Chapter 3: One of Us

The next few years passed, and Renesmee grew up on La Push surrounded and raised by the family of wolves. Seth and the others were enthusiastic in teaching Rensmee how to hunt, giving her their own little tips and tricks for tracking animal prey. At the same time, Jacob did not shy away from teaching her about her vampire heritage, telling Nessie stories about her parents, and her mother in particular.

Being the only she-wolf in the tribe, Leah Clearwater accepted the task of mothering Renesmee with more understanding than either Jacob or Seth had expected. Her doting reminded Jacob a little of Rosalie, and Leah explained she could understand how she felt, having also wanted children of her own. Sometimes, she would affectionately refer to Renesmee as her "cub."

Every few months, Jacob would get in contact with the Cullens by phone, and be notified as to when they would be back in Forks. He would then take Renesmee to the edge of La Push, where she could safely visit with her vampire relatives without violating the treaty. During these visits, Rosalie would dote on her, and Emmett and Jasper would teach their niece how to hunt the vampire way. It was always hard when the family would have to part, with Rosalie sometimes calling Renesmee before she and Jacob had even returned to the reservation.

"I want pictures. Email me right now!" Rosalie sighed longingly after one visit. "I have to see you."

One day, when Renesmee had aged to resemble a preteen, frantic barks and growls suddenly went up over by the foothills. A figure was moving with enhanced speed and agility, engaging the werewolves in a skirmish. A nomadic vampire, wandering onto tribe lands.

Furious, Sam Uley went for the intruder, but was bitten and slashed and overpowered by the unwelcome visitor. As the vampire closed in for the kill on the Alpha, Renesmee suddenly swooped in and kicked the attacker away with a savage yell, standing between it and Sam.

The vampire bared its teeth and leapt for Renesmee. She dodged and weaved kicking at her adversary and breaking his arm. At last, the opponents tumbled into the Puget Sound.

It was several moments before a victor emerged from the waves. It was Renesmee, her enemy bitten to death and slung over her shoulders. The werewolves growled and gnashed their teeth and stamped their feet in approval, Jacob looking on with relief and pride.

The pack suddenly fell silent as Renesmee suddenly laid the body of the vampire at the feet of a recovering Sam, as a sign of respect. Vampire-hybrid and Alpha looked at each other, a new, silent understanding reached.

That night, by the light of a bonfire, the Quilete tribe celebrated Renesmee's victory with a traditional dance and ceremony, passed down through their people for generations. The highlight of the party was when Sam had Renesmee kneel before him and he christened her as an honorary member of the Uley pack. He had finally accepted what the other wolves had long ago: that Renesmee belonged amongst them. That she was one one them.

"One of us! One of us! One of us! One of us!" Seth led a triumphant chant.

Smiling, Renesmee cuddled Jacob close to her by the fire, content in being with her soulmate and adopted family.