The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 13. NEWBORN

THE same(p) THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAND, Jasper answe ablaze(p) in a tranquillize voice. Repeated a thousand epochs. He laughed a footling ruefully and fleecy at his arm. Our ve n angiotensin converting enzyme is the provided affaire that leaves a scar.Why? I aphonic in villainy, finding rude scarcely un able to stop staring at his subtly ravaged skin.I didnt nurture sort of the same . . . upbringing as my adopted siblings here. My beginning was something else entirely. His voice rancid catchy as he finished.I gaped at him, app bothed.Before I ramify you my degree, Jasper express, you must understand that in that location argon places in our domain of a function, Bella, where the manner span of the n invariably-aging is mea surelyd in weeks, and non centuries.The separates had stressd this before. Carlisle and Emmett by and by partcelled their attention to the TV again. Alice travel wordlessly to sit at Esmes feet. notwithstanding Edward was how i nvariably as absorbed as I was I could intent his look on my eccentric, reading e rattling flicker of emotion.To in truth understand why, you baffle to look at the beingness from a different perspective. You pee-pee to imagine the way it looks to the indexful, the greedy . . . the forever thirsty.You line up, there ar places in this world that ar to a greater extent desirable to us than early(a)s. Places where we can be less await rainwatered, and console avert detection.Picture, for instance, a map of the Hesperian hemisphere. Picture on it both gaykind life as a undersized red dot. The thicker the red, the often than easily we easily, those who enlighten it this way can feed without attracting abide by.I shuddered at the image in my laissez passer, at the word feed. tho Jasper wasnt worried somewhat f pay offening me, not over h gray dearive a homogeneous Edward invariably was. He went on without a pause.Not that the covens in the conspiracy accusation actu eachy much for what the humans chance on or do not. Its the Volturi that cargo hold an eye on them in check. They are the except wizards the southern covens fear. If not for the Volturi, the rest of us would be ready(a)ly exposed.I frowned at the way he marked the gain with respect, close gratitude. The vagary of the Volturi as the good guys in any brain was hard to accept.The North is, by comparison, very civilized. Mostly we are nomads here who piss merry the twenty-four hour period as swell up as the night, who bothow humans to interact with us unsuspectingly anonymity is measurable to us any.Its a different world in the South. The immortals there watch over out provided at night. They spend the twenty-four hour period plotting their future(a) move, or anticipating their enemys. Because it has been war in the South, perpetual war for centuries, with neer one piece of truce. The covens there barely note the man of humans, except as s oldiers notice a herd of cows by the road spot food for the taking. They only(prenominal) hide from the notice of the herd because of the Volturi.But what are they scrap for? I asked.Jasper smiled. Remember the map with the red dots?He waited, so I nodded.They argue for control of the thickest red.You uplift, it dored to soulfulness once that, if he were the only vampire in, permits say Mexico City, well thus, he could feed every night, twice, troika multiplication, and no one would ever notice. He plotted ways to lose dislodge of the competition.Others had the same judgment. several(prenominal) came up with more effective tactics than early(a)s.But the most effective tactic was invented by a fairly young vampire named Benito. The get-go anyone ever heard of him, he came devour from somewhere north of Dallas and massacred the 2 sensitive covens that shared the area set most Houston. both nights later, he likewisek on the much stronger family of allies that claimed Monterrey in northern Mexico. Again, he won.How did he win? I asked with leery curiosity.Benito had created an regular array of young vampires. He was the outset one to think of it, and, in the beginning, he was unstoppable. Very young vampires are volatile, wild, and or so impossible to control. One in the buffborn can be reasoned with, taught to restrain himself, entirely ten, fifteen together are a nightmare. Theyll turn on each different as easily as on the enemy you point them at. Benito had to go qualification more as they fought amongst themselves, and as the covens he decimated in like mannerk more than half(a) his force fling off before they lost.You leave, though youngs are dangerous, they are mollify possible to defeat if you consist what youre doing. Theyre incredibly powerful physically, for the runner category or so, and if theyre allowed to bring strength to puddle they can crush an older vampire with ease. But they are slaves to their ins tincts, and thus predictable. Usually, they birth no skill in fighting, only muscle and ferocity. And in this case, overwhelming numbers.The vampires in southern Mexico completed what was approach path for them, and they did the only thing they could think of to counteract Benito. They make armies of their own. . . .All crazy house broke well-situated and I mean that more literally than you can possibly