Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [59]
If she wants a child, thats what she gets. I wont rescind.
I couldnt believe I was even thinking about this. Bella would punch me-not that I cared about that, but it would probably break her hand again. I shouldnt let him talk to me, mess with my head. I should just kill him now.
Not now, he whispered. Not yet. Right or wrong, it would destroy her, and you know it. No need to be hasty. If she wont listen to you, youll get your chance. The moment Bellas heart stops beating, I will be begging for you to kill me.
You wont have to beg long.
The hint of a worn smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Im very much counting on that.
Then we have a deal.
He nodded and held out his cold stone hand.
Swallowing my disgust, I reached out to take his hand. My fingers closed around the rock, and I shook it once.
We have a deal, he agreed.
* * *
10. WHY DIDNT I JUST WALK AWAY? OH RIGHT, BECAUSE IM AN IDIOT.
I felt like-like I dont know what. Like this wasnt real. Like I was in some Goth version of a bad sitcom. Instead of being the A/V dweeb about to ask the head cheerleader to the prom, I was the finished-second-place werewolf about to ask the vampires wife to shack up and procreate. Nice.
No, I wouldnt do it. It was twisted and wrong. I was going to forget all about what hed said.
But I would talk to her. Id try to make her listen to me.
And she wouldnt. Just like always.
Edward didnt answer or comment on my thoughts as he led the way back to the house. I wondered about the place that hed chosen to stop. Was it far enough from the house that the others couldnt hear his whispers? Was that the point?
Maybe. When we walked through the door, the other Cullens eyes were suspicious and confused. No one looked disgusted or outraged. So they must not have heard either favor Edward had asked me for.
I hesitated in the open doorway, not sure what to do now. It was better right there, with a little bit of breathable air blowing in from outside.
Edward walked into the middle of the huddle, shoulders stiff. Bella watched him anxiously, and then her eyes flickered to me for a second. Then she was watching him again.
Her face turned a grayish pale, and I could see what he meant about the stress making her feel worse.
Were going to let Jacob and Bella speak privately, Edward said. There was no inflection at all in his voice. Robotic.
Over my pile of ashes, Rosalie hissed at him. She was still hovering by Bellas head, one of her cold hands placed possessively on Bellas sallow cheek.
Edward didnt look at her. Bella, he said in that same empty tone. Jacob wants to talk to you. Are you afraid to be alone with him?
Bella looked at me, confused. Then she looked at Rosalie.
Rose, its fine. Jakes not going to hurt us. Go with Edward.
It might be a trick, the blonde warned.
I dont see how, Bella said.
Carlisle and I will always be in your sight, Rosalie, Edward said. The emotionless voice was cracking, showing the anger through it. Were the ones shes afraid of.
No, Bella whispered. Her eyes were glistening, her lashes wet. No, Edward. Im not
He shook his head, smiling a little. The smile was painful to look at. I didnt mean it that way, Bella. Im fine. Dont worry about me.
Sickening. He was right-she was beating herself up about hurting his feelings. The girl was a classic martyr. Shed totally been born in the wrong century. She should have lived back when she could have gotten herself fed to some lions for a good cause.
Everyone, Edward said, his hand stiffly motioning toward the door. Please.
The composure he was trying to keep up for Bella was shaky. I could see how close he was to that burning man hed been outside. The others saw it, too. Silently, they moved out the door while I shifted out of the way. They moved fast; my heart beat twice, and the room was cleared except for Rosalie, hesitating in the middle of the floor, and Edward, still waiting by the door.
Rose, Bella said quietly. I want you to go.
The blonde glared at Edward and then gestured for him to go first. He disappeared out the door. She gave