Chapter 8
As Jake, Quil, Embry, Edward, Jasper, Emmett and Carlisle took off behind me to join the fight, panicked but resolved, I jumped at the throat of our worst opponent, a sadistic tracker with disgusting yellow hair and eyes black with thirst. He would've been the downfall of my family, had I let him attack. But in one powerful swipe of my new canines, I ripped his head off. Around me, three other vampires rushed through the bushes, and I braced myself. I knew Bella would shield our family against mental attacks, so I concentrated on physical ones.
I knew Joham was lurking a few yards away, awful thoughts in his head, but I had a role to play. I had to defend my family. So I helped Jasper with his opponent, a black-skinned vampire who, I could hear and feel, instilled an intense fear in his enemies' minds. Together with Jasper we countered him while fighting, concentrating on the love and the bonds uniting us, and he was soon roaring in frustration. Around me the battle was ugly, but thanks to Bella who was shielding us all, standing protectively in front of Esme, the three other vampires's lesser talents didn't affect us, and went down.
And then, seeing that he couldn't win by force, Joham made his move, coming out of the woods just as our family tore the four vampires to pieces. I saw Edward's resolve a second before he could stand between Joham and me, so I jumped again. I threw myself at Joham, a massive, pale-haired vampire with dark malevolent eyes, and lunged for his throat. I knew I couldn't tackle him, but it was the only way to protect my father. He would've died, hadn't I intervened, I had seen it clearly. And that was something I couldn't bear. Joham, with a chuckle and a sudden movement so fast I had trouble seeing it, smacked me on the muzzle, then put his arms around my body, crushing my ribcage.
"No! Nessie!" Edward couldn't help but wail as I whined in agony, excruciating pain shooting from the center of my body and rippling in powerful waves throughout every single one of my nerves.
Ho ho! An unexpected twist, I heard in Joham's deranged mind. So this mutt is actually his half-blood spawn? What a pleasant surprise! I'll have so much fun toying with her.
Nessie! I heard in all of my family's heads. I almost sobbed when hearing Jake's and Bella's despairing shrieks. Jasper, Edward and Jake were only four yards away, ready for the fight and approaching fast.
"Stop!" I heard Joham bellow at my family, crushing me even more. "Stop or I smash her into a pulp!"
I couldn't help another whine of pain, and I saw with satisfaction that my family complied. I knew, and felt, Joham's strength, even more potent than uncle Emmett's one, and if he wanted he could snap me in half in a hundredth of a second. Only that fact stopped Edward, Jasper and Jake, standing two yards away from us now, looking beyond mad. Behind them, Carlisle and Emmett were protecting Bella, Alice, Rosalie and Esme, and they all looked distressed and wary. Quil and Embry were hesitating by the fire, but I knew Jake wouldn't take any risks with my life.
Nessie! Jake shouted in my head. Are you okay?
I lifted my shield so Edward could listen, and answered him, trying to focus on the thoughts around me rather than the engulfing pain in my mind and body.
It hurts, Jake, I told him truthfully. Do what he tells you. It's the only way.
No! he growled, his fur in spikes at his collar, showing his glistening teeth. I won't let you down! We can do him!
It's meant to be this way, I whined as Joham's grip tightened a bit more. Please trust me.
"So," Joham started, taking a step back and appraising my family with contempt and triumph in his head. "So here's the mighty Cullen family, and their lapdogs. I'm truly delighted to meet you all. And especially this one," he added, jabbing a finger in my broken ribs, making me cough.
I felt blood on my tongue and dribbling from the corners of my mouth, and the pain became even more intense. Jake's panicked shouts didn't help my focus, though they tore my heart away, so I concentrated on my father's mind.
Dad, let him go.
Nessie, he thought, reading Joham's mind with horror and fury. As soon as he takes your talents away he'll kill you.
I know, I said, ignoring Joham's sneering comments about our 'weak-blooded family' and me being a shiny mutt. But I won't let him, Dad. And when I give in, you'll kill him.
