Part 15: Violent Delights Have Violent Ends
The sounds of the city filled my ears as we weaved hand in hand through the crowds of Manaus. The sudden bustle of the street venders, motorcycles, and sirens were causing sensory overload. I gripped Jacob's hand harder and he pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Pretty different, isn't it." He spoke as he leaned in to kiss the top of my head.
"I feel as if I am in a blender."
"Welcome back to the real world." He chuckled to himself as we crossed the busy street.
"We're almost there." I spoke again my eyes craning over the crowd to see the street signs. "Just down this street I believe."
"You are pretty sure of yourself." He chided with a large smile.
"I spent a night there before I traveled into the jungle. It's just right—" I pulled him slightly forcing him to quicken his pace. I stopped suddenly and pointed up. "Right off of Dez du Julho."
"I'm guessing it's the twelve story one."
"Yep." I smiled. "Come on."
With a gentle tug, I pulled him through the crowd once more until we reached the steps of Hotel Manaos. Pushing open the glass doors we entered the refreshing air conditioned lobby.
"Olá." The man at the reception desk spoke with a smile. "Bem-vindo à Hotel Manaos."
"Olá." I repeated. "Nós gostaríamos de um quarto de hotel agrade."
"Fala inglês?" He smiled deeper.
"Yes." I said with a laugh. "Thank you. We simply need a room for one night. Do you have any availabilities?"
"Single?"
"She's with me." Jacob placed an arm around my waist causing a deep blush to cross my cheeks.
"I think he was asking whether we wanted a single or double bed." I smiled up at him. "Double please." My eyes turned towards the receptionist.
"Paying with credit?" He asked.
"Yes." I smiled grabbing my wallet out of my backpack. "You can put it on this one."
"Thank you Mrs. Cullen." He replied. Jacob stifled a laugh and I couldn't help but give him a deadly stare. "Room 907. Elevator is down the hall to the right. Pool is out back and is open from 8 o'clock in the morning until 10 o'clock in the evening. Please let staff know if you need anything."
"Actually, the Opera d'Amazonas?"
"Yes, across the street." He smiled brightly.
"What is playing?" I asked.
"Playing?" He seemed confused. "Oh, uh, yes, you mean showing?"
"Yes, I am sorry. I mean what is showing?" I corrected myself.
"Romeu e Julieta."
"Romeo and Juliet." Jacob sighed deeply. "Of course."
"Any tickets still available?" I clasped my hands together in front of me. I had always wanted to see a live performance of its opera.
"I check." He nodded. "Two?"
I glanced up at Jacob and put on my most pleading face. He only smiled and laughed at the attempt.
"Two." Jacob nodded.
"I will phone the room." He smiled once more.
"Perfect!" I jumped unaware of my own excitement. "Thank you."
"Come on, Mrs. Shakespeare." Jake placed a kiss on the side of my head before pulling me towards the elevator.
"Thank you." I pushed the button and watched as the lights lit up each floor as the elevator descended. "I know you are not his biggest fan." I looked up at Jacob only to see his eyes gazing into the brassy mirrored reflection of the two of us in the elevator doors.
"Yeah, we didn't really read him on the reservation." Jacob laughed. "More like Call of the Wild."
I couldn't help but laugh at his comment as the doors swung open and we made our way into the elevator. I pressed number nine and watched the doors close behind us.
"Makes sense." I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing harder.
"But for you, anything." His voice deepened and his eyes darkened. Jacob grabbed my hand that lay by my side raising it to his warm lips, kissing it gently.
I could tell his mind was somewhere else, someplace else and I had a pretty good idea where. My stomach tightened as his hand grasped mine tighter and I knew that it was only a matter of seconds before I would give in. Yet the ding of the elevator doors brought me back to reality and forcibly made Jacob drop my hand from his lips.
We made our way to 907 in silence but I could hear the hammering of our heartbeats as we moved closer. Jacob opened the door and let me go in first. I brushed past him and placed my backpack on the floor.
