Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [72]
Not tonight, Edward. Weve got other things to worry about.
Edward turned away from them, and he was the burning man again. His eyes met mine for one moment, and then I dropped back to all fours.
I ran back into the dark forest, running to join Seth, running away from what was behind me.
Worse. Yes, she was worse.
* * *
12. SOME PEOPLE JUST DONT GRASP THE CONCEPT OF UNWELCOME
I was right on the edge of sleep.
The sun had risen behind the clouds an hour ago-the forest was gray now instead of black. Sethd curled up and passed out around one, and Id woken him at dawn to trade off. Even after running all night, I was having a hard time making my brain shut up long enough to fall asleep, but Seths rhythmic run was helping. One, two-three, four, one, two-three, four-dum dum-dum dum-dull paw thuds against the damp earth, over and over as he made the wide circuit surrounding the Cullens land. We were already wearing a trail into the ground. Seths thoughts were empty, just a blur of green and gray as the woods flew past him. It was restful. It helped to fill my head with what he saw rather than letting my own images take center stage.
And then Seths piercing howl broke the early morning quiet.
I lurched up from the ground, my front legs pulling toward a sprint before my hind legs were off the ground. I raced toward the place where Seth had frozen, listening with him to the tread of paws running in our direction.
Morning, boys.
A shocked whine broke through Seths teeth. And then we both snarled as we read deeper into the new thoughts.
Oh, man! Go away, Leah! Seth groaned.
I stopped when I got to Seth, head thrown back, ready to howl again-this time to complain.
Cut the noise, Seth.
Right. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! He whimpered and pawed at the ground, scratching deep furrows in the dirt.
Leah trotted into view, her small gray body weaving through the underbrush.
Stop whining, Seth. Youre such a baby.
I growled at her, my ears flattening against my skull. She skipped back a step automatically.
What do you think youre doing, Leah?
She huffed a heavy sigh. Its pretty obvious, isnt it? Im joining your crappy little renegade pack. The vampires guard dogs. She barked out a low, sarcastic laugh.
No, youre not. Turn around before I rip out one of your hamstrings.
Like you could catch me. She grinned and coiled her body for launch. Wanna race, O fearless leader?
I took a deep breath, filling my lungs until my sides bulged. Then, when I was sure I wasnt going to scream, I exhaled in a gust.
Seth, go let the Cullens know that its just your stupid sister-I thought the words as harshly as possible. Ill deal with this.
On it! Seth was only too happy to leave. He vanished toward the house.
Leah whined, and she leaned after him, the fur on her shoulders rising. Youre just going to let him run off to the vampires alone?
Im pretty sure hed rather they took him out than spend another minute with you.
Shut up, Jacob. Oops, Im sorry-I meant, shut up, most high Alpha.
Why the hell are you here?
You think Im just going to sit home while my little brother volunteers as a vampire chew toy?
Seth doesnt want or need your protection. In fact, no one wants you here.
Oooh, ouch, thats gonna leave a huge mark. Ha, she barked. Tell me who does want me around, and Im outta here.
So this isnt about Seth at all, is it?
Of course it is. Im just pointing out that being unwanted is not a first for me. Not really a motivating factor, if you know what I mean.
I gritted my teeth and tried to get my head straight.
Did Sam send you?
If I was here on Sams errand, you wouldnt be able to hear me. My allegiance is no longer with him.
I listened carefully to the thoughts mixed in with the words. If this was a diversion or a ploy, I had