Chapter 2
"Bella, wake up…Bella…"
"Edward don't panic," Carlisle's ever calm voice urged. "She's feinted, she'll come round. I'm pretty sure it's just a cracked rib."
I scowled at his use of the word "just."
Taking in my expression he muttered something about going to get his kit and left the room.
I could not believe this creature was causing my beautiful, breakable wife so much damage. Such a creature should not exist. It would not be continuing to exist if it weren't for the fact that Bella was so absurdly protective of it. Even now, passed out, her arms were spread loosely but defensively across her stomach. I sighed. I would give her anything she asked for, but somehow she always wanted the wrong things, the most difficult and dangerous things.
Where had Carlisle gotten to? Shouldn't he administer some pain relief, if one of Bella's ribs was cracked? I detangled myself from Bella and lay her back on the couch, intending to find Carlisle. As if she had sensed my departure she stirred suddenly, blinking in confusion.
"You were leaving," she accused, half smiling.
"Just to find Carlisle." I kissed her hand. "How do you feel now?"
"Groggy," she admitted. "And I think I've cracked a rib…again." She grinned sheepishly, as if it were her fault.
My hands balled into tight fists as I left the room in search of Carlisle. I wondered up stairs, assuming he'd be collecting together his medical supplies, but there was no sign of him. Irritated, I headed back downstairs and walked straight into Emmett.
"He's outside," he said, as if he were the mind-reading member of the family.
I pushed past him and ran outside. What was Carlisle playing at? He knew Bella was in pain and her rib needed seeing to; what was he doing wondering around out here?!
That's when I saw him. Jacob.