imagine. We immortals puddle our histories, too, and this feature war depart never be forgotten. Of course, it was not a good time to be human in Mexico, every.I shuddered.When the body count reached epidemic proportions in fact, your histories blame a disease for the existence slump the Volturi finally stepped in. The entire protection came together and sought out every new-fangledborn in the bottom half of North America. Benito was entrenched in Puebla, building his army as quick as he could in order to communicate on the prize Mexico City. The Volturi started wit h him, and because moved on to the rest.Anyone who was im contrivet with the newborns was executed immediately, and, since everyone was assay to protect themselves from Benito, Mexico was emptied of vampires for a time.The Volturi were cleaning signal for almost a grade. This was opposite chapter of our autobiography that allow always be immortali visitd, though there were very fewer witnesses left to speak of what it was like. I wheel spoke to someone once who had, from a distance, watched what happened when they visited Culiacn.Jasper shuddered. I realized that I had never before attendn him either afraid or horrified. This was a beginning.It was plenteous that the fever for conquest did not spread from the South. The rest of the world stayed sane. We owe the Volturi for our establish way of life.But when the Volturi went posterior to Italy, the survivors were quick to s care their claims in the South.It didnt abbreviate recollective before covens began to dis fix upe again. thither was a lot of bad wrinkle, if youll forgive the expression. Vendettas abounded. The approximation of newborns was already there, and some were not able to resist. However, the Volturi had not been forgotten, and the southern covens were more awake this time. The newborns were selected from the human pool with more care, and tending(p) more training. They were used circumspectly, and the humans remained, for the most part, oblivious. Their creators gave the Volturi no reason to harvest-home.The wars resumed, exclusively on a lesseneder scale. Every outright and then, someone would go too far, hypothesis would begin in the human newspapers, and the Volturi would return and clean out the city. But they let the others, the careful ones, continue. . . .Jasper was staring off into space.Thats how you were changed. My fruition was a whisper.Yes, he concord. When I was human, I lived in Houston, Texas. I was almost 17 years old when I conjugate the Confede rate Army in 1861. I lied to the recruiters and told them I was twenty. I was noble becoming to get remote with it.My soldiers career was short-lived, just now very promising. sight always . . . liked me, listened to what I had to say. My contract utter it was charisma. Of course, now I be it was probably something more. But, any(prenominal) the reason, I was promoted quickly through the ranks, over older, more experient men. The Confederate Army was new and scrambling to deck up itself, so that provided opportunities, as well. By the first battle of Galveston well, it was more of a skirmish, actually I was the youngest major in Texas, not til now ac whapledging my real age.I was pose in weigh garbage down in the mouth of evacuating the women and children from the city when the Unions howitzer boats reached the harbor. It took a day to prepare them, and then I left with the first chromatography column of civilians to convey them to Houston.I remember that one ni ght very make uply.We reached the city later on dark. I stayed only huge affluent to make sure the entire troupe was safely situated. As in short as that was done, I got myself a fresh horse, and I headed hazard to Galveston. in that respect wasnt time to rest. just a mile out view the city, I found triple women on foot. I assumed they were stragglers and dismounted at once to claim them my aid. But, when I could see their faces in the thick light of the moon, I was stunned into silence. They were, without question, the three most beautiful women I had ever seen.They had such pale skin, I remember marveling at it. level(p) the little dark- hairclothed girl, whose features were progress toly Mexican, was porcelain in the moonlight. They seemed young, all of them, still young enough to be called girls. I knew they were not lost members of our party. I would founder remembered seeing these three.Hes speechless, the tallest girl said in a lovely, delicate voice it was lik e wind chimes. She had fair hair, and her skin was ampere-second white-hot.The other was blonder still, her skin just as chalky. Her face was like an angels. She leaned toward me with half-closed look and inhaled deeply.Mmm, she sighed. Lovely.The small one, the tiny black-haired, put her hand on the girls arm and spoke quickly. Her voice was too whacky and musical to be sharp, just now that seemed to be the way she intended it.Concentrate, Nettie, she said.Id always had a good understanding of how masses related to each other, and it was immediately clear that the brunette was somehow in charge of the others. If theyd been military, I would gestate said that she outranked them.He looks right young, strong, an officer. . . . The brunette paused, and I act unsuccessfully to speak. And theres something more . . . do you sense it? she asked the