"Looks nice." I commented as I gazed over the standard room, double bed, desk, lounge chair, wardrobe. "Look at this view."
I smiled brightly pulling back the curtain. Our room overlooked most of the city. From where we stood we could see the top of the opera house and the main square of town.
I heard Jacob approach behind me.
"Pretty cool."
His whisper tickled my neck as he placed his hands onto my hips. I could feel the heat from them through my jean shorts. He brushed away my hair kissing my neck and I couldn't help but sigh. Leaning back against him, I placed my hand onto the back of his neck. Within seconds Jacob's breathing became heavier and his strong arms spun me around. Soon his lips were against mine and I felt his hand on my face, the other on my lower back.
Jacob deepened the kiss and I surrendered, letting him take control. He lifted me off the ground and moved us towards the bed. Laying me onto the covers, I laughed at the pleased smile that spread across his face. Pulling him by his shirt I brought him down on top of me. His kisses were hard, needy, his heartbeat faster and faster.
I felt a shiver of desire run through me as well but I couldn't help but think of Jennifer. Her image flashed through my mind forcing my body to turn cold. I moved my head away and placed a firm hand against Jacob's chest.
He stopped, his eyes glancing into mine and recognized my fear. His face distorted into pain, but neither one of us had time to say anything for the phone beside us rang shrilly. I moved out from underneath him, and he rolled over, falling heavily against the other side of the bed. His hands covering his face as he tried to control himself.
"Hello?" I spoke through a choke.
"Mrs. Cullen?" I recognized the voice of the receptionist. "This is Anton from front desk. I have two tickets to the show tonight if you would like them."
"Really?" I took a breath, glancing back at a still Jacob beside me. "Yes, that would be nice. Thank you." I was about to hang up when I suddenly remembered, "what time is the show?"
"Half past seven. The tickets will be at the front desk."
"Perfect, thank you." I placed the receiver back on the dial and exhaled. "If you don't want to go, I can just go." I spoke softly. "I don't mind."
"I told you I would." Jacob removed his hand from his face, his dark eyes catching mine.
Neither one of us said anything more. I didn't know what to say or even how to say it.
"I'm going to call home. Tell Carlisle about…Jennifer." The moment I said her name, a look of pain and anger crossed Jacob's face.
"I'm going to take a shower." He moved off the bed and stood. "It wouldn't really help either of us if they heard my voice."
"Yeah, probably for the best." I agreed.
I watched as Jake took of his shirt and tossed it on the floor. For a moment I almost reconsidered calling and going to him. But before I could act Jacob was already in the bathroom, the door closing abruptly between us. I breathed deeply and tried to clear my mind as I dialed the numbers on the phone.
"Renesmee?" My mom's voice instantly echoed over the line.
"Hey Mom." I smiled and I could feel all my emotions welling up within me as the sound of her voice filled me once more.
"You don't know how good it is to hear you sweetheart." My dad's voice chimed in.
"I'm on speaker?" I asked.
"Yep." Came the sound of many voices at once. I couldn't help but laugh as I recognized each and every one.
"I've missed you." I felt the tears slowly fall down my cheek and I tried to wipe them away quickly as if by some way they would be able to see them.
"Are you okay, honey?" Esme's sweet voice came through the line.
"I'm fine, just fine." I confirmed.
"It's been almost three months." Carlisle's meticulous brain pointed out.
"I know. Time has gone by so fast down here." I tried to explain. "I'm sorry for not calling sooner, I have just been out of reach ya know?"
"How are you doing? How is everything going?" Bella spoke again.
"Everything been…it's been…a whirlwind." I didn't know how else to explain it. "I found Nahuel and Huilen."
"That's great!" I could hear the relief in my father's voice.
"You were right Jasper, Zafrina did end up finding me."
"I thought she might."
"Have you gotten what you needed yet?" Rosalie voice spoke as gently as she could, which knowing her was saying something.
