Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [91]
Carlisle nodded thoughtfully.
So I guess Id say, go out together, just in case. And probably you should go in the day, cause wed be expecting night. Traditional vampire stuff. Youre fast-go over the mountains and hunt far enough away that theres no chance hed send anyone that far from home.
And leave Bella behind, unprotected?
I snorted. What are we, chopped liver?
Carlisle laughed, and then his face was serious again. Jacob, you cant fight against your brothers.
My eyes tightened. Im not saying it wouldnt be hard, but if they were really coming to kill her-I would be able to stop them.
Carlisle shook his head, anxious. No, I didnt mean that you would be incapable. But that it would be very wrong. I cant have that on my conscience.
It wouldnt be on yours, Doc. It would be on mine. And I can take it.
No, Jacob. We will make sure that our actions dont make that a necessity. He frowned thoughtfully Well go three at a time, he decided after a second. Thats probably the best we can do.
I dont know, Doc. Dividing down the middle isnt the best strategy.
Weve got some extra abilities that will even it up. If Edward is one of the three, hell be able to give us a few miles radius of safety.
We both glanced at Edward. His expression had Carlisle backtracking quickly.
Im sure there are other ways, too, Carlisle said. Clearly, there was no physical need strong enough to get Edward away from Bella now. Alice, I would imagine you could see which routes would be a mistake?
The ones that disappear, Alice said, nodding. Easy.
Edward, who had gone all tense with Carlisles first plan, loosened up. Bella was staring unhappily at Alice, that little crease between her eyes that she got when she was stressed out.
Okay, then, I said. Thats settled. Ill just be on my way. Seth, Ill expect you back on at dusk, so get a nap in there somewhere, all right?
Sure, Jake. Ill phase back soon as Im done. Unless he hesitated, looking at Bella. Do you need me?
Shes got blankets, I snapped at him.
Im fine, Seth, thanks, Bella said quickly.
And then Esme flitted back in the room, a big covered dish in her hands. She stopped hesitantly just behind Carlisles elbow, her wide, dark gold eyes on my face. She held the dish out and took a shy step closer.
Jacob, she said quietly. Her voice wasnt quite so piercing as the others. I know its unappetizing to you, the idea of eating here, where it smells so unpleasant. But I would feel much better if you would take some food with you when you go. I know you cant go home, and thats because of us. Please-ease some of my remorse. Take something to eat. She held the food out to me, her face all soft and pleading. I dont know how she did it, because she didnt look older than her mid-twenties, and she was bone pale, too, but something about her expression suddenly reminded me of my mom.
Jeez.
Uh, sure, sure, I mumbled. I guess. Maybe Leahs still hungry or something.
I reached out and took the food with one hand, holding it away, at arms length. Id go dump it under a tree or something. I didnt want her to feel bad.
Then I remembered Edward.
Dont you say anything to her! Let her think I ate it.
I didnt look at him to see if he was in agreement. Hed better be in agreement. Bloodsucker owed me.
Thank you, Jacob, Esme said, smiling at me. How did a stone face have dimples, for crying out loud?
Um, thank you, I said. My face felt hot- hotter than usual.
This was the problem with hanging out with vampires-you got used to them. They started messing up the way you saw the world. They started feeling like friends.
Will