The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 22. Promised

mentation of Renesmee brought her to that center-stage rump in my queer, new, and roomy except distractible mind. So m either questions.Tell me ab pop her, i insisted as he took my progress. Being linked barely slowed us.Shes comparable nonhing else in the human beings, he t come out of the closet of date me, and the great(p) of an more or less religious devotion was thither again in his comp anent part.I matt-up a sharp flimflam of jealousy everyplace this un ilkr. He knew her and I did not. It wasnt fair.How untold is she like you? How much like me? Or like I was, any mood.It bring inms a fairly plain divide.She was warm-blooded, I remembered.Yes. She has a heart shinny, though it withdraws a brusk eccentric person faster than a valet de chambres. Her temperature is a little bit hotter than usual, too. She sleeps.Re all(prenominal)y?Quite well for a newborn. The notwithstanding parents in the world who dont need sleep, and our child already sleeps by the nig ht. He express joyd.I liked the way he said our child. The words make her more real.She has hardly your modify eyeball so that didnt circumvent lost, after all. He smi direct at me. Theyre so beautiful.And the vampire parts? I asked.Her skin bump intoms about as impenetrable as ours. Not that anyone would dream of testing that.I blinked at him, a little surprise.Of cable no one would, he assured me again. Her diet well, she prefers to drink blood. Carlisle continues to try to persuade her to drink or so baby formula, too, but she doesnt father much patience with it. Cant claim that Iblame her nasty-smelling stuff, even for valet de chambre food.I gaped openly at him now. He do it sound like they were having conversations. Persuade her?Shes intelligent, shockingly so, and progressing at an immense pace. Though she doesnt speak yet she communicates quite effectively.Doesnt. Speak. YetHe slowed our pace further, permit me give suck this.What do you mean, she communi cates effectively? I demanded.I think it will be easier for you to see for yourself. Its rather delicate to describe.I considered that. I knew there was a lot that I needed to see for myself forrader it would be real. I wasnt sure how much more I was ready for, so I changed the subject.Why is Jacob tacit here? I asked. How can he stand it? Why should he? My ringing voice trembled a little. Why should he progress to to suffer more?Jacob isnt suffering, he said in a strange new tone. Though I might be willing to change his condition, Edward added through his teething.Edward I hissed, yanking him to a stop (and feeling a little iciness of smugness that I was able to do it). How can you vocalise that? Jacob has given up e genuinelything to cheer us What Ive put him through I cringed at the dim holding of shame and guilt. It seemed odd now that I had needed him so much whence. That sense of absence without him scraggy had vanished it must have been a human weakness.Youll see exactly how I can say that, Edward muttered. I promised him that I would let him explicate, but I doubt youll see it much differently than I do. Of course, Im much wrong about your judgements, arent I? He pursed his lips and eyed me.Explain what?Edward shook his head. I promised. Though I dont know if I authentically owe him anything at all anymore. . . . His teeth ground to frustrateher.Edward, I dont understand. defeat and indignation took over my head.He stroked my cheek and thus smiled gently when my pose smoothed out in response, desire tricearily overruling annoyance. Its harder than you make it pick up, I know. I remember.I dont like feeling conf utilize.I know. And so lets locomote you home, so that you can see it all for yourself. His eyes ran over the remains of my dress as he spoke of going home, and he frowned. Hmm. After a half certify of thought, he open his uncontaminating shirt and held it out for me to put my harness through.That bad?He grinned.I slip ped my arms into his sleeves and then buttoned it swiftly over my ragged bodice. Of course, that left him without a shirt, and it was impossible not to find that distracting.Til unravel you, I said, and then cautioned, no throwing the game this timeHe dropped my hand and grinned. On your mark purpose my way to my new home was simpler than walking shoot Charlies street to my old one. Our scent left a clear and flabby trail to follow, even running as fast as I could.Edward had me beat till we hit the river. I took a chance and make my leap early, exhausting to use my particular strength to win.Ha I exulted when I perceive my feet touch the grass first.Listening for his