconds ticked by.And then Aro stepped forward out of the center of the Volturi formation. The shell, Renata, moved with him as if the tips of her fingers were sewn to his robe. For the first time, the Volturi ranks reacted. A muttered g muttering rolled throug h the line, eyebrows lowered into scowls, lips curled back from teeth. A few of the guard leaned forward into a crouch.Aro held one hand up toward them. Peace.He walked just a few paces more, then cocked his head to one side. His milky eyes glinted with curiosity.Fair words, Carlisle, he breathed in his thin, wispy congressman. They seem out of place, considering the army youve assembled to kill me, and to kill my skinny ones.Carlisle shook his head and stretched his right hand forward as if there were not still almost a hundred yardsbetween them. You have but to touch my hand to sleep together that was never my intent.Aros shrewd eyes narrowed. But how can your intent possibly matter, dear Carlisle, in the face of what you have done? He frowned, and a shadow of sadness crossed his features whether it was genuine or not, I could not tell.I have not committed the crime you are here to punish me for.Then step aside and let us punish those responsible. Truly, Carlisle, nothing woul d please me more than to preserve your life today.No one has broken the law, Aro. Let me explain. Again, Carlisle offered his hand.Before Aro could answer, Caius drifted swiftly forward to Aros side.So many pointless rules, so many unnecessary laws you create for yourself, Carlisle, the white-haired(a) ancient hissed. How is it possible that you defend the breaking of one that truly matters?The law is not broken. If you would listen We see the child, Carlisle, Caius snarled. Do not treat us as fools.She is not an unfailing. She is not a vampire. I can easily prove this with just a few moments Caius cut him off. If she is not one of the forbidden, then why have you massed a battalion to protect her?Witnesses, Caius, just as you have brought. Carlisle gestured to the angry horde at the edge of the timberland some of them growled in response. Any one of these friends can tell you the fairness about the child. Or you could just look at her, Caius. See the throw up of human blood in her cheeks.Artifice Caius snapped. Where is the informer? Let her come forward He craned his neck around until he spotted Irina gradual behind the wives. You ComeIrina stared at him uncomprehendingly, her face like that of someone who has not entirely awakened from a hideous nightmare. Impatiently, Caius snapped his fingers. One of the wives huge dead bodyguards moved to Irinas side and prodded her roughly in the back. Irina blinked twice and then walked slowly toward Caius in a daze. She stopped several yards short, her eyes still on her sisters.Caius closed in(p) in(p) the exceed between them and slapped her across the face.It couldnt have hurt, but there was something rottenly degrading about the action. It was like watching someone kick a dog. Tanya and Kate hissed in synchronization.Irinas body went rigid and her eyes finally focused on Caius. He pointed one clawed finger at Renesmee, where she clung to my back, her fingers still sweep up in Jacobs fur. Caius turned en tirely red in my furious view. A growl rumbled through Jacobs chest.This is the child you saw? Caius demanded. The one that was obviously more than human?Irina peered at us, examining Renesmee for the first time since entering the clearing. Her head tip to the side, confusion crossed her features.Well? Caius snarled.I Im not sure, she said, her tone perplexed.Caiuss hand twitched as if he wanted to slap her again. What do you mean? he said in a steely whisper.Shes not the same, but I think of its the same child. What I mean is, shes changed. This child is orotundger than the one I saw, but Caiuss furious gasp crackled through his suddenly expose teeth, and Irina broke off without finishing. Aro flitted to Caiuss side and put a restraining hand on his shoulder.Be composed, brother. We have time to sort this out. No need to be hasty.With a sullen expression, Caius turned his back on Irina.Now, sweetling, Aro said in a warm, sugary murmur. Show me what youre trying to say. He held his hand out to the bewildered vampire.Uncertainly, Irina took his hand. He held hers for only five seconds.You see, Caius? he said. Its a innocent matter to get what we need.Caius didnt answer him. From the corner of his eye, Aro glanced once at his audience, his mob, and then turned back to Carlisle.And so we have a mystery on our hands, it seems. It would appear the child has grown. Yet Irinas first memory was clearly that of an immortal child. Curious.Thats exactly what Im trying to explain, Carlisle said, and from the change in his voice, I could guess at his relief. This was the pause we had pinned all our nebulous hopeson.I feltno relief. I waited, almost numb with rage, for the layers of strategy Edward had promised.Carlisle held out his hand again.Aro hesitated for a moment. I would rather have the explanation from someone more central to the story, my friend. Am I malign to assume that this breach was not of your making?Therewas no breach.Be that as it may, I will have both facet of the truth. Aros feathery voice hardened. And the trump out way to get that is to have the evidence