Any chance I get, I thought to myself, my heart rate going up as I did so. Edward's piercing eyes met mine. I'll take care of her, I really will. I'll protect her with my life. Edward's hands balled into fists, and I could see the pain he must be feeling reflecting in his eyes. He nodded a silent thank you and turned his back to me and Renesmee, to stare furiously at the Volturi and their "witnesses". Renesmee's hand hands tugged at my fur. She could probably sense the tension lying over us in the air and the vicious fight that was bound to happen any minute now more than anyone else here. It bothered me to know that she knew exactly what was going to happen, even though she was only a child. The fact that she would have to feel the gut wrenching pain of leaving her family to die. I shared her pain, not only because of Nessie, but because I'd really grown attached to this group of bloodsucking leeches. What hurt the most though, was the fact that I had to leave Bella. My best friend was going to die, and there was nothing I could do to save her. Edward's shoulders tensed and I could hear his teeth grind together as he listened to my thoughts – he wanted Bella to live more than anything.
Suddenly, the bloodsuckers up front stopped talking. The three leaders from the evil side – as if there is a good side, I added to myself. Edward sighed. – joined hands. Edward whispered that they were deciding whether or not to fight. Bella turned around and stood on her tip-toes to reach Renesmee.
"This is it," she whispered in a choked-up voice. "I love you, Renesmee. More than my own life." Nessie pressed her hand against Bella's cheek. Both Bella and Edward smiled, and – lost for words – Bella kissed her hand. Edward put his arm around Bella's waist and, he too, kissed Renesmee's hand.
"We'll miss you, too," he whispered. "We love you." Bella was as close to tears as a vampire could be. I felt a tear dampen my fur, but ignored it.
"I love you, Jake," Bella said and threw her arms around my neck. Typical Bella to be so melodramatic. I licked her face – making sure it was and extra wet one – and chuckled quietly as she wiped her face clean with the sleeve of her sweater. Edward punched me lightly on the shoulder.
"Thank you for everything," he said. I shook my head. It's nothing, I told him. I'll guard her with my own life, I promised again. He smiled slightly, but panic took over his face. "Not much time now," he murmured. "You better run for it." So, with a last nod, I turned around and started running into the forest, Renesmee securely in place on my back.
