Wow! Lied again! There are actually 31 chapters! Really need to work on my counting skills. Also, sorry this one has a lot similar to the book scene but Hannah makes comments through out. Just had to put her in the scene and didn't want to leave a ton out. Two more updates to come so just keep on the look out. Will actually have this story probably done today since Chapter 31 and the Epilogue are already written, and work is slow again. Anyway... I hope you all are enjoying Hannah's story so far!
~Faithy Waithy
Chapter 30: The Redcoats
The night before New Year's Eve, the snow fell and started to stick.
I had been waiting anxiously at the cabin for days after the Christmas party. Seth was out of school so he stayed with me most of the time. However, he did run home once a day to check on his mom, having Leah switch with him when he did this. He wanted to spend as much time with Sue as he could, not knowing what was about to come.
I was told by Leah that Edward and Carlisle had already gone to the clearing where the Volturi would meet us. The rest of the vampire witnesses and the pack were planning to meet them when the time was right. As the snow started to stick and become heavier, my heart thudded painfully.
The time had come.
Seth and Leah arrived at the cabin as the darkness of the night took over. They were here to lead me to the meeting place where Jacob, my vampire family, and the witnesses waited. Sam and his pack would join us early morning before the sun rose. They wanted to spend time with their families before the danger came. One last night with the ones they loved.
When we got to the clearing, all of us in our wolf forms, the darkness stretched across the forest and there was a heavy air. Carlisle greeted us when we arrived, telling us that it was best we stayed in the woods to not make the vampire strangers uncomfortable. He didn't want to reveal his relationship to me, in case the witnesses were listening, but I could see in his eyes he was saying how much he loved me. And he was also reminding me to stay out of the fight as long as I could if one did occur. I nodded to let him know I understood his gaze.
Jacob came over to us at some point. Leah was already asleep, wanting to get the most energy for tomorrow. I could hear Seth and Jacob were tired as well. My brother stepped over to me and pressed his nose to my own.
Whatever happens tomorrow, sis, just know I love you so much. I regret every pain I caused you this last year. If I could do it all over again, I would've never kept you in the dark the way I had. If we live through this, I hope next year will be nothing but happy memories.
My eyes burned. I whined and moved my head under his jaw. He rested his head against me to accept my hug. I love you so much, Jacob. I'm sorry for being so angry before. Even though things became a mess, you never stopped being my twin brother.
Seth whined. Aw. You guys are going to make me cry. Seth came over and pressed his face against mine. The warmth of my brother and boyfriend surrounded me, and I felt the fear and uncertainty fade for a brief moment as I enjoyed their comfort.
I stayed beside Seth the rest of the night. I couldn't sleep. I wasn't allowed to. That was the hardest part about it all. I had to stay awake or I would phase back into my other form. As Seth slept beside me. He kept his body molded around my own. I pressed my side to him and listened to the vampires talking in the clearing. They were discussing their war stories and pasts. I could also hear Emmett and Rosalie speaking to one another about how much they loved each other. Bella and Edward were with Renesmee sharing one last night they knew they had. I could hear Carlisle and Esme also sharing a moment to just be together.
As I thought about everything that would happen tomorrow, I couldn't help but think back to the events leading up to this final moment. A whole year had flown by. Since that cold January day when Embry left Jacob, Quil, and I, all the way to this moment as I rested against my imprint not sure if we would even have past morning to live, I thought of how drastically my life had changed.
January, I was a human and lost my friend Embry.
February, I lost my brother Jacob.
March, Quil finally left me too.
Then there was a time of darkness as the dates turned to April, and then May.
The day I ran away from home in May was the day I sealed my fate. I wanted to know the truth, and I was hurt no one would give it to me. I tried to leave, and this action brought me back to a whole new world entirely.
As I thought about May, I realized my time knowing the pack had been so brief. Only a few weeks, and most of those days I was terrified or unconscious. Then the moment I had finally started to feel human again and loved, June arrived and a vampire named Victoria destroyed Hannah Black.
The pain and loss I felt being forced away from La Push felt like a faded memory now. And I knew why that was: The moment I stepped into the Cullens home, they loved me and accepted me for who I was and not what I was.
I gained a new family, and was able to keep a small piece of my old family. I was granted my wish to see my birth father again. I was able to thank my human sister for caring about me when no one else would during my darkest months. And I met the most beautiful angel named Renesmee, who taught me that the unexplained was not something to be feared.
Renesmee made me realize that being unique was okay. She made me finally accept myself in full.
I shut my eyes as I felt my heart pulse with the love I had received. And I prayed throughout the rest of the night that there would be no fight and all would survive.
As the sun started to rise, I felt Seth stir beside me. It had snowed a lot overnight. I was sure my snow white fur just blended in with the surroundings. Once Seth and Leah were awake, we heard Jacob stir as well.
A silence had fallen over the clearing. We stayed in the woods like we were supposed to. My family all glanced back at me periodically, and I met their gazes to let them know I loved them as well. Renesmee, who was in Bella's arms, also met my gaze. I forced a smile at her. She saw through it though. She moved her hand to her mouth and threw her hand out blowing a kiss my way. I nodded my head to let her know I accepted it and loved her back.
The witnesses took their formations to the right and left of my family. I could see the different covens from different areas of the world, and was so fascinated with the diversity of the vampire world.
Seth let out a heavy breath. Whelp… not how I wanted my first year with my girlfriend to go, but at least the snow is pretty.
I smiled. I moved under him so he could rest his head on me like Jacob had done a few hours before. Thank you, Seth… for loving me even as a vampire.
He whined. You were never a vampire to me, Hannah… just a very special imprint. I will always love you. In this life and whatever is next.
I shut my eyes feeling them moisten. I love you forever, Seth.
Leah stepped forward and nuzzled Seth and I's muzzles. Positive thoughts, kids. Let's hope we have tomorrow.
Love you, Leah.
Love you too, Hannah.
Edward suddenly stiffened and then hissed. We all became alert. Then after a moment they appeared.
There were thirty-two of them emerging from the woods in front of us. A mix of male and female vampires, all of different ages when they were turned. We thankfully still had the numbers with the werewolves and witnesses. However, I feared for any possibility of a fight. I didn't want to lose anyone. I was so scared of what was to come.