landing, I hear something I did not expect. Something loud and much too close. A thudding heart.Edward was beside me in the same second, his hold clamped down hard on the tops of my arms.Dont breathe, he cautioned me urgently.I tried not to panic as I froze mid-breath. My eyes were the further things that loco mote, wheeling instinctively to find the source of the sound.Jacob stood at the line where the quality touched the Cullens lawn, his arms folded across his body, his jaw clenched tight. Invisible in the woods behind him, I heard now two larger hearts, and the faint crush of bracken under huge, pacing paws.Carefully, Jacob, Edward said. A snarl from the fo symmetricalness echoed the concern in his voice. by chance this isnt the top hat way You think it would be split to let her near the baby first? Jacob interrupted. Its safer to see how Bella does with me. I heal fast.This was a test? To see if I could not kill Jacob before I tried to not kill Renesmee? I felt sick in the strangest way it had nothing to do with my stomach, plainly my mind. Was this Edwards idea?I glanced at his count anxiously Edward seemed to deliberate for a here and now, and then his building twisted from concern into something else. He shrugged, and there was an undercurrent of hostility in his voice w hen he said, Its your neck, I guess.The growl from the forest was furious this time Leah, I had no doubt.What was with Edward? After all that wed been through, shouldnt he have been able to feel some kindness for my beat out friend? Id thought maybe foolishly that Edward was sort of Jacobs friend now, too. I must have misconceive them. plainly what was Jacob doing? Why would he offer himself as a test to protect Renesmee?It didnt make any sense to me. Even if our friendship had survivedAnd as my eyes met Jacobs now, I thought that maybe it had. He equable hold offed like my best friend. nevertheless he wasnt the one who had changed. What did I look like to him?Then he smiled his familiar smile, the smile of a kindred spirit, and I was sure our friendship was intact. It was good like before, when we were wall hanging out in his homemade garage, just two friends killing time. Easy and normal.Again, I noticed that the strange need Id felt for him before Id changed was complete ly gone. He was just my friend, the way it was supposed to be.It still made no sense what he was doing now, though. Was he really so selfless that he would try to protect me with his own life from doing something in an uncontrolled split second that I would regret in anguish forever? That went way beyond simply tolerating what I had become, or miraculously managing to stay my friend. Jacob was one of the best people I knew, but this seemed like too much to accept from anyone.His grin widened, and he shuddered s lightly. I gotta say it, Bells. Youre a freak show.I grinned back, falling easily into the old pattern. This was a side of him I understood.Edward growled. Watch yourself, mongrel.The wind blew from behind me and I quickly fill my lungs with the safe air so I could speak. No, hes mighty. The eyes are really something, arent they?Super-creepy. provided its not as bad as I thought it would be.Gee thanks for the amazing complimentHe rolled his eyes. You know what I mean. Y ou still look like you sort of. Maybe its not the look so much as you are Bella. I didnt think it would feel like you were still here. He smiled at me again without a trace of spininess or resentment anywhere in his face. Then he chuckled and said, Anyway, I guess Ill write down used to the eyes soon enough.You will? I asked, confused. It was wonderful that we were still friends, but it wasnt like wed be pass much time to give-up the ghosther.The strangest look crossed his face, erasing the smile. It was almost guilty? Then his eyes shifted to Edward.Thanks, he said. I didnt know if youd be able to keep it from her, promise or not. Usually, you just give her everything she lacks.Maybe Im hoping shell get irritated and rip your head off, Edward suggested.Jacob snorted.Whats going on? Are you two keeping secrets from me? I demanded, incredulous.Ill explain later, Jacob said self-consciously like he didnt really plan on it. Then he changed the subject. First, lets get this show on the road. His grin was a challenge now as he started slowly forward. in that location was a whine of protest behind him, and then Leahs gray body slid out of the trees behind him. The taller, sandy-colored band was right behind her.Cool it, guys, Jacob said. Stay out of this.I was glad they didnt listen to him but only followed after him a little more slowly.The wind was still now it wouldnt blow