"I think parts of it yes." I spoke honestly.
"Then you're coming home?" My mom couldn't hide her hope.
"No," I took a breath. "I'm actually just calling because Nahuel and Huilen need your help, Carlisle."
"What's wrong?" Carlisle's voice spoke up, concern etched into it.
"It's Jennifer, Nahuel's sister. She left their father and made her way down here to see Nahuel." I paused not really knowing what to say next or how to even explain. "Carlisle, she's…she's pregnant." I held the cord in my fingers, twisting it as the silence thickened.
"How far along?" His voice finally spoke.
"Umm maybe three, four months. It's just that none of us are really equipped for this sort of thing. I mean Huilen was a mid-wife and helped birth Nahuel, but we are dealing with—"
"Something unique." He finished for me.
"How…how is that even possible?" Bella questioned.
"You're the one to talk." Emmett laughed.
"It took us all by surprise too." I said through a laugh. "Carlisle, Nahuel would be very grateful if you wouldn't mind—"
"I'll make the arrangements." His soothing voice washed over the line. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
"We'll all come." I heard my mother speak.
"Maybe not all of us, Bella." Alice's gentle voice spoke. "It might overwhelm them."
"Alice is right mom." I agreed, as hard as I knew it would be for her to hear. "I mean I don't think the whole Cullen clan moving in would be the best thing for Jennifer right now."
"Well, Edward and I can come. We can stay on the island."
"Bella, we still need to respect Nessie's—"
"I know that Edward but we can at least—"
"I'll come home, Mom. I promise." I spoke as convincingly as I could. "I feel like I need to be here for Nahuel and Jennifer. Once things are settled…once we get through this I'll be home."
"You promise?" Her voice heightened, and I knew she was at war with herself and with me.
"Yes. I swear." I smiled once again.
No matter how much distance I put between us, she would always be my mother, and I would always be her little girl. Taking a deep breath I knew I had to do one more thing before I got off the line.
"Alice?"
"Hey Ness." Alice's sing songy voice rung in my ear. "I'm taking you off speaker."
"Thanks." I replied.
"How are you holding up?"
"It's been harder than I thought. I don't know if I am ready, Alice."
"You are Renesmee. You've had years to—"
"You don't know this future Alice. You've never seen—"
"I may not be able to…you know…but I know you. I know that you can do this."
"I chose this Alice. I know that." I exhaled. "If there was any other way you know I would do it."
"I know, Ness. Trust me, I know."
"Any new developments I should know about?"
"No. I am afraid not." I could hear her frustration through the line and I took a breath letting the reality of what I knew was before me drift away.
"You know what to do, Alice. After it all…after it happens. You know what we talked about."
"I remember." She spoke with confidence. "And what about a certain animal? How do you want me to handle that?"
"There has been a slight change of plans."
"Really?" Her voice heightened.
"I'll have to…I'll have to take care of that myself." I bit my lip as the sounds of the shower echoed in my ear.
"Be careful, Ness." She spoke tenderly.
"I will." I took a deep breath. "Tell everyone I love them, Alice."
"I promise, Ness. Take care of yourself."
"I will." I felt a tear roll down my cheek and I let it fall onto the bed. "Goodbye Alice." I hung up the phone and the finality of the sound it made almost made my heart break into two.
I wiped the tears away and took a deep breath. I glanced into the mirror that hung on the wall and I almost didn't recognize myself. My skin had darkened; my hair was wavier, longer. I breathed deeply, allowing my heartbeat to slow down.
My ears couldn't help but tune into the sound of Jacob in the shower once more. I finally got up the nerve to do what I knew I wanted to. To do what only minutes ago I had been afraid of. I slowly undressed and made my way towards the bathroom. The steam surrounded me as I opened the bathroom door, but my eyes were fixated on the shower where Jacob stood. I took another deep breath and placed my hand on the shower door, pulling it back.
"I'm sorry about earlier." I spoke as he turned to face me.