Three male vampires of the group stood out amongst the rest. I could tell immediately as these male vampires approached through the snow that they were the leaders of the Volturi. From the description Carlisle had given me a few months ago, I could make out who the leaders names were at least.
There was one with long jet black hair. He looked to have been turned in his mid-twenties, and stood a little under six feet. I knew this one was Aro.
The second one had snow-white hair, just a shade darker from the color of my fur, that brushed his shoulders. He was just a tad shorter than Aro, and he looked to have been transformed in his forties. He had an average build beneath his pitch black cloak. From the white hair I could tell this one was Caius.
The last was Marcus. He was the tallest of his brothers, and also the youngest in appearance. I guessed he couldn't have been turned no later than eighteen or nineteen years old. He had black hair that was shoulder length, and wore a dark cloak just like Aro and Caius.
"The redcoats are coming, the redcoats are coming," a vampire muttered.
He spoke in regards to the guard behind the three brothers who were all wearing red cloaks. The scene was terrifying. A sea of red on white.
"They did come," one of the Romanian vamps whispered in his sharp accent.
"The wives," the other Romanian hissed back. "The entire guard. All of them together. It's well we didn't try Volterra."
To my horror and everyone else's, more vampires came out of the woods. The numbers were over forty now. The numbers had grown so quickly.
I was horrified. I whined.
Jacob heard me. Calm down, Hannah… we don't know if they'll attack. Remember to stay quiet. We don't want too much attention on you.
Sorry, I thought softly.
Seth nudged me with his nose. We're going to be okay. I can feel it.
I swallowed. I hope you're right.
A twig snapped behind. We turned to see Sam and the others had arrived. There appeared to be a few new additions to the group. I could not ask who they were, but I was not surprised the pack had grown with the increase of vampires in the area.
I had been behind Seth, but I was forced further back as the rest of the pack moved in front of me. Sam gestured for me to stand near him, and I did as he said. Seth stood beside him to stay near me.
Only show yourself if you have to, Seth said.
I pouted. I can't see anything through you all.
Seth snickered. Look through my eyes.
So I did.
We emerged from the woods just as planned. As we stepped into the open, we heard a few gasps from our side as they saw the enormity of the packs. Seth stared out across the clearing at the approaching vampires, and watched through his thoughts. They had faltered when they saw the pack come out of the woods. They were horrified by the creatures they were not expecting. As we got into formation, I stayed behind Seth and Sam. I watched through Seth, Jacob, and Leah's eyes as the events unfolded.
"Edward?" Carlisle asked.
"They're not sure how to proceed," Edward stated. "They're 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. They're worried about the faces they don't recognize—Zafrina and Senna in particular—and the wolves, naturally. They've never been outnumbered before. That's what stopped them."
"Outnumbered?" The vampire I knew to be Tanya whispered incredulously.
"They don't count their witnesses," Edward breathed. "They are nonentities, meaningless to the guard. Aro just enjoys an audience."
"Should I speak?" Carlisle asked.
Edward hesitated, then nodded. "This is the only chance you'll get."
Carlisle squared his shoulders and paced several steps ahead of our defensive line. My heart pounded painfully as I watched my adoptive father become so exposed. "Aro, my old friend, It's been centuries."
Aro stepped forward out of the center of the Volturi formation. A woman moved with him: I assumed his bodyguard. His followers became anxious and prepared to fight.
Aro held one hand up toward them. "Peace." He stared at Carlisle with curiosity. "Fair words, Carlisle. They seem out of place, considering the army you've assembled to kill me, and to kill my dear ones."
Carlisle shook his head and stretched his right hand forward."You have but to touch my hand to know that was never my intent."
Aro narrowed his eyes. "But how can your intent possibly matter, dear Carlisle, in the face of what you have done?" He frowned.
"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 would please me more than to preserve your life today."
"No one has broken the law, Aro. Let me explain." He held his hand out again.
Cauis stepped over to them. "So many pointless rules, so many unnecessary laws you create for yourself, Carlisle," the white-haired 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 immortal. 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 stated. "Any one of these friends can tell you the truth about the child. Or you could just look at her, Caius.
See the flush of human blood in her cheeks."
"Artifice!" Caius snapped. "Where is the informer? Let her come forward!" He shot his eyes back to the group of wives behind him. "You! Come!"
Irina warily came forward, although one of the wives bodyguards gave her a shove to get her moving first. She stepped over to Cauis, Aro, and Carlisle without a choice. To my terror, Cauis slapped her. Tanya and Kate hissed in synchronization.
Irina's body went rigid. Cauis pointed at Renesmee with fury. Jacob growled protectively as attention fell on my niece.
"This is the child you saw?" Caius demanded. "The one that was obviously more than human?"
Irina looked at Renesmee for the first time since entering the clearing. She looked confused.
"Well?" Caius snarled.
"I… I'm not sure," she said.
Caius's hand twitched. "What do you mean?" he
hissed.
Irina's voice shook. She was scared. I felt bad for her for a brief second. Then I remembered she was the reason we were here and the sympathy faded.
Irina explained. "She's not the same, but I think it's the same child. What I mean is, she's changed. This child is bigger than the one I saw, but—"
Caius gave a furious gasp. Aro stepped over to Caius's side and put a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"Be composed, brother. We have time to sort this out. No need to be hasty."
Cauis scowled. He turned away from Irina.
"Now, sweetling," Aro murmured. "Show me what you're trying to say." He held his hand out to her. She hesitantly took it. He listened for a moment, reading through her thoughts like Carlisle told me he could.
"You see, Caius?" he said. "It's a simple matter to get what we need."
Caius remained silent.
Aro turned back to Carlisle and spoke. "And so we have a mystery on our hands, it seems. It would appear the child has grown. Yet Irina's first memory was clearly that of an immortal child. Curious."
"That's exactly what I'm trying to explain," Carlisle said. He held out his hand again.
Aro hesitated. "I would rather have the explanation from someone more central to the story, my friend. Am I wrong to assume that this breach was not of your making?"
"There was no breach."