his scent outside(a) from me.He got close enough that I could feel the heat of his body in the air amongst us. My throat burned in response.Cmon, Bells. Do your worst.Leah hissed.I didnt want to breathe. It wasnt right to manoeuver such mordacious advantage of Jacob, no matter if he was the one offering. But I couldnt get away from the logic. How else could I be sure that I wouldnt hurt Renesmee?Tm getting older here, Bella, Jacob taunted. Okay, not technically, but you get the idea. Go on, take a whiff.Hold on to me, I said to Edward, cringing back into his chest.His transfer tigh tened on my arms.I locked my muscles in place, hoping I could keep them frozen. I resolved that I would do at least as well as I had on the hunt. Worst-case scenario, I would stop vivacious and run for it. Nervously, I took a slender breath in through my nose, braced for anything.It hurt a little, but my throat was already burning dully anyway. Jacob didnt smell that much more human than the mountain lion. there was an animal edge to his blood that instantly repelled. Though the loud, wet sound of his heart was appealing, the scent that went with it made my nose wrinkle. It was actually easier with the smell to temper my reaction to the sound and heat of his pulsing blood.I took some other(a) breath and relaxed. Huh. I can see what everyones been going on about. You stink, Jacob.Edward burst into laughter his workforce slipped from my shoulders to roll out around my waist. Seth barked a low chortle in harmony with Edward he came a little closer while Leah retreated several pa ces. And then I was aware of another audience when I heard Emmetts low, distinct guffaw, muffled a little by the glass wall between us. tactual sensation whos talking, Jacob said, theatrically plugging his nose. His face didnt pucker at all while Edward embraced me, not even when Edward composed himself and talk I love you in my ear. Jacob just kept grinning. This made me feel hopeful that things were going to be right between us, the way they hadnt been for so long now. Maybe now I could truly be his friend, since I disgusted him enough physically that he couldnt love me the same way as before. Maybe that was all that was needed.Okay, so I passed, right? I said. Now are you going to tell me what this braggart(a) secret is?Jacobs saying became very nervous. Its nothing you need to worry about this second___I heard Emmett chuckle again a sound of anticipation.I would have pressed my point, but as I listened to Emmett, I heard other sounds, too. Seven people breathing. One set of lungs moving more rapidly than the others. and one heart fluttering like a birds wings, light and quick.I was totally diverted. My daughter was just on the other side of that thin wall of glass. I couldnt see her the light bounced off the thoughtful windows like a mirror. I could only see myself, looking very strange so white and still compared to Jacob. Or, compared to Edward, looking exactly right.Renesmee, I whispered. Stress made me a statue again. Renesmee wasnt going to smell like an animal. Would I put her in danger?Come and see, Edward murmured. I know you can handle this.Youll financial aid me? I whispered through motionless lips.Of course I will.And Emmett and Jasper just in case?Well take care of you, Bella. Dont worry, well be ready. None of us would risk Renesmee. I think youll be surprised at how entirely shes already wrapped us all around her little fingers. Shell be perfectly safe, no matter what.My yearning to see her, to understand the worship in his voice, broke my frozen pose. I took a tread forward.And then Jacob was in my way, his face a mask of worry.Are you sure, bloodsucker? he demanded of Edward, his voice almost pleading. Id never heard him speak to Edward that way. I dont like this. Maybe she should wait You had your test, Jacob.It was Jacobs test?But , Jacob began.But nothing, Edward said, dead exasperated. Bella needs to see our daughter. Get out of her way.Jacob shot me an odd, frantic look and then turned and nearly sprinted into the house ahead of us.Edward growled.I couldnt make sense of their confrontation, and I couldnt concentrate on it, either. I could only think about the blurred child in my storage and struggle against the haziness, trying to remember her face exactly.Shall we? Edward said, his voice gentle again.I nodded nervously.He took my hand tightly in his and led the way into the house.They waited for me in a smiling line that was both welcoming and defensive. Rosalie was several paces behind the rest of them, near the front door. She was alone until Jacob joined her and then stood in front of her, closer than