And I showed him my vision, the one that had allowed – and will allow – me to endure so much pain and risk my life. Mele, the dark-haired female helping Joham, standing over me and screaming in fury and helplessness, Joham mad at her side, in some basement place. Edward understood. In a wolf body, I could gain talents, but they couldn't be taken from me. My animal blood interfered in the way. So all I had to do was stay wolf and endure, until my family came up with a plan to rescue me and destroy Joham in whatever place he would held me captive. My chances of being still alive at this point were slim, but I knew they would give Edward hope and fuel his resolve.
We won't let you down, he told me with a fierce expression on his face. Hold on, Nessie.
"I'm rather surprised that this young half-vampire can turn into a giant dog," Joham went on, amused by the murderous expressions on my family's faces and friends' attitudes. "More than I could expect from, undoubtedly, but it'll add a nice touch to my new experiments."
"Release my daughter," Bella growled menacingly, unconcealed madness in her voice.
"Bella Cullen, I suppose? So protective of your daughter, are you? I can't begin to understand why your husband," he spit disdainfully at that word, "would bother to change you after you gave birth to his child. I certainly didn't see the point when the women I fucked delivered the children I sired. They were just walking wombs, after all. But you Cullens are so strange I shouldn't take notice. So much pathetic losers, all of you, feeding on lesser, unworthy preys. And where's my good-for-nothing son? Shouldn't he be here?"
I knew Nahuel, Huilen and the Amazons have gone hunting out of state, so they weren't due until tomorrow. Our only streak of luck, so far. They would be safe too.
"Doesn't matter," Joham shrugged, making my chest ache so badly I saw stars popping up in front of my eyes. "Well, I'm on my way now. Don't you dare follow me if you value this weakling's life. I only want her talents. When I'm done with her, you'll have what's left."
I knew he was lying, of course, and so did Edward.
"If you know what talents we have, then you know we know you're lying to us," he said with a harsh voice, a cold, calculating expression seeping on his features.
In that instant, I truly saw the murderer he had been, the vampire preying on beings even less human then he ever was, and I shivered. He was frightening, resolved, and murderously furious. He loved me so deeply that I didn't doubt for a second Joham's fate. When Edward was done with him, if Jake allowed him, not even a nail-sized bit of him would linger. I felt a tiny bit better.
"I can always change my mind", Joham said with mirth, retreating in the woods.
"The Volturi won't be an easy target," Carlisle said coldly, more intense than I've ever seen him. "And neither will we."
"Oh, I certainly hope so," Joham said with a chuckle, making me yelp in pain and my family shudder. Bella in particular looked on the verge of tears she couldn't shed. "But I've heard you and they aren't on the best terms these days. So, what do you think will happen when they come here and find that this one is involved – again?"
I knew this outcome, of course, as far as minds were set. The Volturi would fight my family first, unless Edward and Jake rescued me and neutralized Joham before their arrival. A really tight window. I was tired, now, and aching everywhere. I yearned for soft arms hugging me, sleep, and relief from the pain.
"I'm so looking forward to seeing this," Joham laughed gleefully, making me want to throw up on his bloodstained shirt. "Until then, behave, Cullens!"
He turned around and ran, carrying me effortlessly, even though I was twice as huge as he was. I wanted to tharsh around, bite his head off, trample him to death, but I didn't have an ounce of energy left. Only Jake's voice in my head made me want to hold on a little longer.
Don't worry, Nessie, he said fiercely and desperately. We'll follow you and wait for an opportunity.
I could see in his mind that he and his pack were a few miles behind us, but Joham suddenly laughed and squeezed me harder. A loud snap echoed in the air, and I felt pain blossoming in my left front paw. I couldn't help a loud yowl this time, and I knew that Jake had heard and felt it all. His thoughts swirled in panic and even more despair.
"Don't follow, mongrels!" Joham bellowed with delight. "I don't mind, but I think she does."
Nessie, Jake said pleadingly in my head, and even his mental voice was full of tears. I'm so sorry.
