Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [141]
Seeing this unanticipated little person did not make her more real, though. It only made her more fantastic.
Rosalie patted the hand against her neck and murmured, Yes, thats her.
Renesmees eyes stayed locked on mine. Then, as she had just seconds after her violent birth, she smiled at me. A brilliant flash of tiny, perfect white teeth.
Reeling inside, I took a hesitant step toward her.
Everyone moved very fast.
Emmett and Jasper were right in front of me, shoulder to shoulder, hands ready. Edward gripped me from behind, fingers tight again on the tops of my arms. Even Carlisle and Esme moved to get Emmetts and Jaspers flanks, while Rosalie backed to the door, her arms clutching at Renesmee. Jacob moved, too, keeping his protective stance in front of them.
Alice was the only one who held her place.
Oh, give her some credit, she chided them. She wasnt going to do anything. Youd want a closer look, too.
Alice was right. I was in control of myself. Id been braced for anything-for a scent as impossibly insistent as the human smell in the woods. The temptation here was really not comparable. Renesmees fragrance was perfectly balanced right on the line between the scent of the most beautiful perfume and the scent of the most delicious food. There was enough of the sweet vampire smell to keep the human part from being overwhelming.
I could handle it. I was sure.
Im okay, I promised, patting Edwards hand on my arm. Then I hesitated and added, Keep close, though, just in case.
Jaspers eyes were tight, focused. I knew he was taking in my emotional climate, and I worked on settling into a steady calm. I felt Edward free my arms as he read Jaspers assessment. But, though Jasper was getting it firsthand, he didnt seem as certain.
When she heard my voice, the too-aware child struggled in Rosalies arms, reaching toward me. Somehow, her expression managed to look impatient.
Jazz, Em, let us through. Bellas got this.
Edward, the risk-, Jasper said.
Minimal. Listen, Jasper-on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time
I heard Carlisle suck in a shocked breath. Esmes face was suddenly full of concern mingled with compassion. Jaspers eyes widened, but he nodded just a tiny bit, as if Edwards words answered some question in his head. Jacobs mouth screwed up into a disgusted grimace. Emmett shrugged. Rosalie seemed even less concerned than Emmett as she tried to hold on to the struggling child in her arms.
Alices expression told me that she was not fooled. Her narrowed eyes, focused with burning intensity on my borrowed shirt, seemed more worried about what Id done to my dress than anything else.
Edward! Carlisle chastened. How could you be so irresponsible?
I know, Carlisle, I know. I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safe zone before I set her loose.
Edward, I mumbled, embarrassed by the way they stared at me. It was like they were trying to see a brighter red in my eyes.
Hes absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella, Edward said with a grin. I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone Ive ever known doesnt change that.
Alice rolled her eyes. Tasteful joke, Edward.
I wasnt making a joke. I was explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. Its not my fault everyone jumped to conclusions.
Wait, Jasper gasped. She didnt hunt the humans?
She started to, Edward said, clearly enjoying himself. My teeth ground together. She was entirely focused on the hunt.
What happened? Carlisle interjected. His eyes were suddenly bright, an amazed smile beginning to form on his face. It reminded me of before, when hed wanted the details on my transformation experience. The thrill of new information.
Edward leaned toward him, animated. She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped right out of it. Ive never