Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [70]
Theyll be less likely to challenge me, Seth pointed out. Im just a kid to them.
Youre just a kid to me, kid.
Im outta here. You need to coordinate with the Cullens.
He wheeled and darted into the darkness. I wasnt going to order Seth around, so I let him go.
Edward and I stood facing each other in the dark meadow. I could hear Emmett muttering into his phone. Jasper was watching the place where Seth had vanished into the woods. Alice appeared on the porch and then, after staring at me with anxious eyes for a long moment, she flitted to Jaspers side. I guessed that Rosalie was inside with Bella. Still guarding her-from the wrong dangers.
This isnt the first time Ive owed you my gratitude, Jacob, Edward whispered. I would never have asked for this from you.
I thought of what hed asked me for earlier today. When it came to Bella, there were no lines he wouldnt cross. Yeah, you would.
He thought about it and then nodded. I suppose youre right about that.
I sighed heavily. Well, this isnt the first time that I didnt do it for you.
Right, he murmured.
Sorry I didnt do any good today. Told you she wouldnt listen to me.
I know. I never really believed she would. But
You had to try. I get it. She any better?
His voice and eyes went hollow. Worse, he breathed.
I didnt want to let that word sink in. I was grateful when Alice spoke.
Jacob, would you mind switching forms? Alice asked. I want to know whats going on.
I shook my head at the same time Edward answered.
He needs to stay linked to Seth.
Well, then would you be so kind as to tell me whats happening?
He explained in clipped, emotionless sentences. The pack thinks Bellas become a problem. They foresee potential danger from the from what shes carrying. They feel its their duty to remove that danger. Jacob and Seth disbanded from the pack to warn us. The rest are planning to attack tonight.
Alice hissed, leaning away from me. Emmett and Jasper exchanged a glance, and then their eyes ranged across the trees.
Nobody out here, Seth reported. Alls quiet on the western front.
They may go around.
Ill make a loop.
Carlisle and Esme are on their way, Emmett said. Twenty minutes, tops.
We should take up a defensive position, Jasper said.
Edward nodded. Lets get inside.
Ill run perimeter with Seth. If I get too far for you to hear my head, listen for my howl.
I will.
They backed into the house, eyes flickering everywhere. Before they were inside, I turned and ran toward the west.
Im still not finding much, Seth told me.
Ill take half the circle. Move fast- we dont want them to have a chance to sneak past us.
Seth lurched forward in a sudden burst of speed.
We ran in silence, and the minutes passed. I listened to the noises around him, double-checking his judgment.
Hey-something coming up fast! he warned me after fifteen minutes of silence.
On my way!
Hold your position-I dont think its the pack. It sounds different.
Seth-
But he caught the approaching scent on the breeze, and I read it in his mind.
Vampire. Bet its Carlisle.
Seth, fall back. It might be someone else.
No, its them. I recognize the scent. Hold up, Im going to phase to explain it to them.
Seth, I dont think-
But he was gone.
Anxiously, I raced along the western border. Wouldnt it be just peachy if I couldnt take care of Seth for one freaking night? What if something happened to him on my watch? Leah would shred me into kibble.
At least the kid kept it short. It wasnt two minutes later when I felt him in my head again.
Yep, Carlisle and Esme. Boy, were they surprised to see me! Theyre probably inside by now. Carlisle said thanks.
Hes a good guy.
Yeah. Thats one of the reasons why were right about this.
Hope so.
Whyre you so down, Jake? Ill bet Sam wont bring the pack tonight. Hes not going to launch a suicide mission.
I sighed. It didnt seem to matter, either way.
Oh. This isnt about Sam so much, is it?
I made the turn at the end of my patrol. I caught Seths scent where hed turned last. We werent leaving any