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No, Bella whispered. No, Ill try this first. We dont have time

At first I thought shed finally gotten a clue and was worried about herself, but then her hand fluttered feebly against her stomach.

Bella reached out and took the cup from him. Her hand shook a little, and I could hear the sloshing from inside. She tried to prop herself up on one elbow, but she could barely lift her head. A whisper of heat brushed down my spine as I saw how frail shed gotten in less than a day.

Rosalie put her arm under Bellas shoulders, supporting her head, too, like you did with a newborn. Blondie was all about the babies.

Thanks, Bella whispered. Her eyes flickered around at us. Still aware enough to feel self-conscious. If she wasnt so drained, Id bet shedve blushed.

Dont mind them, Rosalie murmured.

It made me feel awkward. I shouldve left when Bellad offered the chance. I didnt belong here, being part of this. I thought about ducking out, but then I realized a move like that would only make this worse for Bella-make it harder for her to go through with it. Shed figure I was too disgusted to stay. Which was almost true.

Still. While I wasnt going to claim responsibility for this idea, I didnt want to jinx it, either.

Bella lifted the cup to her face and sniffed at the end of the straw. She flinched, and then made a face.

Bella, sweetheart, we can find an easier way, Edward said, holding his hand out for the cup.

Plug your nose, Rosalie suggested. She glared at Edwards hand like she might take a snap at it. I wished she would. I bet Edward wouldnt take that sitting down, and Id love to see Blondie lose a limb.

No, thats not it. Its just that it- Bella sucked in a deep breath. It smells good, she admitted in a tiny voice.

I swallowed hard, fighting to keep the disgust off my face.

Thats a good thing, Rosalie told Bella eagerly. That means were on the right track. Give it a try. Given Blondies new expression, I was surprised she didnt break into a touchdown dance.

Bella shoved the straw between her lips, squeezed her eyes shut, and wrinkled her nose. I could hear the blood slopping around in the cup again as her hand shook. She sipped at it for a second, and then moaned quietly with her eyes still closed.

Edward and I stepped forward at the same time. He touched her face. I clenched my hands behind my back.

Bella, love-

Im okay, she whispered. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. Her expression was apologetic. Pleading. Scared. It tastes good, too.

Acid churned in my stomach, threatening to overflow. I ground my teeth together.

Thats good, Blondie repeated, still jazzed. A good sign.

Edward just pressed his hand to her cheek, curling his fingers around the shape of her fragile bones.

Bella sighed and put her lips to the straw again. She took a real pull this time. The action wasnt as weak as everything else about her. Like some instinct was taking over.

Hows your stomach? Do you feel nauseated? Carlisle asked.

Bella shook her head. No, I dont feel sick, she whispered. Theres a first, eh?

Rosalie beamed. Excellent.

I think its a bit early for that, Rose, Carlisle murmured.

Bella gulped another mouthful of blood. Then she flashed a look at Edward. Does this screw my total? she whispered. Or do we start counting after Im a vampire?

No one is counting, Bella. In any case, no one died for this. He smiled a lifeless smile. Your record is still clean.

Theyd lost me.

Ill explain later, Edward said, so low the words were just a breath.

What? Bella whispered.

Just talking to myself, he lied smoothly.

If he succeeded with this, if Bella lived, Edward wasnt going to be able to get away with so much when her senses were as sharp as his. Hed have to work on the honesty thing.

Edwards lips twitched, fighting a smile.

Bella chugged a few more ounces, staring past us toward the window. Probably pretending we werent here. Or maybe just me. No one else in this group would be disgusted by what she was doing. Just the opposite-they were probably having a tough time not