Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [92]
Uh, I dont know.
She pressed her lips together, like she was trying not to smile. Please? I might get cold.
I inhaled deeply through my nose, and then realized, too late, that that was not a good idea. I winced. Maybe.
Jacob? Esme asked. I backed toward the door as she continued; she took a few steps after me. I left a basket of clothes on the porch. Theyre for Leah. Theyre freshly washed-I tried to touch them as little as possible. She frowned. Do you mind taking them to her?
On it, I muttered, and then I ducked out the door before anyone could guilt me into anything else.
* * *
15. TICK TOCK TICK TOCK TICK TOCK
Hey Jake, thought you said you wanted me at dusk. How come you didnt have Leah wake me up before she crashed?
Cause I didnt need you. Im still good.
He was already picking up the north half of the circle. Anything?
Nope. Nothing but nothing.
You did some scouting?
Hed caught the edge of one of my side trips. He headed up the new trail.
Yeah-I ran a few spokes. You know, just checking. If the Cullens are going to make a hunting trip
Good call.
Seth looped back toward the main perimeter.
It was easier to run with him than it was to do the same with Leah. Though she was trying-trying hard-there was always an edge to her thoughts. She didnt want to be here. She didnt want to feel the softening toward the vampires that was going on in my head. She didnt want to deal with Seths cozy friendship with them, a friendship that was only getting stronger.
Funny, though, Idve thought her biggest issue would just be me. Wed always gotten on each others nerves when we were in Sams pack. But there was no antagonism toward me now at all, just the Cullens and Bella. I wondered why. Maybe it was simply gratitude that I wasnt forcing her to leave. Maybe it was because I understood her hostility better now. Whichever, running with Leah wasnt nearly as bad as Id expected.
Of course, she hadnt eased up that much. The food and clothes Esme had sent for her were all taking a trip downriver right now. Even after Id eaten my share-not because it smelled nearly irresistible away from the vampire burn, but to set a good example of self-sacrificing tolerance for Leah-shed refused. The small elk shed taken down around noon had not totally satisfied her appetite. Did make her mood worse, though. Leah hated eating raw.
Maybe we should run a sweep east? Seth suggested. Go deep, see if theyre out there waiting.
I was thinking about that, I agreed. But lets do it when were all awake. I dont want to let down our guard. We should do it before the Cullens give it a try, though. Soon.
Right.
That got me thinking.
If the Cullens were able to get out of the immediate area safely, they really ought to keep on going. They probably should have taken off the second wed come to warn them. They had to be able to afford other digs. And they had friends up north, right? Take Bella and run. It seemed like an obvious answer to their problems.
I probably ought to suggest that, but I was afraid they would listen to me. And I didnt want to have Bella disappear-to never know whether shed made it or not.
No, that was stupid. I would tell them to go. It made no sense for them to stay, and it would be better-not less painful, but healthier-for me if Bella left.
Easy to say now, when Bella wasnt right there, looking all thrilled to see me and also clinging to life by her fingernails at the same time
Oh, I already asked Edward about that, Seth thought.
What?
I asked him why they hadnt taken off yet. Gone up to Tanyas place or something. Somewhere too far for Sam to come after them.
I had to remind myself that Id just decided to give the Cullens that exact advice. That it was best. So I shouldnt be mad at Seth for taking the chore out of my hands. Not mad at all.
So what did he say? Are they waiting for a window?
No. Theyre not leaving.
And that shouldnt sound like good news.
Why not? Thats just stupid.
Not really, Seth said, defensive now. It takes some time