A sudden surprise yet pleased reaction crossed his face upon seeing me. Water ran down his bronzed face onto his shoulders and down his back. He bridged the gap between us and placed his warm hand against my face, leaning in slowly his lips grazed mine gently.
"I'm sorry." His eyes caught mine. "I let myself get carried away, Ness." He spoke over the roar of the water at his back. "I didn't realize that you weren't ready to… that you didn't want to—"
"I do, Jake." I placed my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Trust me, I want to."
"You were scared, Ness. I saw it in your eyes." He shook his head. "You were afraid of me."
"I was afraid Jake, but not of you." I placed my hand on his chest staring deep into his eyes. "I love you, Jacob."
"But Ness—"
I didn't give him another moment to say anything more. I kissed him hard and he responded in full. For the first time in my life I let myself fully give into my need to be with him. Jacob himself seemed surprised by it, but he only smiled deeper and kissed me harder. I knew what he didn't, that this moment, that tonight might be our last night together.
"Juliet should have just gone with Romeo." Jacob pointed out as we made our way out of the opera house. "I mean he gets exiled and she just stays? What kind of marriage is that? If Juliet had just gone with Romeo then none of that would have ever happened."
"If the message hadn't gone astray, if Romeo had controlled his anger and not sought revenge for Mercutio, if Juliet had woken up a second earlier." I replied. "That's what makes it so riveting. A string of events that all coincide at the precise moment to create the greatest tragedy ever written."
"Too bad I couldn't understand a word of it." Jacob's laugh filled the crowd as we shuffled through the main plaza.
"Portuguese wasn't taught on the reservation?" I smiled as I rested my head against his shoulder.
"Academy d'Cullen?" He retorted. I just nodded my head. "Of course."
"Hungry?"
"Starving."
"I saw a great restaurant that we passed by earlier today. I think it's a couple of streets down and around the corner." I explained.
"Sounds good to me." Jacob replied as he weaved us through the crowd and across the street. "When does Carlisle arrive?"
"Tomorrow, he should be here by mid-afternoon. I know Jennifer will be in good hands."
"Access to a private plane comes in handy."
"It can." I squeezed his hand tighter as we made our way down the street passing night vendors who sold trinkets to the tourists and local delicacies.
My eyes focused in on our surroundings, the buildings, the way the lights reflected off of the glass windows, and the music that echoed in the background. My heart clinched as the visions hit me with full force. Yet, things were different, different now in this version, in this reality, for Jacob was here with me. In every single vision before I had been alone. Reality of this moment of what it meant sunk in. I had maybe minutes, seconds before we were found. Stopping suddenly, Jacob turned to look at me.
"You ok?" He asked registering the increase of my heartbeat, the rapid intake of breath.
I didn't know what to say. I thought I would have more time, more warning. I knew that if I lied he would know, and I couldn't tell him the truth. I didn't want to spend maybe these last few moments explaining. I wanted to…I needed to do something else.
"I love you." I spoke softly my body shaking from the sudden realization of all that was before me.
"I know, Ness." He smiled gently brushing back a piece of hair from my face.
"I need you to know that, no matter what happens, even if you don't understand…" I bit my lip to try and keep my emotions at bay. "Jake, I will…I will always love you." I glanced up into his face and caught his stare.
"I love you too Ness." He spoke more as a question. His eyes narrowed as if trying to figure out what had brought on my sudden declaration.
I took a deep breath and placed my hand on his chest, his skin warm to my touch. I knew I had but maybe a moment more. I gazed up at Jacob and placed my lips onto his waiting ones. Jacob responded to my sudden kiss in fold, pulling me closer to him deepening the kiss with each passing second.
I tried to take in everything around me, I allowed my senses to expand and capture every detail of this moment, the way Jake's lips felt against mine, the hunger that was attached to it. Yet within another second we both heard the shuffling and tapping of approaching footsteps. I broke away turning to face what I knew would already be there.