"Be that as it may, I will have every facet of the truth." Aro's voice hardened. "And the best way to get that is to have the evidence directly from your talented son." He inclined his head in Edward's direction. "As the child clings to his newborn mate, I'm assuming Edward is involved."
Edward did not waver in courage. He kissed Bella on the lips, and Renesmee on the forehead. Then he headed across the clearing towards Aro.
I whined, worried for my brother. Seth looked back at me. Hidden, Hannah… stay hidden… that means quiet…
I calmed. I fell quiet again.
Edward continued his approach. We all jumped though when Bella let out a muffled laugh.
Jacob looked at her with disbelief. Really! Your shields sweet Bella, but now is not the time for giggles.
Bella composed herself.
She's blocking Edward? I was surprised her shield could push out so far.
Jacob nodded. See the pissed off young female vamp glaring daggers at Edward? She's Jane from what I understand and causes pain. She's trying to hurt Edward and can't. Bella's rocking it today.
Edward stopped a few steps away from Aro, his hand out towards Aro ready to save our family. Aro seemed delighted with his determination. His female guard followed him nervously. Caius scowled still.
Aro closed the distance without hesitation. He took Edward's hand and closed his eyes. He read all of Edward's thoughts from past to present. He scooped through the events off this last year with amazement.
Bella hissed.
"Easy, Bella," a female vampire I didn't know whispered.
Aro continued to concentrate on Edward's memories. They stayed like that for a long while. Aro's followers grew restless. Cauis barked at them to be silent. Finally, after a long endless moment of nothing, Aro opened his eyes. His expression was awed and wary.
"You see?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I see, indeed," Aro agreed. "I doubt whether any two among gods or mortals have ever seen quite so clearly. You have given me much to ponder, young friend. Much more than I expected."
He still had not released Edward's hand. I was starting to feel anxious again.
"May I meet her?" Aro asked. "I never dreamed of the existence of such a thing in all my centuries. What an addition to our histories!"
"What is this about, Aro?" Caius snapped.
Bella hugged Renesmee closer to her.
Aro spoke with delight. "Something you've never dreamed of, my practical friend. Take a moment to
ponder, for the justice we intended to deliver no longer applies."
Caius hissed.
"Peace, brother," Aro cautioned. "Will you introduce me to your daughter?" Aro asked Edward again.
Caius and others in the guard hissed in shock and confusion.
Edward nodded reluctantly.
Aro heard his thoughts. "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 towards us, and Aro joined him, throwing an arm casually over Edward's shoulder. I was horrified that he was so close to him. His guard was too and stepped to follow. Aro stopped them.
"Hold, my dear ones. Truly, they mean us no harm if we are peaceable."
Aro's female guard had grabbed Aro to stop him from moving forward.
"Master," she whispered.
"Don't 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. He snapped his fingers twice. "Felix, Demetri."
A hard and lean male vampire came forward, and a larger more burly vampire like Emmett followed. Aro, Edward, and the three other vampires of the Volturi stopped in the middle of the field.
"Bella," Edward called. "Bring Renesmee… and a few friends."
Bella let out a heavy breath. "Jacob? Emmett?"
They both nodded. The three of them and Renesmee started to cross the field. Bella held her close. My heart pounded hard.
Jacob… be careful…
My brother reassured me. It's going to be fine sis. Promise.
"Interesting company you keep," the lean male vampire murmured to Edward as he stared at Jacob.
Edward didn't respond. Jacob growled.
They stopped a few yards away. Edward ducked under Aro's arm and quickly joined them, taking Bella's hand.
They stood in silence for a moment. Then the burly vampire smirked. "Hello again, Bella."
Bella responded. "Hey, Felix."
Finally… I had names for the male vampires.
Felix chuckled. "You look good. Immortality suits you."
"Thanks so much."
"You're welcome. It's too bad . . ."
"Yes, too bad, isn't it?" Bella murmured.
I figured out then Felix had a slight crush on Bella. This made me grit my wolf fangs.
Felix winked.
Aro paid no attention to them. He was mesmerized by Renesmee in Bella's arms.
"I hear her strange heart," he murmured. "I smell her strange scent." Then his eyes shifted to Bella. "In truth, young Bella, immortality does become you most extraordinarily," he said. "It is as if you were designed for this life."
She nodded.
"You liked my gift?" he asked. He eyed something she was wearing.
Bella spoke sincerely. "It's beautiful, and very, very generous of you. Thank you. I probably should have sent a note."
Aro laughed. "It's just a little something I had lying around. I thought it might complement your new face, and so it does." He focused on Renesmee again. "May I greet your daughter, lovely Bella?" Bella took a step forward. He stared at the child deeply. "But she's exquisite," he murmured. "So like you and Edward." He spoke to her directly, "Hello, Renesmee."
"Hello, Aro," Renesmee answered formally.
Aro's eyes were thrilled.
"What is it?" Caius hissed.
"Half mortal, half immortal," Aro announced. "Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human."
"Impossible," Caius scoffed.
"Do you think they've fooled me, then, brother?" Aro's expression was amused.
Caius flinched.
"Is the heartbeat you hear a trickery as well?"
Caius scowled.
"Calmly and carefully, brother," Aro cautioned. "I know well how you love your justice, but there is no justice in acting against this unique little one for her parentage. And so much to learn, so much to learn! I know you don't 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 instead! A new, bright knowledge of ourselves, our possibilities."
He held out his hand to Renesmee. She instead touched her hand to his face. Aro's smile widened. "Brilliant," he whispered.
Renesmee relaxed. "Please?" she asked him.
His smile turned gentle. "Of course I have no desire to harm your loved ones, precious Renesmee."
A vampire hissed nearby us.
Seth growled. Liar.
"I wonder," Aro said thoughtfully. His eyes moved to Jacob.
"It doesn't work that way," Edward said.
"Just an errant thought," Aro said.
I was confused by what they were discussing.
"They don't belong to us, Aro. They don't follow our commands that way. They're here because they want to be."
I finally understood. Aro wanted the pack to work for him.
Jacob growled menacingly. How dare he even think such a thing!