Do as he tells you, Jake, I told him, my thoughts blurring. Edward has a plan. Don't worry, I'll be okay.
I love you, baby, he sobbed, stopping in his tracks. Hold on.
I will. I love you, Jake.
Then Joham jumped off a small cliff, and we plunged into freezing water. The shock of the cold, and the pain erupting in my whole body, were overwhelming this time. I fell backwards into a black void and felt no more.
When I emerged from the black pit where my conscience had been floating, I felt my body rocking and shuddering, causing me tremendous pain. I dimly registered my close surroundings, and soon realized that I was lying on the floor of a sturdy-looking van. Behind the wheel, Joham was driving and whistling like he was having the time of his life. And in his mind, he was. He was thinking about my family's dismay, his soon-to-be revenge against the Volturi, and the talents that I would provide him. Fat chance, I thought grimly, gritting my teeth.
Nessie? Jake's voice reached me, sounding quite broken but trying to stay upbeat for my sake. You okay?
I'll pass this one, I thought dejectedly, not wanting to dwell too much on my body aching everywhere or my absurd weakness, oblivious to the fact that he could see exactly in what kind of pain I was.
Where are you?
In a van. I peered out the windshield at what I could see. Tall buildings, burstling streets, huge traffic. I recognized the landscape.
I'm in Seattle. Downtown Seattle.
Crap, Jake fumed. Alice thought so, but we hoped... A downtown fight with Joham or the Volturi isn't the best case scenario, baby.
Yeah, I agreed. So that's probably why Joham chose this place. Alone against a whole bunch of enemies, he had to make it harder for us. He probably planned it all well.
Won't save his sorry ass, Jake growled, making my heart getting a little warmer.
"Awake, are you?" Joham chuckled, glancing in the rearview mirror. "Well, we're almost there. A shame that you can read my mind, but you can't tell your pathetic family where you are now, isn't it?"
I paid him no attention, focusing on the road and lifting my shield. I knew Jake would see what I was seeing, and so would Edward.
He doesn't know about the wolves' minds links, I thought with satisfaction. He's gonna regret it.
We'll set off now, Jake thought urgently.
No, I refused, adamant. Not yet.
But... he started.
Edward told you about my vision, didn't he?
Yes, but...
Then you know you have to wait, I stated calmly but firmly, ignoring my body screaming in pain. You know he has to believe that he won. And... he has to take some of my talents away from me.
Nessie...
Trust me, Jake, please, I sighed, watching as Joham made a turn and entered a subterranean parking lot, making the daylight disappear behind us. We have to be patient, because after Joham we'll have to face the Volturi again. We can't be too cautious. Please listen to my Dad.
I... I will, he agreed grudgingly.
I love you, you know.
Love you too, baby.
Kinda like it when you call me 'baby', I thought with a smile.
Then get used to it, baby, he thought with more enthusiasm. Oh, fuck off, Edward! he groaned then.
I imagined my father glowering at him, and Jake ignoring him, showing his tail at the most protective vampire father in the world.
You're not far from reality, Jake admitted reluctantly.
Tell my Dad to cut you some slack, I thought, just as the van stopped in a private parking spot. We're here.
Keep you shield down, if you can, Jake asked me urgently. Edward wants to see it all, and so do I.
"This is it", Joham announced loudly, shooting me an evil look and grinning like mad. "Time for the show."
He got out of the van, and I tried, I really tried, to get up and resist him, but I couldn't even move. My left front paw was bent at a very unnatural angle, and my whole ribcage was on fire. I wasn't running anywhere.
Oh, baby... Jake's voice echoed in my head, distraught.
Don't worry. I'll be okay.
The doors opened, and Joham bent over me, dragging me towards him like a sack of flour, then grabbed me and lifted me. I almost passed out again, and yelped faintly.
"Hurts, doesn't it?" he asked me playfully, his dark eyes glinting with malice. "If you were a vampire, you wouldn't be in pain, now. Well, good for me. You're not running anywhere."