"Caius." I spoke with as much strength as I could muster.
Jake's body rippled with alarm and anger within seconds of registering all those who were now before us. I could feel the sudden rise in his body temperature. Yet, I held his hand firmly, showing him an image of staying calm, hoping to coax him into staying human. Jacob's eyes shifted firmly to mine and I only nodded. If he turned now the Volturi would surely react violently.
"Renesmee Cullen." Caius nodded his head, extending his arms in a formal greeting. "We meet again."
"Out for a midnight stroll?" Jacob retorted with a sneer, taking a step in front of me as if to shield me from the line of the Volturi Guard that stood in front of us.
Caius' red eyes darkened. Jane took a step forward, but Caius held up his hand as if to stop her.
"This was the only way." Caius lifted his hands as if to embrace the scene that was around them. "For the last seventeen years my brother Aro has thought of nothing besides extending an invitation to you to join our family."
"You can't have her." Jacob growled, the sensation rippling into the empty alley behind us.
"Quiet dog." Alec bore his teeth before glancing at Caius.
I gripped Jacob's hand harder expressing one clear image, the roaring sound of shut up! Having Jake here was not how I had always envisioned it, on the contrary I had always imagined this moment more discreet, quiet, I slow nod of what needed to be done. If Jake had his way there would be a full-blown skirmish in about two seconds right here in the middle of the street.
"You are right Caius." I spoke gently as I took a step out from behind Jacob. An action that only made Jacob tenser than he already was. "This is and was the only way. A public sight, away from any members of my family and we are clearly outnumbered. It seems you have brought the most valuable with you. Demetri, Alec, Jane, Felix." I met each of their red eyes with a smile before turning my attention to the one I did not quite recognize. "We have not been formerly introduced Chelsea, but Carlisle speaks of you…fondly."
I tried to choose my words carefully. I knew Chelsea had been brought here for a reason, for a specific purpose. Her powers, if given the chance, would force me to feel unconnected to Jacob, to feel apathetic about him or what happened to him. I could not allow that to happen.
"It is an…honor to meet the infamous daughter of Carlisle's son." She spoke with a formality that seemed long forgotten yet her eyes never left Jacob. "You have caused quite the scandal across the covens."
"Quite, indeed." Caius glanced from Chelsea back towards me. "Aro wishes an audience with you Renesmee." Caius took a step forward and within seconds Jacob had moved directly in front of me.
Jacob's sudden movement triggered Jane and within moments Jacob's body constricted in pain, a grunt of anguish echoing over us all. Demitri, Alec, and Felix made their moves and within seconds stood between Jacob and me. Felix gripped my arm firmly in his, holding me in place, holding me exactly where he wanted me to be. Yet, just as quickly as Jacob's pain had occurred it ended much to Jane's confusion. Her eyes narrowed, intensifying as she tried to focus harder on the task at hand.
"Jane." Caius held up his hand once more. "Your efforts are useless. It seems she, like her mother, is a shield." Jane's eyes quickly sought mine finally understanding what had transpired.
"Your guard has traveled all this way for nothing, Caius." I replied.
I searched Jacob's face for some sort of sign that he would be okay. His face clinched as if the pain was still working its way out of his body. Demitri and Alec forced him to stand gripping his arms tight to control him.
"On the contrary, despite you and your dog's best attempts, you still are outnumbered. It would be…unwise for you to not comply with Aro's request."
"You're the one who traveled half way across the world to comply with an order." Jacob's face smiled wryly. "Whose really the dog?"
"Jake, please." I tried to take a step nearer to him but Felix's grip was firm forcing me to stumble backwards slightly. I looked up into Jacob's eyes before glancing back at the Volturi. "We have no intention of fighting you Caius. I will comply—
"Ness, no!" Jacob turned swiftly and almost broke free of the guard's hold. Yet I knew it was the look in my eyes that made him stop cold.