"They seem quite attached to you, though," Aro said. "And your young mate and your… family. Loyal."
"They're committed to protecting human life, Aro. That makes them able to coexist with us, but hardly with you. Unless you're rethinking your lifestyle."
Aro laughed. "Just an errant thought," he repeated. "You well know how that is. When none of us can entirely control our subconscious desires."
Edward sounded uncomfortable. "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."
Jacob's vast head turned in Edward's direction for confirmation.
"He's intrigued with the idea of… guard dogs," Edward murmured back.
The whole pack broke out into growls and snarls. I shivered at the thought of ever working for such evil vampires.
"I suppose that answers that question," Aro said, laughing again. "This lot has picked its side."
Edward hissed and leaned forward not liking what Aro thought. Bella clutched his arm. Demetri got in a crouch ready to fight. Aro waved him off. Everyone seemed to relax.
"So much to discuss," Aro said. "So much to decide. If you and your furry protector will excuse me, my dear Cullens, I must confer with my brothers."
Aro rejoined his guard. Bella, Edward, Renesmee, Jacob, and Emmett backed away quickly back to our side of the field with the rest of my family.
There was an argument starting to arise after a moment between Cauis and his brothers. Cauis snapped, "How can you abide this infamy? Why do we stand here impotently in the face of such an outrageous crime, covered by such a ridiculous deception?"
"Because it's all true," Aro spoke calmly. "Every word of it. See how many witnesses stand ready to give evidence that they have seen this miraculous child grow and mature in just the short time they've known her. That they have felt the warmth of the blood that pulses in her veins."
There was silence as Cauis pondered over this. Then his eyes scanned the pack that surrounded me.
Caius frowned. He still was outraged. "The werewolves," he murmured at last.
I panicked. No! No! He couldn't turn this back on us now.
"Ah, brother…," Aro answered.
"Will you defend that alliance, too, Aro?" Caius demanded. "The Children of the Moon have been our bitter enemies from the dawn of time. We have hunted them to near extinction in Europe and Asia. Yet Carlisle encourages a familiar relationship with this enormous infestation—no doubt in an attempt to
overthrow us. The better to protect his warped lifestyle."
Edward cleared his throat. "Caius, it's the middle of the day," Edward pointed out. He gestured to Jacob.
"These are not Children of the Moon, clearly. They bear no relation to your enemies on the other side of the world."
"You breed mutants here," Caius spat.
Edward's jaw clenched, "They aren't even werewolves. Aro can tell you all about it if you don't believe me."
I tried to make a joke. So… do we call ourselves Wolverine then… since we're mutants?
Seth coughed a laugh in front of me from my comment. Leah snickered. Sam shot them both a puzzled expression.
Jacob was amused though. You're no Wolverine, Hannah. More of that quiet chick that goes through walls.
The conversation continued. We stopped joking around and paid attention again.
"Dear Caius, I would have warned you not to press this point if you had told me your thoughts," Aro murmured. "Though the creatures think of themselves as werewolves, they are not. The more accurate name for them would be shapeshifters. The choice of a wolf form was purely chance. It could have been a bear or a hawk or a panther when the first change was made. These creatures truly have nothing to do with the Children of the Moon. They have merely inherited this skill from their fathers. It's genetic—they do not continue their species by infecting others the way true werewolves do."
Caius glared at Aro. "They know our secret," he said flatly.
Aro spoke again. "They are creatures of our supernatural world, brother. Perhaps even more dependent upon secrecy than we are; they can hardly expose us. Carefully, Caius. Specious allegations get us nowhere."
Caius took a deep breath and nodded.
"I want to talk to the informant," Caius announced abruptly, and turned his glare on Irina.
Irina was looking at her sisters with agony. She was full of regret as she realized her mistake and the danger she had put her family in.
"Irina," Caius barked.
She looked up, and I could see she was afraid.
Caius snapped his fingers.
Hesitantly, she moved from the fringes of the Volturi formation to stand in front of Caius again.
"So you appear to have been quite mistaken in your allegations," Caius began.
Tanya and Kate leaned forward anxiously.
"I'm sorry," Irina whispered. "I should have made sure of what I was seeing. But I had no idea. . . ."
"Dear Caius, could you expect her to have guessed in an instant something so strange and impossible?" Aro asked. "Any of us would have made the same assumption."
Caius flicked his fingers at Aro to silence him.
"We all know you made a mistake," he said to her. "I meant to speak of your motivations."
Irina was confused. "My motivations?"
"Yes, for coming to spy on them in the first place."
Irina flinched.
"You were unhappy with the Cullens, were you not?"
She turned her eyes to Carlisle. "I was," she admitted.
"Because… ?" Caius prompted.
"Because the werewolves killed my friend," she whispered. "And the Cullens wouldn't stand aside to let me avenge him."
"The shape-shifters," Aro corrected.
"So the Cullens sided with the shape-shifters against our own kind—against the friend of a friend, even," Caius summarized.
Edward growled.
Irina's shoulders stiffened. "That's how I saw it."
Caius prompted, "If you'd like to make a formal complaint against the shape-shifters—and the Cullens for supporting their actions—now would be the time." He smiled a tiny cruel smile.
Irina frowned. "No, I have no complaint against the wolves, or the Cullens. You came here today to destroy an immortal child. No immortal child exists. This was my mistake, and I take full responsibility for it. But the Cullens are innocent, and you have no reason to still be here. I'm so sorry," she said to each one of us, and then she turned to face the Volturi. "There was no crime. There's no valid reason for
you to continue here."
Caius raised his hand as she spoke.
"Renesmee, Hannah… don't watch this," Edward spoke. "Seth, Jacob, and Leah… look away. This will be too much for Hannah."
Everyone did so. I shut my eyes. I understood what was about to happen. They were going to kill Irina. Only a moment passed. I heard Irina scream. I heard the sound of stone breaking as she was torn to pieces. I smelled the scent of burning vampire flesh as she was turned to ash.
I heard the screech of two broken hearted sisters.
"Stop them!" Edward cried out.
I heard a scuffle. At this point the others watched again. I saw through their thoughts other vampires were restraining the blondes from moving forward and attacking the Volturi.
