Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [51]
Would they bury her? Would she dig herself out, or would the bloodsuckers come for her?
The others listened to my speculating in silence. Id put a lot more thought into this than any of them.
Leah and I entered the clearing at nearly the same time. She was sure her nose led the way, though. She dropped onto her haunches beside her brother while I trotted forward to stand at Sams right hand. Paul circled and made room for me in my place.
Beatcha again, Leah thought, but I barely heard her.
I wondered why I was the only one on my feet. My fur stood up on my shoulders, bristling with impatience.
Well, what are we waiting for? I asked.
No one said anything, but I heard their feelings of hesitation.
Oh, come on! The treatys broken!
We have no proof-maybe she is sick
OH, PLEASE!
Okay, so the circumstantial evidence is pretty strong. Still Jacob. Sams thought came slow, hesitant. Are you sure this is what you want? Is it really the right thing? We all know what she wanted.
The treaty doesnt mention anything about victim preferences, Sam!
Is she really a victim? Would you label her that way?
Yes!
Jake, Seth thought, they arent our enemies.
Shut up, kid! Just cause youve got some kind of sick hero worship thing going on with that bloodsucker, it doesnt change the law. They are our enemies. They are in our territory. We take them out. I dont care if you had fun fighting alongside Edward Cullen once upon a time.
So what are you going to do when Bella fights with them, Jacob? Huh? Seth demanded.
Shes not Bella anymore.
You gonna be the one to take her down?
I couldnt stop myself from wincing.
No, youre not. So, what? You gonna make one of us do it? And then hold a grudge against whoever it is forever?
I wouldnt
Sure you wont. Youre not ready for this fight, Jacob.
Instinct took over and I crouched forward, snarling at the gangly sand-colored wolf across the circle.
Jacob! Sam cautioned. Seth, shut up for a second.
Seth nodded his big head.
Dang, whatd I miss? Quil thought. He was running for the gathering place full-out. Heard about Charlies call
Were getting ready to go, I told him. Why dont you swing by Kims and drag Jared out with your teeth? Were going to need everyone.
Come straight here, Quil, Sam ordered. Weve decided nothing yet.
I growled.
Jacob, I have to think about whats best for this pack. I have to choose the course that protects you all best. Times have changed since our ancestors made that treaty. I well, I dont honestly believe that the Cullens are a danger to us. And we know that they will not be here much longer. Surely once theyve told their story, they will disappear. Our lives can return to normal.
Normal?
If we challenge them, Jacob, they will defend themselves well.
Are you afraid?
Are you so ready to lose a brother? He paused. Or a sister? he tacked on as an afterthought.
Im not afraid to die.
I know that, Jacob. Its one reason I question your judgment on this.
I stared into his black eyes. Do you intend to honor our fathers treaty or not?
I honor my pack. I do whats best for them.
Coward.
His muzzle tensed, pulling back over his teeth.
Enough, Jacob. Youre overruled. Sams mental voice changed, took on that strange double timbre that we could not disobey. The voice of the Alpha. He met the gaze of every wolf in the circle.
The pack is not attacking the Cullens without provocation. The spirit of the treaty remains. They are not a danger to our people, nor are they a danger to the people of Forks. Bella Swan made an informed choice, and we are not going to punish our former allies for her choice.
Hear, hear, Seth thought enthusiastically.
I thought I told you to shut it, Seth.
Oops. Sorry, Sam.
Jacob, where do you think youre going?
I left the circle, moving toward the west so that I could turn my back on him. Im going to tell my father goodbye. Apparently