Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [144]
I glared at him with real irritation. Jasper shuffled uneasily next to me. We were all crowded so close that every tiny movement seemed very big.
What is your problem, Jacob? I demanded. I tugged lightly against his hold on Renesmee, and he just stepped closer to me. He was pressed right up to me, Renesmee touching both of our chests.
Edward hissed at him. Just because I understand, it doesnt mean I wont throw you out, Jacob. Bellas doing extraordinarily well. Dont ruin the moment for her.
Ill help him toss you, dog, Rosalie promised, her voice seething. I owe you a good kick in the gut. Obviously, there was no change in that relationship, unless it had gotten worse.
I glared at Jacobs anxious half-angry expression. His eyes were locked on Renesmees face. With everyone pressed together, he had to be touching at least six different vampires at the moment, and it didnt even seem to bug him.
Would he really go through all this just to protect me from myself? What could have happened during my transformation-my alteration into something he hated-that would soften him so much toward the reason for its necessity?
I puzzled over it, watching him stare at my daughter. Staring at her like like he was a blind man seeing the sun for the very first time.
No! I gasped.
Jaspers teeth came together and Edwards arms wrapped around my chest like constricting boas. Jacob had Renesmee out of my arms in the same second, and I did not try to hold on to her. Because I felt it coming-the snap that theyd all been waiting for.
Rose, I said through my teeth, very slowly and precisely. Take Renesmee.
Rosalie held her hands out, and Jacob handed my daughter to her at once. Both of them backed away from me.
Edward, I dont want to hurt you, so please let go of me.
He hesitated.
Go stand in front of Renesmee, I suggested.
He deliberated, and then let me go.
I leaned into my hunting crouch and took two slow steps forward toward Jacob.
You didnt, I snarled at him.
He backed away, palms up, trying to reason with me. You know its not something I can control.
You stupid mutt! How could you? My baby!
He backed out the front door now as I stalked him, half-running backward down the stairs. It wasnt my idea, Bella!
Ive held her all of one time, and already you think you have some moronic wolfy claim to her? Shes mine.
I can share, he said pleadingly as he retreated across the lawn.
Pay up, I heard Emmett say behind me. A small part of my brain wondered who had bet against this outcome. I didnt waste much attention on it. I was too furious.
How dare you imprint on my baby? Have you lost your mind?
It was involuntary! he insisted, backing into the trees.
Then he wasnt alone. The two huge wolves reappeared, flanking him on either side. Leah snapped at me.
A fearsome snarl ripped through my teeth back at her. The sound disturbed me, but not enough to stop my advance.
Bella, would you try to listen for just a second? Please? Jacob begged. Leah, back off, he added.
Leah curled her lip at me and didnt move.
Why should I listen? I hissed. Fury reigned in my head. It clouded everything else out.
Because youre the one who told me this. Do you remember? You said we belonged in each others lives, right? That we were family. You said that was how you and I were supposed to be. So now we are. Its what you wanted.
I glared ferociously. I did dimly remember those words. But my new quick brain was two steps ahead of his nonsense.
You think youll be part of my family as my son-in-law! I screeched. My bell voice ripped through two octaves and still came out sounding like music.
Emmett laughed.
Stop her, Edward, Esme murmured. Shell be unhappy if she hurts him.
But I felt no pursuit behind me.
No! Jacob was insisting at the same time. How can you even look at it that way? Shes just a baby, for crying out loud!
Thats my point! I yelled.
You know I dont think of her that way! Do you think Edward would have let me live this