Renesmee's condition continued to improve slowly. Much slower than what I would have liked, but it was an improvement nonetheless.

Every day I willed her to awaken, but she never did. Nothing I could pray would make a difference; it was all up to her now. Carlisle reassured me that her responses to people's touch and voices were an extremely good sign, and he was convinced she would make a full recovery. I thanked him.

Even though there had been signs of improvement, neither Jake nor I left her side. If we did, one of us was always there.

That was until Rosalie came into the room one afternoon:

Jake growled at her as she stood in the doorway. I ignored her completely. Because of this, she directed her notice to Jake: "Your dog friend is here with news."

I looked to Jake, conflicted. Sam hadn't ventured into the Cullen house since the attack, choosing to send Seth instead. It wasn't Seth downstairs because he always invited himself upstairs, unfazed by the house full of enemies. Whatever the news was must have been important for Sam to have ventured indoors. But I was reluctant to leave Renesmee.

In the softest, sincerest tone of voice she had ever used to me before, Rosalie said, "I'll watch her while you're downstairs."

I looked back at my sleeping daughter. Despite my inner conflict, deep down I knew Rosalie would never hurt Ness – that was why she was so angry with me after all. I could trust her for the few minutes I needed away from her to find out what was so important. So I stood, kissed my daughter's forehead and signalled for Jake to follow me. Rosalie stepped through the doorframe.

As I walked past her, I mumbled, "Let me know if there's any change."

She nodded and took my vacated seat next to Ness as Jake and I went downstairs. It was the most amicable exchange we'd had in these three weeks under the same roof.

Walking to the living room, Sam was standing by the front door waiting for us, his arms folded across his chest and shoulders tense. He was uncomfortable. It wasn't that surprising considering every other Cullen was also gathered in the space waiting to hear what he had to say.

He sighed in relief when he saw us, but an essence of a scowl remained on his face.

"You find her?" Jake asked, an edge to his voice.

Sam chewed the inside of his cheek. His silence spoke volumes.

I sighed despondently.

"So what's the news?" Jake questioned impatiently.

"We think she's planning something. Something big," was his response.

"What do you mean?" Emmett asked from his spot by the TV.

"It's too much of a coincidence for it not to be connected which is why I'm telling you-"

"What is?" Jake asked through gritted teeth. His hands were shaking so I took one in my own.

"This past week we've been tracking her scent and every time we get close to the destination there has been a newborn vampire there instead." He let that sink in before he continued.

"The first few times we thought it was just chance, but now we know it can't be. We have killed twenty-one newborns this last week alone. All of them have been found along the path of her scent. We think she's sending them to intercept the pack."

A silence lingered.

"Who knew a vampire could have so many friends?" Sam muttered.

"They are not her friends," Jasper stated, "they are her soldiers."

I whipped around to face him. "Soldiers?"

"It sounds to me like she is creating an army," he elaborated.

Jacob shivered as his fury built. "An army of vampires?"

"How do you know this?" I questioned.

"It was how I became a vampire, Bella," he stated. "How I got so many of these scars."

Jasper then told us his full story: about Maria, his role, and his escape. The calm of which he spoke was extremely oxymoronic to the picture he painted.

"Newborns are lethal. Because their own human blood remains in their bodies, they are far stronger than your average vampire."

Sam snorted. "Yeah, we are aware of that."

I turned and saw him looking at me with a hint of a smirk on his face. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Jasper. Edward was frowning.

"They are also easy to create, easy to manipulate and easily disposable. If there are many along Victoria's scent, I am certain that her intention is to create an army. She's using the ones she has already created to serve as a distraction while she makes up enough numbers to attack."

"If she wants a war then that's exactly what she'll get," I snarled. I was so angry. My vision filled with red and I felt my body losing itself to the true hunter in me. But I knew there was nothing I could do yet. Not with my little girl upstairs. I forced myself to calm down.

"You're really something when you're pissed," Emmett teased.

I glanced at him, not in the mood for his jokes, before I turned to Jasper. "Jasper, can you, Emmett and Sam work on a battle plan to make sure we're prepared for any attack?"

Jasper nodded and indicated for Sam to follow him into the dining room. Emmett went with them. Jake squeezed my shoulders before joining them. Of course he'd want to be involved.

