Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [82]
I blinked then, and almost forgot how to open my eyes again.
Jacob, Edward murmured. You really should sleep. As Bella said, youre certainly welcome to the accommodations here, though youd probably be more comfortable outside. Dont worry about anything-I promise Ill find you if theres a need.
Sure, sure, I mumbled. Now that it appeared Bella had a few more hours, I could escape. Go curl up under a tree somewhere Far enough away that the smell couldnt reach me. The bloodsucker would wake me up if something went wrong. He owed me.
I do, Edward agreed.
I nodded and then put my hand on Bellas. Hers was icy cold.
Feel better, I said.
Thanks, Jacob. She turned her hand over and squeezed mine. I felt the thin band of her wedding ring riding loose on her skinny finger.
Get her a blanket or something, I muttered as I turned for the door.
Before I made it, two howls pierced the still morning air. There was no mistaking the urgency of the tone. No misunderstanding this time.
Dammit, I snarled, and I threw myself through the door. I hurled my body off the porch, letting the fire rip me apart midair. There was a sharp tearing sound as my shorts shredded. Crap. Those were the only clothes I had. Didnt matter now. I landed on paws and took off toward the west.
What is it? I shouted in my head.
Incoming, Seth answered. At least three.
Did they split up?
Im running the line back to Seth at the speed of light, Leah promised. I could feel the air huffing through her lungs as she pushed herself to an incredible velocity. The forest whipped around her. So far, no other point of attack.
Seth, do not challenge them. Wait for me.
Theyre slowing. Ugh-its so off not being able to hear them. I think
What?
I think theyve stopped.
Waiting for the rest of the pack?
Shh. Feel that?
I absorbed his impressions. The faint, soundless shimmer in the air.
Someones phasing?
Feels like it, Seth agreed.
Leah flew into the small open space where Seth waited. She raked her claws into the dirt, spinning out like a race car.
Got your back, bro.
Theyre coming, Seth said nervously. Slow. Walking.
Almost there, I told them. I tried to fly like Leah. It felt horrible being separated from Seth and Leah with potential danger closer to their end than mine. Wrong. I should be with them, between them and whatever was coming.
Look whos getting all paternal, Leah thought wryly.
Head in the game, Leah.
Four, Seth decided. Kid had good ears. Three wolves, one man.
I made the little clearing then, moving immediately to the point. Seth sighed with relief and then straightened up, already in place at my right shoulder. Leah fell in on my left with a little less enthusiasm.
So now I rank under Seth, she grumbled to herself.
First come, first served, Seth thought smugly. Sides, you were never an Alphas Third before. Still an upgrade.
Under my baby brother is not an upgrade.
Shh! I complained. I dont care where you stand. Shut up and get ready.
They came into view a few seconds later, walking, as Seth had thought. Jared in the front, human, hands up. Paul and Quil and Collin on four legs behind him. There was no aggression in their postures. They hung back behind Jared, ears up, alert but calm.
But it was weird that Sam would send Collin rather than Embry. That wasnt what I would do if I were sending a diplomacy party into enemy territory. I wouldnt send a kid. Id send the experienced fighter.
A diversion? Leah thought.
Were Sam, Embry, and Brady making a move alone? That didnt seem likely.
Want me to check? I can run the line and be back in two minutes.
Should I warn the Cullens? Seth wondered.
What if the point was to divide us? I asked. The Cullens know somethings up. Theyre ready.
Sam wouldnt be so stupid , Leah whispered, fear jagged in her mind. She was imagining Sam attacking the Cullens with only the two others beside him.
No, he wouldnt, I assured her, though I felt a little sick at the image in her head, too.
All the while, Jared and the three wolves stared at us, waiting. It was eerie not to hear what Quil and Paul and