was normal. There was no sense of comfort in that closeness both of them seemed to cringe from the proximity.Someone very small was dip forward out of Rosalies arms, peering around Jacob. Immediately, she had my absolute attention, my every thought, the way nothing else had owned them since the moment Id receptive my eyes.I was out just two days? I gasped, disbelieving.The stranger-child in Rosalies arms had to be weeks, if not months, old. She was maybe twice the size of the baby in my dim memory, and she seemed to be supporting her own dead body easily as she stretched toward me.Her shiny bronze-colored hair fell in ringlets past her shoulders. Her chocolate brown eyes examined me with an interest that was not at all childlike it was adult, aware and intelligent. She raised one hand, comer in my direction for a moment, and then reached back to touch Rosalies throat.If her face had not been astonishing in its lulu and perfection, I wouldnt have believed it was the same child. My child.But Edward was there in her features, and I was there in the color of her eyes and cheeks. Even Charlie had a place in her thick curls, though their color matched Edwards. She must be ours. Impossible, but still true. put throughing this unanticipated little person did not make her more real, though. It only made her more fantastic.Rosalie patted the hand against her neck and murmured, Yes, thats her.Renesmees eyes stayed locked on mine. Then, as she had just seconds after her cutthroat birth, she smiled at me. A brilliant flash of tiny, perfect white teeth.Reeling inside, I took a hesitant step toward her.Everyone moved very fast.Emmett and Jasper were right in front of me, shoulder to shoulder, give ready. Edward gripped me from behind, fingers tight again on the tops of my arms. Even Carlisle and Esme moved to get Emmetts and Jaspers flanks, while Rosalie backe d to the door, her arms clutching at Renesmee. Jacob moved, too, keeping his custodial stance in front of them.Alice was the only one who held her place.Oh, give her some credit, she chided them. She wasnt going to do anything. Youd want a closer look, too.Alice was right. I was in control of myself. Id been braced for anything for a scent as impossibly insistent as the human smell in the woods. The temptation here was really not comparable. Renesmees posy was perfectly balanced right on the line between the scent of the most beautiful odorize and the scent of the most delicious food. There was enough of the sweet vampire smell to keep the human part from being overwhelming.I could handle it. I was sure.Im okay, I promised, patting Edwards hand on my arm. Then I hesitated and added, Keep close, though, just in case.Jaspers eyes were tight, focused. I knew he was taking in my emotional climate, and I worked on settling into a steady calm. I felt Edward free my arms as he read Jas pers assessment. But, though Jasper was getting it firsthand, he didnt seem as certain.When she heard my voice, the too-aware child struggled in Rosalies arms, reaching toward me.Somehow, her expression managed to look impatient.Jazz, Em, let us through. Bellas got this.Edward, the risk , Jasper said.Minimal. Listen, Jasper on the hunt she caught the scent of some hikers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time___I heard Carlisle suck in a shocked breath. Esmes face was suddenly full of concern mingled with compassion. Jaspers eyes widened, but he nodded just a tiny bit, as if Edwards words answered some question in his head. Jacobs mouth screwed up into a disgusted grimace. Emmett shrugged. Rosalie seemed even less concerned than Emmett as she tried to hold on to the struggling child in her arms.Alices expression told me that she was not fooled. Her narrowed eyes, focused with burning intensity on my borrowed shirt, seemed more worried about what Id do to my dress than anyt hing else.Edward Carlisle chastened. How could you be so irresponsible?I know, Carlisle, I know. I was just plain stupid. I should have taken the time to make sure we were in a safezone before I set her loose.Edward, I mumbled, embarrassed by the way they stared at me. It was like they were trying to see a brighter red in my eyes.Hes absolutely right to rebuke me, Bella, Edward said with a grin. I made a huge mistake. The fact that you are stronger than anyone Ive ever known doesnt change that.Alice rolled her eyes. Tasteful joke, Edward.I wasnt making a joke. I was explaining to Jasper why I know Bella can handle this. Its not my breakage everyone jumped to conclusions.Wait, Jasper gasped. She didnt hunt the humans?She started to, Edward said, clearly enjoying himself. My teeth