I turned to head back upstairs when I felt someone take my hand. I turned and saw Edward standing directly in front of me. His thumb stroked the back of my hand as he promised, "She'll never touch Renesmee again while I'm here."

He gave my hand a light squeeze before he too walked towards the dining room.

I schooled my face into a mask of indifference then walked back upstairs to sit with my daughter. The flicker of hope I saw on Alice's face was immediately quashed.

As I entered the room, Rosalie had Ness' hand to her cheek. A delicate, wistful smile brightened her face. With her other hand, she was stroking Ness' hair. If she heard me enter she didn't react.

I took the seat opposite and simply gazed at my beautiful girl, sending another silent prayer that she makes a full recovery.

"What was she like growing up?" Rosalie asked.

I smiled; an automatic response to remembering. "Adventurous. Funny. Too curious for her own good. She had really rounded cheeks when she was little. That's one thing I miss. She loved the outdoors; she still does. And loving; very, very loving. She has the kindest heart I know."

A pause filled the air, but it was comfortable; not static with tension.

"I've been watching her dreams," Rosalie breathed.

"Anything good playing today?"

"Some of it was indecipherable. But I think they were mostly memories. Your dad features a lot. And you. You've clearly done a lot together."

"We've never been apart," I agreed.

Rosalie took Ness' hand away from her face and kissed the back of it before laying it by her side.

Without turning to look at me she murmured, "I will never forgive you for this."

I bristled. "I wasn't the one who left without a trace."

Only then did Rosalie look at me. Her eyes bore into mine before she broke off her gaze and stood to leave.

I sighed then looked up through the windows into the forest beyond as I thought about our situation.

A vicious snarl rippled through my chest and burst out. I was standing and the chair I had unceremoniously vacated lay on the floor as I caught sight of her amongst the greenery. Her fiery hair whipped in graceful tornados as it danced with the wind. I wanted to rip off the conceited smirk gracing her face.

Behind me, Rosalie reacted to my snarl; darting down the stairs. The door slammed behind her.

The vibrations were still rippling in my chest as I stared her down in the distance maintaining the eye-contact she dared to hold.

A howl tore through the air. Only then did Victoria divert her cocky gaze to run further into the trees and out of sight. A split second later I saw Jacob, Sam, Jasper and Emmett pursue her.

I stood by Renesmee defensively, ready to fight if she came from either direction. My instincts had completely taken over.

The door swung open; I snarled and crouched. Edward was at the door, his hands raised in surrender.

"Easy Bella. She won't come here, I promise," he spoke softly.

He walked towards me slowly, careful not to prompt anything. "Renesmee is safe."

My instincts deflated but my anger remained. I picked up the chair on the floor and smashed it on the ground with an outburst of rage. It shattered into hundreds of pieces, scattering.

Edward had hold of me in an instant, his arms wrapping around me tightly. He shushed in my ear to calm me down but it didn't work.

"How did she get so close?!" I screamed.

"Her plan was to intimidate you, Bella. Don't let her win. She wants to scare you into thinking she's nearby, but she isn't," he hushed. "She will never get to this house, I promise."

My composure cracked as he assured, "We're a family. She can't stand up to that."

A sob escaped me as I completely deflated into him. "I want her dead. She has to die!"

He shushed me again as he took me to the floor, seating me between his legs as he held me to his chest. I let his arms and voice soothe me as I tearlessly sobbed.

As my crying ebbed gradually, I stayed on the floor with him, staring at nothing in particular and thinking about nothing in particular. At some point he'd begun kissing my hair every so often. I don't know why I didn't stop him.

My grief put me in a motionless trance, one that was only broken when Emmett and Jasper returned. Even from here I could hear them informing the others who inquired: Jake was so angry he couldn't change back yet, Sam was reorganising the pack patrol, and most importantly, Victoria had evaded them again.

"Whatever it is we are doing; we need to do it soon," Jasper advised. "If she is willing to venture this close then it won't be long before she is ready to attack. We need to move first if we want the element of surprise."

I had already resolved what I was going to do. It was set in my mind and I needed to tell them that only I would be the one to kill that bitch. I had to know for sure she was dead. The only way to accomplish that is if she died by my own hand.

I extracted myself from Edward's arms and stood up. Anticipating my movement, he was up at the same time. He let me lead him to the door so we could go downstairs. But my plan was completely forgotten as the sound of a deep inhale made me freeze. A spluttering of coughs followed and I was by her head immediately, holding her neck.