directly from your skilful son. He inclined his head in Edwards direction. As the child clings to his newborn mate, Im assuming Edward is involved.Of course he wanted Edward. Once he could see into Edwards mind, he would know all our prospects. Except mine.Edward turned to quickly osculation my forehead and Renesmees, not meeting my eyes. Then he strode across the livid field, clapping Carlisle on the shoulder as he passed. I heard a low whimper from behind me Esmes terror breaking through.The red haze I saw around the Volturi army flamed brighter than before, i could not bear to watch Edward cross the empty white spacealone but I alsocould not endure to have Renesmee one step closer to our adversaries. The oppose needs tore at me I was frozen so tightly it felt like my bones might shatter from the pressure of it.I saw Jane smile as Edward crossed the midpoint i n the distance between us, when he was closer to them than he was to us.That smug little smile did it. My fury peaked, higher even than the raging bloodlust Id felt the moment the wolves had committed to this doomed fight. I could taste madness on my tongue I felt it melt down through me like a tidal wave of pure power. My muscles tightened, and I acted automatically. I threw my shield with all the force in my mind, flung it across the impossible expanse of the field ten times my best distance like a javelin. My breath rushed out in a huff with the exertion.The shield blew out from me in a tattle of sheer energy, a mushroom cloud of liquid steel. It pulsed like alivingthing I could feel it, from the apex to the edges.There was no recoil to the elastic material now in that instant of raw force, I saw that the come about Id felt before was of my own making I had been clinging to that invisible part of me in self-defense, subconsciously unwilling to let it go. Now I set it fre e, and my shield exploded a upright fifty yards out from me effortlessly, winning only a fraction of my concentration. I could feel it flex like just another muscle, obedient to my will. I pushed it, shaped it to a long, pointed oval. Everything underneath the flexible iron shield was suddenly a part of me I could feel the life force of everything it covered like points of bright heat, blazing sparks of light surrounding me. I thrust the shield forward the length of the clearing, and exhaled in relief when I felt Edwards brilliant light in spite of appearance my protection. I held there, contracting this new muscle so that it closely touch Edward, a thin but unbreakable sheet between his body and our enemies.Barely a second had passed. Edward was still walking to Aro. Everything had changed absolutely, but no one had noticed the explosion except for me. A startled laugh burst through my lips. I felt the others glancing at me and saw Jacobs big black eye roll down to stare at me like Id lost my mind.Edward stopped a few steps away from Aro, and I realized with some chagrin that though I certainly could, I should not prevent this exchange from happening. This was the point of all our preparations getting Aro to hear our side of the story. It was almost physically painful to do it, but reluctantly I pulled my shield back and left Edward exposed again. The laughing liking had vanished. I focused totally on Edward, ready to shield him now if something went wrong.Edwards chin came up arrogantly, and he held his hand out to Aro as if he were conferring a great honor. Aro seemed only delighted with his attitude, but his delight was not universal. Renata fluttered nervously in Aros shadow. Caiuss scowl was so deep it looked like his papery, translucent skin would crease permanently. Little Jane showed her teeth, and beside her Alecs eyes narrowed in concentration. I guessed that he was ready, like me, to act at a seconds notice.Aro closed the distance without pau se and really, what did he have to fear? The loom shadows of the sparkle gray cloaks the brawny fighters like Felix were but a few yards away. Jane and her burning gift could throw Edward on the ground, writhing in agony. Alec could blind and deafen him before he could take a step in Aros direction. No one knew that I had the power to stop them, not even Edward.With an good smile, Aro took Edwards hand. His eyes snapped shut at once, and then his shoulders hunched under the shelling of information.Every secret plan, every strategy, every insight everything Edward had heard in the minds around him during the last month was now Aros. And further back every vision of Alices, every quiet moment with our family, every picture in Renesmees head, every kiss, every touch between Edward and me All of that was Aros now, too.I hissed with frustration, and the shield roiled with my irritation, shifting its shape and contracting around our side.Easy, Bella, Zafrina whispered to me.I clenched my teeth together.Aro act to concentrate on Edwards memories. Edwards head bowed, too, the muscles in his neck locking tight as he read back again everything that Aro took from him, and Aros response to it all.This two-way but unequal conversation continued long enough that even the guard grew uneasy. Low murmurs ran through the line until Caius barked a sharp order for silence. Jane was edging forward like she couldnt help herself, and Renatas face was rigid with distress. For a moment, I