"Zafrina," Edward shouted.
The sisters stopped struggling. I knew from small details that Zafrina could take their sight.
Things calmed, but I was shaken. The death had happened so quickly. In a blink, Irina was dead. There was a fire across the field already. In a matter of a minute. As Aro spoke to a witness who was with us, collecting evidence about Renesmee, I felt my heart ache. If a fight broke out, I knew then we would not truly win. They were too strong. Too resourceful.
My panic dimmed my senses. I was only slightly aware that Aro was speaking to the other witnesses now, questioning them about Renesmee. I could sense the Volturi had no desire to leave without a fight. I knew our last hour was most likely near.
I thought back to all that had happened the beginning of this year… the loneliness and pain as I was left by my brother and friends in a world they were no longer part of. if I had just tried to be happy, and accepted the offer to sit at lunch with Jen and her friends, then could I have avoided this present? Could I have stayed human...
However, I realized I didn't want to change what had happened. I met Seth… I was taken in by the Cullens… and I had a beautiful niece. No matter how awful this was ending, I knew I would stand here and fight with my family. I would protect them and die for them all.
Tension rose. There were snarls and hissing on both sides suddenly. The threat was growing. A battle was approaching. Seth eyed the crowd wondering who his target would be. I could hear Jacob was planning to run with Renesmee. Renesmee was on his back and they were ready to go. Bella had given him a passport and credit card. They would be the only two to survive this.
The tension stopped though. There was silence for a moment. Finally, Aro broke it. "Let us vote, then," he said with apparent reluctance.
Caius spoke with eager haste. "The child is an unknown quantity. There is no reason to allow such a risk to exist. It must be destroyed, along with all who protect it."
Bella hissed as they spoke about killing her daughter.
Marcus, who was the quietest out of his brothers, lifted his uncaring eyes. "I see no immediate danger. The child is safe enough for now. We can always reevaluate later. Let us leave in peace."
"I must make the deciding vote, it seems," Aro mused.
Edward suddenly hissed. "Yes!" I saw through Jacob's thoughts a look of triumph on his expression.
"Aro?" Edward called.
Aro was stunned by Edward's new mood. We all were. Had my vampire brother lost it?
"Yes, Edward? You have something further… ?"
"Perhaps," Edward said pleasantly. "First, if I could clarify one point?"
"Certainly," Aro said.
"The danger you foresee from my daughter—this stems entirely from our inability to guess how she will develop? That is the crux of the matter?"
"Yes, friend Edward," Aro agreed. "If we could but be positive… be sure that, as she grows, she will be able to stay concealed from the human world—not endanger the safety of our obscurity . . ." He trailed off, shrugging.
"So, if we could only know for sure," Edward suggested, "exactly what she will become… then there would be no need for a council at all?"
"If there was some way to be absolutely sure," Aro agreed. "Then, yes, there would be no question to debate."
"And we would part in peace, good friends once again?" Edward asked.
Aro nodded. "Of course, my young friend. Nothing would please me more."
Edward chuckled. "Then I do have something more to offer."
Aro's eyes narrowed. "She is absolutely unique. Her future can only be guessed at."
"Not absolutely unique," Edward disagreed. "Rare, certainly, but not one of a kind."
I was stunned. My heart pounded hard. What on earth was Edward talking about? Jacob, Leah, and Seth were stumped as well.
Edward sighed. "Aro, would you ask Jane to stop attacking my wife? We are still discussing evidence."
Aro raised one hand. "Peace, dear ones. Let us hear him out."
"Why don't you join us, Alice?" Edward called loudly.
"Alice," Esme whispered in shock.
Alice! Jasper!
I managed to squeeze enough between Sam and Seth to see my sister and brother walking across the clearing. After weeks of them being gone, they were finally home. I had to resist the urge to howl with joy.
Close after them ran three strangers; the first was a tall, muscular female. The next was a small olive-toned female vampire with a long braid of black hair. She was more nervous than the first. The last was a young man… not quite as fast. His skin was dark brown. He looked around warily. He had long dark hair in a braid as well.
As he approached, we all heard it: a heartbeat.
Alice skipped over to embrace Edward, Esme, and Carlisle. There wasn't time for any other welcome. Jasper had followed her.
The Volturi and witnesses were silent. The pack was amazed.
Edward spoke again. "Alice has been searching for her own witnesses these last weeks. And she does not come back empty-handed. Alice, why don't you introduce the witnesses you've brought?"
Caius snarled. "The time for witnesses is past! Cast your vote, Aro!"
Aro raised one finger to silence his brother.
Alice stepped forward lightly and introduced the strangers. "This is Huilen and her nephew, Nahuel."
"Speak, Huilen," Aro commanded. "Give us the witness you were brought to bear."
The vampire looked to Alice nervously. Alice nodded in encouragement.
"I am Huilen," the woman announced. "A century and a half ago, I lived with my people, the Mapuche. My sister was Pire. Our parents named her after the snow on the mountains because of her fair skin. And she was very beautiful—too beautiful. She came to me one day in secret and told me of the angel that found her in the woods, that visited her by night. I warned her." Huilen spoke mournfully. "As if the bruises on her skin were not warning enough. I knew it was the Libishomen of our legends, but she would not listen. She was bewitched.
"She told me when she was sure her dark angel's child was growing inside her. I didn't try to discourage her from her plan to run away—I knew even our father and mother would agree that the child must be destroyed, Pire with it. I went with her into the deepest parts of the forest. She searched for her demon angel but found nothing. I cared for her, hunted for her when her strength failed. She ate the animals raw, drinking their blood. I needed no more confirmation of what she carried in her womb. I hoped to save her life before I killed the monster.
"But she loved the child inside her. She called him Nahuel, after the jungle cat, when he grew strong and broke her bones—and loved him still. I could not save her. The child ripped his way free of her, and she died quickly, begging all the while that I would care for her Nahuel. Her dying wish—and I agreed. He bit me, though, when I tried to lift him from her body. I crawled away into the jungle to die. I didn't get far—the pain was too much. But he found me; the newborn child struggled through the underbrush to my side and waited for me. When the pain ended, he was curled against my side, sleeping. I cared for him until he was able to hunt for himself. We hunted the villages around our forest, staying to ourselves. We have never come so far from our home, but Nahuel wished to see the child here."