I held my breath as it subsided, silently willing her eyes to open rather than succumb to unconsciousness again.

"Ness," I whispered to her still form.

Three incredibly long seconds passed before her eyes fluttered then opened to reveal her beautiful chocolate orbs.

I choked on a cry. I had never been so relieved.

Her eyes adjusted to the light then focused on my face.

"Mom?"

I exhaled, "You're awake."

-o0o-

N/R POV

The perpetual darkness I found myself in was frightening. For a time – and I didn't know how long that had been – I could hear faint voices but couldn't respond in any way. The voices were obscured; like I was at the opposite end of a mile-long tunnel, or underwater.

There were so many voices that I recognised; Bella's and Jake's were the most prominent. In spite of this, I was caged in an indestructible bubble that wouldn't let me move.

I couldn't tell if I was in pain or not. Time meant nothing as I lingered in a surreal state of unconsciousness.

As the weight lifted and my body returned, a series of coughs exploded from my chest and I took in air that was long overdue.

I felt a soft touch on the back of my neck, like being caressed by a feather. Gradually, the featherlike touch became something else, the pressure growing until I was aware that my head was falling heavy; I had no control over it. A whisper of my name from my favourite voice infiltrated my senses and I latched onto it, willing myself to be responsive.

I fought the barrier keeping me trapped in my sleep until the black became hued with red, then orange, then suddenly it was white. Too blinding a light. I closed my eyes and opened them in a rapid succession until the bright white faded into something bearable.

Behind a blurred vision to the left of my white haze was a brown and cream waterfall. I concentrated on that until the blurred edges sharpened into an image I recognised. "Mom?"

An audible sob escaped from her, a hand going to her mouth. "You're awake."

I tried to move my hands, then my feet – the control was back. I went to lift my head out of her grasp, but as I moved a shockwave of pain and dizziness pierced my skull. I winced and moaned in response.

"Stay down, Sweetheart," my mother soothed.

I closed my eyes and that seemed to help dispel the pain.

I heard assured footsteps enter the room and felt someone at my side.

"Renesmee, it's Carlisle," he said. "Can you open your eyes?"

I did as he asked and was met by a torch light at my right eye before he shifted it to my left.

"Are you in pain?"

"My head," I moaned in a hoarse manner. "Can I get a drink?"

Within seconds, a plastic cup of water with a straw appeared next to me.

"Bella, help her sit up," Carlisle ordered lightly.

I let myself be weightless and my mom supported me until I was upright, leaning completely against her chest and arm.

She took the cup that Edward was holding out and touched the straw to my lips.

I didn't look at him as she did and I didn't look at him as I pulled the water through the straw. My eyes were glued to my lap until the cup was empty. I felt a little better. Mom repeatedly kissed my hair.

When the cup was gone, I turned my head into her chest and breathed in her familiarity.

"My throat still hurts," I told no one in particular.

"That's probably from the cut," Carlisle assessed. "Can you remember what happened?"

I nodded, recalling the events that happened moments ago.

My eyes shot open as I recalled one particular detail. Pulling away from Mom, I looked at her helplessly. "Jenna!"

The action caused my head to spin and I lulled to the side. She immediately stabilised me from behind. "Shh, easy."

As my head regained composure, my stomach flip-flopped and seized. The water I had just consumed came shooting back up my oesophagus. I had just enough time to lean forward as I vomited on the floor.

The doctor spoke: "Lie her back down."

Then I was on my back.

"Calm down – your heart's racing and I need it to even out. Just breathe," he ordered.

"I'm sure Jenna is fine, Ness, we'll go and find her family when you're better," Bella whispered.

I counted my breaths as the nausea gradually subsided.

"That's it," Carlisle encouraged.

My mom's fingers were stroking my forehead, the cool touch helping dim the fire that burned there.

I began to relax and felt my senses slipping, I tried to fight it until I heard Carlisle's melodic voice tell me it was okay to sleep. I fell under immediately.

-o0o-

Waking up this time was much easier. My eyes adjusted quicker, my head felt lighter and my stomach felt calm.

I turned my head and Mom was still in her spot next to me; no one else was around. She was holding my hand so I didn't need to gather energy to speak.

She grabbed a cup of water and helped me sit up, bringing it to my lips. "Sip it."