examined this powerful shield that seemed so panicky and weak though she was useful to Aro, I could tell she was no warrior. It was not her job to fight but to protect. There was no bloodlust in her. Raw as I was, I knew that if this were between her and me, I would obscure her.I refocused as Aro straightened, his eyes flashing open, their expression awed and wary. He did not release Edwards hand.Edwards muscles loosened ever so slightly.You see? Edward asked, his velvet-textured voice calm.Yes, I see, indeed, Aro agreed, and amazingly, he sounded almost amused. I doubt whether any two among gods or mortals have ever seen quite so clearly.The check faces of the guard showed the same disbelief I felt.You have given me much to ponder, young friend, Aro continued. Much more than I expected. Still he did not release Edwards hand, and Edwards tense stance was that of one who listens.Edward didnt answer.whitethorn I meet her? Aro asked almost pleaded with sudden eager interest. I never woolgather of the humanity of such a thing in all my centuries. What an addition to our historiesWhat is this about, Aro? Caius snapped before Edward could answer. Just the question had me pulling Renesmee around into my arms, cradling her protectively against my chest.Something youve never dreamed of, my practical friend. Take a moment to ponder, for the jurist we intended to face no longer applies.Caius hissed in surprise at his words.Peace, brother, Aro cautioned soothingly.Thi s should have been good news these were the words wed been hoping for, the reprieve wed never reallythought possible. Aro had listened to the truth. Aro had admitted that the law had not been broken.But my eyes were riveted on Edward, and I saw the muscles in his back tighten. I replayed in my head Aros instruction for Caius to ponder, and heard the multiply meaning.Will you introduce me to your daughter? Aro asked Edward again.Caius was not the only one who hissed at this new revelation.Edward nodded reluctantly. And yet, Renesmee had won over so many others. Aro always seemed the attraction of the ancients. If he were on her side, could the others act against us?Aro still gripped Edwards hand, and he now answered a question that the rest of us had not heard.I think a compromise on this one point is certainly acceptable, under the circumstance. We will meet in the middle.Aro released his hand. Edward turned back toward us, and Aro joined him, throwing one arm casually over Edwar ds shoulder like they were the best of friends all the while maintaining contact with Edwards skin. They began to cross the field back to our side.The entire guard fell into step behind them. Aro raised a hand negligently without looking at them.Hold, my dear ones. Truly, they mean us no wound if we are peaceable.The guard reacted to this more openly than before, with snarls and hisses of protest, but held their position. Renata, clinging closer to Aro than ever, whimpered in anxiety.Master, she whispered.Dont fret, my love, he responded. All is well.Perhaps you should bring a few members of your guard with us, Edward suggested. It will make them more comfortable.Aro nodded as if this was a wise ceremony he should have thought of himself. He snapped his fingers twice. Felix, Demetri.The two vampires were at his side instantaneously, looking precisely the same as the last time Id met them. both were tall and dark-haired, Demetri hard and lean as the blade of a sword, Felix hulking and menacing as an iron-spiked cudgel.The five of them stopped in the middle of the white field.Bella, Edward called. Bring Renesmee and a few friends.I took a deep breath. My body was tight with opposition. The estimate of taking Renesmee into the center of the conflict But I trusted Edward. He would know if Aro was planning any treachery at this point.Aro had three protectors on his side of the summit, so I would bring two with me. It took me only a second to decide.Jacob? Emmett? I asked quietly. Emmett, because he would be dying to go. Jacob, because he wouldnt be able to bear being left behind. some(prenominal) nodded. Emmett grinned.I crossed the field with them flanking me. I heard another rumble from the guard as they saw my choices clearly, they did not trust the werewolf. Aro lifted his hand, gesture away their protest again.Interesting company you keep, Demetri murmured to Edward.Edward didnt respond, but a low growl slipped through Jacobs teeth.We stopped a few yar ds from Aro. Edward ducked under Aros arm and quickly joined us, taking my hand.For a moment we faced each other in silence. Then Felix greeted me in a low aside. hi again, Bella. He grinned cockily while still tracking Jacobs every twitch with his encircling(prenominal) vision.I smiled wryly at the mountainous vampire. Hey, Felix.Felix chuckled. You look good. Immortality suits you.Thanks so much.Youre welcome. Its too grim He let his comment trail off into silence, but I didnt need Edwards gift to imagine the end. Its too bad were going to kill you in a sec.Yes, too bad, isnt it? I murmured.Felix winked.Aro paying(a) no attention to our exchange. He leaned his head to one side, fascinated. I hear her strange heart, he murmured with an almost musical lilt to his words. I savour her strange scent. Then his hazy eyes shifted to me. In truth, young Bella, immortality