ground unneurotic. She was entirely focused on the hunt.What happened? Carlisle interjected. His eyes were suddenly bright, an amazed smile beginning to form on his face. It reminded me of before, when hed wanted the details on my transformation experience. The thrill of new information.Edward leaned toward him, animated. She heard me behind her and reacted defensively. As soon as my pursuit broke into her concentration, she snapped right out of it. Ive never seen anything to equal her. She realized at once what was happening, and then she held her breath and ran awayWhoa, Emmett murmured. Seriously?Hes not telling it right, I muttered, more embarrassed than before. He left out the part where Igrowled at him.Did ya get in a couple of good swipes? Emmett asked eagerly.No Of course not.No, not really? You really didnt attack him?Emmett I protested.Aw, what a drift, Emmett groaned. And here youre probably the one person who could take him since he cant get in your head to cheat and you had a perfect excuse, too. He sighed. Ive been dying to see how hed do without that advantage.I glared at him frostily. I would never.Jaspers frown caught my attention he seemed even more disturbed th an before.Edward touched his fist lightly to Jaspers shoulder in a mock punch. You see what I mean?Its not natural, Jasper muttered.She could have turned on you shes only hours old Esme scolded, putting her hand against her heart. Oh, we should have gone with you.I wasnt paying so much attention, now that Edward was past the punch line of his joke. I was staring at the beautiful child by the door, who was still staring at me. Her little dimpled hands reached out toward me like she knew exactly who I was. Automatically, my hand lifted to mimic hers.Edward, I said, leaning around Jasper to see her better. Please?Jaspers teeth were set he didnt move.Jazz, this isnt anything youve seen before, Alice said quietly. Trust me.Their eyes met for a short second, and then Jasper nodded. He moved out of my way, but put one hand on my shoulder and moved with me as I walked slowly forward.I thought about every step before I took it, analyzing my mood, the burn in my throat, the position of t he others around me. How strong I felt versus how well they would be able to contain me. It was a slow procession.And then the child in Rosalies arms, struggling and reaching all this time while her expression got more and more irritated, let out a high, ringing wail. Everyone reacted as if like me theyd never heard her voice before.They swarmed around her in a second, leaving me standing alone, frozen in place. The sound of Renesmees vociferation pierced right through me, spearing me to the floor. My eyes pricked in the strangest way, like they wanted to tear.It seemed like everyone had a hand on her, patting and soothing. Everyone but me.Whats the matter? Is she hurt? What happened?It was Jacobs voice that was loudest, that raised anxiously above the others. I watched in shock as he reached for Renesmee, and then in utter horror as Rosalie surrendered her to him without a fight.No, shes fine, Rosalie tranquillize him.Rosalie was reassuring Jacob?Renesmee went to Jacob willingly enough, pushing her tiny hand against his cheek and then squirming around to stretch toward me again.See? Rosalie told him. She just wants Bella.She wants me? I whispered.Renesmees eyes my eyes stared impatiently at me.Edward darted back to my side. He put his hands lightly on my arms and urged me forward.Shes been waiting for you for almost three days, he told me.We were only a fewer feet away from her now. Bursts of heat seemed to tremble out from her to touch me.Or maybe it was Jacob who was trembling. I saw his hands shaking as I got closer. And yet, despite his obvious anxiety, his face was more serene than I had seen it in a long time.Jake Im fine, I told him. It made me panic-stricken to see Renesmee in his shaking hands, but I worked to keep myself in control.He frowned at me, eyes tight, like he was just as panicky at the thought of Renesmee in my arms.Renesmee whimpered eagerly and stretched, her little hands grasping into fists again and again.Something in me clicked into place at that moment. The sound of her cry, the familiarity of her eyes, the way she seemed even more impatient than I did for this reunion all of it wove together into the most natural of patterns as she clutched the air between us. Suddenly, she was absolutely real, and of course I knew her. It was perfectly familiar that I should take that last easy step and reach for her, putting my hands exactly where they would fit bestas I pulled her gently toward me.Jacob let his long arms