I ignored his comments as best I could, and focused on his thoughts instead. I shuddered internally at the fate awaiting me, but couldn't help a growing feeling of contempt towards my abducter. He was so focused on his revenge against the Volturi, so sure of himself, that he had underestimated us. He thought the Cullens weak, the wolves laughable, and me a useless pawn. He even dismissed the threat of the Volturi guard as nothing. How could he be so delusional when he was alone against all his enemies with only a small female beside him? That was beyond my understanding. And speaking of which...
"What's that?" a high, nasal voice squeaked next to me as Joham walked ahead, carrying me easily like a piece of luggage. "You bring back monster animals, now?"
"No, Mele," Joham chuckled, entering a small room and tossing me on the bare cemented floor, making me whine loudly, pain erupting yet again everywhere in my huge body. "This is Renesmee Cullen."
"It can't be," she protested, her thoughts erratic and panicked. "You can't be serious!"
"I am," he said genially, and I saw in his head the mess I was. I gritted my teeth, but Jacob's snarl reached me before I could think of raising my shield again. "She acquired Agustin's talent all right, but the Cullens mix with these werewolves mutts, so..."
"She's dangerous?" Mele asked with a quivering voice, and I noted that she was no fighter. God, Joham was an arrogant fool.
Good for us, Jake said with satisfaction. We'll take them down easily now.
"Yes, I think so," Joham answered her, "but right now she can't move a muscle. I crushed half of her bones. You can do your part."
"Joham..." she started apprehensively, and for the first time I turned my head and appraised her. Small, willowy, black waving hair tumbling down her shoulders, dark red eyes, shaking like a leaf, she was afraid. I huffed in amusement, then yelped when Joham kicked my left shoulder, bringing me on the edge of unconsciousness again.
"See what I mean?" he said nastily. "She's not going to bite you. Go on."
Cautiously, staying well away from my jaws and giving my paws a wide berth, she tentatively put a shaking hand on my back. I felt her talent immediately, a strange heat trying to reach me under my skin, seeking and sucking. But nothing happened. The heat stayed outside on my fur. She couldn't steal my talents while I was a wolf. Me, on the other hand...
Nessie? Jake asked, startled by my new feeling of triumph.
She can't steal them, Jake! I laughed internally, elated, as the future shifted again. She can't, but now I can steal too! Joham's a dumbass!
"It... it doesn't... I can't steal her talents..." Mele stammered, her hand jerking away from me and panic starting to jumble her thoughts. "It's not working."
"What do you mean, 'it's not working?'" Joham asked, the first sparkle of doubt entering his thoughts. "Do it, already! Put your hand on her!"
"I can't reach her," she tried to explain, retreating further away from me and trembling from head to foot. "She's a wolf. Her animal instinct interferes. I can't reach her."
Joham thought about it, and an evil smile spread on his lips. Even without his wicked thoughts giving him away, I would've known immediately that he was up to no good.
"Then we'll have to make her become human again," he said, and I shuddered.
This time, I couldn't help it. Even thought the whole future had just changed thanks to my brand new talent, the Volturi not attacking us for fear of me stealing their talents, my immediate future hadn't changed a bit. And I was so not looking forward to it.
Nessie! Jake said, howling in rage. I can't... I can't stand it! I won't let him!
Then I'll tune you out, Jake, I thought wearily, eyeing my captor with defiance as he approached me with his mad beam. Stay put. I'll talk to you soon. I love you.
I raised my shield again, and knew that my family couldn't hear me anymore. It was better this way. Joham leaned over me and wriggled his fingers in anticipation.
"Now, Renesmee Cullen. You'll be reasonable, I'm sure. Agustin's venom will change you into a vampire, you know. You'll mend all those cracked bones. So better regain your human form now."
I ignored him and lay my head on the cold cement, closing my eyes. Better get on with it, I thought dimly.
"Your choice," Joham said neutrally.
And so the nightmare began.
A/N: Hi folks! Thanks for reading, hope you like it! Sorry I have to leave you like that, but next chapter will be better, I think ;)
Anyway, good day to you all and please leave a review!