CH5: UNSTOPPABLE

I knew this day would come. The fact that they were coming so soon tipped me off even more. I felt a sudden urge to rush to my daughter and keep her in my arms forever, away from any harm. I was barely attentive of my body obeying my thoughts because in half a second I was surrounded by the trees instead of my family. Of course, Edward caught up with me just in time. The rest had also followed him.
“Hold on, Bella, there’s no need to be rash. Hear me out,” Alice said. “The whole guard isn’t coming. Aro is simply just going to send some spies. Plus we have plenty of time to strategize. They won’t be sending anyone out here until after Christmas.”
I relaxed just slightly. Nearly 3 months. My daughter’s life would be in jeopardy in just 3 short months.
“We’d already alerted the pack. Paul and Sam had placed the new kids on watch with them. We’ll keep her safe, Bella,” Carlisle said reassuringly. All I did was nod. For now, we’d continue to patrol the school.

We got home and we acted like everything was perfectly fine. I knew Renesmee all too well that she suspected something was off. Just like she promised, she went shopping with her aunts. Alice would keep an eye on her, plus Rosalie treated Renesmee as if she was her own so I knew she was safe. Jacob was upset with letting her go anywhere after the vision but I insisted for her to go and have some fun. I didn’t want to worry her little head.
Edward had informed Carlisle about Leila and he encouraged for us to get to know her better and perhaps even get her and Zachary, her vampire boyfriend, to come over so that we’d know for certain she was safe with him.
“I think you should be the one to do it, Bella,” Carlisle said from across the room. “She’s more likely to open up to you than Edward. I have nothing but utmost confidence in you,” he added with a smile. “We’ll talk to her as soon as we can,” Edward said voluntarily. “After that, everyone went their separate ways for the night.
Alice, Rosalie, and Renesmee came home just before 10pm. Renesmee rushed to me elated and told me her period was gone. I was shocked. It had been less than 48 hours since she started her cycle. Unexpected events happen when you have a hybrid for a daughter, I guess. I still had her in my arms when Jacob came in with my husband.
“Ness, it’s bed time. Jake is going to tuck you in, okay?” Edward said as Jake came towards us with his waiting arms. I raised my eyebrows at my husband. He was rarely this nice to Jacob, always protective over our daughter. Even she knew her father was acting out of character. Her face crunched up in uncertainty when she leaped out of my arms, completely forgetting Jacob’s open arms, to touch Edward’s face. We try our best to give her everything she wants so keeping secrets form her wasn’t easy.
“We can’t tell you just yet, baby,” Edward said stroking her long curly hair the same shade as his. “I’m sorry.”
She pouted and stormed off to her bedroom. Edward nodded for Jacob to follow her. After that, everyone had gathered around the dining room table. All of us, excluding Carlisle, took a seat. “So let’s discuss strategy,” he started.
“From what I saw in Alice’s vision, Aro coveted new members. Unfortunately, I don’t know their powers,” Edward said on my side.
“What does he want exactly?” asked Rosalie. Jasper answered, “in my opinion, they plan to kidnap Nessie in hopes of negotiating for Edward, Bella, and Alice to join him.” Everyone nodded at this consideration.
“I still say we kick anyone’s ass that even touches her hair,” Emmett said punching his left palm over and over again. To my surprise, Carlisle agreed.
“If we absolutely must, then we will dispatch of those who threaten anyone in our family and that includes the pack. However, we must obtain information from them first.” Rosalie rolled her eyes when he spoke about the pack being a part of the family.
“I don’t think we have to resort to that,” Alice said thoughtfully. “The wolves nearly doubled in size over the years. If we’re not enough to protect her from the Volturi, the pack will.
“You got that right,” Jacob said with a smile as he took the last step of the stairs. “But seriously, though, why do they want her again?” Carlisle kindly got Jacob caught up with the rest of us. He even suggested for Nessie to come and stay at the reservation a couple times in the week and to my amazement, Edward allowed it.
He must’ve read Jacob’s apprehensive mind because he said, “Jake, I’ve trusted you with my daughter’s life before and I’ll trust you time and time again. Although, I dislike the fact that she’s becoming more fond of you, I wouldn’t want anyone else for her. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll keep her safe.”
Jacob replied with a nod. “We should train Nessie while time is on our side,” Emmett pitched in. Before anyone could object, he continued, “do we really want her to stand defenseless? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have no doubt that we’ll beat the crap out of anyone who comes her way but why not save her from being scared?”
Edward’s face was gallant. I already knew my decision, but it was OUR daughter that we were talking about, so I waited for his response.
Renesmee would have the best protection that she’d be untouchable. So it was indisputable.
“Ness, I know you’re listening. Come down here, now, Missy,” Edward said.
As she slowly ascended the stairs to make her way to us, she had her head bowed down the whole time, like she was ashamed. To me she looked so small and innocent it was silly. I tried not to laugh. She must’ve known she’d get her way eventually. She stopped in front of us, with her eyes fixed on her fuzzy, night slippers. Edward held her by her shoulder with one arm and lifted her chin with the other using his index finger, so that they were both eye to eye.
“You know that eavesdropping is unacceptable, young lady,” Edward lectured.
“I’m sorry, daddy,” she whispered.
“You shouldn’t have tricked Jacob, either, into thinking you were fast asleep when in truth, you clearly weren’t.”
She nodded with her lips quivering just a bit. “But since you want to know our secret so badly, we’ll tell you.”
Her face went from excitement from finally being in the know to horror and discreet when he repeated the awful news. My face mirrored hers as the thought finally sunk in. They were coming after her again. This time, however, I felt more prepared.
A few hours later, she was cradled in Jacob’s arms on the couch, falling slowly asleep when I declared to everyone that the Volturi were no match against us. We wouldn’t go down without a fight and being a part of the Volturi would be the last thing we’d ever do in our immortal lives. We would not cower in fear, watching in the dark as they sent out spies to capture my daughter. We would continue living normally and without worry but still take precautions.
My declaration fueled everyone’s mindset. We became even more determined. Jasper, Edward, and Emmett mulled over Renesmee’s training schedule. She would start as soon as the next day. Jacob handed Nessie over to me, kissed the both of us on the forehead, and said his goodbye’s to everyone.
As I was walking up the stairs in human speed, I reminisced the time when Ness was half the size she was now. I placed her on her bed and a smile formed on her face. I took her hand and placed it on my cheek. She was dreaming of the night she and Jake had almost kissed. I let go gently and sighed. Soon she’d know who Jacob really is to her. I knew in my heart she’d always be my baby girl. Even with Jake as her soul mate, a mother and daughter bond is unlike any other and nothing and no one can ever change that. Not even the Volturi.