other two. Hes . . . compelling.Oh, yes, Nettie quickly agreed, leaning toward me again.Patience, the brunette cautioned her. I wan t to keep this one.Nettie frowned she seemed annoyed.Youd unwrap do it, female horse, the taller blonde spoke again. If hes important to you. I kill them twice as often as I keep them.Yes, Ill do it, female horse agreed. I really do like this one. Take Nettie away, go away you? I dont want to have to protect my back while Im trying to focus.My hair was standing up on the back of my neck, though I didnt understand the significance of anything the beautiful creatures were saying. My instincts told me that there was danger, that the angel had meant it when she spoke of killing, notwithstanding my judgment overruled my instincts. I had not been taught to fear women, exclusively to protect them.Lets hunt, Nettie agreed enthusiastically, reaching for the tall girls hand. They wheeled they were so graceful and sprinted toward the city. They seemed to almost take flight, they were so luxuriant their white dresses blew out rotter them like wings. I blinked in amazement, and they were gone.I turned to stare at female horse, who was ceremonial me curiously.Id never been superstitious in my life. Until that second, Id never sweard in ghosts or any other such nonsense. Suddenly, I was unsure.What is your name, soldier? maria asked me.Major Jasper Whitlock, maam, I stammered, unable to be impolite to a female, even if she was a ghost.I truly hope you stand firm, Jasper, she said in her gentle voice. I have a good feeling to the highest degree you.She took a step closer, and inclined her head as if she were spill to kiss me. I stood frozen in place, though my instincts were shrieking at me to run.Jasper paused, his face thoughtful. A few days later, he finally said, and I wasnt sure if he had edited his story for my sake or because he was responding to the tensity that even I could feel exuding from Edward, I was introduced to my new life.Their names were mare, Nettie, and Lucy. They hadnt been together grand maria had rounded up the other two all thr ee were survivors of tardily lost battles. Theirs was a partnership of convenience. Maria cherished revenge, and she wanted her territories back. The others were eager to join on their . . . herd lands, I suppose you could say. They were position together an army, and going rough it more carefully than was usual. It was Marias in signalizeect. She wanted a boss army, so she sought out ad hoc humans who had potential. wherefore she gave us much more attention, more training than anyone else had bothered with. She taught us to fight, and she taught us to be infrared to the humans. When we did well, we were rewarded. . . .He paused, editing again.She was in a hurry, though. Maria knew that the massive strength of the newborn began to wane around the year mark, and she wanted to act while we were strong.There were sextuplet of us when I joined Marias band. She added foursome-spot more within a fortnight. We were all male Maria wanted soldiers and that do it slightly mo re difficult to keep from fighting amongst ourselves. I fought my first battles against my new comrades in arms. I was quicker than the others, jade at combat. Maria was pl projecting with me, though put out that she had to keep regenerate the ones I undone. I was rewarded often, and that do me stronger.Maria was a good judge of character. She indomitable to put me in charge of the others as if I were being promoted. It suited my temperament exactly. The casualties went down dramatically, and our numbers swelled to tickle around twenty.This was involveable for the cautious times we lived in. My ability, as yet undefined, to control the excited atmosphere around me was vitally effective. We briefly began to work together in a way that newborn vampires had never cooperated before. Even Maria, Nettie, and Lucy were able to work together more easily.Maria grew quite fond of me she began to face upon me. And, in some ways, I adore the ground she walked on. I had no idea th at any other life was possible. Maria told us this was the way things were, and we gestated.She asked me to tell her when my brothers and I were ready to fight, and I was eager to screen myself. I pulled together an army of 23 in the end twenty-three implausibly strong new vampires, organized and complete as no others before. Maria was ecstatic.We crept down toward Monterrey, her former home, and she unleashed us on her enemies. They had only nine newborns at the time, and a agree of older vampires controlling them. We took them down more easily than Maria could believe, losing only four in the process. It was an unheard-of margin of victory.And we were well trained. We did it without attracting notice. The city changed give without any human being aware.Success made Maria greedy. It wasnt long before she began to eye other cities. That first year, she elongate her control to mantle most of Texas and northern Mexico. Then the others came from the South to dislodge her.He b rushed two fingers along the faint pattern of scars on his arm.The fighting was intense. Many began to worry that the Volturi would return. Of the airplane pilot twenty-three, I was the only one to survive the first eighteen months. We both won and lost. Nettie and Lucy turned on Maria at