The Nekoma Shifters

Chapter Four

   "She wants to ask some questions of her own," Edward said. Carlisle nodded. "That was our agreement," he said. This one is for the wolves. Why are you allied with the Cold Ones? Belladonna asked. "She wants to know why we're not trying to kill each other," Edward stated. The russet wolf stepped forward, Edward translating,"There is a peace treaty in place. As long as we don't harm the humans, the wolves let us live here. In order to help keep the peace, there is a rule that states we can't go on each other's land without permission. If one of them comes on to our land, or we go on to theirs, the treaty is considered broken." If you don't hunt humans, what do you feed on? Akino asked. "We drink animal blood. It's why our eyes are gold instead of red," Edward told the green-eyed wolf. Duchess was next. If you aren't allowed on each other's lands, why was the female guarding your territory? "Jacob imprinted on my daughter. He and his pack were protecting her." This caught Belladonna's attention. Why does she need protecting? Aleu inquired. "The Volturi are after her. They want to kill her because they think she's an Immortal Child," Edward replied. Vampires can't have children. If she's not an Immortal Child, then what is she? Belladonna asked. Edward looked nervous. He had hoped the wolves wouldn't ask that. "She's a hybrid. Half-human, half-vampire. She was concieved while my mate was still human," he said carefully, worried how the wolves would react. Aleu growled, and Duchess got ready to fight. Akino started advancing toward the coven. Enough, all of you, Belladonna snapped. It's a threat to all of us. The child could easily reveal both species to the humans! Akino protested. Belladonna rolled her eyes. Regardless of whether or not the child is a threat, she is also a wolf's imprint, and an imprint can not be harmed. That is our most absolute law, Akino, she reminded the wolf. At this, the three wolves relaxed their stances, knowing they couldn't harm the child no matter how they felt about it. To harm an imprint was a crime punishable only by death. The child will come to no harm from us, Akino thought reluctantly. Upon hearing this, Edward relaxed and told his family that the wolves wouldn't hurt Renesmee. Might we meet the child sometime? Duchess requested. "They want to meet her," Edward informed his family. Carlisle thought for a moment. "I see no reason why not. Bella?" he said. At his words, a brunette rushed off, most likely to get the child. Perhaps it would be best if I call my pack. That way, should any of you encounter one of them, they will know not to attack on sight, Belladonna suggested. When Edward repeated the message, most agreed that it would be for the best. With that, Belladonna threw her head back and howled, calling for Melodie to bring the pack. When Bella returned with Renesmee in her arms, Melodie and the pack were just coming out of the trees. Everyone looked shocked at how many wolves made up the pack. Belladonna explained the situation to her wolves. As expected, they were uneasy about the hybrid, but knew they couldn't attack without breaking their most sacred rule. Bella set Renesmee on her feet, allowing the child to walk up to the wolves. Belladonna stepped forward, lowering her head to sniff the girl. Renesmee surprised her by placing a hand on the wolf's muzzle, causing several images to flash through her mind. Through the pack link, the wolves watched as the little hybrid girl showed their Alpha her memories. They saw her born, and watched as she grew. Then she showed them what had led to the Volturi believing she was an Immortal Child. When the girl was done, Belladonna raised her head and looked at Edward. What is your plan regarding the Volturi? she asked. When Edward relayed the question, it was Carlisle who answered. "We don't wish to fight them, only talk. If we can get them to stop and listen, they will see that we haven't committed the crime we're accused of," he said. And if it comes to a fight? Melodie added. Edward translated. "Then anyone who does not wish to fight will not have to," the doctor replied. One look into her wolves' minds told Belladonna all she needed to know. They couldn't stand by as the Cullens were punished for something they didn't do. Shifters were born to protect the humans, and the child was half-human. We will stand with you against the Volturi, she declared.