Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [111]
I know how much you have given, he said quietly. But this is something you do have, and only you. Im asking this of the true Alpha, Jacob. Im asking this of Ephraims heir.
I was way past being able to respond.
I want your permission to deviate from what we agreed to in our treaty with Ephraim. I want you to grant us an exception. I want your permission to save her life. You know Ill do it anyway, but I dont want to break faith with you if there is any way to avoid it. We never intended to go back on our word, and we dont do it lightly now. I want your understanding, Jacob, because you know exactly why we do this. I want the alliance between our families to survive when this is over.
I tried to swallow. Sam, I thought. Its Sam you want.
No. Sams authority is assumed. It belongs to you. Youll never take it from him, but no one can rightfully agree to what Im asking except for you.
Its not my decision.
It is, Jacob, and you know it. Your word on this will condemn us or absolve us. Only you can give this to me.
I cant think. I dont know.
We dont have much time. He glanced back toward the house.
No, there was no time. My few days had become a few hours.
I dont know. Let me think. Just give me a minute here, okay?
Yes.
I started walking to the house, and he followed. Crazy how easy it was, walking through the dark with a vampire right beside me. It didnt feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, really. It felt like walking next to anybody. Well, anybody who smelled bad.
There was a movement in the brush at the edge of the big lawn, and then a low whimper. Seth shrugged through the ferns and loped over to us.
Hey, kid, I muttered.
He dipped his head, and I patted his shoulder.
Sall cool, I lied. Ill tell you about it later. Sorry to take off on you like that.
He grinned at me.
Hey, tell your sister to back off now, okay? Enough.
Seth nodded once.
I shoved against his shoulder this time. Get back to work. Ill spell you in a bit.
Seth leaned against me, shoving back, and then he galloped into the trees.
He has one of the purest, sincerest, kindest minds Ive ever heard, Edward murmured when he was out of sight. Youre lucky to have his thoughts to share.
I know that, I grunted.
We started toward the house, and both of our heads snapped up when we heard the sound of someone sucking through a straw. Edward was in a hurry then. He darted up the porch stairs and was gone.
Bella, love, I thought you were sleeping, I heard him say. Im sorry, I wouldnt have left.
Dont worry. I just got so thirsty-it woke me up. Its a good thing Carlisle is bringing more. This kid is going to need it when he gets out of me.
True. Thats a good point.
I wonder if hell want anything else, she mused.
I suppose well find out.
I walked through the door.
Alice said, Finally, and Bellas eyes flashed to me. That infuriating, irresistible smile broke across her face for one second. Then it faltered, and her face fell. Her lips puckered, like she was trying not to cry.
I wanted to punch Leah right in her stupid mouth.
Hey, Bells, I said quickly. How ya doing?
Im fine, she said.
Big day today, huh? Lots of new stuff.
You dont have to do that, Jacob.
Dont know what youre talking about, I said, going to sit on the arm of the sofa by her head. Edward had the floor there already.
She gave me a reproachful look. Im so s- she started to say.
I pinched her lips together between my thumb and finger.
Jake, she mumbled, trying to pull my hand away. Her attempt was so weak it was hard to believe that she was really trying.
I shook my head. You can talk when youre not being stupid.
Fine, I wont say it, it sounded like she mumbled.
I pulled my hand away.
Sorry! she finished quickly, and then grinned.
I rolled my eyes and then smiled back at her.
When I stared into her eyes, I saw everything that Id been looking for in the park.
Tomorrow, shed be someone else. But hopefully alive, and that was what counted, right? Shed look at me with the same eyes, sort of. Smile with the same lips, almost. Shed still know me better than anyone