Huilen bowed her head and hid behind the other vampire that had come with them.
Aro was fascinated. "Nahuel, you are one hundred and fifty years old?" he questioned.
"Give or take a decade," he answered. "We don't keep track."
"And you reached maturity at what age?"
"About seven years after my birth, more or less, I was full grown."
"You have not changed since then?"
Nahuel shrugged. "Not that I've noticed."
"And your diet?" Aro pressed.
"Mostly blood, but some human food, too. I can survive on either."
"You were able to create an immortal?"
"Yes, but none of the rest can." Nahuel answered.
There was shocked murmurs. I was astounded. The rest? There were more like Renesmee?
Aro was amazed. "The rest?"
"My sisters." Nahuel shrugged again.
Aro was bewildered. "Perhaps you would tell us the rest of your story, for there seems to be more."
Nahuel frowned. But he did. "My father came looking for me a few years after my mother's death. He was pleased to find me." Nahuel's tone turned bitter. "He had two daughters, but no sons. He expected me to join him, as my sisters had. He was surprised I was not alone. My sisters are not venomous, but whether that's due to gender or a random chance… who knows? I already had my family with Huilen, and I was not interested in making a change. I see him from time to time. I have a new sister; she reached maturity about ten years back."
"Your father's name?" Caius asked.
"Joham," Nahuel answered. "He considers himself a scientist. He thinks he's creating a new super-race."
Caius looked at Bella. "Your daughter, is she venomous?"
"No," She responded.
Caius still wanted a fight. He growled. "We take care of the aberration here, and then follow it south."
"Brother," Aro said softly to him. "There appears to be no danger. This is an unusual development, but I see no threat. These half-vampire children are much like us, it appears."
"Is that your vote?" Caius demanded.
"It is."
Caius scowled. "And this Joham? This immortal so fond of experimentation?"
"Perhaps we should speak with him," Aro agreed.
"Stop Joham if you will," Nahuel said flatly. "But leave my sisters be. They are innocent."
Aro nodded, his expression solemn. And then he turned back to his guard with a warm smile.
"Dear ones," he called. "We do not fight today."
The guard nodded in unison and straightened out of their ready positions. He turned back towards us and took a step forward.
"However, I do have one last request before we go," he stated.
He looked across the wolves, searching. His eyes finally found me beside the larger bodies of Sam and Seth. I shrunk.
"I wish to meet the one Edward showed me. You have another marvel in your coven," Aro spoke softly, looking at Carlisle. "Such a tender soul at that… Hannah, was it?"
Carlisle glanced back at me with angst. He wasn't sure what Aro planned. My heart was pounding painfully. I thought it was over. I thought the danger had passed. Why me?!
Damnit! Really, Edward?! Just couldn't not think of Hannah for five seconds! My brother was anxious.
Carlisle spoke to Aro to defend me. "Hannah is important to my family. And she has never caused harm."
"Of course. I can see she is no threat. But I would love to meet her," Aro chimed. His eyes landed back on me. Seth moved in front, scared I would be in danger.
Carlisle looked back at us for a moment. He gave a sad smile to Seth. We both knew I didn't have much of a choice. He turned back to Aro. "She will come forward, but only in her wolf form. She has not fed today. We need to get her blood."
"Aro?" Caius hissed. He was already frustrated they were not going to war. "What is this speak of?"
Aro smiled back at his brothers. "A very special child is amongst us apart from our darling Renesmee and Nahuel." He shot his eyes back towards me. "Hannah… please do not be afraid. I will not harm you child."
Over my dead body! Seth blocked me and snarled.
Aro noticed Seth's action. "I see the imprint feeling is indeed powerful amongst the wolves. Interesting." He spoke to Seth. "I will not harm her, shifter. I only wish to meet her."
Carlisle sighed. "Seth… it is okay. Let her through."
Seth growled.
Jacob spoke with regret. Do it Seth.
Seth huffed and moved aside. I was brought back into view. I glanced over at Edward with fear. He looked over at me. Is Aro telling the truth?
Edward nodded. I let out a heavy breath.
Seth… it's okay, I told him. Please wait here unless something happens.
I moved forward away from where I had tried to blend in amongst the pack. The vampires on our side around us were surprised to find I was the one he spoke of. The members of the Volturi were astounded and perplexed.
Stepping across the snow, I was certain I was whiter than the powder beneath me. I could feel all eyes on me. I passed Nahuel who stared at me with intrigue.
Seth whined behind. I don't like this.
Calm down… Jacob said. Alice would've seen if this was a bad idea.
Alice moved beside me, and Edward, Carlisle, and Bella stepped over as well. Aro was amused by their concern for me.
"No worries. I only wish to meet her. I already promised you we are going in peace. You have nothing more to fear." Aro stepped closer.
I stopped suddenly, still frightened as I took in his crimson eyes. I whined involuntarily from the terror I could not get rid of. I was truly one of a kind. There was nothing else to compare me to. I didn't know what would happen if Aro saw me as a threat. I didn't know if I believed he truly wouldn't harm me.
Edward placed a brotherly hand on my head. "Aro's telling the truth, Han. You're safe. He just is curious."
I tried to calm my fear. But I was not moving forward anymore. Aro could sense this. He decided to ask his questions in the meantime.
"Her eyes are truly that of your vegetarian lifestyle. Tell me, does she have the enhancements that our kind possess in this form as well?"
Edward answered. "She's faster and stronger than the other wolves. When the vampire part of her emerges in her other form she is stronger then two of us combined."
Aro was thrilled. "Fascinating!"
"Brother! Explain!" Caius was impatient.
Aro turned to look at his brothers and coven. "My friends, what we have here is a unique child. She is three species in one. Shapeshifter, vampire, and human. She was bitten by a vampire named Victoria right before her shifter gene emerged. The fact she became a shapeshifter after the venom entered inside her sealed the venom in certain parts of her. She transformed on the outside, but she still is much like a half-mortal child on the inside. Her heart still beats even in her vampire form, similar to Renesmee and Nahuel."