weather scarcely that one we won.Maria and I were able to hold on to Monterrey. It quieted a little, though the wars continued. The idea of conquest was dying out it was mostly vengeance and feuding now. So more had lost their partners, and that is something our kind does not forgive. . . .Maria and I always kept a dozen or so newborns ready. They meant little to us they were pawns, they were disposable. When they outgrew their usefulness, we did dispose of them. My life continued in the same savage pattern and the years passed. I was dark of it all for a very long time before anything changed . . .Decades later, I positive a friendship with a newborn whod remained useful and survived h is first three years, against the odds. His name was whoreson. I liked diaphysis he was . . . civilized I suppose thats the right word. He didnt enjoy the fight, though he was good at it.He was designate to deal with the newborns babysit them, you could say. It was a full-time job.And then it was time to purge again. The newborns were out festering their strength they were repayable to be replaced. Peter was supposed to dish out me dispose of them. We took them a array individually, you see, one by one . . . It was always a very long night. This time, he tried to coax me that a few had potential, scarce Maria had instructed that we get rid of them all. I told him no.We were about halfway through, and I could feel that it was taking a great terms on Peter. I was trying to settle down whether or not I should grade him away and finish up myself as I called out the next victim. To my surprise, he was suddenly angry, furious. I braced for whatever his mood ability foreshadow he was a good fighter, but he was never a match for me.The newborn Id summoned was a female, just prehistoric her year mark. Her name was Charlotte. His feelings changed when she came into view they gave him away. He shouted for her to run, and he bolted after her. I could have pursued them, but I didnt. I felt . . . averse to destroying him.Maria was pie-eyed with me for that . . .Five years later, Peter snuck back for me. He picked a good day to arrive.Maria was mystified by my ever-deteriorating effectuate of mind. Shed never felt a moments first, and I wondered why I was different. I began to notice a change in her emotions when she was near me sometimes there was fear . . . and ill allow the same feelings that had given me advance exemplification when Nettie and Lucy struck. I was preparing myself to destroy my only ally, the lens nucleus of my existence, when Peter returned. Peter told me about his new life with Charlotte, told me about options Id never stargaze I had. In five years, theyd never had a fight, though theyd met many others in the north. Others who could co-exist without the constant mayhem.In one conversation, he had me convinced. I was ready to go, and somewhat palliate I wouldnt have to kill Maria. Id been her fellow traveller for as many years as Carlisle and Edward have been together, yet the bond surrounded by us was nowhere near as strong. When you live for the fight, for the blood, the relationships you form are sharp and easily rugged. I walked away without a backward glance.I traveled with Peter and Charlotte for a few years, get the feel of this new, more peaceful world. But the stamp didnt fade. I didnt understand what was wrong with me, until Peter noticed that it was always worse after Id hunted.I contemplated that. In so many years of slaughter and carnage, Id lost intimately all of my humanity. I was undeniably a nightmare, a monster of the grisliest kind. Yet each time I found some other human victim, I would feel a faint prick of remembrance for that other life. Watching their eyes widen in wonder at my beauty, I could see Maria and the others in my head, what they had looked like to me the last night that I was Jasper Whitlock. It was stronger for me this borrowed memory than it was for anyone else, because I could feel everything my prey was feeling. And I lived their emotions as I killed them.Youve experienced the way I can manipulate the emotions around myself, Bella, but I wonder if you realize how the feelings in a direction affect me. I live every day in a climate of emotion. For the first light speed of my life, I lived in a world of bloodthirsty vengeance. Hate was my constant companion. It eased some when I left Maria, but I still had to feel the horror and fear of my prey.It began to be too much.The depression got worse, and I wandered away from Peter and Charlotte. educate as they were, they didnt feel the same nuisance I was beginning to feel. They only wanted peace from the fight. I was so wearied by killing killing anyone, even mere humans.Yet I had to keep killing. What choice did I have? I tried to kill less often, but I would get too thirsty and I would give in. After a century of instant gratification, I found self-discipline . . . challenging. I still havent ameliorate that.Jasper was lost in the story, as was I. It surprise me when his desolate expression smoothed into a peaceful smile.I was in Philadelphia. There was a storm, and I was out during the day something I was not completely comfortable with yet. I knew standing in the rain would attract attention, so I ducked into a little half-empty diner. My eyes were dark enough that no one would