stretch so that I could cradle her, but he didnt let go. He shuddered a little when our skin touched. His skin, always so warm to me before, felt like an open flame to me now. It was almost the same temperature as Renesmees. Perhaps one or two degrees difference.Renesmee seemed oblivious to the coolness of my skin, or at least very used to it.She looked up and smiled at me again, showing her square little teeth and two dimples. Then, very deliberately, she reached for my face.The moment she did thi s, all the hands on me tightened, anticipating my reaction. I barely noticed.I was gasping, stunned and frightened by the strange, alarming form that filled my mind. It felt like a very strong memory I could still see through my eyes while I watched it in my head but it was completely unfamiliar. I stared through it to Renesmees anticipative expression, trying to understand what was happening, struggling desperately to hold on to my calm.Besides being shocking and unfamiliar, the image was also wrong somehow I almost recognized my own face in it, my old face, but it was off, backward. I grasped quickly that I was seeing my face as others saw it, rather than flipped in a reflection.My memory face was twisted, ravaged, covered in sweat and blood. Despite this, my expression in the dream became an adoring smile my brown eyes glowed over their deep circles. The image enlarged, my face came closer to the spiritual world vantage point, and then abruptly vanished.Renesmees hand dropp ed from my cheek. She smiled wider, dimpling again.It was totally silent in the room but for the heartbeats. No one but Jacob and Renesmee was so much as breathing. The silence stretched on it seemed like they were waiting for me to say something.What was that? I managed to choke out.What did you see? Rosalie asked curiously, leaning around Jacob, who seemed very much in the way and out of place at the moment. What did she show you?Srte showed me that? I whispered.I told you it was hard to explain, Edward murmured in my ear. But effective as means of communications go.What was it? Jacob asked.I blinked quickly several times. Um. Me. I think. But I looked terrible.It was the only memory she had of you, Edward explained. It was obvious hed seen what she was showing me as she thought of it. He was still cringing, his voice rough from reliving the memory. Shes letting you know that shes made the connection, that she knows who you are.Butrtowdidshedothat?Renesmee seemed unconcerned with my boggling eyes. She was smiling slightly and pulling on a lock of my hair.How do I hear thoughts? How does Alice see the future? Edward asked rhetorically, and then shrugged.Shes gifted.Its an interesting twist, Carlisle said to Edward. Like shes doing the exact reverse of what you can.Interesting, Edward agreed. I wonder___I knew they were speculating away, but I didnt care. I was staring at the most beautiful face in the world. She was hot in my arms, reminding me of the moment when the blackness had almost won, when there was nothing in the world left to hold on to. Nothing strong enough to pull me through the crushing darkness. The moment when Id thought of Renesmee and found something I would never let go of.I remember you, too, I told her quietly.It seemed very natural to lean in and press my lips to her forehead. She smelled wonderful. The scent of her skin set my throat burning, but it was easy to ignore. It didnt strip the joy from the moment. Renesmee was real and I kne w her. She was the same one Id fought for from the beginning. My little nudger, the one who loved me from the inside, too. half(prenominal) Edward, perfect and lovely. And half me which, surprisingly, made her better rather than detracting.Id been right all along. She was worth the fight.Shes fine, Alice murmured, probably to Jasper. I could feel them hovering, not trusting me. bemusent we experimented enough for one day? Jacob asked, his voice a slightly high pitch with stress. Okay, Bellas doing great, but lets not push it.I glared at him with real irritation. Jasper shuffled uneasily next to me. We were all crowded so close that every tiny movement seemed very big.What is your problem, Jacob? I demanded. I tugged lightly against his hold on Renesmee, and he just stepped closer to me. He was pressed right up to me, Renesmee miserable both of our chests.Edward hissed at him. Just because I understand, it doesnt mean I wont throw you out, Jacob. Bellas doing extraordinarily wel l. Dont ruin the moment for her.Ill help him toss you, dog, Rosalie promised, her voice seething. I owe you a good kick in the gut. Obviously, there was no change in that relationship, unless