There were gasps in the field. The witnesses started to murmur. The Volturi members looked stricken with bewilderment. Caius was shocked. Marcus seemed intrigued.
"The child… she drinks blood in her other form?" Marcus asked.
Edward nodded. "Yes. She has to feed like us, but she also eats and sleeps like other humans. She is more human once her needs have been met. Her vampire form is usually kept at bay until she starts to thirst."
Marcus nodded. "And the shapeshifters… if they are bitten by a vampire would they become like her?"
Edward shook his head. "No. I bit Hannah's brother back when she was turned to see if there was a way we could get the venom out of her. He was immune to my bite. Once they have matured into shapeshifters and phased, they cannot be affected by our venom. Hannah is special."
Aro was thrilled by this. He stepped forward again. "Hannah… may I touch? I would love to see what you see."
I tried not to be afraid, but I whined again. I didn't want him touching me. I feared one wrong thought and he would snap my neck.
Edward moved in front of me to meet my gaze. "Hannah… it's okay. We're right here. No one will harm you without going through us."
I felt Bella place a comforting hand on my back. Alice did the same on my shoulder. Edward kept a gentle hand on the space between my ears.
Aro looked surprised by my reaction.
"She's a bit timid…" Carlisle explained. "She's been through a lot in the last year physically and emotionally. Let her come to you."
Aro nodded. He held his hand out in waiting. I swallowed. I knew the best thing to do was get it over with.
Stay with me, I begged Edward.
He stroked my fur. "We're here, sis. It's going to be okay."
I nodded. I moved forward slowly. Edward, Carlisle, Alice, and Bella walked with me keeping their gentle touch on me to let me know I wasn't alone. Aro reached more towards me. I moved my nose towards his hand. He gently pressed his hand to the place between my eyes. He shut his red orbs as he listened to every thought inside me.
"Amazing," he whispered. He was probably seeing it all. Victoria biting me. The hallucinations. The three days of thirst. The fight I had with Bella. My complete refusal to kill. He saw my past. My pain. His face fell as he reached the darker memories. When he pulled away finally, he looked at me with sorrow. "My dear… you truly have suffered. But I can see the Cullens care for you greatly. And your vampire form is indeed beautiful. I understand why you must remain in this form, especially with Renesmee and Nahuel in the area. Perhaps one day I can meet you and see the beauty and marvel for myself."
I relaxed after being so tense. I could see I was truly not going to be harmed.
However, Caius snarled. I backed away quickly with a whimper. Edward and Carlisle stepped in front of me, and I saw Emmett, and Jasper had stepped over as well.
The cruel leader pointed a finger at me. "This is not natural! A shifter cannot be a vampire too! We cannot allow this abomination to live!"
My friends and family from both packs snarled and growled. Seth ran forward and joined my family. He snarled at Caius and bared his teeth. Don't touch her!
Aro turned to his brother with defense. "Brother. Please calm yourself. Hannah is no threat to anyone. She is the purest soul I have ever met."
Caius scowled. "We do not know this creature's potential. If it becomes stronger it could destroy us all! Something like her should not exist!"
I whimpered again. Seth snarled. My family moved in front of me more to hide me from the furious vampire.
Surprisingly, Marcus came to my defense. He was not pleased with his brother. "Cauis… enough… you are scaring the child," he spoke.
I could see through my family that Caius was confused by his brother's defense.
Marcus continued. "I can sense that this child is nothing more than a daughter to Carlisle and Esme, and a sister to the Cullens. It is clear to me that she does not desire to harm anyone. Killing the child would be an act of cruelty. She has broken no laws."
Aro agreed. "Hannah is an innocent soul. She was brought into this new life cruelly, and has only been trying to find a place she belongs. I'm afraid if you try to kill this child I will have to intervene on her behalf."
Caius scowled.
Aro looked back at me with a gentle smile. "No worries, my dear. You are too much of a marvel to destroy. I look forward to crossing paths with you in the future. Until then, we will go in peace." My family had relaxed at this point and brought me into view again. Aro reached out and brushed my fur again with his fingers. "Amazing. Truly amazing."
Aro held his hands out to all of us, almost apologetic. Behind him, the larger part of the guard, along with Caius, Marcus, and the silent, mysterious wives, were already drifting quickly away, their formation precise once again. Only the three that seemed to be his personal guards lingered with him.
"I'm so glad this could be resolved without violence," he said sweetly. "My friend, Carlisle—how pleased I am to call you friend again! I hope there are no hard feelings. I know you understand the strict burden that our duty places on our shoulders."
"Leave in peace, Aro," Carlisle said stiffly. "Please remember that we still have our anonymity to protect here, and keep your guard from hunting in this region."
"Of course, Carlisle," Aro assured him. "I am sorry to earn your disapproval, my dear friend. Perhaps, in time, you will forgive me."
"Perhaps, in time, if you prove a friend to us again."
Aro bowed his head. He shot his eyes to me, Nahuel, and Renesmee again. He smiled. "Truly amazing." Then he turned and headed away. His three guards followed behind him. They vanished into the trees, and a silence fell over us.
There was a long pause. It probably stretched for a good three minutes.
"Is it really over?" Bella whispered to Edward, finally breaking the silence.
His smile was huge. "Yes. They've given up. Like all bullies, they're cowards underneath the swagger." He chuckled.
Alice laughed with him. "Seriously, people. They're not coming back. Everybody can relax now."
There was another beat of silence.
"Of all the rotten luck," a male vampire muttered.
Cheers erupted. Howls from the pack rang around us. Seth nuzzled my cheek with joy, while my family embraced one another. I received a hug from each one of them. I noticed Bella had rushed over with Edward to Renesmee and pulled her off Jacob's back. They hugged her closely to them in utter relief. They would have their daughter forever, and the threat had finally passed.
Later that day, I was in my human form again. I had fed on a bear while we headed home, and ate some food with Seth, Jacob, and Leah at the house.
The Denali clan was still in mourning, but they were eager to meet me before they left. Tanya kissed me on the cheek, and Kate hugged me with delight. They called me cousin and scolded my family for hiding me from them.