notice them, though this meant I was thirsty, and that worried me a little.She was there expecting me, naturally. He chuckled once. She hopped down from the high realise at the counter as soon as I walked in and came directly toward me.It shocked me. I was not sure if she meant to at tack. Thats the only interpretation of her behavior my past had to offer. But she was smiling. And the emotions that were emanating from her were like nothing Id ever felt before.Youve kept me waiting a long time, she said.I didnt realize Alice had come to stand behind me again.And you ducked your head, like a good Southern gentleman, and said, Im sorry, maam. Alice laughed at the memory.Jasper smiled down at her. You held out your hand, and I took it without fish filet to make sense of what I was doing. For the first time in almost a century, I felt hope.Jasper took Alices hand as he spoke.Alice grinned. I was just relieved. I thought you were never going to instal up.They smiled at each other for a long moment, and then Jasper looked back to me, the soft expression lingering.Alice told me what shed seen of Carlisle and his family. I could hardly believe that such an existence was possible. But Alice made me optimistic. So we went to find them.Scared the hell out of them, too, Ed ward said, rolling his eyes at Jasper before turning to me to pardon.Emmett and I were away hunting. Jasper shows up, covered in battle scars, towing this little freak he nudged Alice playfully who greets them all by name, knows everything about them, and wants to know which mode she can move into.Alice and Jasper laughed in harmony, triplex and bass.When I got home, all my things were in the garage, Edward continued.Alice shrugged. Your room had the opera hat view.They all laughed together now.Thats a nice story, I said.Three pairs of eyes questioned my sanity.I mean the last part, I fight backed myself. The happy ending with Alice.Alice has made all the difference, Jasper agreed. This is a climate I enjoy.But the momentary pause in the examine couldnt last.An army, Alice whispered. Why didnt you tell me?The others were intent again, their eyes locked on Jaspers face.I thought I must be interpreting the signs incorrectly. Because where is the pauperism? Why would someone c reate an army in Seattle? There is no biography there, no vendetta. It makes no sense from a conquest standpoint, either no one claims it. Nomads pass through, but theres no one to fight for it. No one to defend it from.But Ive seen this before, and theres no other explanation. There is an army of newborn vampires in Seattle. less than twenty, Id gauge. The difficult part is that they are on the whole untrained. Whoever made them just set them loose. It will only get worse, and it wont be much perennial till the Volturi step in. Actually, Im impress theyve let this go on so long.What can we do? Carlisle asked.If we want to avoid the Volturis involvement, we will have to destroy the newborns, and we will have to do it very soon. Jaspers face was hard. Knowing his story now, I could guess how this evaluation must disturb him. I can indoctrinate you how. It wont be comfy in the city. The young ones arent concerned about secrecy, but we will have to be. It will limit us in ways that they are not. Maybe we can lure them out.Maybe we wont have to. Edwards voice was bleak. Does it occur to anyone else that the only possible threat in the area that would call for the creation of an army is . . . us?Jaspers eyes narrowed Carlisles widened, shocked.Tanyas family is besides near, Esme said slowly, un uncoerced to accept Edwards words.The newborns arent ruin Anchorage, Esme. I think we have to consider the idea that we are the targets.Theyre not coming after us, Alice insisted, and then paused. Or . . . they dont know that they are. Not yet.What is that? Edward asked, curious and tense. What are you think?Flickers, Alice said. I cant see a clear picture when I try to see whats going on, nothing concrete. But Ive been getting these strange flashes. Not enough to make sense of. Its as if someones changing their mind, matcheous from one course of action to another so quickly that I cant get a good view. . . .Indecision? Jasper asked in disbelief.I dont know. . . .Not indecision, Edward growled. Knowledge. psyche who knows you cant see anything until thedecision is made. Someone who is hiding from us. playing with the holes in your vision.Who would know that? Alice whispered.Edwards eyes were hard as ice. Aro knows you as well as you know yourself.But I would see if theyd decided to come. . . .Unless they didnt want to get their hands dirty.A favor, Rosalie suggested, speaking for the first time. Someone in the South . . . someone who already had trouble with the rules. Someone who should have been destroyed is offered a second chance if they take care of this one small chore. . . . That would explain the Volturis sluggish response.Why? Carlisle asked, still shocked. Theres no reason for the Volturi -It was there, Edward disagreed quietly. Im surprised its come to this so soon, because the other thoughts were stronger. In Aros head he saw me at his one side and Alice at his other. The present and the future, virtual omniscience. The po wer of the idea intoxicated him. I would have thought it would take him much longer to give up on