"I will comply with Aro's request. I do so on one condition." I turned my gaze to Caius.
"Your condition being?"
"You are a law-abiding man, Caius. You know what I ask." I bowed my head respectfully before turning my gaze to Jacob.
"I can assume." Caius' blood red eyes glanced from me to Jacob and then back to me. "Your family shall be spared so long as you prove yourself to be a gracious guest."
"A guest?" Jacob snorted, his eyes darkening.
"I cannot speak in regards to this creature." Caius smiled wryly. "You will have to take that up with the council. They have different plans for him."
It was the small smile that streaked across his stiff face that made me stop breathing. I had not a moment more to think before the screeching of tires signaled that our conversation was over. Within seconds both Jacob and I were thrust with careful force into the back of a black limousine.
Firmly jostled and planted onto a seat in the back, Jacob and I sat sideways in the limousine across from each other. His eyes fixated on mine, his breathing rapid. The rest of the guard filled in around us their gazes ever watchful for a defensive movement. Caius seated himself comfortably in the very back, a pleased expression crossing his face. The limousine made its way through the city passing building after building until I recognized our direction towards the airport.
Not knowing what the Volturi had planned, I glanced back at Jacob and I chose to be reckless. I averted my eyes from Jacob's body, glancing out the window as if lost in thought. Gently moving my foot I removed it from its shoe and extended my bare foot so that it could graze against Jacob's exposed ankle. Skin against skin I began to show him everything that for the last ten years I had been keeping a secret.
Jake, don't react to this. Act as if nothing is happening. I don't know what their plan is but I know that we may not have much time together. I need you to know the truth.
We have always thought that I am a black hole in Alice's vision, Jake. She can no more see your future than she can see mine that is why she sees us through the lenses of others. Alice has seen this future and she has prepared me for this moment. We have been preparing for this for the last ten years. We have been preparing for my time with Aro.
Jacob's body stiffened and I could feel the heat rise up and permeate through him and into me.
You must control your anger, Jake. Now is not the time for rash actions, but for the execution of careful planning. The year I finally matured, Alice was measuring me for a new wardrobe. My hand touched hers and in that moment, Jake, I saw what she saw. I was slightly older, like I am now. I saw myself being taken by Caius. The vision then shifted. I was dressed in a red decadent gown in a great marble hall with the Volturi around me. I was on the right side of Aro, his hand holding up mine. Everyone had been gathered to hear him. He was announcing me as his new and greatest asset, as the key to the new age for vampires. In ten years the vision has never faltered, Jake.
As I matured my abilities have grown and I acquired the skill of being a shield like mom.
Her gift is different, more concrete than mine, she shields all the time. She can't help it. I on the other hand, like my ability to show my thoughts and memories, to speak like I am now; I have to choose when to use it. Alice and I knew that we were the only ones who needed to know the truth. I have been choosing to shield this truth from my father. My father can hear any of my mindless thoughts as long as he is in range. I have had to make sure I have been out of that range when thinking about it. The trips to the meadow, the reservation, to visit the Denali's, and spending nights with Grandpa, I sought any opportunity to be out of range, for when I am with him I am constantly shielding that memory.
Despite how angry I know you are, I had to keep it a secret. Until we knew more we didn't want the family to be unsettled. I didn't want them to worry about something that we honestly had no idea when it would come to pass. My parents fought for years to be together. The stories they told let me know that much. Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, everyone had gone through so much already I didn't want to hurt them, to cause them to worry or to be afraid.
This is why I have been fighting you all these years, Jake, fighting the way you and I are connected, because I knew this was going to happen. This is why I ran away, so that I would spare you from what is going to now happen. I am so sorry Jake. I am so sorry. Loving me, imprinting on me has placed you in this danger.
I removed my bare foot and placed it once more back into its shoe. I gathered the courage to glance back into Jacob's face. Yet the look that I found within his eyes was more than I could bear. My words had torn him apart and I knew he was hurt by my secrecy for all these years.