I did as I was told, being careful not to induce a repeat performance.

When I'd had enough, I put it down and swallowed. "How long was I asleep?"

"Just now?" She clarified. I nodded.

"Six hours or so."

"How long was I asleep before then?"

A frown marred her face and her eyes went sad. "A while," she answered cryptically.

I didn't ask anything else.

A knock interrupted us and Carlisle poked his head around the door. "How's the patient?"

"She's tired," Bella answered for me.

He stepped into the room and walked towards me. "That doesn't surprise me; you're recovering from hypothermia, it's expected."

He was methodic and graceful as he checked me over. We remained silent as he did his thing.

"Your temperature is a little higher that what I'm told is normal for you which is okay as it means your body is fighting any chance of infection." He smiled. "You look a little pale."

"I am pale," I commented.

His smile widened and my mom let out a noiseless chuckle. "What I meant was you look a little weak. I'd like you to try some food, do you think you'd be able to?"

I nodded.

I let my mom play with my hair as I stayed silent. Carlisle wrote some things down then came and sat at my other side.

At that moment, someone walked along the corridor and the door opened. Esme walked in carrying a bowl of soup, some toast and a selfless smile. She brought the food over and placed it on my lap. It smelled divine.

"Thank you," I offered sincerely.

"You're welcome," she replied softly.

I picked up the toast and began eating. With every mouthful I felt a little more energised.

"Where's Jake?" I asked.

"He's getting Charlie and taking him to La Push," Mom told me.

The tight edge to her voice told me there was more to the story, so I enquired.

"A newborn was outside the house. It's for protection."

My face dropped and my heart sped up.

"What? Why?"

"It's taken care of," she hushed.

"Does this have something to do with Victoria?" I panicked.

"You eat and I'll talk."

When I didn't resume quick enough, she arched an eyebrow. I complied.

"We think she's creating newborns so she can attack us. They keep appearing from nowhere so we're getting ready. Luckily, one of the pack members was by the house and took care of it before he could get close to Charlie. We decided to move him to Billy's until this is over so he's protected."

I chewed on my toast as I allowed that information to sink in. Victoria wasn't letting up. She'd intended to kill me and failed. It was disconcerting the lengths she would go before her thirst for revenge was satisfied, if it would ever be.

Chancing a glance at my mom, her eyes shadowed mine. Their bright, honey tone was shadowed in a veil of black.

"Mom, when was the last time you ate?" I touched my empty hand to her cheek. She offered a small smile as I communicated my worry to her. She needed to be strong if Victoria was going to such extreme lengths to get to us, especially with our numbers doubling.

"I'll be fine," she assured. "I'm more than fine now you're awake."

I scowled in response. Without much thought to our audience, I folded my arms and levelled her with my stubborn attitude. "I'm not eating unless you do."

Now she was the one scowling. "Renesmee," she protested.

I turned my attention to Esme, picking up the tray and offering it back. "I'm finished with my meal, thank you."

My mom plucked it out of my hands and put it back atop my legs. "Stop it, you need to eat."

"So do you," I argued.

"You both do," Carlisle finalised.

Mom was shaking her head. "Baby, I don't want to leave you."

"I'll be fine, I won't be alone and you won't be gone long." I could see her resolve waning. "Please…"

She sighed, casting her eyes to look out of the window. I knew I'd finally convinced her so I resumed eating my soup.

Edward appeared suddenly, my shyness along with him. I kept my eyes away from him as he spoke to my mom: "Emmett has offered to accompany you. He needs to hunt too and I'd rather you didn't go alone."

I stifled a snort.

"I'm capable of going alone," Bella replied in a sardonic tone.

"I'm not saying you aren't," Edward backpedaled. "But it's been agreed that none of us are to hunt alone in case of an attack or ambush."

She didn't say anything.

"I'd be more than happy to accompany you if you preferred." His silent question hung in the air.

I watched Mom's face tighten from the corner of my eye. I also noticed that Carlisle and Esme held their tongues.

"I hope he realises we don't have time for him to play with his food," she mumbled.

I heard the bass laughter echo from downstairs.

With a final, forced smile, my mom rose from her chair, kissed my hair and whispered, "I'll be back soon."

As she walked away, she threw an "eat your soup", over her shoulder. I shook my head in amusement. Being a dutiful daughter, I followed orders and took the biggest mouthful I could.