does befit you most extraordinarily, he said. It is as if you were designed for this life.I nodded once in acknowl edgment of his flattery.You liked my gift? he asked, eyeing the pendant I wore.Its beautiful, and very, very generous of you. Thank you. I probably should have sent a note.Aro laughed delightedly. Its just a little something I had lying around. I thought it might complement your new face, and so it does.I heard a little hiss from the center of the Volturi line. I glanced over Aros shoulder.Hmm. It seemed Jane wasnt happy about the fact that Aro had given me a present.Aro cleared his throat to reclaim my attention. May I greet your daughter, lovely Bella? he asked sweetly.This was what wed hoped for, I reminded myself. Fighting the urge to take Renesmee and run for it, I walked two slow steps forward. My shield rippled out behind me like a cape, protecting the rest of my family while Renesmee was left exposed. It felt wrong, horrible.Aro met us, his face beaming.But shes exquisite, he murmured. So like you and Edward. And then louder, Hello, Renesmee.Renesmee looked at me quickly. I nodded.Hello, Aro, she answered formally in her high, sonorousness voice.Aros eyes were bemused.What is it? Caius hissed from behind. He seemed infuriated by the need to ask.Half mortal, fractional immortal, Aro announced to him and the rest of the guard without turning his enthralled gaze from Renesmee. Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human.Impossible, Caius scoffed.Do you think theyve fooled me, then, brother? Aros expression was greatly amused, but Caius flinched. Is the heartbeat you hear a trickery as well?Caius scowled, looking as chagrined as if Aros gentle questions had been blows.sedately and carefully, brother, Aro cautioned, still smiling at Renesmee. I know well how you love your justice, but there is no justice in acting against this unique(p) little one for her parentage. And so much to read, so much to learn I know you dont have my enthusiasm for collecting histories, but be tolerant with me, brother, as I add a chapter that stuns me with its improbability. We came expecting only justice and the sadness of false friends, but look what we have gained sooner A new, bright knowledge of ourselves, our possibilities.He held out his hand to Renesmee in invitation. But this was not what she wanted. She leaned away from me, stretching upward, to touch her fingertips to Aros face.Aro did not react with shock as almost everyone else had reacted to this performance from Renesmee he was as used to the flow of thought and memory from other minds as Edward was.His smile widened, and he sighed in satisfaction. Brilliant, he whispered.Renesmee relaxed back into my arms, her little face very serious.Please? she asked him.His smile turned gentle. Of course I have no desire to harm your loved ones, precious Renesmee.Aros voice was so comforting and affectionate, it took me in for a second. And then I heard Edwards teeth grind together and, far behind us, Maggies outraged hiss at the lie.I wonder, Aro said thoughtfully, seeming un aware of the reaction to his previous words. His eyes moved unexpectedly to Jacob, and instead of the disgust the other Volturi viewed the giant wolf with, Aros eyes were filled with a longing that I did not comprehend.It doesnt work that way, Edward said, the careful neutrality deceased from his suddenly harsh tone.Just an errant thought, Aro said, appraising Jacob openly, and then his eyes moved slowly across the two lines of werewolves behind us. Whatever Renesmee had shown him, it make the wolves suddenly interesting to him.They dont belong to us, Aro. They dont follow our commands that way. Theyre here because they want to be.Jacob growled menacingly.They seem quite attached to you, though, Aro said. And your young mate and your family. Loyal His voice caressed the word softly.Theyre committed to protecting human life, Aro. That makes them able to coexist with us, but just with you. Unless youre rethinking your lifestyle.Aro laughed merrily. Just an errant thought, he repeated . You well know how that is. We none of us canentirely control our subconscious desires.Edward grimaced. I do know how that is. And I also know the difference between that kind of thought and the kind with a purpose behind it. It could never work, Aro.Jacobs vast head turned in Edwards direction, and a faint whine slipped from between his teeth.Hes intrigued with the idea of guard dogs, Edward murmured back.There was one second of dead silence, and then the sound of the furious snarls ripping from the entire pack filled the giant clearing.There was a sharp bark of command from Sam, I guessed, though I didnt turn to look and the complaint broke off into ominous quiet.I suppose that answers that question, Aro said, laughing again. This lot has picked its side.Edward hissed and leaned forward. I clutched at his arm, wondering what could be in Aros thoughts that would make him react so violently, while Felix and Demetri slipped into crouches in synchronization. Aro waved them off agai n. They all returned to their former posture, Edward included.So much to discuss, Aro said, his tone suddenly that of an fill up businessman. So much to decide. If you and your furry protector will excuse me, my dear Cullens, I must confer with my brothers.