Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [109]
I didnt have to be all alone.
And I knew Leah was strong enough to face with me the months that were coming. Months and years. It made me tired to think about it. I felt like I was staring out across an ocean that I was going to have to swim from shore to shore before I could rest again.
So much time coming, and then so little time before it started. Before I was flung into that ocean. Three and a half more days, and here I was, wasting that little bit of time I had.
I started driving too fast again.
I saw Sam and Jared, one on either side of the road like sentinels, as I raced up the road toward Forks. They were well hidden in the thick branches, but I was expecting them, and I knew what to look for. I nodded as I blew past them, not bothering to wonder what they made of my day trip.
I nodded to Leah and Seth, too, as I cruised up the Cullens driveway. It was starting to get dark, and the clouds were thick on this side of the sound, but I saw their eyes glitter in the glow of the headlights. I would explain to them later. Thered be plenty of time for that.
It was a surprise to find Edward waiting for me in the garage. I hadnt seen him away from Bella in days. I could tell from his face that nothing bad had happened to her. In fact, he looked more peaceful than before. My stomach tightened as I remembered where that peace came from.
It was too bad that-with all my brooding-Id forgotten to wreck the car. Oh well. I probably wouldnt have been able to stand hurting this car, anyway. Maybe hed guessed as much, and thats why hed lent it to me in the first place.
A few things, Jacob, he said as soon as I cut the engine.
I took a deep breath and held it for a minute. Then, slowly, I got out of the car and threw the keys to him.
Thanks for the loan, I said sourly. Apparently, it would have to be repaid. What do you want now?
Firstly I know how averse you are to using your authority with your pack, but
I blinked, astonished that he would even dream of starting in on this one. What?
If you cant or wont control Leah, then I-
Leah? I interrupted, speaking through my teeth. What happened?
Edwards face was hard. She came up to see why youd left so abruptly. I tried to explain. I suppose it might not have come out right.
What did she do?
She phased to her human form and-
Really? I interrupted again, shocked this time. I couldnt process that. Leah letting her guard down right in the mouth of the enemys lair?
She wanted to speak to Bella.
To Bella?
Edward got all hissy then. I wont let Bella be upset like that again. I dont care how justified Leah thinks she is! I didnt hurt her-of course I wouldnt-but Ill throw her out of the house if it happens again. Ill launch her right across the river-
Hold on. What did she say? None of this was making any sense.
Edward took a deep breath, composing himself. Leah was unnecessarily harsh. Im not going to pretend that I understand why Bella is unable to let go of you, but I do know that she does not behave this way to hurt you. She suffers a great deal over the pain shes inflicting on you, and on me, by asking you to stay. What Leah said was uncalled for. Bellas been crying-
Wait-Leah was yelling at Bella about me?
He nodded one sharp nod. You were quite vehemently championed.
Whoa. I didnt ask her to do that.
I know.
I rolled my eyes. Of course he knew. He knew everything.
But that was really something about Leah. Who would have believed it? Leah walking into the bloodsuckers place human to complain about how I was being treated.
I cant promise to control Leah, I told him. I wont do that. But Ill talk to her, okay? And I dont think therell be a repeat. Leahs not one to hold back, so she probably got it all off her chest today.
I would say so.
Anyway, Ill talk to Bella about it, too. She doesnt need to feel bad. This ones on me.
I already told her that.
Of course you did. Is she okay?
Shes sleeping now. Rose is