Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [85]
I waited till she was done. Im going to go out on a limb here and say that Leah belongs wherever she wants to be.
Leah growled, but, as she was glaring at Jared, I figured it was in agreement.
Look, Jared, were still family, okay? Well get past the feud, but, until we do, you probably ought to stick to your land. Just so there arent misunderstandings. Nobody wants a family brawl, right? Sam doesnt want that, either, does he?
Of course, not, Jared snapped. Well stick to our land. But where is your land, Jacob? Is it vampire land?
No, Jared. Homeless at the moment. But dont worry-this isnt going to last forever. I had to take a breath. Theres not that much time left. Okay? Then the Cullens will probably go, and Seth and Leah will come home.
Leah and Seth whined together, their noses turning my direction in synchronization.
And what about you, Jake?
Back to the forest, I think. I cant really stick around La Push. Two Alphas means too much tension. Sides, I was headed that way anyway. Before this mess.
What if we need to talk? Jared asked.
Howl-but watch the line, kay? Well come to you. And Sam doesnt need to send so many. We arent looking for a fight.
Jared scowled, but nodded. He didnt like me setting conditions for Sam. See you around, Jake. Or not. He waved halfheartedly.
Wait, Jared. Is Embry okay?
Surprise crossed his face. Embry? Sure, hes fine. Why?
Just wondering why Sam sent Collin.
I watched his reaction, still suspicious that something was going on. I saw knowledge flash in his eyes, but it didnt look like the kind I was expecting.
Thats not really your business anymore, Jake.
Guess not. Just curious.
I saw a twitch from the corner of my eye, but I didnt acknowledge it, because I didnt want to give Quil away. He was reacting to the subject.
Ill let Sam know about your instructions. Goodbye, Jacob.
I sighed. Yeah. Bye, Jared. Hey, tell my dad that Im okay, will you? And that Im sorry, and that I love him.
Ill pass that along.
Thanks.
Cmon, guys, Jared said. He turned away from us, heading out of sight to phase because Leah was here. Paul and Collin were right on his heels, but Quil hesitated. He yelped softly, and I took a step toward him.
Yeah, I miss you, too, bro.
Quil jogged over to me, his head hanging down morosely. I patted his shoulder.
Itll be okay.
He whined.
Tell Embry I miss having you two on my flanks.
He nodded and then pressed his nose to my forehead. Leah snorted. Quil looked up, but not at her. He looked back over his shoulder at where the others had gone.
Yeah, go home, I told him.
Quil yelped again and then took off after the others. Id bet Jared wasnt waiting super-patiently. As soon as he was gone, I pulled the warmth from the center of my body and let it surge through my limbs. In a flash of heat, I was on four legs again.
Thought you were going to make out with him, Leah snickered.
I ignored her.
Was that okay? I asked them. It worried me, speaking for them that way, when I couldnt hear exactly what they were thinking. I didnt want to assume anything. I didnt want to be like Jared that way. Did I say anything you didnt want me to? Did I not say something I should have?
You did great, Jake! Seth encouraged.
You could have hit Jared, Leah thought. I wouldnt have minded that.
I guess we know why Embry wasnt allowed to come, Seth thought.
I didnt understand. Not allowed?
Jake, didya see Quil? Hes pretty torn up, right? Id put ten to one that Embrys even more upset. And Embry doesnt have a Claire. Theres no way Quil can just pick up and walk away from La Push. Embry might. So Sams not going to take any chances on him getting convinced to jump ship. He doesnt want our pack any bigger than it is now.
Really? You think? I doubt Embry would mind shredding some Cullens.
But hes your best friend, Jake. He and Quil would rather stand behind you than face you in a fight.
Well, Im glad Sam