that plan he wanted it too much. But there was also the thought of you, Carlisle, of our family, growing stronger and larger. The jealousy and the fear you having . . . not more than he had, but still, things that he wanted. He tried not to think about it, but he couldnt hide it completely. The idea of rooting out the competition was there besides their own, ours is the largest coven theyve ever found. . . .I stared at his face in horror. Hed never told me this, but I guessed I knew why. I could see it in my head now, Aros dream. Edward and Alice in black, current robes, drifting along at Aros side with their eyes cold and blood-red. . . .Carlisle interrupted my wakeful nightmare. Theyre too committed to their mission. They would never break the rules themselves. It goes against everything theyve worked for.Theyll clean up afterward. A doubling betrayal, Edward said in a low-spirite d voice. No harm done.Jasper leaned forward, shaking his head. No, Carlisle is right. The Volturi do not break rules. Besides, its much too sloppy. This . . . person, this threat they have no idea what theyre doing. A first-timer, Id swear to it. I cannot believe the Volturi are involved. But they will be.They all stared at each other, frozen with stress.Then lets go, Emmett almost roared. What are we waiting for?Carlisle and Edward transfer a long glance. Edward nodded once.Well film you to teach us, Jasper, Carlisle finally said. How to destroy them. Carlisles jaw was hard, but I could see the pain in his eyes as he said the words. No one hated effect more than Carlisle.There was something bothering me, and I couldnt put my finger on it. I was numb, horrified, venomous afraid. And yet, under that, I could feel that I was missing something important. Something that would make some sense out of the chaos. That would explain it.Were going to rent help, Jasper said. Do you think Tanyas family would be willing . . . ? Another five mature vampires would make an enormous difference. And then Kate and Eleazar would be curiously advantageous on our side. It would be almost easy, with their aid.Well ask, Carlisle answered.Jasper held out a cell surround. We need to hurry.Id never seen Carlisles innate calm so shaken. He took the phone, and paced toward the windows. He dialed a number, held the phone to his ear, and laid the other hand against the glass. He stared out into the foggy morning with a pained and ambivalent expression.Edward took my hand and pulled me to the white loveseat. I sat beside him, staring at his face while he stared at Carlisle.Carlisles voice was low and quick, difficult to hear. I heard him greet Tanya, and then he raced through the situation too fast for me to understand much, though I could tell that the Alaskan vampires were not ignorant of what was going on in Seattle.Then something changed in Carlisles voice.Oh, he said, his voice sharper in surprise. We didnt realize . . . that Irina felt that way.Edward groaned at my side and closed his eyes. Damn it. Damn Laurent to the deepest pit of hell where he belongs.Laurent? I whispered, the blood emptying from my face, but Edward didnt respond, focused on Carlisles thoughts.My short encounter with Laurent early this border was not something that had faded or change intensity in my mind. I still remembered every word hed said before Jacob and his run had interrupted.I actually came here as a favor to her. . . .Victoria. Laurent had been her first calculate shed sent him to observe, to see how hard it might be to get to me. He hadnt survived the wolves to continue back.Though hed kept up his old ties with Victoria after Jamess death, hed also make new ties and new relationships. Hed gone to live with Tanyas family in Alaska Tanya the strawberry blonde the close-set(prenominal) friends the Cullens had in the vampire world, practically extended family. Lauren t had been with them for almost a year foregoing to his death.Carlisle was still talking, his voice not quite pleading. Persuasive, but with an edge. Then the edge of a sudden won out over the persuasion.Theres no question of that, Carlisle said in a stern voice. We have a truce. They havent broken it, and neither will we. Im sorry to hear that. . . . Of course. Well just have to do our best alone.Carlisle shut the phone without waiting for an answer. He continued to stare out into the fog.Whats the problem? Emmett murmured to Edward.Irina was more involved with our friend Laurent than we knew. Shes retention a grudge against the wolves for destroying him to save Bella. She wants - He paused, looking down at me.Go on, I said as as as I could.His eyes tightened. She wants revenge. To take down the pack. They would trade their help for our permission.No I gasped.Dont worry, he told me in a flat voice. Carlisle would never agree to it. He hesitated, then sighed. Nor would I. Lauren t had it coming this was almost a growl and I still owe the wolves for that.This isnt good, Jasper said. Its too even a fight. Wed have the upper hand in skill, but not numbers. Wed win, but at what bell? His tense eyes flashed to Alices face and away.I wanted to scream out bum as I grasped what Jasper meant.We would win, but we would lose. Some wouldnt survive.I looked around the room at their faces Jasper, Alice, Emmett, Rose, Esme, Carlisle . . . Edward the faces of my family.