The other witnesses observed me from afar. I could see a lot of them were nervous of the strength Edward had explained to Aro I had. I was timid with them as well. I still didn't like being around so many vampires who consumed human blood. Edward assured me that they could not pick my human scent much past my other confusing scents.
Thankfully, the strangers all slid away coven by coven as the evening passed. Eventually, the only two left were Nahuel and his aunt. They were staying for the night so that Nahuel could get some sleep before they headed out again the next day.
As Bella and Edward left to take Renesmee to their cottage, who was already asleep, I sat on the sofa hugging my legs to my chest and feeling utter relief. I wished Seth was beside me, but I understood him needing to go home to calm his mom's worries.
I heard Carlisle and Esme speaking to Huilen in the kitchen. Emmett and Jasper were relaying their journeys around the world to one another. Jacob had followed Bella and Edward out, still a little anxious about Renesmee's safety until he was certain all the witnesses were out of the area. Alice and Rosalie were catching up as well, and Alice was discussing the numerous fashions she and Jasper saw during their time away.
I rested my cheek on my knee, suddenly exhausted. I had promised Carlisle and Esme I would try to stay awake a few more hours, just so Nahuel wasn't too uncomfortable. Edward caught that the hybrid was fascinated by me, much like the other vampires had been.
Nahuel sat on the recliner nearby. He looked nineteen or twenty, but I knew he was centuries older. It filled me with joy seeing him though. We'd have Renesmee for a long long time.
Nahuel continued to stare at me with curiosity. I felt self-conscious. I lifted my head and looked out the window at the setting sun. There was still snow covering the trees and the earth.
"It is Hannah, correct?"
His sudden voice made me jump. I glanced over at him and gave a half-smile and nod. My energy was fading as the day drifted away. I was exhausted. I hadn't slept at all the night before, and the stress in my wolf form had weighed me down. I tried to hide this though by putting my feet back down and sitting straight.
"You were quite beautiful in your wolf form," he spoke. "Does the change hurt?"
I shook my head. "No. It just feels strange. Like my body's twisting weird."
He nodded. "And in your wolf form, do you desire blood?"
I shook my head. "No. Thankfully not. Sometimes it's nice not to feel my throat burn."
"Do you sleep?"
I smiled. "Not in my wolf form. I wish I could sometimes, because in the morning I wake up and immediately feel the thirst. But I've tried and every time I fall asleep the wolf part of me goes dormant and my vampire self re-emerges."
He was bewildered. "Did your creator know this would happen with you?"
I flinched when he mentioned Victoria. I shook my head though. "She thought she was turning me into a vampire. No one from my tribe with the shifter gene had been bitten before, so no one expected me to become what I am. She turned me to hurt the pack and my brother, but she didn't realize how closely bound we were. She upset my family, but she sealed her fate."
He nodded. "Your brother… he is the one that clings to Renesmee?"
I nodded. "Yes. He imprinted on her. He's her destined protector."
"Fascinating…" Nahuel took this in for a moment. He looked me over from head to toe. His eyes then caught something on my arm. "Is that where your creator bit you?"
I stared at the crescent scar on my arm. I covered it with dismay. "No… Carlisle had to bite into me to give me some medication a few months ago. The human blood in me allowed him to calm me with some anesthetics. I was quite an emotional mess…"
Nahuel nodded. "I can see you have suffered. You have felt loss, and fear. Abandonment… I see a lot of my struggles in you. You felt for a time you did not belong, I'm sure. It's good that the Cullens have taken you under their wing." He smiled. "It's really amazing though to meet someone who is so unique. You are one of a kind. Truly special, Hannah."
If I could blush I would. Instead, I just gave him a smile. "I'm just glad Renesmee has others like her. We were all so worried she would grow too quickly and die. You have reassured all of us that we will have Renesmee in our lives for a very long time."
He nodded. "She is indeed much like my sisters. However, I can see a lot more human in her the more I get to know her. Just like you."
I nodded. Then I spoke with sincerity. "Thank you for coming… our family owes you greatly."
He flashed a bright smile at me. "I kind of felt like a hero today."
I laughed. "You were. Definitely."
I spoke to Nahuel a little longer. He wanted to know about my human life some, and then about my vampire life. After speaking to him for another hour, my voice softened.
He noticed. "You must be tired. I'm sure you've had a stressful last few weeks with the threat on your family."
I gave a small smile. "I didn't sleep last night. I was trying to keep awake to stay in my wolf form. Everyone wanted me to stay inconspicuous. But I'm fine. I'll sleep soon."
He nodded. We both fell quiet again. As we did, I fell into my thoughts.
I was so relieved. So elated. This morning I didn't know if any of us would still be alive tonight. We only had one casualty. I did feel awful for the Denali clan. And I could sense Irina had been truly regretful of her actions before she died. I hoped there was a vampire after life and she could be with the man she had loved again. But who knew if that was so.
At some point I must've drifted on the couch. I felt cold arms slide under me and lift me from the cushion. "I'm going to take her upstairs," Carlisle spoke. "You're welcome to sleep in Edward's room if you desire, Nahuel."
I heard the hybrid through my groggy state. "Thank you, Carlisle. I should be fine on the couch. I'm used to sleeping on much less."
I opened my eyes partially, and I saw Carlisle was carrying me upstairs. I heard Esme following behind. I sighed, shutting my eyes again and dropping my head against him. I was so tired. The last few weeks had been endless.
I drifted only for a moment, and then woke again to find I was placed on my bed. It had been so long since I was in my room, and the familiar comfort was a relief. I opened my eyes to see Carlisle above me.
He brushed a fatherly hand against my cheek. "Rest, Hannah… we'll see you in the morning."
I looked between Carlisle and Esme, my mind alert enough to speak the words I desired. "I love you, mom and dad… forever."
Carlisle kissed me on the forehead, and Esme copied the action a moment later. Esme spread my mother's blanket over me, while Carlisle slid my bracelet which I had left at home for safe keeping onto my wrist.
"We love you so much, Hannah..." Esme kissed me again.
Carlisle nodded. "Now and forever."
I finally fell asleep, overwhelming peace falling over me for the first time in months.
