a/n: One more chapter from Edward AND a second posting in the same day! Yes!
Thank you for reading!
FULL MOON II
CHAPTER NINE
Edward's POV:
I read Jacob's mind as he approached before any of the others could sense him. Jasper and Emmett both grabbed me, holding me tight when I jumped over the line, determined to run to them. Jacob's mind was like a skipping record.
"Hang on, Billy. We're almost there. Don't die on me, son."
His thoughts were clear and concise. He was in his human form.
I heard nothing from my grandson. I struggled harder, Carlisle soon joining the other two in pinning me to the ground.
They appeared moments later, both covered with blood.
"NO!"
Bella's scream echoed though the trees. The others finally freed me and we all rushed to Jacob's side. Bella already had Billy in her arms, searching him for fatal injuries and spotting in seconds the bite mark on his neck.
"Can you suck out the venom … like you did for Bella?" Jacob begged me.
He didn't have to ask. This was my family. My grandchild. I took him from Bella, lying him on the ground and instantly put my mouth to the mark. I felt the venom pool in my mouth as I pulled at the skin and it filled me with hope. My mind went back to when he was a newborn baby, how tiny and fragile he was at the time … how frightened the tribe had been to let him near us.
His family. Like we could ever hurt him. Like we could ever let anything happen to him.
I sucked until I could taste nothing but blood and spat out what I was able to remove. We all watched, waiting for a sign of life,a movement … a gasp for breath …a cry … a scream.
Like the day he was born. Another important day we were forced to miss. Like we couldn't be there for him now, in this fight … an antiquated, biased treaty keeping me from possibly saving my grandchild's life.
As quickly as my ire rose, I felt Jasper's calming power soothing my frayed nerves. I looked up at him in gratitude. Now was not the time for explosive tempers.
We waited and listened, every sound standing out against the next. A bird's call. A rustling leaf. A trickling stream.
Then, finally he gasped and took a breath, but his eyes didn't open and his body didn't otherwise move, just the rise and fall of his chest could be seen.
His father cried.
His grandmother screamed, thanking God.
I moved, my head on his chest as I hugged him close, utterly overcome by love and gratitude for this chance.