it had gotten worse.I glared at Jacobs anxious half-angry expression. His eyes were locked on Renesmees face. With everyone pressed together, he had to be touching at least six different vampires at the moment, and it didnt even seem to tantalize him.Would he really go through all this just to protect me from myself? What could have happened during my transformation my conversion into something he hated that would soften him so much toward the reason for its necessity?I puzzled over it, watching him stare at my daughter. Staring at her like like he was a craft man seeing the sun for the very first time.NoI gasped.Jaspers teeth came together and Edwards arms wrapped around my chest like constricting boas. Jacob had Renesmee out of my arms in the same second, and I did not try to hold on to her. Because I felt it coming the snapthat theyd all been waiting for.Rose, I said through my teeth, very slowly and precisely. Take Renesmee.Rosalie held her hands out, and Jacob handed my daughter to her at once. Both of them backed away from me.Edward, I dont want to hurt you, so please let go of me.He hesitated.Go stand in front of Renesmee, I suggested.He deliberated, and then let me go.I leaned into my hunting crouch and took two slow steps forward toward Jacob.You didnt, I snarled at him.He backed away, palms up, trying to reason with me. You know its not something I can control.You stupid mutt How could you? My babyfHe backed out the front door now as I stalked him, half-running backward down the stairs. It wasnt my idea, BellaIve held her all of one time, and already you think you have some moronic wolfy claim to her? Shes mineI can share, he said pleadingly as he retreated across the lawn.Pay up, I heard Emmett say behind me. A small part of my brain wondered who had bet against this outcome. I didnt waste much attention on it. I was too furious.How dare you imprint on my baby? Have you lost your mind?It was involuntary he insisted, backing into the trees.Then he wasnt alone. The two huge wolves reappeared, flanking him on either side. Leah snapped at me.A fearsome snarl ripped through my teeth back at her. The sound disturbed me, but not enough to stop my advance.Bella, would you try to listen for just a second? Please? Jacob begged. Leah, back off, he added.Leah curled her lip at me and didnt move.Why should I listen? I hissed. Fury reigned in my head. It clouded everything else out.Because youre the one who told me this. Do you remember? You said we belonged in each others lives, right? That we were family. You said that was how you and I were supposed to be. So now we are. Its what you wanted.I glared ferociously. I did dimly remember those words. But my new quick brain was two steps ahead of his nonsense.You think youll be part of my family as my son-in-lawV I screeched. My bell voice ripped through two octaves and still came out sounding like music.Emmett laughed. arrest her, Edward, Esme murmured. Shell be un intelligent if she hurts him.But I felt no pursuit behind me.No Jacob was pressure at the same time. How can you even look at it that way? Shes just a baby, for crying out loudThats mypointl I yelled.You know I dont think of her that way Do you think Edward would have let me live this long if I did? All I want is for her to be safe and happy is that so bad? So different from what you want? He was shouting right back at me.Beyond words, I shrieked a growl at him.Amazing, isnt she? I heard Edward murmur.She hasnt gone for his throat even once, Carlisle agreed, sounding stunned.Fine, you win this one, Emmett said grudgingly.Youre going to stay away from her, I hissed up at Jacob.I cant do thatThrough my teeth Try. Starting nowIts not possible. Do you remember how much you wanted me around three days ago? How hard it was to be apart from each other? Thats gone for you now, isnt it?I glared, not sure what he was implying.That was her, he told me. From the very beginning. We had to be together, even then.I remembered, and then I understood a tiny part of me was relieved to have the madness explained. But that relief somehow only made me angrier. Was he expecting that to be enough for me? That one little light would make me okay with this?Run away while you still can, I threatened.Cmon,Bells Nessie likes me, too, he insisted.I froze. My breathing stopped. Behind me, I heard the lack of sound that was their anxious reaction.Whatdid youcall her?Jacob took a step farther back, managing to look sheepish. Well, he mumbled, that name you came up with is kind of a mouthful and You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness demon? I screeched.And then I lunged for his throat.